File: sectormap.png (63 KB, 816x611)

63 KB PNG

>>3091021
Welcome back to Death Among the Stars Quest!

Pastebins: http://pastebin.com/u/ceronull
Make sure to follow my twitter where I announce the threads: https://twitter.com/CeroTheNull
Archive: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?searchall=death+among+the+stars
Ask.fm: http://ask.fm/DeathAmongTheStarsQuest

Resource system is for the moment essentially a non-factor. One of the things I need to do is take a day and refine it into something that's actually useable
Stockpile:
>101,520,000B
>99,800,000M

(Biomass stat + structures) * 500 * dev score + modifiers = Biomass income total
(Metal stat + structures) * 400 * dev score + modifiers = Metal income total

Income:
>24,687,500B
>22,020,000M

Trade Route:
>Armatocere: 3mil Metal <=> 3mil Biomass

Horizon's Drop
>60B (60 + 55) * 500 * (45 + 40) = 4,887,500B Daily
>60M (60 + 40) * 400 * (45 + 40) = 3,400,000M Daily
>45% Developed
Structures:
>Biomass Farms: 30B
>Mining Facilities: 40M
>Vampire Vine: 10B
>Solar Farms: 15B
Modifiers:
>4 Wormstar Fingers: +40D

The Bastion system

Rukor:
>80B (80 + 55) * 500 * (10 + 10) = 1,350,000B
>10M (No Mining Presence)
>10% Developed
Structures:
>Coral Farms: 30B
>Vampire Vine: 10B
>Solar Farms: 15B
Modifiers:
>1 Wormstar Finger: +10D

Bastion
>30B (30 + 45) * 500 * (15 + 20) = 1,312,500B
>90M (No mining presence) + 250,000M
>15% Developed by Armada
Structures:
>Volcanic Farms: 30B
>Solar Farms: 15B
Modifiers:
>Obsidianborn Tributes: +250,000M
>2 Wormstar Fingers: +20D

Protoplanet
>0B (0 + 15) * 500 * 75 = 562,500B
>70M (70 + 40) * 400 * 75 + 450K = 3,750,000M
>75% Developed
Structures:
>Mining Facilities: 40M
>Solar Farms: 15B
Modifiers:
>Asteroid Belt: +450,000M

Bastions sister moon
>0B (0 + 15) * 500 * 50 = 375,000B
>90M (90 + 40) * 400 * 50 = 2,600,000M
>50% Developed
Structures
>Mining Facitilites: 40M
>Solar Farms: 15B

Asteroid Belt: Gives 450K extra Metal to nearest planet (Protoplanet)

Urdir System:

Rocky Planet(s) x3 (1 Heavily damaged, Income reduced by 1/3)
>0B (0 + 15) * 500 * 50 * 3 = 1,125,000B
>50M (50 + 40) * 400 * 50 * 3 = 5,400,000M
>50% Developed
Structures:
>Mining Facilities: 40M
>Solar Farms: 15B

Ice planet
>70B (70 + 45) * 500 * 50 = 2,875,000B
>0M
>50% Developed
Structures:
>Biomass Farms: 30B
>Solar Farms: 15B

File: 11(1).jpg (47 KB, 400x265)

47 KB JPG

>>3091036
Andai System:

Clour
>15B (15 + 45) * 500 * (40 + 10) = 1,500,000B
>70M (70 + 40) * 400 * (40 + 10) = 2,200,000M
>40% Developed
Structures:
>Mining Facilities: 40M
>Biomass Farms: 30B
>Solar Farms: 15B
Modifiers:
>Space Elevator + Station 88: 10D

B'Nan System:

Kanda
>5B (5 + 15) * 500 * 85 = 850,000B
>90M (90 + 40) * 400 * 85 = 4,420,000
>85% Developed
Structures:
>Mining Facilities: 40M
>Solar Farms: 15B

Worllunan system:

Vannec
>85B (85 + 55) * 500 * 35 = 2,450,000B
>20M (20 + 40) * 400 * 35 + 450k = 1,290,000
>35% Developed
Structures:
>Biomass Farms: 30B
>Solar Farms: 15B
>Vampire Vines: 10B
>Mining Facilities: 40M
Modifiers:
>>Asteroid Belt: +450,000M

Ice Planet
>65B (65 + 45) * 500 * 30 = 1,650,000B
>0M
>30% Developed
Structures
>Biomass Farms: 30B
>Solar Farms: 15B

Asteroid Belt: Gives 450K extra Metal to nearest planet (Vannec)

Drakon system:

Tenebrous (Lesser+Greater)
>100B (100 + 55) * 500 * 30 * 2 = 4,650,000B
>30M
>30% Developed
Structures
>Biomass Farms: 30B
>Solar Farms: 15B
>Vampire Vines: 10B

Ice Planet
>65B (65 + 45) * 500 * 20 = 1,100,000B
>10M
>20% Developed
Structures:
>Biomass Farms: 30B
>Solar Farms: 15B

File: we_are_gral_by_krtr-dahm4h2.jpg (122 KB, 1024x768)

122 KB JPG

>>3091042
Likewise I also need to redo how we keep track of Reconstructed numbers

Special Units:
>9 Voidknight Disciples
>1 Arc Disciples
>1 Solar Disciple
>Gral, Void Juggernaut
>2 Void Juggernauts
>Illuminator Juggernaut
>2000 Void Centurions
>900 Solar Wardens
>2500 Arc Vipers
>2600 Arc Savages
>10 Ur-Wyrms

Troops:
>Talons
>Aquatic Talons
>Cyclops
>Aquatic Cyclops
>Stingers
>Gargoyles
>Aquatic Gargoyles
>Flatbody Gargoyles
>Trolls
>Shock Trolls
>Arc Trolls
>Molten Trolls
>Looms
>Stalkers
>Lurkers
>Shadows
>Scourges
>Dirges
>Obsidian Dirges
>Bone Clusters

Large Troops:
>Requiems
>Brutes
>Crawlers
>Volcanic Crawler
>Drakes
>Devils
>Manglers
>Wyrms

Necrolyte Legion:
>Cve'jok Ahkam Female
>50 Officers
>20 Solar Arbiters
>80 Voidsingers
>38 Arcdancers
>13 Necromancers
>6,190 Legionnaires

Legion Immortals:
>Commander Rethak
>3 Voidsingers
>1 Arcdancer
>10 Immortals

Living Subjects:
>Necromancer Jor
>Vle'Karak Ahkam Elder
>8 Necromancers
>6,116,363 Civilians
>950 Stonestar
>115 Tyrre Gladiators
>2 Epikor Elites (Gladiators)
>7 Ructu Elemental trainees
>Dne'tec Ahkam Male
>Vil'cva Ahkam Male

Armatocere Guests:
>6 Solar potentials
>3 Void potentials
>4 Arc potentials
>2 Necrotic potentials

Prisoners:
>Martin Graim, Rogue Necromancer
>Nru'jok, Ahkam Female
>13 Ahkam Serpents (8 surrendered)
>3 Deathshead Guardians (2 Surrendered)
>2 Imperial Juggernaut Commanders
>113,000 Ahkam soldiers (45k surrendered)
>23 Necrotic potentials
>22 Void potentials
>21 Solar potentials
>4 Arc potentials
>2,060 Osjiic Soldiers
>25 Voidsingers
>5,800 Soldiers

File: flagship.jpg (51 KB, 620x250)

51 KB JPG

>>3091048
Vehicles/Ships:

Unique ships:
>1 Flagship "Charnel Vault"
>Fury of the Wormstar
>Blackscale Destroyer "Pestilence"
>Ravager Bioship
>7 Void Terrors
>2 Pyroclastic Destroyers
>The Wick - Confederate disguised Smuggler Corvette
>6 Smuggler Freighters

Vehicles:
>10,000 Chariots
>5,000 Hearses
>2,000 Battletombs
>2,000 Devastators

Strikecraft:
>15,000 Coffins
>10,000 Support Coffins
>2,000 Stealth Coffins
>15,000 Common Nails
>10,000 Piercing Nails
>28,000 Gunships
>15,000 Craw-Bombers
>2,000 Intruder Coffins
>2,000 Stealth Gunships
>24,000 Squid

Sub-Capitols:
>2,000 Corvettes
>11,020 Support Corvettes
>250 Stealth Corvettes
>100 Sower Corvettes
>6,920 Frigates
>300 Stealth Frigates
>980 Boarding Frigates
>1280 Light Cruisers
>730 Boarding Cruisers
>1050 Heavy Cruisers
>150 Boarding Heavy Cruisers
>1,200 Plasma Weaver Cruisers
>100 Void Weaver Cruisers
>480 Plasma Weaver Heavy Cruisers
>480 Void Weaver Heavy Cruisers
>530 Stake Cruisers
>800 Bloat Carriers
>920 Terrordromes
>100 Shockdromes
>12,000 Kraken

Capitols
>390 Battlecruisers
>1,180 Hangar Battlecruisers
>100 Voidspear Battlecruisers
>50 Torpedo Battlecruisers
>2,000 Swarm Battlecruisers
>1,085 Destroyers
>70 Void Destroyers
>2,240 Battleships
>1,210 Mirrorsoul Battleships

File: Cabal Frigates.jpg (407 KB, 1800x900)

407 KB JPG

>>3091053
Captured Ships:
>7 Osjiic Heavy Cruisers
>8 Osjiic Light Cruisers
>18 Osjiic Frigates
>22 Osjiic Corvettes
>3 Osjiic Battleships
>5 Osjiic Destroyers
>4 Osjiic Battlecruisers
>10 Dagger disguised Frigates
>5 Osjiic disguised Frigates
>14 Osjiic disguised Fighters
>2 Ahkam Battleships
>2 Ahkam Destroyers
>2 Ahkam Battlecruisers
>3 Ahkam Light Cruisers
>8 Ahkam frigates
>7 Ahkam corvettes
>1 UON Battleship
>1 UON BattleCruiser
>1 UON Heavy Cruiser
>2 UON Light Cruisers
>6 UON Frigates
>7 UON Corvettes

In Construction:

Capitals Completion: 4/5
>Battleship: X120
>Destroyer: X240
>Battlecruiser: X240
>Voidspear Battlecruiser: X240
>Torpedo Battlecruiser: X240
>Hangar Battlecruiser: X240
>Swarm Battlecruiser: X120

Flagships: 5/7
>1 Voidknight Flagship
>1 Dominator Flagship
>1 Punisher Flagship
>1 Unclaimed Flagship

File: 7e54e8514c43ee5c6f5a84cec(...).jpg (457 KB, 1920x1357)

457 KB JPG

>>3091058
Special:
>Necromancers Inspiration - One of the talented Necromancers dwelling in the Spire, the other half of the twin vorh Necromancers while their sibling is relocated helping Blackscale Guir, has had a stroke of inspiration and unveiled a unique specialization of an already deadly Reconstructed.

>Both the Synth Arc Reactor and Arc-powered Synthetic research subjects being carried out by the Wayward Disciples Think Tanks have been discontinued due to returning both subjects to the Transcendent Protectorate delegates.

Finished Research:
>Orbital Structure Shields:
With the fragility of orbital superstructures the Think Tanks researched more extensive measures to defend them. While shield domes and city shielding is already developed and adapted for superstructures such as the Wormstars Fist and Fingers, the Think Tanks knew they could improve on the designs.

>Ahkam Datafiles:
Decrypting and studying the vast amount of files stored upon the warships of the Ahkam was expected take some time. However with aid from the newly loyal Vil'cva the files were rapidly decrypted unveiling a wealth of knowledge.

>Gremlin Genetic analysis
Scans and genetic samples of the arthropod creatures called Gremlins by the pirate clans. Once a common pest aboard starships and space stations they were nearly wiped out thanks to a dedicated extermination campaign due to their compulsion to sabotage machinery. Analysis of its genetic code reveals a surprising find concerning their possible origin.

>>3091063
Current Research:

>Psionics:
Medium, possibly dangerous - As the study of Psionic energy progresses more and more revelations have shown that telekinesis and telepathy are merely scratching the surface of potential applications that psionics can provide.

>Floral Necrotic Experiments:
Unknown, Dangerous - A project proposed by a Think Tank, who worked on the original Necrotic experiments on the living that lead to the Immortals, has grown intrigued with the Armatocere Necrotic initiates and requests their aid in experimenting with Necrotic energies and floral organisms

>Ahkam Matriarch Dissection:
Medium - Think Tanks that long wished to study an Ahkam Matriarch are excited to study the corpse of Quantac'Vrix and already begin discussing Reconstruction

>Gravetics
Medium - Inspired by the Armatoceres developments into gravity manipulating technology the Think Tanks have begun looking at base theories concerning their Interdiction Field technology and studying gravity manipulating materials including exotic matter and Void energies.

>Mass Shielding
Slow - A splinter research thread of the Orbital Shielding into experimenting with new theories in shield technology

>Calcified Void Fragment
Medium - Research into examining and deducing the properties of the Void amplifying piece of bone taken from a Deathshead Guardian

>Synth Technology:
Medium - Various samples of tech and hardware salvaged from a Protectorate derelict


Ongoing and Joint projects:
>Elemental Experiments:
Ongoing, possibly Dangerous - A long-standing research goal of the Think Tanks into the various elemental energies

>Blackscale Cloning projects:
Ongoing, possibly Dangerous - Efforts to create loyal clones of the Sunscale and Blackscale. With the addition of Armada Necromancers this project has gained a boost

>Anti-Wraith Technology:
Ongoing - A joint project between the Armada and Armatocere to develop defenses against the Sun-Eater Wraiths

>Sub-Space Experiments:
Ongoing, Dangerous - Risky experimentation in the nature of Sub-Space and dimensional energies

>Reconstructed intelligence:
Unknown - Less of an experiment and more of a study and observation into investigating the cause and effects of the development of intelligence and personality within Reconstructed

>Dream Study:
Unknown - Due to the regularity that Necromancers appear to have of prophetic dreams the Think Tanks have begun studying the nature of these visions by examining the dreamscapes of the living citizens in the Armada

>Arc Anomalies:
Medium, Potentially Dangerous - A joint study by the Think Tanks and Mind-Vines to examine and assess the various anomalies left in the aftermath of the Arc Surge and Ahkam Invasion within the Bastion system

File: orbitalring.gif (48 KB, 832x624)

48 KB GIF

>>3091081
Unlocked:
>Orbital Superstructure Shielding: Orbital superstructures such as space elevators and orbital rings, despite their size and complexity, are rather fragile all things considered. Frequently the target of attacks during stellar conflicts due to their immense size they require a wide range of defenses including an amplified form of shielding. Spaced evenly along the exterior of orbital ring superstructure and space elevator platorms are oversized shield emitters similar to those used to protect cities, by default forming a bubble of refracted energy around the superstructures similar to those of starship shields. These shields, in the event of attack by large numbers of enemies or at the approach of meteor swarms, will shift their emitters to instead project a significantly larger concave shield out away from the planet. In effect this creates a wider area of effect for the shields while providing additional protection to ships taking cover behind it, also providing some protection against bombardments from hitting the planets surface. This mode of shielding cannot be held indefinitely as it produces immense amounts of heat and requires equally immense amounts of energy, while leaving the interior edge of the orbital ring unshielded.

Genetic Analysis Results:
>Gremlin Genetic Study - By using the samples taken by multiple demi-Think Tanks in the space-city of Barqalan the study of the arthropodal Gremlins have revealed a surprising possible origin. Nearly driven extinct by vengeful spacers the Gremlin appears to be genetically inclined to dismantle complex circuitry and mechanical technology. Only ever discovered aboard starships and space stations spacer myths about their origin are wide and varied. However examination of their genetic code reveals markers that have appeared in a multitude of different races with supposed ties to the ancient, extinct Shapers. A brief study of cloned subjects reveals their bodies are naturally dependent on a precise mix of hormones, vitamins, and nutrients that are naturally unavailable in starships. Think Tanks were surprised to discover that the Nephrean Bioships, also ancient Shaper experiments, naturally secrete a mixture which purpose was previously unknown and fits the exact dietary requirements that the Gremlins required. This has led the Think Tanks to theorize that Gremlins were potentially once a beneficial parasite to the Nephrean before time and circumstances forced the two species apart.

Research Unlocked:
>Gremlin-Nephrean Symbiosis study
Fast: The similarities in genetic markers between the arthropodal Gremlins and interstellar traveling Zaeen requires further study to determine the exact relation these two species used to possess and how they can be adapted.

File: Shrike.jpg (49 KB, 360x360)

49 KB JPG

>>3091085
Reconstructed specialization unlocked:
Derived originally from the vicious Krysser predators of Rukor the Stalker Reconstructed has become a vital part of the Armada's forces and has since been heavily modified and upgraded into several variations and niches. One of the twin vorh Necromancers in Iti'a'Ropku took sudden inspiration from the predatory Nalnac creatures recovered from an Ahkam's personal pet collection and created a new variation of the Stalker rather than attempt to forge a new type of Reconstructed.

>Shrike - These flight capable Stalker Reconstructed are lighter and less densely armored than their standard variation, instead resembling the Nalnac in having a partially flattened body, smaller but still powerful nested beak, and flatter tail. Using their powerful wings to fly at great speed or hover they can nearly move in any direction they wish but are not the endurance flyers that Gargoyles or Scourges are. Intended to fly and hunt in smaller packs they can also be unleashed in large swarms alongside the other airborne Reconstructed of the Armada. Flight allows the Shrike to wield light combi-weapons or large scythe blades on their forearms as well as swap out their large tail pincer for a medium weapon they must fire while hovering or landed.

>>3091093
>Ahkam Datafiles
With the help of Vil'cva providing access codes and their own tailored decryption programs to the Think Tanks, the vast amount of intel stored within the Ahkam Dynasty ships has been laid before the knowledge-hungry constructs. From the data the Think Tanks have already gleaned information regarding the defenses and layouts of numerous Dynasty controlled worlds, systems, and military locations. Diving into this intel they have contacted Valresko, having the Dominator assess the new data in order to refine his invasion plans.

Military intel is far from the only subjects stored in the files including such topics as ship logs, supply lines and economics, news from the various Dynasty controlled worlds, masses of propaganda, religious texts concerning the Ahkam and Arc itself, research both mundane and intriguing, among many others. From the data-stores of one Ahkam throneship, it's owner slain in the invasion, there was data taken from recently interrogated and tortured Esat revolutionaries. Apparently the Ahkam and its investigators had been in the middle of tracking down the Esat revolutionary cells when they were interrupted by the call for invasion.

In the archives of Vil'cvas ship and another history mindful serpent, who had escaped by fleeing their damaged vessel, were large amounts of history and lore involving the Dynasty's and their vassal races. Nearly forgotten histories from the homeworlds of the Kosda, Epikor, and even the primitive art and creations of the Tyrre, were carefully curated and kept. Notes within the other serpents logs stating that 'If we are to be Gods to the lesser races, then we must understand and know them in order to control them', while Vil'cva's motivations seem more academic.

Of note are logs concerning your very own New Necrotic Armada, ranging from theories and strategies concerning yourself, the Predator Order, assumed diplomatic relations with other factions, studies of Reconstructed and Necrotic energy, possible Necrotic shielding technology attempts, and footage of your forces in action. It would seem the Dynasty had dedicated large amounts of brainpower to the conundrum that was you and your Armada but to no avail.

Among notices left by Vil'cva and his scientist 'family' indicating data they thought potentially useful to the Armada is one from Vil'cva's personal datastores. The data referred to a theft of a clutch of Ahkam eggs from a neighboring Matriarch Dynasty, one of Quantac'Vrix's sisters. Vil'cva indicates they would like to speak with you about this subject and the intel gained from the archives.

File: Think Tank.png (1.08 MB, 961x1049)

1.08 MB PNG

>>3091095
Stretching out your hand once more the weapon unfurls into the same tangle of roots and vines that begin weaving and knitting together in a blinding display of speed. However, as they moved they left behind strands of spun biomass and ore, the weapon rapidly forging the shell of an intricately designed Think Tank. Its shell was more complex than the standard, woven chitin and metal creating a mesh container as Kyn'tk uses the newly consumed resources at your command.

It was a new sensation, Reconstructing something without a Cauldron, but you were Lich-Lord Jadyk, creator and author of the Reconstruction rituals and you would not be restrained by such a limitation any longer.

Weaving the Think Tank's form into a completed sphere, the patterns of its shell forming ancient runes of the Wormtongue that twist with the very power of their shape made manifest, the tines of Kyn'tk retract and recoil back around your forearm. Inspecting the shell you give a satisfied nod before thrusting the hand forth once more and a dozen tines of black, fractal twisting metal lash out like striking serpents and pierce the shell. Filling the interior with the biomass medium, you craft a special core within, a mass of gray-matter that twitches as its submerged.

Kyn'tk finally pulls back, the metal slithering back into its resting spot within your ribcage now that it had feasted and returns to slumber. The inert Think Tank floats before your, spinning as you inspect it for any flaw.

Finally, satisfied, you stretch out a hand and place your chitin palm against its surface. Lowering your head you concentrate, the temperature of the ships atmosphere around you dropping significantly as you focus. Sickly green motes of light begin to flicker in and out of being around your hand then around the Think Tank, being draw in toward its surface.

Suddenly you draw your hand back sharply and you sense the gray-matter within shudder to unlife with that final spark of your very essence. It floats before you in silence for a moment before it's telepathic voice chimes in your skull

<The secrets of our past shall be ours once more. The mists of time have shrouded our minds. I will burn them away and recover the knowledge we lost>

New Personal Research Proect:
>Think Tank Reliquary
Uknown - Through your mastery of Reconstruction and an intense urge to know more of your history, you have created a unique Think Tank that contains a shadow of your own mind with the hopes of it being able to unveil forgotten secrets and rituals of the old Grand Necrotic Armada. This Reliquary was constructed with the sole intent of uncovering these secrets and will dedicate itself to remembering more of your past to share with you. Built into its shell were runes of Domination, a safeguard to ensure this duplicate does not gain delusions of independence.

>>3091103

Honestly, I'd be down to let Kyn'tk drink its fill from our Biomass/Metal stocks. A few hundred thousand "units" are easy to give

>>3091085
The gremlin genetic study and their connection with the Shapers is most intriguing. Can we organize archaeological and zoological survey teams to find more examples of the Shapers genetic engendering? Seems like an avenue of research worth pursuing.

>>3091139
Should be interesting if we can industrialist and weaponize that need to pull appart technology. One for a boost to researching enemy tech and two for the crabmines so they can more readily screw up enemy ships after attaching

>>3091149
I was thinking more along the lines of finding what else beside gremlins they cook up and see if we can make our own reconstructed versions, like we did with the Nephrean Bioships.

>>3091103
With your new Reliquary returning with you to the Charnel Vault to be safely secured where it could meditate on your shared memories you turn your thoughts to matters of other importance.

A new day has dawned over Horizon's Drop, even if you are far from it and your city. As such the Deep Rot contacts you with its daily assessment and report of the matters within the Armada that need your attention.

First and foremost was the preparations for the invasion against the Ahkam Dynasty systems were complete and the fleets readied. Valresko, Muic, and Jareth wished to converse with you before commencing the assault.

Commander Rethak reports that he is waiting for word from both his infiltrators he deployed to the Esat system. He also notes that Cve'joks announcement to join the Legion was met with many reactions both good and bad from the Necrolytes but he knows in time they will come to embrace her as a sister in battle.

The Wick and the rest of the smugglers arrived at Iti'a'Ropku in the early hours of the morning, new freighters being sent to the moon for retrofitting of armor plating and smugglers holds.

Vle'Karak is currently at the protoplanet prison, speaking to the first of the undecided Ahkam serpents. He appears either unknowing or unconcerned that Tor'swi and the other enraged or suicidal serpents were subdued and taken away by Nekris to the Arc Temple on Rukors moon. There he met with Eiton and Qavun, the three Predators preparing a massive Cauldron for their task.

Vil'cva wishes to speak with you concerning some of the data gained from the now decrypted archives. The scholar had already gathered his former crew of researchers to him and began setting up an area suitable for their needs with the Think Tanks assistance and guidance.

From Guir and the Necromancers sent to assist the Blackscale is an invitation to witness the newly forged Bonescale. You could tell the reptile was eager to present their creations, possibly as a way to gain favor while Raakah and Beqor were absent while working with Officer Dretst and the other Cabal.

From Legionnaire Officer Rosa is a request to speak with you concerning Refuge but clarifies it is not an emergency.

Necromancer Jor is on Rukor enjoying Vyi'a'Rthun and meeting with the multitude of clan chieftains, leaders, and merchants that had gathered. He reports that they had assembled to meet him to complete the delegation of integration into the Necrotic Armada officially. Stonestar diplomats were seen as well, meeting with the elder council several times.

Zekrul's Envoy seemed content to sit in the Colosseum and observe the duels between gladiators and Reconstructed, only requesting slabs of raw meat which the undead devoured by incinerating the flesh.

There was much to do and tend to in your Armada. What shall you do first?
>Write-in

>>3091182
Lets talk with Guir, I like his eagerness.

File: faces.jpg (31 KB, 564x798)

31 KB JPG

>>3091182

The only three things that actually need some sort of action on Jadyk's part are the invasion, Vil'cva, and the Blackscale. In order, we should:

>Speak with Valresko, Muic, and Jareth regarding the invasion
Obviously important.
>Speak with Vil'cva and his researchers concerning some of the data gained from the now decrypted archives.
Interesting. I wonder if we could get outside aid decrypting our memories. We'd have to kill them afterwards, of course. Not really. Maybe.
>Witness the Blackscale's presentation on Bonescales.
I'm tempted to try some reconstruction with our new weapon-cauldron powers. Might have more success given it's 'closer' to our power, or something. Reconstructing sunscale is hard... I wonder how reconstructing a Blackscale would go?

>>3091182
It probably is not what people want to see first, but let's talk with Rosa and then Vil'cva and let them continue their work. Also since there will be simultaneous attacks against the Osjiic, are there members of the Armada with he;pful information against the Empire's systems?

I would suggest we get the war effort for freeing the east underway then speak with perhaps Guir or and then Civ'cla

>>3091189
Supporting this basically

Struggling to get 4chan to work on desktop.
Captcha refusing to work and a few other issues.

Why does this shit happen right as the thread is supposed to take off

>>3091223
Hiroshimoot splitting the site up.

>>3091229
I know literally nothing about 4chan nowadays. I only ever use it for running the quest and reading HQQ

>>3091234
It's better that way, honestly

>>3091182
(As a note, I did update the Star System pastebin with the three previously unexplored systems in the Ahkam Dynasty Chliro, Orichalc, and Quarrus https://pastebin.com/R7nf26FQ so give them a read to further assess the invasion and make changes if needed)

Deep in the Charnel Vault your throne sits in an empty chamber but holograms quickly flicker to life before you, showing the forms of several of your Generals. Valresko salutes with a fist against his chest, as do Jareth and Muic.

"Greetings, Lord Jadyk," the Solar Dominator says.

"War is upon us and we wish to gain your final blessing," Jareth says.

"The Lavafathers fleets only await my order and they will begin. The stonestar thirst for their chance at vengeance and to free those enslaved like they nearly were," Muic says.

"Fear not, they shall have it, my Punisher," you say with a nod to her then look to Valresko, "Tell me, my Dominator, how you shall strike the first notes of invasion."

Valresko stands with hands clasped behind their back, "As we planned, Armada fleets supported by the Obsidianborn will simultaneously attack the Tura, Rolan, and Orichalc systems. With intel gained from both the Eyegores and data taken from the Dynasty archives, the Dynasty appears tumultuous following the death of Quantac'Vrix with these systems possessing less than their normal amount defenders. We believe there is some manner of conflict if succession now that we've slain the Matriarch and captured so many of her children.

"I should add that spoke with Ruscuv only minutes ago and she and her Apprentices are prepared to follow my orders but she wishes to hold the Fury of the Wormstar back until it is time for her assault the core systems."

"While they are attacking the serpents, our fleets will attack the Imperial systems, forcing them to withdraw their own attacks against the Dynasty in order to defend," Jareth starts to say, "Lorgul, Omrhul and I would like to request the assistance of the Predator order during this. Once they are done with their rituals of Reconstruction of course. We believe they would be of great aid against them, Lord Jadyk."

"Yes, I hear we have some new Arc serpents of our own, Lord Jadyk. Will they join the Voidknights? Ahkam have experience fighting the tyrants," Muic asks, showing she had spoken with the Predators recently.

>cont

>>3091312
Invasion plan as is:
>First wave of invasion fleets composed of Reconstructed and Obsidianborn ships led by Valresko launch simultaneous attacks on Tura, Rolan, and Orichalc systems with the Predators planned to assist after their task at Reconstructing the Ahkam
>Fleets led by the Voidknights are sent to harass and raid the Osjiic Empires operations to disrupt them and prevent them from interrupting the invasion
>Ruscuv is prepared to join but says she wishes to hold back to lead the invasion of the Esat system proper

Additionally:
>Voidknights request that the Predators assist them in their raids and strikes against the Osjiic Empire
>Muic raises the question if you will deploy the newly "loyal" serpents to join in the attacks against the Empire as well

Do you wish to modify this plan or give your blessing to commence?
>Write-in

>>3091313
>Muic raises the question if you will deploy the newly "loyal" serpents to join in the attacks against the Empire as well

The plan seems fine as it is but I think we should try to trigger mass revolts on each planet by hijacking planetary communications and broadcasting a call to rebellion. As for the Ahkam it might be prematurely but I doubt we will lack volunteers if we ask.

>>3091313
>Voidknights request that the Predators assist them in their raids and strikes against the Osjiic Empire
Granted
>Muic raises the question if you will deploy the newly "loyal" serpents to join in the attacks against the Empire as well
Fighting a familiar foe will help them get used to their new station.
>>3091338
Also broadcast that Akham who aid in our invasion will be "rewarded"(which means that they will not be put through as tough of a rehabilitation process).

>>3091351
Supporting sending Predators and the new Ahkam with the Voidknights. If Nrujok wants to prove herself valuable to us, this is the perfect opportunity.

Dont forget to give them the new armor and parasite symbiotes.

>>3091351
Backing, sure

>>3091351
supporting

>>3091313
Is it too late to have Zekrul give us our tithe of ships? Necrotic forces like his would be helpful

>>3091313
"The Predators take joy in hunting Imperials. They shall join you once they are done with their tasks, Voidknight Jareth," you say and the hulking undead salutes but you continue, "Let Omrhul know I expect great things from them."

"Of course, Lord Jadyk," he says from his location aboard a battleship in orbit over Kanda.

You look to Muic, "It would give the serpents ample opportunity to prove themselves to me. Nru'jok says she wishes to join us and this will be an excellent test. They shall be kept under watch by the Predators to ensure they do not take this as possible time to attempt escape."

"If you trust them, that is good enough for us and the Lavafather," she says, "Brother Tekalaket is quite eager to begin. Their hatred of the Dynasty burns almost as fiercely as the Lavafathers."

"Very well. Once the Legion establishes contact with the rebels in the Esat system and gain the appropriate intel, the second phase will begin with the Illuminator and Lich Ruscuv leading the invasion.

"You all have your roles to play in this campaign. I have faith in your capabilities and those of your siblings. It is time we ousted the Dynasty from this sector and freed the slaves of false gods," you cast a hand forward, "You have my blessing and that of the Wormstar. Go forth and deliver my judgement upon our enemies."

"By your will, Father," the three saluting before their images flicker out.

Casting your mind out you witness as fleets begin to mobilize, the Generals shouting orders as they each move to the bridge of their respective ships.

Valresko stood aboard a battleship in the midst of his fleets that start to accelerate away from Horizon's Drops moons. At his command the fleet began to depart in large sections, wrapping themselves in twisted spacetime as they travel at FTL speeds towards their targets.

Muic stood in her Pyroclastic Destroyer, the hybrid vessel crewed by both Obsidianborn and Reconstructed. Her fleets, comprised of a mix of the bone hulled Reconstructed ships and the volcanic stone of the Obsidianborn, depart from Caldera's orbit in the Drakon system. Agona and Tekalaket were aboard their own warships, each at the head of a portion of the tri-part fleet that then depart for their own targets.

From the battleship Jareth orders his Void Terror prepared in the hangar bay even as the fleets mobilize around him. Lorgul and Omrhul likewise manning their own battleships as they leave the Void Disciples behind to stand sentinel over B'Nan and the temple on Kanda.

Even Nru'jok and the other Ahkam that swore to serve you were addressed by Think Tanks of their new orders. The serpents were mostly surprised by already being asked to fight for the Armada but to your delight Nru'jok seemed quite eager to begin, the disgraced serpent saying she would gladly flex her coils and feast upon osjiic blood if it meant leaving her cell.

>cont

>>3091438
You are curious about Ruscuv who had moved to her Palanquin battleship but with the Fury of the Wormstar floating close to her reserve fleet you merely had to wait to see what new form she and Reconstructed herself into. It was a vague memory, recalling how she seemed to delight in selecting new forms and configurations for each new campaign back in the days of the old Necrotic Armada.

With your fleets in motion you silently offer up a prayer to your dead god to protect your children, both undead and living. It takes a few moments after the fact for you to laugh at the absurdity, your voice ringing out in the dark halls of your flagship. You weren't quite sure when you began to consider the living who pledged themselves to you as your 'children'. Perhaps Ruscuv was correct about you going insane but it was far too late to change the path you were on now.

Roll me 3d100 best of first three please, time to unleash the opening volley of the invasion

Rolled 46, 54, 38 = 138 (3d100)

>>3091440

Rolled 85, 12, 33 = 130 (3d100)

>>3091440

Rolled 69, 28, 97 = 194 (3d100)

>>3091440

>>3091440
>85,54,97
Strong start, middling continuation, extremely strong finish.

>>3091449
Just like masturbating.

Rolled 60, 21, 29 = 110 (3d100)

>>3091440
>prayer to your dead god
I wonder what the percentages of population are who pray to the Wormstar vs. pray to Jadyk directly

File: Jesus_Hogging_The_Cups.jpg (450 KB, 958x694)

450 KB JPG

>>3091456
I think its something like praying to God, but all of the belief,feeling and emotion(be it fear or love) go to the Church. On a similar note, I have wondered if the peoples prayers could reincarnate the Wormstar in some fashion. Not as a mortal, but as a new metaphysical God. But this God would be fundamentally tied to Jadyk, as to the people, Jadyk is the physical thing that protects them..or, the Wormstar becomes the spiritual manifestation of Jadyk, a divine focus for his beliefs and self-given purpose. I actually visualize it as something like the old-school Halo, a disk of light behind a persons head, shining bright

>>3091479
From a religion panteon stand point, Jaydk would be the equivolent of the highest Angel returning home to find god dead and the throne empty. He may be the most likely to take the throne but it does not necessarily mean he wants to.

A god, even when dead still has power though perhaps no direct ability to apply it without outside influence to give it aim, so perhaps Jaydk is the rightful air to the throne but that remains to be seen.

The fun part is that due to the dominion spikes and dream stone we have direct contact with our followers so in essence Praying to Jaydk or the wormstar would bring those thought and requests directly to the attention of Deeprot and or Jaydk himself amongst the endless murmuring waves of thoughts and emotions of every living and unliving member of the new Armada

>>3091440
With the red sun still rising over Iti'a'Ropku the city was already bustling with activity. With over three million living souls mingling with the undead the city was almost never still, even the dead of night as epikor and other night preferring members went about their tasks.

It was one building, near the edge of the city's limits, that a Harbinger drifts toward. A pair of Requiems sat in meditative poses like large crystal and chitin statues on either side of the entrance but despite their motionlessness they were keenly observing all around. The door unweaves itself as it approaches and makes its way inside, passing by a number of Dirges as well.

Drifting several inches above the ground your mind slots into the puppet undead as it enters a large central chamber. Filled with the noise of conversation and small argumentative discussions they quickly die down then the collection of kosda, epikor, and esat halt and turn to watch the Harbinger as it enters.

They stood at various tables or consoles, seated in hardlight chairs as they debate holoscreens and shimmering displays showing vast amounts of data and a wide range of topics. They were silent as the Harbinger drifts past them, the eyeless and silent undead nodding at those it passes, a few managing to overcome their shock and fear long enough to return the gesture.

The center of the room was a sizable depression where a large blue-scaled serpent was coiled. Vil'cva bows their head and touches the tips of their tailblades to the horns at their brow. A moment later the rest of those gathered hastily give their own bows after seeing the serpents gesture.

"Vil'cva, how do you find it here in my city?" the Harbinger asks in your voice.

Hissing softly the serpent lifts their eyes to the Harbinger, "It is a vast improvement to the cell you had me in," he says with a faint hiss of wry amusement as he looks around the chamber and all those looking at you, "I have not had a chance to explore the city myself yet. Vle'Karak says it might not be time yet before I can. It seems my kind are not well regarded by many of your citizens."

"Many of my citizens were once victims and slaves of the Dynasty. Some cannot forgive the pain the Ahkam have caused them but as long as you dwell in my city under my banner, you will not have to fear for your safety from them," the Harbinger says in your voice, raising it so the rest gathered could hear it as well.

"Of course. Wounds require time to heal," the serpent says with a dismissive flick of the tail.

"You wished to speak with me, Vil'cva? What would you have of my attention," you ask as the Harbinger folds its legs up under them.

>cont

>>3091549
Vil'cva looks out to the crowds and raises their voice as well, "Give me and Lord Jadyk a few minutes please. Take a break and get some food. I've been told the cuisine of the Armada is one of its best features," he says to a scattering of chuckles and the scientists and researchers began to file out of the large room. This left only the Harbinger and the serpent in the chamber.

"Sensitive information?" you ask curiously.

"Of a sort," he says as he shifts his coils slightly, turning to look toward a demi-Think Tank that drifts forward, "Have you seen my notes regard the data pulled from the ship archives?"

"I have yes. There were valuable details that will make the invasion progress smoothly we hope," you say, watching as the serpent flinches involuntarily but says nothing regarding it.

Instead they nod and gesture toward the holoscreen projected by the demi-Think Tank, "Then you saw this report," he says bringing up the report concerning the theft of a Matriarchs eggs.

"I did. What of it?"

Vil'cva turns his crimson eyes toward the Harbinger, gulping to calm his nerves before he asks, "Did you or your Armada have anything to do with their poaching?"

Had the Harbinger eyes and eyelids, it would have blinked in surprise, instead settling for tilting its head in a very netu gesture of curiosity, "Before I answer, why would you suspect us?"

"Not included in the report, which was hard enough to get a hold of as no Matriarch wishes to reveal such a weakness as an inability to protect her eggs, is that among the evidence at the scene of the theft there were traces of Necrotic radiation as well as fragments of what looked like chitin. I was unable to attain a sample but I can only conjecture a similarity to your Armada and Reconstructed," Vil'cva says.

"Quantac'Vrix is the only Matriarch I or my Reconstructed have ever encountered and I have never given the order to steal Ahkam eggs," you say, not lying since your recent orders were for the theft of already stolen Sunscale eggs.

Vil'cva flits their tongue, tasting the air in silent thought before asking, "Would you know of any being that it could possibly be?"

Your thoughts immediately turn to Predator Eitons investigation of the deserted colony of Vannec, where he recovered a fragment of chitin in the wake of the Immortal and the Necromancer Graim consuming the population before their assault on the Refuge system. The similarities were striking, but you were uncertain if it could be related.

What shall you say to Vil'cva?
>Write-in

This is also a good opportunity to question him about the Ahkam, the Dynasty, or to clarify on aspects of the decrypted archives if you have any curiosities
>Write-in

>>3091552
Hmmm...State that there could have been other survivors who followed the Wormstar. If they managed to stay under the radar for thousands of years, then they might be stealthy enough for such a heist. Its best that the knowledge of the first batch of immortals becomes known to no one else if we can help it. Who knows, this dodgy answer may even be the truth. Another possibility to voice is that it could be a cabal of Blackscales looking for fancy new reagents for experiments.
As for the Dynasty, I really, REALLY want to know about the Head Matriarch. We will have to face her eventually and as we grow in power and the war-zone between our empires also grows, so to will the chance that she will take a personal role.

File: jor.jpg (29 KB, 339x598)

29 KB JPG

>>3091552
What shall you say to Vil'cva?
>Write-in
>"I have suspicions: nothing more. The Armada will look into this further, and appreciates your assistance."
Maybe I shadowrun too hard but I don't want to go spreading the knowledge that there are numerous incredibly powerful, malevolent undead scattered about the universe, indirectly due to our own research.

This is also a good opportunity to question him about the Ahkam, the Dynasty, or to clarify on aspects of the decrypted archives if you have any curiosities
>Write-in
>"Do some Akham truly believe themselves gods? Or do all of your kind understand that's just a convenient lie for the slaves?"
>"How much experience does the Dynasty have fighting Necrotic forces? Anywhere you've encountered those in the past?"
If they have, it'll tell us how much we can expect their anti-necrotic tech to give us trouble, as well as interesting places to investigate later. If not, no harm no foul.

>>3091552
The only group I can think of who might fit would be some missing experiments of mine how ever their methods do not match the current crime they are far more... open and messy

Why what of it, surely I have not become so great a bogeyman to your people as to be blamed for every mishap your people's face?

>>3091552
What shall you say to Vil'cva?
I have some suspicions, but I cannot be sure, If I find data on it I will let you know.

>ask
What do akham do when not at war or in combat?
Who are the major dynasties?
What will the others do now?

>>3091552
About the Dynasty how do the Ahkam choose who becomes a Matriarch? Any details about the transformation he knows about? Also it could have been the Confederated who stole the eggs through their necromancer mercenary (unlikely but still possible).

>>3091552
Silently the Harbinger taps its chin as you think. Finally it gives a slight shrug of its upper pair of shoulders before you say through it, "I have suspicions, but little more. There were many undead factions in the old Grand Necrotic Armada and there are indeed those who survived the end of the Necrotic Wars just I have. I know the Confederacy enjoys pilfering that which is not theirs. For all I know it could have been a Blackscale Cabal seeking rare reagents for their experiments."

Vil'cva hisses sharply in distaste at the name, "You've encountered the pests too. They are among my other suspects, I admit. Mother suspected you, due to your habit of stealing her children," he says with grim humor.

"Have I become a whispered threat among the Ahkam? A specter of misfortune to be blamed for every mishap and mystery afflicting your people?" you ask with some amusement.

"Merely the most recent," he says, tilting his head from side to side in a noncommittal gesture.

"While I am here, I would like to question you. To learn more," you say, shifting the subject away from the theft. The missing Immortals were one of your biggest anxieties, the Refuge Crisis showing you just how much chaos a single one could sow and there were still nine remaining missing.

"About?" he asks with a tinge of suspicion.

"The Ahkam. Besides Vle'Karak you are the friendliest and the most eloquent I've encountered. Despite your age you show a maturity and understanding that took him centuries and I millennia. I would know of the Ahkam, how they are when they are not at war, whether or not your kind believe the fallacy of divinity you cling to, who leads the other Dynasties and which of them do I need to concern myself with next.

"I may be a Lich created for conquest in war, but in my old age the greatest conquests I yearn for is of knowledge," you say, looking through the Harbinger at him.

Vil'cva is silent for a few minutes as he uncoils and starts to slither and pace in thought. Finally then turn back toward the Harbinger, "The simplest answers first. The nearest Dynasty would be that of Matriarch Quazyn'Tlev. She was the one whose eggs were stolen. Elder sister to Quantac'Vrix, both daughters to the now slain Zaffra'Kro. Quazyn'Tlev is most likely the one who will come seeking vengeance for her sisters death and to absorb the remnants of her territory and adopt the surviving daughters and sons," he pauses then lets out another dark chuckle of their guttural laughter, "If she doesn't execute and replace them with her own children for their failure to protect their mother."

"How long until you think that is?"

They make an uncertain gesture with a dip of their tail, "Hard to predict. She's been embroiled with a prolonged conflict with the Empire and UON over territory. I did see reports that her forces were making great strides in turning the war to her favor during the Arc Surge."

"Let us hope they can keep her occupied," you say.

>cont

>>3091719
"Precisely. My Mother was relatively young, her territory split between this sector and her old. She took the risk of expanding here with the discovery of the esat, believing they could lift her to greater respect among the other Matriarchs," he shakes his head, "And then with the discovery of the stonestar and the bounty of Rukor, this sector seemed like it would have become her key to glory and recognition, bringing in two populous, skilled species under her coils."

"Except no one anticipated my arrival," the Harbinger says with your voice and the serpents nods solemnly.

"You asked if we believe the 'fallacy of divinity' and I find it amusing. Those are the precise terms an ancient rebel leader used when they tried to break the other epikor free of the Dynasty's control," he chuckles again, this time with more amusement in his voice than cynicism, "We know that we do not reach the levels of Godhood that entities such as your ancient Wormstar or the Father and Mother of the Sunscale. Terms of practicality? It serves as a leash and goad to enslave those the Dynasty's have taken. Just as I suspect you may some day gain worshipers of your own. From what little I've seen and taken from my talks with Vle'Karak is that you're well on that path, even if you do not wish to tread it.

"I do not think even all of my researchers, my adopted family if you will, no longer view me as at least divinely guided. I know there were some among my siblings and others of my kind who believed that if we were not true gods, then we must be descended or chosen to serve in their stead. These beliefs I have little respect for. I've read the old archives, the studies of our genetics that show we were created yes, but by mortal devices."

"Your species natural gifts for the Arc are truly astounding I confess. It is partially why I and my Predators became obsessed with studying your kind. In the old Armada I was vaguely aware of the Arc, not even realizing it had a name nor that the fires of entropy that fueled me was its natural predator," the Harbinger says with your voice and a slight shake of its head.

Vil'cva was silent again for a few moments as he looks away, seeming to get lost in thought before he turns back, "You asked if you had become a specter among our kind."

"And you said I was not the first. I assume there were others like me?" you ask curiously.

"Some like you, undead and ravenous, but few as smart or dangerous," he hisses softly, pausing a moment then tilting his head, "What do you know of the Ahkam life cycle, Lord Jadyk?"

"Very little I admit. Sexually dimorphic, the females capable of metamorphosing into a Matriarch due to some unknown trigger or age," you say, giving another shrug through the Harbinger.

>cont

>>3091721
"Let me share with you a secret that not even my researchers know," he says, his voice low as if he didn't trust speaking this aloud, "Not every Ahkam hatched is capable of using the Arc. In a clutch of eggs from a Matriarch roughly sixty to seventy percent of all hatchlings are destined to grow up with Arc potential but that potential is not recognizable for several years.

"By the time we have reached ten years our mothers are capable of detecting which of her children are...worthy of receiving the electric gift," he hisses in distaste, hesitating before he continues, "Those who are not so lucky? The newly Arc capable devour them."

You are silent as you let him speak, the empathic sensors in the Harbinger detecting self-loathing and disgust in the serpent. Suddenly you are reminded that he is the youngest of the Ahkam you have ever encountered, this grotesque event fresher in his mind than any of the others.

"No one has studied the Unfortunate as they call them. To see if they are capable of possessing potential for the other elemental forces, they are seen as mistakes good only to bolster the strength of their worthy siblings," he shakes his head again, "But there is one story, nearly as ancient as the First Dynasty. A Matriarch who did not want to slay her children, an instinct that the story says better fits a mammal, and as such hid them away from the others, allowing them to grow.

"The story says they grew and grew. Ahkam with the Arc, powerful but merely creatures of flesh and blood," he hisses softly, "All except one. One who somehow became addicted to the Necrotic, feasted on undead fetched for it by their naive mother who did not suspect. The stories get varied from here, saying they became the first and only Ahkam Necromancer," he says the words deliberately, staring intently at the Harbinger, "Others saying they died and became an undead, poisoned by the virus laden corpses they ate or corrupted by some ancient artifact from the Necrotic Wars, a piece of a slain god in some of the variations I've heard. But the results are the same.

"They became the first Traitor Serpent, a vicious cannibal that slew their own mother and siblings and feasted upon their flesh and Arc. Only through the cooperation of the slain Matriarchs sisters were they finally slain and obliterated, according to the stories. As a young whelp I merely assumed it to be a cautionary tale for young daughters so they could one day be... 'strong' enough to do what they think they must with their own daughters."

Finally he seems to think he rambled on for too long and the Harbinger detects a flush of embarrassment as the green serpent coils back into a relaxed pose, "Forgive my rambling, Lord Jadyk. It was a habit my mother tried to break."

The Harbinger shakes its head and lifts a hand, "Please, feel no such reservations with me, Vil'cva. We both share our love of knowledge and history."

>cont

>>3091723
He nods, "Believe me when I say I think that story is just that, a story passed down from Matriarch to daughter. A specter to keep hatchlings behaved and daughters following the rules. Call me stubborn but I only believe in that which can be measured and quantified."

You chuckle through the Harbinger, "There are many things I have encountered in all my millennia that cannot be measured or quantified. It is the way of things."

It was his turn to chuckle, "My belief is that means we just don't understand it yet and must strive to unlock its secrets."

"Vle'Karak mentioned we would relate well to each other. I believe he is correct," you say with a respectful nod.

"I, uh, you honor me, Lord Jadyk," he says uncertainly and bows his head, touching tailblade to horn once more.

"I thank you for your time, Vil'cva. And for the knowledge and trust you have shared. May my Armada become a home to you in time, where you can find yourself free from the shadows of the Matriarchs and their plots," the Harbinger says as it extends legs once more.

"Yes, thank you. I must return to my own work cross referencing our research with that of your Think Tanks to see if there is anything worthwhile we can share," he says, bowing his head once more before the Harbinger turns and drifts out, your mind already vacating the shell.

File: GraveQM.gif (2.23 MB, 500x500)

2.23 MB GIF

>>3091725
Ok it being so late and all the typos and minor mistakes in that huge post indicate I should probably call it here.

I hope folks had fun, I know I do. Looking forward to this invasion really taking off. Hope you enjoyed the loredump from the snake that's closest to being as big a nerd as Jadyk

Let me know if you have any questions that won't stray into spoiler territory or suggestions for the quest.

File: WAos3r.png (145 KB, 453x430)

145 KB PNG

>>3091742
Thanks for running Grave

>>3091742
Thanks for running, Graves. You seem to have a knack for character and lore, and how to make both work and weave together.

>>3091723
>a piece of a slain god in some of the variations

A Necrotic adapted Ahkam who swallowed a fragment of the Wormstar would be a sight to behold

>>3091742
Thanks for running, I love this little conversations that expand on the setting.

>>3091103
I was about to ask about that teleportation rune we made.......now it makes sense why we can't use it.

File: Boneman Halo.jpg (123 KB, 540x635)

123 KB JPG

>>3091036
Looking at the map once we have hit Esat hard enough to draw ships from other systems we should also launch Joint attacks on Tura and Rolan. once they are secuse that would leave only the Osjiic R'jur and Chliro as enemy systems withing our new boarders which would also leave them surrounded and cut off for us to hit at our leisure.

Basically just really put a good stable front for us to steadily expand outwards.

Having said that we should explore the two blue stars south of Bastion

>>3095097
Good ideas. If we plan this invasion right we'll double our territory

>>3091742
Are we going back to the space city outbreak soon?

We back on?

Are we dead yet?

>>3091742
>>3099816
>>3099835
Whoops hit a slight snag there. Ready to go.

Now, what should Jadyk tend to next?
>Meet with Blackscale Guir
>Speak with Officer Rosa concerning Refuge
>Other (write-in)

>>3099868
>>Meet with Blackscale Guir

>>3099868
Meet with the black scale

"Hows that wormscale project coming along"

>>3099868
>Meet with Blackscale Guir

>>3099868
Just do both if you have the time but start with Guir. We should finish as many things as possible before we start the invasions.

>>3099868
Icy winds howled in a perpetual frenzy around the frozen world, vast glaciers creaking and groaning as they shifted with continent sized slabs. Little marked it surface as important, merely a few domes of ice shrouded bone marking the entrances to Armada installations under the ice. Most were biomass farms, using the vast amounts of ice to grow kelp and other crops that would be rendered down or fed to the catoblepas in linking chambers.

One installation in particular stretched deeper than the others. A single shaft bored through the ice to reach down toward a complex that was larger and more complex than the others. Warehouses filled with cloning tanks, training facilities, living quarters, armories, medical lab and dissection stations deep beneath the ice nearly reaching the stone beneath. It was here that Dominator Valresko had stood watch over the Blackscale Cabal in their cloning experiments and trained Sur-Quro and the first of the Armada's Solar Arbiters.

Now, as your Harbinger drifts through the cold halls, it was only manned by Guir the sole Blackscale left behind as their siblings left to retrieve more valuable 'samples', and the Necromancers dispatched from Iti'a'Ropku to assist how they could.

A door unweaves itself at the Harbingers approach, the bands of metal and chitin slithering into the wall and floor only to restitch together behind it. The Harbingers arrival cuts the conversation that Guir and a vorh were having as both turn to greet it.

The vorh Necromancer, the sibling of the one who had just created the Shrike Reconstructed, bows low with a salute, "Lord Jadyk, you honor us with your attention."

Guir gives their own, if less formal, bow with a bobbing of their head and a grin that bares blackened teeth, "Yes yes, it is good to see that are worthy of it. You are here to witness the progress my," they pause and glance at the vorh who pointedly gives them a side-eyed look with a twitch of their eyestalks, "our project has revealed?"

"We could show you a demonstration, if you desire," the vorh says.

Choose:
>Observe a demonstration
>Time is precious and speak with them only
>Other (write-in)

>>3099942
>>Observe a demonstration

>>3099942
A demonstration would be good way to show how far the project has progressed since the previous... incident with the warbloods.

Please demonstrate your progress thus far

>>3099942
>>Observe a demonstration

>>3099942
>>>Observe a demonstration

>>3099942
The Harbinger nods as you speak through it, "Yes, I am quite intrigued by this development. Show me."

Both nod, eager to show-off as they turn and motion for the Harbinger to follow them. Escorted by the pair from the control room they were led down the cold corridors until finally they stop at a row of windows overlooking one of the training facilities. Guir's grin widens, "Just in time. The Think Tanks are running a test."

An obstacle course fills the warehouse sized chamber, platforming scattered on various levels with cover and obstacles scattered about. It was very similar to those constructed on Legion's Home to train the Legionnaires but it wasn't any of the living running the course. Instead you witness a fierce battle between what looked like cyborg undead of various races attempted to stave off the ferocious assault of multiple Reconstructed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jl9FXFQi6A8

A small handful of cyborg humans and netu crouch behind a low wall, occasionally popping up to fire and send the Reconstructed across a small canyons between platforms darting between cover. They were using live rounds from how the concrete chipped and cracked with bursts of dust, the Necromancers not caring if either side sustained damage due to their ease of repair.

A netu undead lifted up with a scattergun attached to its forearm only to let out a gurgling squeal of alarm as a blur of motions leaps up from the ledge and tackles them down. The cyborgs scatter as the netu fires the scattergun pointblank at the Reconstructed that tackled it, blasting off an arm but the undead rises up and uses its remaining arm to fling them like a ragdoll over the wall and over the ledge into the pit before tackling a human undead that opened fire with a submachine gun.

The defensive position scattered the other Reconstructed charged forward, running or climbing on all fours to close the distance. They were range of sizes and shapes, the Reconstructed superficially resembling the Solar Wardens created by Valresko but these were clearly made from Sunscale inspiration. You note they wielded no ranged weaponry, but from how they charged it and attacked with claw, fang and scissor-jaws, their thick tails serving as powerful clubs, it was apparently they did not need them in such close quarters.

You look to another conflict where you notice a Bonescale with its armored plating engraved with designs absent from the others gesturing and directing the other Reconstructed that grouped around them. You peered at it curiously and felt it's mind shadowed and obscured, the Reconstructed twitching violently before looking directly toward you from across the course. It did not yield to you but it responds to your mental command, reacting more like a zombified creature through ritual reanimation rather than a proper Reconstructed.

>cont

>>3100065
A Blackscale Knight lumbers forward, its heavy cleaver of a blade crackling with Necrotic power as it approaches the strange Bonescale, but as it does the other Bonescale charge in and throw themselves at it. Stingwhip tongues lash out, embedding in limbs and armor as they try to drag it down but with a snarl the bone constructed swings its blade or snaps them with its free hand. It even grabs one by the tongue and starts swinging it overhead before the stingwhip tears and the Bonescale is flung away.

With a single swing of its blade it cleaves cleanly through two of the Bonescale before lodging in a third. Taking the time to kick the corpse from its blade was all the others needed as several stocky Bonescale with dense overlapping armor scales that glint with dark metals charge in, tackling both legs to bring it to is knees. Several more leap through the air and down on it, sinking claw and fang into its black armor, one being yanked from its back and crushed into a crater with its torso pulverized to dust.

All the while the strange Bonescale directs more and more of the others to charge in and dogpile on top of it. Several more Bonescale are broken or crushed under the nightmarish might of the Blackscale Knight but soon their combined weight drags it down. Finally the Bonescale approaches and manages to, with the help of several others, to pry the heavy blade from the Knights grasp and lift it over their head in triumph.

The Reconstructed around it began to let out their strange cheers, their simple minds rejoicing in the pleasure of a battle one. The blade it held over its head was nearly as tall as it was, the decorated Bonescale hefting it as they in your direction despite the distance and opaque glass.

Guir grins, smugness radiating off the reptile as they look to the Harbinger, having noticed its attention focused on the battle between Bonescale and Knight, "Impressive, are they not? My siblings will certainly be jealous of my, our, accomplishments here." You had to give him credit, he was trying to make an effort to include the other Necromancer in the success.

"It is my deepest hope they stand up to your standards, Lord Jadyk," the vorh says with reverence in their voice and hearts, "Let us know what you think of them, have questions, or if there is room for improvement."

How should you reply?
>Write-in

>>3100071
Ask them what is the engraved Bonescale and why it's mind is obscured from you if it is a Reconstructed. The Bonescale seem to be good at groups while the Knights seem stronger(also reminder that the Blackscale promised a unit of Knights to Jadyk). In conclusion both Bonescale and Knights look to be a good addition to the forces of the Armada though filling different roles.

>>3100071
>Why do the Bonescales not have ranged weaponry?
>What obstacles did you encounter during the project and how did you overcome them?

Knowing how they dealt with the issues that held Jadyk back could aid our overall understanding of reconstruction, however unlikely that seems.

Also, it's been a while, what do Blackscale Knights look like again?

>>3100071
I am most please with their performance, have you given thought on their armaments from our armories or have plans for custom armaments? Also can you explain the streak of personality and independence on the engraved commander?

>>3100071
"They do not use ranged weaponry?" you inquire.

"Oh they definitely can. This test was to see how they could do as a close-range force going up against armed resistance. We have footage of their weapon trials if you wish to examine them though they are up to par with standard Reconstructed accuracy scores with some variation depending on specialization of course," the vorh Vrurilly says with an excitement due to their fascination with Reconstruction. Ever since they and their sibling Zawvu had shown a potential for Necromancy they had expressed a dedication and natural talent to the art of Reconstruction that honestly reminded you of your days a Necromancer developing the Cauldrons.

The Harbinger extends a finger toward the engraved Bonescale as you say, "The one with the engravings, they are different. They command those around them and they are shielded from my mind," the Harbinger turns its eyeless gaze toward Guir and your voice grows stern and vaguely menacing, "Why?"

Flinching they hold up their hands defensively, "Ah! Mercy, Lord Jadyk, allow me to explain!"

Vrurilly calmly places a hand on Guirs arm, the Blackscale pulling back from the touch but calming himself with a deep breath as the vorh says, "It is not actually, technically, a Bonescale, Lord Jadyk. Not even fully a Reconstructed even though we are grouping them as Bonescale for the moment."

"Explain," you say as the Harbinger folds its arms strernly across its front.

"You recall how the Blackscale reanimate the Sunscale as zombies yes?" they say and you nod, allowing them to continue, "That one is in fact a zombified Diver, one of the Cabals military specialists. It has merely been reinforced with Cauldron-forged enhancements and partial Reconstruction."

Finally calm from their minor panic attack at your sudden intensity Guir bobs their head rapidly, "Yes yes! My apologies, Lord Jadyk, I was about to tell you. While our zombified cousins do not fully link to your Cauldron-Think Tank psychic network, they can partially access it with permission from the Think Tanks, allowing them to command the Bonescale in combat situations as one of your Legionnaires would, if that pleases you," he says while rubbing his hands together.

>cont

>>3100298
The Harbinger rubs at its chin in thought while looking out the window, "I will admit I am impressed by your shared ingenuity. The Sunscale will no doubt hate the Armada even more for this blasphemy but they appear to be quality creations.

"What of the Wormscale project? Anything else to report?"

Guir, finally relieved that you were not angered, gives an eager bobbing nod, "Progress has stalled with my siblings absence but with the Bonescales perfected my full attention shall be directed toward it. With Necromancer Vrurilly and the others help, the project will accelerate."

"Good. What of the contingent of Knights I was promised for your loyalty?" you ask, shifting the topic, "They are impressive creations."

"The Warblood clone corpses are stored, portioned, and prepped. I merely await my siblings return to begin the rituals. Currently we have enough raw materials to create roughly five dozen for your Armada, Lord Jadyk," the Blackscale says with a bow.

"Excellent. Was there anything else I should know about the Bonescale or your projects?" you ask through the puppet Reconstructed.

"Not so much about those projects, but I do have a request for materials, should you have any extra to spare," Guir says with a slowly widening grin and the vorh giving a suspicious look.

"Pray tell, Guir, what it is you require."

"With the recent invasion by the Ahkam and a rebuttal invasion being launched, I am certain the Armada will have a supply to one source of materials I and my siblings have yearned for," his teeth are bared in a twisted grin.

"I require Ahkam. Dead, alive, whole, diced, dissected, whichever! The Arc Serpents have long been a prize only our craftiest Cabals can get their talons on. Who knows what wondrous results we could weave through our rituals with them as the materials!" they were nearly salivating with excitement.

Necromancer Vrurilly clicks their mandibles in surprise and look to you expectantly but says nothing to influence you despite the curiosity and excitement that started to well up in them as well. You knew they had been accompanied by their Ur-Wyrm to the planet, their unique Reconstructed coiled in another chamber with the other Necromancers.

Blackscale Necromancer Guir requests whatever Ahkam "materials" and reagents the Armada can spare for the purpose of ritual experimentation.
How do you reply?
>Write-in

>>3100305
Did we already use our prisoners to make Reconstructed and the Arc-Hydra?

Let's just promise him some future acquisitions from our upcoming offensive.

>>3100305
Make some vaguely agreeing statements but promise nothing for now.

These Blackscale are not our equals in reconstruction - remember how inaccurate and crude their versions of the tongue of the wormstar are? It's likely whatever we give them will go to waste, or come out inferior to what we've already created.

>>3100305
We can include him on the creation of the Arc-Hydra. It will be good for integration and join learning him and our necromancers.

>>3100305

We have a lot of dead and scraps.

>Give them any partial pieces of Akham as well as a small amount of corpses. No living.

Let them experiment, let them create some more reconstructed, but let's not waste any living Akham on them

>>3100305
For the moment we don't have any to spare(as i think all Ahkam alive or dead have already been assigned somewhere) but with the invasions there should be some dead ones then.

>>3100370
We have spare a couple of dead Ahkam beside those reserve for the hydra.

>>3100381

iirc Hydra is being made from living Akham

>>3100395
Oh yeah, then we should have a couple of bodies to spare.

>>3100381
Weren't the dead ones used to create the Ur-Wyrms or are there a few left?

>>3100305
Give them permission to use a corpse and genetic data for cloning purposes should they need more... raw material

>>3100439
You're onto something there. Maybe a wormscale type project of cloning elemental neutral snakes

>>3100456
A Solar Akham could be pretty fuckin' rad.

>>3100456
I believe elemental neutral Arkham are usually devoured by the "worthy" so to make elemental neutral Arkham we would need only make clones as they have no elemental affinity... their children how ever would still get to roll the dice in that regards though

>>3100482
>>3100456
So what we would need to do is find where the non mature Arkham are being raised and.. liberate them from their mother. Then we could screen to see who has what

>>3100305
Seems to be agreed to:
>Provide access to stockpiled corpses and occasional future kills

Will you allow them to clone Ahkam for ritual purposes similar to their harvesting of Warbloods?
>Y/N

Do you want to authorize a side project allowing them to clone Armada loyal Ahkam similar to their attempts at cloning loyal Sunscale?
>Y/N

That also raises the question of what you wish to do with the Sunscale clones that were programmed and raised to be loyal to the Armada and yourself?

>>3100527
>Will you allow them to clone Ahkam for ritual purposes similar to their harvesting of Warbloods?
Y
>Do you want to authorize a side project allowing them to clone Armada loyal Ahkam similar to their attempts at cloning loyal Sunscale?
N

>That also raises the question of what you wish to do with the Sunscale clones that were programmed and raised to be loyal to the Armada and yourself?
Keep them frozen until the other brothers return. I am starting to think the whole project is a waste of time but I am willing to let them try a few more time since the delays had been due to outside factors.

>>3100527
>>3100557
this

>>3100527
Y

As for the loyal sunscale.. control worm and shards in them and then release them into the capital?

How many of them did we make anyway and of what castes.

I mean seriously that Fuck with people's expectations "are those sunscale?!"

File: Balreth.png (500 KB, 477x640)

500 KB PNG

>>3100570
If I remember correctly there was roughly a hundred of each caste with the Warbloods being butchered for making Knights.

>>3100150
>Also, it's been a while, what do Blackscale Knights look like again?
Speaking of the Knights

Essentially reanimating of Warbloods into Zombies has that annoying habit of becoming dangerously homicidal. To counter-act that the Knights are made from ritually prepared and shaped bones assembled into a humanoid shape, essentially a bone golem similar to the pic. Their armor and weapons are made from a ritual using the metal scales shed by Worker Zombies. They stand between 8-15ft tall for their largest siege ones.

They are also capable of "breathing" out Necrotic flames like the Brutes and energizing their weapons with the flames.

>>3100570
Supporting letting them live in the capitals on HD and Rukor

>>3100305
After some thought you reply, "Very well. We will transfer some of the remains we already have saved. We'll also set aside a few of those we will slay in the coming days for your experiments."

"Thank you, Lord Jadyk. They will be immensely illuminating," Guir says happily.

'You may also clone several Ahkam for the raw materials, but heed this. They are to be mindless and never truly live," the Harbinger levels a long, slender finger toward the reptile, "For you still have your talons full completing the Wormscale project first. Upon your siblings return, it shall be your main focus. I will tolerate a modicum of experimentation for personal theories, as I allow all my Necromancers and citizens, but you do have your assignment."

You could detect a spike of indignation in Guir but he nods, understanding tempering his displeasure at the tone. He bobs his head, "Of course, Lord Jadyk. I merely need the help of sister Raakah and sibling Beqor and the results will manifest."

"That is all I ask, Necromancer. These Bonescale are already a testament to your skills," you say as the Harbinger makes sure to nod to both of them, "and I am eager to see what results from the Wormscale."

"The other Necromancers of the Spire and I will do our best to assist, Lord Jadyk. The Wormstar watches over this project and we will ensure their genesis is enacted without error," Vrurilly says with another salute and bow.

What do you wish to do with the loyal Sunscale Clones?
>Give them symbiots and Domination Spikes before sending them to live with the Armada citizenry
>Keep the unawakened in stasis and the awakened ones in their enclosures for now
>Other (write-in)

>>3100742
>>Keep the unawakened in stasis and the awakened ones in their enclosures for now

>>3100742
Keep the unawakened in stasis
Send the awakened (which is like 10 of each caste right?) to live with the living

>>3100742
Stasis them for now

As much as letting them meander about could be interesting it might also raise difficult questions

>>3100742
>>Keep the unawakened in stasis and the awakened ones in their enclosures for now

>>3100742
>Keep the unawakened in stasis and the awakened ones in their enclosures for now
Hell no we are not integrating them

I just started re-reading this again after a year and I still haven't really caught up. Don't spoil me but there's a question I'd like to ask the other players.

>Have we studied weapon miniaturization?
Looking at our ground forces and they looks pretty under gunned. I'm still on the part where the Osjiic Empire attack the void temple and it seems that we had trouble with their heavier troops. Usually we just throw whatever at the enemy till they die but I feel like we can put bigger guns onto certain things.

>>3100886
Vehicles use heavy weapons which is alright but I feel like if they can be shoulder mounted on power armor they aren't large enough to properly be used on Tanks and Such. Has anybody though of trying to put ship sized weapons onto the tanks?

Turreted and Auxiliary ship weapons would increases their firepower quiet a bit. Most turret and aux. weapons seem like the equivalent of 20mm Chain guns which should do well since most dedicated anti armor for ship weapons are hull mounted and fixed.

We could also probably mount fixed and hull mounted weapons on the Battle Tombs if we remove the turret and make them into self propelled guns/assault guns. Maybe get the think tanks to modify spine cannons into Low to Medium Velocity, High Energy rounds that we can use as artillery or heavy anti armor.

Lastly, I'm assuming the Nail Fighter is still a very staple part of our factions. Even with all the technology we develop and all the cool and amazing shit we make the Nail Fighter is a tried and true work horse that's been around forever. It's getting outdated. If possible I think we should research improved thrusters that increase their turning rate and speed, especially since G forces shouldn't be a problem against undead. If miniaturization goes forward. I also propose trying to strap another fixed or aux weapon onto the Nail to further increase it's firepower, especially in air superiority roles where rapid fire weapons are key.

>Now that I think about it, you guys probably rely heavily on Large Reconstructed for heavy armor/attack but the same principles apply.

Or I could just be retarded.

>>3100924
Weapon miniaturization is always a good idea, more bang for your buck and all that its just not some thing that came up for us to suggest research into it to be totally honest

I'd be down to add it to a research list if it get a enough support

>>3100742
Your mind slips from the Harbinger, letting the Necromancers return to their projects and to repair their damaged undead.

It drifts and enters the form of another Harbinger that shudders as you settle into its shape. It was already on the bridge of the ship, drifting forward from the shadows past the mixed crew of Reconstructed and Legionnaires. Noticing the Harbinger float past they quickly halt their conversations and discussions to salute or bow, coming to recognize the Harbingers as indicators of your focus.

It floats up toward a small group who turn and salute at its approach before filing away leaving the Harbinger alone with a single human. Officer Rosa bows with Reconstructed fist saluting against her heart, "Lord Jadyk, thank you for your time."

"Of course, Officer. What did you call me for?" you ask curiously.

She turns and makes a brief gesture, a holoscreen flickering on for you both, "After the Illuminator spoke with them the leadership of Refuge have started the process of selecting who they want to stand for them in a council of representatives. They would answer to you directly, acting to bring the needs of the system to you and the Armada."

"Yes, I was briefed on that. Has there been any new developments, any hindrances to my acquisition of this system and responsibility for those who live here?" you ask, the Harbinger looking at the random bits of data and reports of status throughout the system.

In just the few moments you see reports detailing the rebuilding of farmlands on Scatters moon, of undead hunting parties clearing out pockets of hidden ghouls on Junkyard, details showing that the population actually climbed for the first time since arriving rather than falling with the births and hatching of multiple babies in recent days.

"Nothing too immediate just yet. However, it seems news of Refuge becoming Armada territory has spread to the Confederates somehow," the human says with a sigh and folding the large Reconstructed arms across her chest. The hardlight emitters embedded throughout her mostly undead form glint like jewels in the light of the holoscreens, "I would expect to hear High Command and the Confederate government to start crying foul so be warned on that, Lord Jadyk.

"Also a side note, we haven't officially recruited anyone into the Legion yet, but we have quite a list of hopeful locals wanting to join up with us after the Armada's acquisition of the system is made official," she says, running a hand across her shaved scalp and the scars there.

"How many?" you ask curiously.

She flicks a claw and a list pops up before her, "So far we have nearly five thousand potential volunteers with many more likely to join up in the following weeks."

"Excellent. I was not expecting so many already," you say, the Harbinger steepling its fingers.

>cont

>>3100978
"Heh, well the Illuminator and Commander Rethak made quite an impression on the system. Have you seen the graffiti and sculptures?" she asks with a chuckle. When the Harbinger shakes its head she makes another subtle motion with her hand and holoscreens flicker.

In the cities on Hearth are shots of alleys and the sides of buildings, bright paint depicting images of what was undeniably Reconstructed fighting against stylized ghouls and zombies. A large mural shows a landscape of Legionnaires and Pirates standing shoulder to shoulder defending against a tide of undead while Tlacex and his Juggernaut tower over the swarm.

Another image shows effigies made from charred wood fixed into the shape of Reconstructed standing guard on the borders of burned out ruins of farmhouses being repaired on Scatters moon. A homeless kesh sits on a corner with a stack of plastic sheets surrounded by a small group of Legionnaires and locals to buy or trade for one of their pieces. Using their claw they poke holes through the sheet in patterns so that when held against the light it let the silhouettes of light illuminate the figures such as Tlacex, his Juggernaut, and various Reconstructed and Legionnaires.

Even the main plaza of Hearth, where the building Rosa and Tlacex met the representative stood, there was a painting showing Tlacex, Necromancer Jor, Rethak in his living Voidsinger form, and Yourself above them all flanked by an army of Legionnaires and Reconstructed. The painting had been done by a crowd working together, even a few Legionnaires joining in to point out details and suggestions.

Rosa looks back to the Harbinger, "I think the locals approve of us. At least most of them. Some still seem to think we're the cause of the outbreak," she pauses then adds, "I mean, they assume we're to blame on purpose. Thankfully no rumors of the Immortal have leaked out to the public. Only Legionnaires went down into those tunnels with us," she says, subconsciously gripping at where her prosthetic arm attached to her body, the limb and more lost during the operation and only saved by Necromancer Klikli.

She shakes her head then looks back to the holoscreens, "By the way, we've got reporters from the Confederacy looking to get in contact with you or someone in the Armada," she says with a dismissive roll of the eyes, "Some underground news program or something. Traveled in with a Dagger ship."

It would seem Restricted Advice was still earnest in its desire to interview you or the Armada.

Was there anything you wished to speak with Rosa about the Refuge system before tending to other matters?
>Write-in

What should you do concerning the reporters?
>Write-in

>>3100742
>>Keep the unawakened in stasis and the awakened ones in their enclosures for now


>>3100965
Just got here but yeah I agree, having more guns is always good plus I really think it's high time we started upgrading existing equipment instead of just developing new complex things that are usually made in so small number they're only really good for VERY small engagements. Upgrading our old mass produced equipment means the whole army gets stronger exponentially. Especially those Large Reconstructed having ship weapons would wreck things.

>>3100981
Tell her to keep up the good work and keep us informed of any issues that may arise.

We should speak to the news crew they came so far might as well humour their "need to know more"

>>3100981
Tell her to keep up the good worj.

I wonder if we should have them speak to a Harbinger here in Refuge or invite them to the capital? Maybe arrange to have Jor do the interview when he's done with his vacay

>>3100981
>Was there anything you wished to speak with Rosa about the Refuge system before tending to other matters?
How many believe we are the cause? Vocal minority, or fringe conspiracy theorists?

>What should you do concerning the reporters?
Figure out for what purpose they want to get in contact. That should inform our decision.

>>3100981
"Those that believe me to blame for the outbreak, are they a vocal minority or fringe conspiracy theorists?" You ask.

Rosa shrugs, "Crackpots and paranoid individuals. Some people just can't see past the whole undead part and see what makes a Reconstructed different from a ghoul," she says, flexing one of her hands, "At the moment they are mostly ignored by the main populace. To the locals we are still seen as the heroes. Add in the continued aid from the Collective and our reputation right now is rather stellar among the general populace. In time the naysayers may start to bend more ears to their message once the high of survival and rebuilding wear off but it's not that far yet."

The Harbinger nods, "These... reporters. Are they here on Hearth?"

"Yeah, they're holed up at the "spaceport" the Pirates helped set up since they rode in with them. It's just a pair of them with some recording equipment," she says and nods to a holoscreen showing a pair sitting at a table in a small room with a pair of Legionnaires, "They told the Legionnaires who interviewed them for clearance that they've been in numerous warzones to cover stories and such. Supposedly they even covered the Cerberi exodus when it occurred years ago leading to this whole Refuge Crisis in the first place."

She squints slightly at the holoscreen even though the symbiot was feeding the data to her directly and her eyes nearsightedness had already repaired when she first joined the Legion, "Says they're from something called Restricted Advice an anarchist news publication."

"I am familiar with their program," you say.

Rosa laughs, "Hah, I didn't figure you a holovid fan, Lord Jadyk," she says, drawing curious looks from other Legionnaires. You weren't exactly known for your humor so they found it curious and strange that the normally stoic Rosa would laugh so openly.

"Either way, they asked to speak with your or Necromancer Jor. They mentioned him by name but that isn't too hard to understand. He's something of a folk hero now alongside Commander Rethak, Blight Enders and saviors of Refuge," she says with a bemused smile. Her symbiot could see her wistful remembrance of the first time she had met both of them, before either had fully embraced their destinies as your most loyal followers.

Restricted Advice has sent two reporters with hopes of speaking either to you or Necromancer Jor. What should you do with them?
>Have a Harbinger meet with them
>Have Jor meet with them at Iti'a'Ropku or another Armada location in the future
>Have them meet with you face to face in the future
>Other (write-in)

>>3101141
>Have a Harbinger meet with them

Jadyk's still in that 'arc-focussed' form, right? We should mix things up a bit, try on some new expressions. Follow in Ruscuv's footsteps, have different forms for war, diplomacy, leadership, etc. Jadyk could probably express himself in interesting ways; he is the Abomination, after all.

>>3101141
>Have Jor meet with them at Iti'a'Ropku or another Armada location in the future

>>3101158
Jadyk is currently in his default humanoid skeletal lich form. He shed the Arc form and took his more standard default during his proclamation to Iti'a'Ropku at the Colosseum.

He also demonstrated Active Reconstruction by making himself a fleshy disguise, basically what his skeleton would look like if it was a humans skeleton rather than a manifestation of his will.
imagine an uncanny near-human sorta similar to Cumberbatch or Wiseau but slightly less uncanny than them

>>3101166
>basically what his skeleton would look like if it was a humans skeleton with muscles, blood, and flesh rather than a manifestation of his will*

>>3101141
Have Jor meet with them. Iti'a'ropku is the perfect location for the interview.
We did make Jor our ambassador for these exact situations.

Also didnt Jor suggest we should make Snake Uncle into an Immortal like the Commander?

>>3101141
Have Jor meet with them. Iti'a'ropku is the perfect location for the interview.

>>3101141
"I can respect their drive and desire to know more. It is a compulsion that fuels me," the Harbinger says with your voice then nods, "Very well. I would have Jor meet with them. Perhaps in Iti'a'Ropku so they can witness our splendor and spread it to the galaxy."

"It could present a security risk, but not any greater than by allowing the Pirates to dock and visit Horizon's Drop freely," Rosa says with a shrug.

"Exactly. I made Jor my ambassador for these situations. He was chosen for these tasks and seems to have a talent for speech," you say.

Rosa gives a small chuckle then nods, "I'll have an escort bring them to Iti'a'Ropku when you give the clearance. It would be good for us to get some positive propaganda out there."

>the reporters from Restricted Advice will be prepared for transport to Iti'a'Ropku and travel there to meet with Necromancer Jor once he returns to his duties at the city

>>3101198
Rukor's moon slowly circles the oceanic world, pulling its tides and guarding it from wayward travelers from the asteroid belt. Much like the distant Horizon's Drop its surface and subsurface was dominated by the Armada, Reconstructed buildings and ship construction pylons lifting from the surface.

Hidden beneath the surface was a temple, much like the one on of Horizon's Drops moon, where the non-existant atmosphere was charged with Arc energy. Motes of warped light drifted like dust, little free-float crackles of static bouncing or leaping off surfaces with increasing frequency the deeper and closer to the core of the temple it got.

Within the central chamber where a large sphere of spinning metal, bone, and chitin levitated in the center of the pyramidal chamber. Arclight shimmers across its form, making it hard to look at as it seems to flicker, distort and blur its silhouette due to the immense energies it regulated and produced. Originally the oversized condenser was embedded in the ground but now it floated in the air as the ground was lowered to make room for the truly large Cauldron that dominated the chamber.

Standing on its wide rim evenly spaced apart were the three Predators. Nekris gripped Blight in his lesser pair of hands, the point between his clawed feet. Eiton stood with his arms crossed, his cyclopean eye staring intently into the dry Cauldron. The newly ascended Qavun crouches down, the armored slats of her helm pulled black like a flower blossom so her eyes could stare just as fiercely into the pit.

While the Cauldron was empty of liquid biomass it was far from vacant. Tangled in a knot of unconcious flesh and scale were five Ahkam. Heavily sedated and siphoned by their Requiem guards during their transfer to the Arc Temple from the prison they were coiled together in a chaotic jumble that nearly filled the entirety of the Cauldron.

"It is time. Join me, Brother and Sister, let us impress Lord Jadyk and make ourselves a monster worthy of the Wormstar itself," Nekris says, his mandibles twisting into a wicked smile.

"Yes, let's. It is far past time the Ahkam be made to join our Order," Eiton says with obvious excitement.

"Reconstruction is merely finding the shape that best suits Lord Jadyk's whims and the mysteries of the Wormstar," Qavun chuckles darkly, "Let us see what shape awaits these pathetic worms with their ascension."

>cont

File: Arc.gif (1.53 MB, 500x500)

1.53 MB GIF

>>3101202
Grates at the bottom of the Cauldron slide open and the caustic, boiling slurry of Necrotically charged biomass begins bubbling up and swelling. Immediately the Ahkam scales begin to sizzle and soften, dissolving as the fluid level rises up. The Cauldron was only a third full when the agony of the literal acid bad served to burn through the haze of sedatives that kept the Ahkam unconscious.

They literally screamed their way to waking as they found their bodies tangled together and dissolving as they were consumed by the Cauldron. They started ot thrash out in mindless desperation but the three Arc Predators thrust their hands out, an invisible lid of telekinetic force serving to keep the Ahkam within the Cauldron as it continued to fill.

The screams of the Ahkam scraped across the Arc and into their skulls but mercy was a gift none of the three were willing to extend. These five had been selected for a higher purpose, a holy purpose and the three of them would see it enacted.

Hardening their hearts they shut out their dying screams as finally the boiling liquid reaches the rim, sloshing up across their feet from the death throes of the Ahkam. While the Ahkam still clung to agonizing life they knelt and plunged their hands beneath the surface, Nekris stabbing Blight into the fluid as well.

Arc lightning leaps from the Condenser to the surface of the Cauldrons tumultous contents, the Arc Predators concentrating as they willed the Arc and Necrotic to obey their commands. They began to peel the Ahkam apart and examine them, their minds forming a foggy unification through the shared ritual of Reconstructed with the Cauldron as their focus.

Motionless they knelt, time seeming to move by at a crawl as they wrangled with the ferocious spirits of the Arc serpents in order to make a truly terrifying weapon for the Armada.

And with that we're going to stop for the night but fear not, I find my Monday free so we'll continue more this afternoon.

Hope folks had fun, I know I did. Happenings are getting ready to happen

Well at this point i would like to propose to let Vle'Karak first speak(provided he wants to do it) with any future Ahkam Serpents prisoners before we decide to kill them. It will show that we trust him and we honestly try to "save" as many as we can from the way the Dynasties force them to think.

>>3101225
Goodnight Grave, man looking back at the previous threads is fun. Hopefully I can catch up by Monday because there were a lot of cool ideas back then that I'm not sure got pursued or not like trying to mimic obsidian born and make ships that could turn into mechs.

>>3101225
Thanks for running.

>>3101225
Brutal

File: conquering worm.jpg (70 KB, 751x1063)

70 KB JPG

>>3101166
>Fleshy disguise
Yeah, I remember that, that was pretty neato. I still think we should mix things up a bit, though. Maybe a serpentine, worm-like form to go back to our roots a bit. Jadyk seems to have grown a distaste for stagnation, after all.

...Is there any limit on the size of the form Jadyk can take? Could he go full bioship if he wanted? Would that increase his energy stores at all?

Ok roll call time, sound off

>>3104615
Ready to get started.

>>3104615
Here

>>3104615
Jawohl!

>>3104615
yo

File: Stalkers.jpg (120 KB, 1287x1000)

120 KB JPG

>>3101209
Vyi'a'Rthun stood like a gleaming beacon amid the ocean waves. The island was a living mix of natural jungles with walls of white bone and towers of dark metal or chitin rising from the canopy marking the boundaries of the city itself.

Within the city Jor found it nearly as busy as Iti'a'Ropku as ructu merchants came from across the planet to create new trade routes and opportunities for selling their wares they had brought with them. Bazaars and marketplaces cropped up along the outer plazas closest to the sprawling web of docks that spread out from the beaches. When Jor had walked them he was treated to a staggering array of foods and cuisines from across Rukor, as well as gifted numerous trinkets and pieces of art in a variety of styles unique to the seemingly countless tribes. He even wore a simple long robe with intricate geometric patterns and vibrant colors crafted by ructu weavers who had recently been experimenting with clothing accommodating the bodyshapes of other species.

In fact it wasn't uncommon to see stationed Legionnaires or even Reconstructed wearing clothing given to them by ructu locals. The traditional ructu hooded ponchos were a popular piece of clothing, easily modified for most humanoids and easy enough to wear over armor without restricting their movement too much as well as providing cover from the frequent rains. Jor had seem many Talons and Stingers wearing them, likely given and dressed by the ructu or the Legionnaires themselves.

Truly, the Reconstructed that Jor had seen being used by the ructu the most so far were the Stalkers. He saw many that were decorated with cloth or dyes, some even having their chitin engraved and carved in the same patterns that the ructu engraved in their own. He realizes it made sense, the undead derived from the deadly Krysser beasts, native predators that featured heavily in Ructu culture.

The bipedal Reconstructed were used in many aspects of Rukorian daily life serving as beasts of burden both on land and at sea. With their dexterous tails arcing over their bodies with a grasping hand at the end it was quite common to see them carrying items for a ructu or even working as a mount. Jor was told that at first it was only the young, the old, or the disabled that rode them but Stalker riding was quickly gaining popularity as a passtime, the amphibious Reconstructed capable of carrying their riders both on land or in the sea.

>cont

>>3104724
The city's population was naturally comprised mostly of ructu, many staying after being relocated there after their villages destruction or damage during the Ahkam invasion. To Jor's surprise he saw a large amount of stonestar, both visiting from Bastion and some even relocating there. They had come, encouraged by the Lavafathers belief that Bastion and Rukor should be united with the ructu and stonestar becoming closer allies. Then there were those who had moved from Iti'a'Ropku, many of them from Kanda with a decent amount of former slaves of the Ahkam Dynasty.

At first there had been some mistrust until the ructu and stonestar came to realize that most of them had been victims of the Ahkams dogma just as much as they were. They had been reminded by a ructu and stonestar who had returned from Iti'a'Ropku a fully fledged Necromancer that Vyi'a'Rthun as called the "Isle of Salvation" and that the Wormstar would not deny it to any who sought it.

Now he walked under the clear, beautiful waters that surrounded the island. Trailed by a group of locals they walked slowly, letting Jor enjoy the sights of the ocean and native life that swarmed around the glass tunnels and domes that twisted along the bottom. He pauses, watching as a school of squid darts past, a finned Talon chasing after with snapping jaws.

Further out he sees several other Talons walking and swimming between the reefs with ructu divers wearing Cauldron-forged breathing gear, searching and plucking promising shellfish from crevices and collecting bundles of edible plants. Until the Armadas arrival ructu diving technology was reliant on primitive diving bells of stone-weighted bells of carved wood, but now they freely were able to explore the oceans in ways they had never been capable of.

"Our exploration of mother Rukor is not yet as finished as we thought," came the amused voice of the ructu elder as she sat on the back of an intricately decorated Stalker that kept pace with the human.

"Oceans always have secrets, even on the most populated worlds," he says with a smile as he looks back to her. She was an elderly ructu, one of the oldest Jor had seen.

She makes a wistful click of her mandibles, "Oh to be able to sail the seas of distant worlds under strange stars."

"That time is fast approaching," Jor says, looking back out toward the ocean, his real hand clasped in his Reconstructed behind his back, "Did you know that this sector of space was called the frontier? Horizon's Drop was the furthest colony toward the 'wild' sectors. I think the time of ructu exploration is soon to begin a renaissance, my friend."

Her mandibles click and rub into a ructu gesture similar to a smile, her remaining eyestalk tilting at an excited angle, "We have much to discuss, First Necromancer."

"Indeed we do," Jor replies, thinking to the report the Deep Rot had fed him earlier that day stating that a new crop of elemental potentials had been screened and discovered within Vyi'a'Rthun.

>>3104728
The sounds of snarling, groans and fists pounding against metal was muffled but not muted by the sealed emergency bulkhead as Arbiter Sur-Quro and her team takes a small rest in a sealed off section of corridor. Atmospherics was active in the section, the vents starting to circulate air finally now that Voidsinger Porsa and her team had reactivated them, Legionnaires and Pirates removing their helms and opening up portions of their armor to breath in the stale but freshening air.

Others took the chance to eat some rations though many had found their appetites lacking after the gruesome journey. Whether they were resting or eating each one of them inspected their weapons and the seals on their armors to ensure their integrity still. Captain Troma himself sat with a few pirates, helping tune up their weapons and sort through ammo, the captain loathe to let subordinates do what he easily could as well.

Sur-Quro was seated on her Sunthrower, absent-mindedly eating a bar of compressed rukorian squid and fleshfruit, one of the popular Legion rations for carnivorous species, as her Spinal Tap symbiot psychically fed her intel regarding the other teams.

By now Arbiter Vurnu and their team had secured the hospital in the Botanical ward, reinforcement Reconstructed fighting through to begin transporting medical supplies to them and establishing it as a base in the city. Reports of fires in the ward were lessening as the activated firefighter drones and systems worked tirelessly and atmospherics were repaired thanks to the efforts of a highly stressed out tech and demi-Think Tank team.

All that left was the Docks Ward, where the outbreak had occurred. They were partially there, the AI housed in the old droid urging them to investigate the source. Not to mention Gargoyles in the vents had detected ghouls retreated from their approach and grouping up further in with potential sightings of the new one-armed cybernetic undead guiding them.

There was also a notice from Arbiter Vurnu, stating that the Cactacae on their team reported that Collective reinforcements, supposed a single treeship, was nearing their location and would be ready to provide what aid they can.

Her trance was broken as Necromancer Quikka approaches, the yuyut looking up, "Anything intriguing to report?" she asks while wiping her lips with the back of her hand.

The netu telekinetically held the severed forearm of the cyborg that the Solar Warden had retrieved, the piece of metal and flesh rotating slowly, "Intriguing. Yes. I have examined it with the demi-Think Tanks and taken samples of what flesh there is. The alloys appear to be of Confederate make. The tissue sample appears to be human in origin. However, neither I nor the demi-Think Tank have detected the presence of Blight Hunger pathogen in it."

>cont

>>3104829
"Could the Warden's flames burned it away?" Sur-Quro asks as she starts to reseal her armor, the plating linking together as muscle strands extend to intertwine and tense to pull the armor closed again.

"Potentially," Quikka says, "There was heavy Necrotic corruption to the DNA, so it may not be a physical pathogen causing the reanimation. Could be a ritual reanimation or some other method. There is truly a staggering amount of ways for undead to reanimate and I cannot be certain without having a proper, intact subject," the netu speaks with a clinical professionalism, the Arbiter wondering if she had been a doctor on her ship before joining the Armada.

Instead she says, "I too would like to get my claws on them. Them and whoever was giving their orders over the comms."

"As would I," came the static filled voice, the red plated droid approaching with clanking steps, "I would gladly activate vengeance subroutines, if I had any, should we capture whoever is responsible for harming me this way."

The yuyut looks into the singular lens that seemed to serve as its eye, the Arbiter still not fully trusting of the AI but unable to deny how helpful it had been, "Would you know why this happened?"

The droid is silent for a few moments before a pop of static crackles out, "Barqalan is quite old. There are many secrets that could be uncovered. Many that I do not know myself. We are no where near as old as Barqalan itself, my creation dated post-Scouring."

"It could be a test run, to see if the Blight Hunger is viable as a bioweapon to be used," Quikka says with a glance toward the droid, "I'm afraid it appears to be quite effective."

"Annoyingly so," the droid says, its emotionless voice seeming to try its best to express its frustration.

It was Captain Troma who joined them next, his armor and helm replaced, weapons readied and holstered, "What is the next move then, Arbiter? I also want my revenge on the monster who unleashed this but I know saving the city takes priority."

Lifting up her helm the muscle strands in the lining link up with those of the neck and seal the helm with a pressurized hiss, the featureless bone mask meant to evoke Valresko's own visage. Standing she hefts her Sunthrower and her armors armature reaches out to grab it and pull it against her back, "I say we hunt down this undead bastard and whatever wanna-be Necromancer controlling them."

Arbiter Sur-Quro and her team are on the hunt for the supposed mastermind behind the Barqalan outbreak. Where should they focus their attention in the Docks Ward?
>Investigate the Pirate ship that initially carried the infected undead from Refuge
>Investigate the strange pod recovered at the time of the outbreak, it should still be in its recovery hangar
>Attempt to track down the cyborg undead and either capture it or follow it
>Other (Write-in)

>>3104830
>Other (Write-in)
Suppose this is a weapons test, they would need to observe and record what happens in the station, where could they do that without getting attack by the undead?

>>3104830
>>Investigate the strange pod recovered at the time of the outbreak, it should still be in its recovery hangar
It is probably stationary and provides most answers. Beware of traps though. They might know we want to know more about them.

>>3104830
>Investigate the Pirate ship that initially carried the infected undead from Refuge
While a couple members break off to
>Investigate the strange pod recovered at the time of the outbreak, it should still be in its recovery hangar

>>3104830
>Investigate the Pirate ship that initially carried the infected undead from Refuge
While a couple members break off to
>Investigate the strange pod recovered at the time of the outbreak, it should still be in its recovery hangar

>>3104830
Have gargoyles dedicated to tracking that cyborg. They're the key

>>3104830
"Suppose this is a weapons test, they would need to observe and record what happens in the station, where could they do that without getting attacked by the undead?" Troma asks, looking to the droid.

"Likely the main security node for the Docks Ward. However, this frame was able to access a remote camera located in the chamber. It is overrun with undead with no sign of the targets," the droid drones.

"Perhaps we should secure it," Quikka suggests, still holding the mangled limb above her palm.

"If I could finish," the droid crackles, "It also appears that the systems there were sabotaged. Consoles smashed and components torn out. It resembles the time a citizen experimented on the gremlins and induced a population explosion three and a half decades ago. Very messy and troublesome."

The others pause to glance at the droid, its lens flicking between them before Sur-Quro finally speaks, "I want to inspect both the pod and the ship the undead rode in on. Either might have some clue. We're going to have to split up though, some will go to the ship, the rest toward the pod."

"There are less undead concentrated in this ward, but I've noticed a higher percentage of ghouls to the shamblers the further we get. The docks were the source of the outbreak so they will be the oldest and so the most mutated," Necromancer Quikka says, finally grasping the forearm.

"Just means less of the swarms for them to hide behind," Troma says.

Arbiter Sur-Quro rises up to her full height and her voice calls out drawing the attention of those around, "Alright, get ready to march, we've got two locations to investigate and a lot of hungry, pissed off corpses between us and there. Double check your gear because I'm not sure when the next time we'll stop. We're getting closer to our goal, fight on!" she shouts, thumping her fist to her chest in a salute that's copied by the Legionnaires and most of the pirates before they quickly begin sealing up their own armors and ensuring they carried enough ammo.

"Arbiter Huor, I'm placing you in command in my absence," Sur-Quro says.

The osjiic gives another sharp salute, "Yes, Arbiter. I will protect them with my life."

>Majority of the team led by Arbiter Huor will move to investigate the pirate ship
>A smaller squad led by Arbiter Sur-Quro will go to investigate the strange pod
>Gargoyles will attempt to track the cyborg if possible

Roll me 3d100 best of first three please

Rolled 81, 23, 8 = 112 (3d100)

>>3104965

Rolled 46, 43, 65 = 154 (3d100)

>>3104965

Rolled 96, 84, 96 = 276 (3d100)

>>3104965

Rolled 35, 2, 32 = 69 (3d100)

>>3104965

>>3104965
>It also appears that the systems there were sabotaged. Consoles smashed and components torn out.
I am more incline to believe that this wasn't a simple outbreak of the refuge plague but an engineer event.

File: 1373338480370.jpg (15 KB, 420x300)

15 KB JPG

>>3104998

File: ARE YOU READY.jpg (131 KB, 891x663)

131 KB JPG

>>3104998

>>3104998

That'll do pig.

That'll do.

>>3104998
That is one of the most beautiful trio of rolls I've ever seen.

>>3104965
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlHnlMg5Ab8

Lining up at the bulkhead with Sur-Quro and Huor stationed at the forefront the demi-Think Tank chirps a coutdown as the sealed gate creaks then rumbles as it slides open. Hands stretch into the gap, swinging and groping with the zombies on the other side groaning with hunger but their groans turned into screams of panic and pain as both Arbiters filled the gap with Solar fire. Trying to rush back as they caught fire Quikka steps forward and swings her staff horizontally, a telekinetic buffer sending the undead scattering head over heel. Disoriented it let the group step forward with the Arbiters and Wardens at the lead to knock back or put down any of the panicked undead that staggered toward them.

Wasting no time and not wishing for the ghouls to launch an ambush they rushed forward, the Arbiters and Wardens more focused on parting the groups of undead before them than putting them down. Getting bogged down trying to kill every undead that came after them would only give the ghouls more of a chance to set up more elaborate ambushes or gather more zombies to their location.

Ahead of them Gargoyles kept up their scouting tasks, but the majority of them were ordered to spread out by the yuyut. The flatbody Gargoyles slithered and crept through air ducts or scurried along the ceiling and walls, hiding with their color and shapeshifting flesh whenever a ghoul would start sniffing around them. They searched for the strange cyborg, some following small packs of ghouls while others explore new areas undiscovered or hidden.

Sur-Quro and the group had paused within a chamber that looked to be the former hangar for what might've been a cruiser at one time now serving as a hub of pathways. They had to hunker down behind stacks of crates that had been left behind as the swarm of undead that had congregated in the chamber, once looking to be a minor stop-off point for incoming cargo, attempted to get past the blazing spheres of Solar energy that Sur-Quro, Huor and the stonestar Klinnik threw out toward them as well as the shields and weapons of the others. At the Arbiter and Captains commands they had switched to mostly using melee and flenser weapons to conserve their rapidly dwindling ammo supplies.

Ghouls could be seen lurking in the back, ducking out of the way of bolts of energy and potshots taken by the living but they seemed less than eager to charge in to the fire. Sur-Quro was unleashing a sheet energy from her gauntlets palm that ignites into flames to consume a lumbering osjiic zombie. Huor charged in, bashing the flaming undead back with her scorched shield and swinging her flail to pulp its skull with a sickening sound, the corpse not even fallen to the floor by the time she was already attacking another undead that had drawn too close.

"Ah! Arbiter, a development!" came Quikka's shout, the Necromancer standing back with one of the demi-Think Tanks.

>cont

>>3105255
Already Sur-Quro could feel the alarm through her symbiot as she pulls back from the line letting Klinnik step up to take her spot. Rushing over she moves rapidly on her knuckles, "Report."

"Better take a look yourself," the netu says and Sur-Quro feels a mental tug.

Closing her eyes her vision was replaced with the somewhat blurry sight of a Gargoyle, the transition between undead and living minds causing some of the detail to be lost but its hearing was more than keen enough. The undead was coiled up in the piping along the ceiling, hiding in a chamber that had frost shards floating in the low gravity, a generator failing somewhere nearby. It peeked around a pipe and stared at the figures beneath it.

Clinging to the ground by the talons of one foot was the cyborg, its remaining hand holding a tool or device they were tinkering with the stump of their mangled elbow where it had been hacked off to escape the jaws of the Warden. It let it go and grabbed another tool that had been floating within reach, a hissing sound and smell of burning flesh drifting away with the smoke. Around it, floating and hissing softly among themselves, was a large number of ghouls carrying weapons and significantly progressed in the Blight Hunger mutations.

It speak suddenly, growling out, "Armada squadron moving faster than expected. Currently holed up in one of the main intersections for the Ward."

A distorted electronic voice crackles from the device floating near to it, a faint blue light flickering with the voice, "Their current trajectory shows them nearing the initial outbreak site. That AI of theirs is proving troublesome."

"What if they investigate the pod or the ship?" it asks, switching for another tool.

"If they attempt to access the pod, the failsafe will detonate it. Don't need them snooping around it. If they get to the ship there's not much we can do beyond have those we left behind scrub what evidence there may be. As long as they don't discover our true target, the plan is proceeding within acceptable parameters," the voice crackles then pauses for a moment, "Regroup with the other then join me at the target. We need to get past the security protocol and get in before we are discovered."

>cont

>>3105257
"Affirmative," the cyborg croaks, reaching out to flick the device off. They gesture to a nearby netu ghoul who pushes off a frost coated wall to approach them. With a sharp nod from the cyborg the netu stretches out their arm. The blade slides from the ghouls remaining forearm and quickly slices the limb off just above the elbow sending a splatter of caustic blood spinning in the low gravity. The ghoul just pulls back, unmindful of its lost limb. However the cyborg snatches the severed limb and mashes their own stump against the arms, the acidic blood hissing in contact. The cyborg merely begins to methodically use the tools on the joining until finally the arm twitches and begins to move as if it was their very own arm rather than an oversized transplant from a ghoul.

Shaking her head from the vision Sur-Quro looks to Quikka, the netu giving a sharp nod, "We need to follow that cyborg. This outbreak is a distraction. A small squad would be able to follow them to whoever their meeting with."

"You're right, but we still need to investigate the ship and the pod too," the Arbiter says, frowning under her featureless helm in thought.

>The group is making good progress toward their targets of the ship and pod hangar, the group ready to split up for it
>Gargoyles have managed to locate and are attempting to keep track of the cyborg moving back further in toward the center of the city again

What should Sur-Quro command?
>Stick to the current plan, don't split up any further
>Go after the cyborg and attempt to uncover who they are working with
>Other (write-in)

>>3105259
Sur-quro and Quukka take a demi-thi k tank and tech and follow the cyborg. This chance is too important to let pass

What the hell are they actually after?

>>3105259
>Other
Send the group that was going after the pod after the cyborg instead. Apparently the getting at the pod will have to wait until we've disarmed whatever booby trap they've set up, so we might as well leave that for now.

>>3105259
>Go after the cyborg and attempt to uncover who they are working with
We dont know if there mission is search and destroy or recovery, and if its the latter, it may be either physical or digital. The AI could prove very useful in stalling them for as long as possible.
As for the pod and ship, we must approach the ship stealthily so they dont scrub it, and the pod must be treated with precision so as not to destroy it.
So in summation, have AI stall the enemy while we transplant some of our forces from the larger group and have them follow them in a parallel manner/moving in the same direction, but in a not so obvious manner so their lookout ghouls wont warn them. The rest of our guys just now need to walk on egg shells.

>>3105259
>>Go after the cyborg and attempt to uncover who they are working with
We need to stop them whatever their objective.
>Other (write-in)
We should communicate with the a senior pirate and the AI about the situation to identify their true objective.

>>3105278
>it may be either physical or digital.
Its likely physical since they converging on their target to "get past the security protocol and get in", if it were digital in nature they would not need to concentrate their teams in one specific area. Also we know that there are at least three groups in the station since the cyborg was instructed to "Regroup with the other then join me".

I am also worry about their means extraction, they don't see concern by our ships or the possibility of a blockade which means they are confident they can sneak out or shoot their way out.

>>3105277
Yeah a good plan. I'd rather send surquro and a small, quick squad after the cyborg rather than the pod

>>3105259
(sorry for the delay. Coyotes were upsetting the animals and wouldn't leave)

Plan looking to be
>Send Sur-Quro to track the cyborg
>Arbiter Huor will continue the plan to reach and secure the pirate vessel before evidence can be erased

Do you still wish to investigate the pod or leave it alone for now
>Investigate
>Leave alone
>Other (write-in)

For Sur-Quro's new task, how many should accompany her?
>Write-in

>>3105431
>>Send Sur-Quro to track the cyborg
>Leave alone
>Write-in
Twice the number of ghouls the cyborg had otherwise they will get outnumber too badly by the other two groups.

>>3105431
>Leave alone
I'd be fine with cautiously investigating the pod and disabling the failsafe boobytrap if we weren't pressed for time. They're already actively trying to distract us with the zombies.

>>3105431
Send some men to continue to the pod, but only investigate it with minimal access and attempt to find the explosive. If unable to, fallback and support the ship group.
Sur-Quro needs enough troops to make them a fighting force, but not so much as to draw attention. I recommend two groups, with her leading one of around 5, maybe a few more, and the other group can have a few more then that, but they are to pretend to be heading somewhere near where the enemy is headed, but to remain on standby if they are needed to assist in some way.

>>3105431
>>Send Sur-Quro to track the cyborg
>Leave alone
>Send a message to any reinforcements and officers about a possible bomb in the pods

>>3105431
Send gargoyles to the pod or have the stonestar arbiter take over for surquro

Have Quikka, some Wardens and a few legionnaires so they can move quick and quiet. Time for then to channel their inner operators.
I also feel more comfortable having a Necromancer for this since the cyberghoul is such an unknown factor

>>3105431
Thinking to herself in frustrated silence for several long moments while Quikka quickly explains the situation to Troma and the droid. Sur-Quro finally says over the comms to include the others, "Alright slight change of plans. Quikka, you and I are going after that fucker with some Wardens and Legionnaires, we need to be fast and quiet," the netu gives a sharp nod.

"Arbiter Huor you are to continue your task. New intel says there will be saboteurs there who will attempt to erase evidence of their crimes. Get there fast and prevent that," Sur-Quro says as she starts motioning to a pair of Wardens and a handful of Legionnaires.

"Affirmative. I won't give them the chance," the osjiic says as she throws a human zombie into a handful of others with only her free hand.

"Klinnik, you're to take over for me and investigate the pod. Intel suggests it's rigged to a trap so keep your distance if it seems too troublesome. We can send for Reconstructed to tamper with it later if we secure the hangar," she continues and the stonestar gives a rapid clatter of affirmation.

"What about us?" Troma asks, nodding to the droid that approaches the yuyut.

"This frame is not stealth inclined so it would be poor strategy to take me with you. However, stay in contact. I must know why they did this to me," the droid drones out, the lens light growing intenser.

"Stay with Huor's group. You would know best how to deal with that ship," the Arbiter says, looking out at the gathered group before shouting, "You have your objectives, move out!"

At her shout Huor and Klinniks charge forward with their squads in their wake, scattering the zombies and ghouls with their radiant flames like leaves before a fierce wind.

Sur-Quro secures her flail to her pack and nods to the Necromancer, "Let's hope this isn't a bad idea."

"In the absence of good ideas, bad ideas will have to suffice," the netu says as they turn and begin heading back they way they had come, a demi-Think Tank floating with them directing toward a stairwell leading to a lower level.

"Heh. Y'know that's not very encouraging," the yuyut says as she starts to run forward, galloping on her knuckles as the rest of the squad picks up their speed to match.

Roll me 1d100 best of first 3 please
(Arbiters Klinnik and Huor will continue to use their previous rolls)

Rolled 92 (1d100)

>>3105559

Rolled 8 (1d100)

>>3105559

Rolled 33 (1d100)

>>3105559

>>3105564
Just some excellent rolls tonight

>>3105584
Good.I want to know who is behind this and how they did it. Its most likely the Confederates, as they are the only ones who have necro tech like this(cyborg zombies) and I want to know the extent of their research. If we can prove they did this, then Jor's interview will become much more interesting. We wont be able to prove that their government is behind it(they might not even be), but they will at least get egg on their face if some one has bee using their shit to commit shit like this.

File: 1375665305636.jpg (129 KB, 578x553)

129 KB JPG

>>3105564

>>3105584
About time.

>>3105559
If the ship and pod are in recovery hangars, wouldn't that mean they'd be accessible from the outside? Could just have the squads open the hangars so Coffins outside can swoop in

File: solar arbiter osjiic.jpg (267 KB, 2000x2600)

267 KB JPG

>>3105559
Arbiter Huor had been a shieldbearer when she was a part of the Empire, one of the soldiers meant to provide moving cover for their comrades or be the one to get up close to an enemy and beat them down. It was considered a primitive and brutish role and simplistic strategy by many enemies. However, the Armada knew better, it adapted and improved upon the technique, knowing it had it's purpose.

Huor considered herself a simple osjiic. She was a shieldbearer, a brick in the immovable wall. Or she had been.

Before the Armada. Before Valresko, before the flames.

Before the Solar.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6BbvCC0VI0

Radiant energies burned across her shield, igniting into a sheen of roiling flames illuminating her path as she charges full sprint down the corridor. She did not slow, not even as zombies and ghouls too slow to avoid her charge bounce off the shield, bodily thrown into walls or other undead with flames licking at their bodies, or being trampled under her heavy boots.

A heavily mutated netu ghoul charges at her, nearly as large as she was, but as it tried to tackle the shield from her grasp she swung it with a shout and crushes them against the corridor wall. The blow left a crushed mess of chitin and gore as she was already charging past, the caustic blood being incinerated off the shield as she kept her charge.

Her flail burned with the same energies, a sphere of flame suspended off its end as she bashes down ghouls that leapt for her, a mere touch of the cudgel leaving ravenous flames to crawl across undead flesh like kindling. Spitefires in her armors forearm spat streamers of searing orange flame down passing halls and corridors to splatter like napalm across the forms of undead rushing to cut them off.

Behind the Wardens followed, the Reconstructed created by Valresko to serve as conduits of his judgement and they strived to embody that charge. They stood guard over the living who ran behind the charging giant of an osjiic, the Legionnaires and Pirates having very little to do as they followed her burning wake.

Arbiter Huor was no longer a piece of an immovable wall, she realizes as her booming laughter reveals her unbridled joy. To feel the crunch of bones beneath her feet, to reduce the unclean to cinders before her, to experience the exhilarating rush of the burning bliss of the Solar flowing through her, even as her flesh darkens and hardens beneath her gauntlets.

Arbiter Huor knew what it was to be unstoppable.

>cont

>>3105717
The rush of the Solar was not unknown to Sur-Quro either, the very first of the Armada's Arbiters she knew more about the Solar than any of the living under Jadyk's banner. It raged like a searing furnace inside her heart, her very soul and what bliss it was to let that inferno rage through her.

A torrent of flames roars from her palm, burning away the face and torso of an unfortunate kesh that stagger and fell at her feet, the gauntlet swinging to bring the beam of radiant energy to bear on another undead. The flames cut out as she swings the fist around, the oversized gauntlet snapping the neck of a human ghoul that tried charging from her side before she grabs it and throws it into another charging at her. Another ghoul tackles her side but she was too sturdy for the vorh to take her down, instead grasping it by the tattered jumpsuit it wore she drove the featureless mask of her helm into its head once, twice, then a third time as the skull was rendered concave.

Quikka moves with a grace that was strange for a netu her size, her thin but powerfully muscled limbs allowing her to swing the reaver staff with crushing strength. Her shardspitter chatters, sending a burst of flechettes to tear off the side of an epikors face before a telekinetic shove sends it careening into several others charging at her. The netu leaps into the air, the bloodied point of her staff piercing the skull of one of the down ghouls before her feet touched the ground just long enough to leap again.

Only a few moments and the ambush of ghouls had been dealt with, the rest of the squad hardly having to do more than silence those still on flames and moving. There was no time to rest however as the Gargoyle indicates the cyborgs changing direction, sending them deeper into the citys depths.

The halls were old, moisture dripping from pipes and the walls with puddles clinging to the walls or floors by surface tension where the gravity generators were weak or spotty. The further they moved they noticed less zombies and more of the ghouls but few actually had any weapons beyond the occasional blade or club they seemed to naturally pick up. It hadn't been uncommon to see lingering ghouls still on Junkyard using weapons made out of scrap.

Following the guidance of the Gargoyles they were thankfully managing to avoid most of the undead, except for the occasional ambush by some particularly crafty ghouls. Several times the Gargoyles tracking the cyborg worriedly report they lost sight of them before picking up their trail once more, following the nimble ghouls from a distance. Sur-Quro had no desire to let them know they were following, not when they were going to lead them to the mastermind behind this disaster.

>cont

>>3105719
Arbiter Klinnik was quite familiar with heat and flames. They came from a world where those were the norm, where molten rock was a technology and boon. So too were they familiar with cramped halls and enclosed corridors, much of a native stonestars life spent underground. They swung from limb to limb, the clawed fingers at the end of each armored limb gripping and propelling them forward as they open fire with their spitefires.

A pair of stingwhips lash out, spearing a bulky kosdas shoulder and the floor beside it. The kosda ghoul pulls back against the tug as Klinnik yanks themself forward using the undead and ground as anchors as another limb lashes out, a hardlight blade forming just in time to slice the head of the ghoul that had been running next to the kosda. THey used the momentum as their claws sank into the ghouls shoulder, spinning them up onto their back where two more hardlight blades flicker on to spear down into the torso before a twist removes the head and a portion of its spinal column like a chef pulling the seeds from a gourd.

They spin through the air, lashing out with two limb to club a ghoul already aflame tossed their way by a Warden, the heavy limbs shattering the vorhs delicate chitin and leaving them a twitching mess on the ground by the time they were already pouncing on another ghoul. From three of their limbs flames roared out, igniting the ghouls that tried to crowd them.

Klinnik found the conflicts to be an excellent exercise, finding life as an Arbiter dull up until this point compared to their old life, before their foolish decision to worship the Ahkam and their banishment to Iti'a'Ropku. They had fought for a false god before, but now they knew they fought for true divinity now, even if the Lavafather had cast them out. They fought for Lord Jadyk, the undead demigod who had saved them from execution and deemed fit to grant them salvation.

Arbiter Klinnik was familiar with heat and flames. Born on a world of steam and magma their soul now burned with a righteous fury that they would use to sear away those who dared oppose the holy mission of Jadyk. They would become His fires of judgement.

>>3105724
Alright so I think I should call it here for the night. Thread will continue either later this afternoon or on Thursday. We'll be picking here and seeing just what the Predators are making in their oversized soup-pot

Hope folks had fun, I know I did. I really have a lot of fun writing about these aliens working hard to be heroes

Even if little actually happened this is basically leading to the endgame of this whole disaster.

I'll be up for a little bit longer if folks have suggestions or questions that aren't too spoiler heavy.

>>3105734
Augh how long is this gonna drag out? So many cliffhangers man

File: 1395976894578.gif (814 KB, 300x225)

814 KB GIF

>>3105717

>>3105734
Thanks for running. I'm loving the mental images you're painting of our guys, like Arbiter Huor.

File: Arkahm soup.png (1.97 MB, 1706x1258)

1.97 MB PNG

>>3105734
Thanks for running Grave


>We'll be picking here and seeing just what the Predators are making in their oversized soup-pot

"Can you smell what the Predators are cooking"

>>3106040
I can, It smells like judgement. Served With a side of Arc.

>>3105734
Only question i really have is "How did the old armada make necrotic/void hybrids."

Because i am thinking of ways those guys could naturally occur, but other than being an undead or "awoken" and learning to siphon energies, I am not seeing many ways to do it.

>>3106040
brutal

>>3106120
I believe I remember Jadyk remembering that him and Ghul discussed doing something like that, but nothing came of it.That, or they may have been referring to fusing void and the reconstructed(instead of the general Necrotic).

File: The Arc Connects.png (1.1 MB, 1280x720)

1.1 MB PNG

>>3105724
Time had seemed to slow to a crawl for the Arc Predators in their conjoined ritual. The thrashing of the Ahkam had ceased long ago, as they had ceased being Ahkam. Now it was a massive coiled lump of solidifying chitin, bone, and metal, Arclight flashing beneath the dark surface of the cauldron, showing that the nearly black liquid was actually an incredibly deep green much like the sickly green of the Necrotic.

Finally Eiton yanks his hands back with a hiss, followed by Qavun, both of their hands dissolved down to the muscle and bone. Nekris was the last, pulling all four hands free with Blight, the weapon untarnished in comparison to the hands holding it.

"Is it done?" Qavun asks showing her inexperience at Reconstruction while inspecting her hands where the muscle and chitin was reknitting itself before her eyes, her regenerative abilities enhanced by the Arc radiations of the Temple.

"Nearly. Now its mind must settle into its new body. Much like your Reconstruction into a Disciple," Nekris says while sheathing the blade at his back.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RgcU_AZ3vI

They did not have to wait long though for as soon as he spoke the creature within the Cauldron shifts suddenly, liquid biomass sloshing over the sides. The Predators quickly jump off and back from the Cauldron as it began to quake, the metal of it creaking and groaning as the figure inside tried to stretch out or scraped against it.

"Maybe we didn't make the Cauldron big enough..." Eiton says contemplatively as his crimson eye stares intently.

The surface of the Cauldron thrashes as the entity within began to fully awaken until suddenly a clawed hand nearly as large as Qavun emerges and grips the edge, denting it with its grip with the creaking of metal. They watch as a dent appears in the shell of the Cauldron, then another and another as the beast tries to break itself free.

Finally with a spray of fluid another set of talons pierce through the side and with a shriek of tearing metal the Cauldron bursts open like an over-ripe melon with a blinding flash of Arclight.

Tearing itself free of its cocoon was a colossal figure, a pair of large limbs pushing the pieces of the Cauldron away from itself while Arc lightning crackles across scale-plates of deep, dark indigo. It lifts itself upright, finally able to stretch free from the Cauldron. It dragged its 'torso' along the ground, a thick singular tail of segmented armor coiling and lashing with a brutal tangle of tail-blades like several Ahkams conjoined together. From it's 'shoulders' a single trunklike neck lifts a broad hood of armored bladed scales that nearly blocks out the sphere of the Temples Condenser above it.

>cont

File: Skevik.png (1.89 MB, 1280x1012)

1.89 MB PNG

>>3108832
Its head sways from side to side, much like the Ahkam it was created from as it turns the bright crimson eyes on either side of its wide head underneath the hood to inspect the Predators who stood around it. Displeased it could not focus on them all at once it hisses, the sound like pressurized starship fuel escaping from a breach moments before detonation.

With a sound like tearing flesh the single neck of the titan begins to peel apart starting with the head. Two more heads emerge as they tear free from underneath the hood, each possessing the single eye on the sides of their newly formed heads. Each turns to watch a Predator as the large Reconstructed coils its thick tail around it, the bladed cluster starting to split and peel down the middle as well until two wickedly barbed and bladed tails flick independently of each other. It stood there on its heavily armored and large claws amid the ruins of the Cauldron like some hatchling breaking free of its egg. Arc energy crackles across its form, the light warping around it from the immense energies it contained within, almost seeming to twitch and blur around its silhouette even at rest.

Nekris steps forward, all four hands outstretched in greeting, "Hear me now," he calls and all three heads rapidly shift to stare at him, "This is our holy Temple of the Arc, a testament to our connection with it."

Eiton raises his voice next, "You were created from the the flesh, bone, and blood of false gods," one of the eye possessing heads darts to stare at him, "To prove that they were weak and foolish."

"You are going to be one of their greatest nightmares," Qavun calls out meeting the stare of the other eye without flinching, "You are going to slaughter so many in the name of the Armada and Lord Jadyk."

It hisses again from each head before a voice that they feel more than hear. reverberating in the Arc, speaks from each fang filled maw that crackles with indigo light, "We... are... Skeviks. We are... ravenousss..."

Nekris' manibles twist into a cruel grin, "Under us and Lord Jadyk, you shall feast, dear Skeviks. You shall feast soon."

This seems to please the hydra-like Reconstructed as it's three heads become one and its tail seals itself back into a single twisting length.

Qavun looks over to the doors of the Temple, "Now how are we going to get them out?"

>Arc Hydra Skeviks has been Reconstructed and hungers for war!

>>3108834
>>3108832
Eiton is funny......Skevik is less so.

>>3108834
>"We... are... Skeviks. We are... ravenousss..."
What have we created?

>>3108937
Arkham fear. that is what we have made.

And suggestion, We meditate on the Mask in our chest.

>>3108834
>>3108832
Bad. Ass.

>>3108937
We've made a good boy we will just have to remind the Predators that a pet is a big responsibility and they will need to remember to take it out to play regularly

Can we design a large chewable arc font for it to play with when it's bored?

Idea; since Zekrul is just starting out he can't oblige his tithe of ships for the war effort, but he can send us more of his burning skeleton units like the Envoy. Or have the Envoy join the fight himself

>>3108834
Ok so my computer crashed and for some reason now won't connect to to my wifi.

Thread on hold while I try to figure this out

>>3109200
Looks like the ghoul's sabotaging more than just the space station

>>3109200
>I bet the Masked did this.png

>>3108832
Interesting song choice