>>5926688
You are Otto Heinrich, firstborn son of Albin Heinrich, second Emperor of his line, and Warmaster of the Eternal Empire. Though your proudest accomplishments lay stiff or ashen on the battlefield, you are the imperial heir and it is your destiny to be crowned third Emperor.

Your entire life, you have held a deep, abiding appreciation for war. Not the craft, the logistics, stratagems, and intellect that goes into making conflict possible, but the art. The swinging of blades, pulling of triggers, and the wetness on your brow you aren’t sure is blood or sweat. The noise and adrenaline, the onus on you to do-or-die. That is the war you so appreciate.

It isn’t that you crave violence, in and of itself.

Rather, you are very, very good at the most blunt and straightforward type of it. Thus, you see no reason not to seek out chances to use your talents. Some are prone to anger, frenzied mania. Some are eerily calm, quiet. You are neither. You are good at fighting, so you enjoy fighting. By your reckoning, the best form of fighting is that without boundaries, the killing. It’s simple. You are good at killing, so you enjoy killing.

If you left to your own devices, you may have become a brute indistinguishable from any other but your father, in an uncharacteristic show of wisdom, sent you to House Arthen, where you spent your youth. Their knights drilled you until you bled, then until your fingers were black and could no longer move. Again and again. The trials were endless, but as they told you, this was the least important part of their training.

As a child, you little understood what they meant, but you see the worth in their words now. The stories of martial valour, the pitched discussion over the merest minutiae of bygone wars, even the study of historical soldiers and the way their lives were lived. Hours spent at the ancient Lughan’s side, as he wheezed about the struggles of his grandfather’s grandfather's grandfather. Days of reading and rereading the same scroll so that a nameless minor skirmish was committed to memory.

These each brought you closer to your ancestors, no matter how trivial they seemed at the time. It showed you that you carry the legacy of your forefathers on your shoulders and so, you must fight for their sake. A battle won without honour is a stain on your ancestry, not to be taken lightly. An oath, broken once sworn, is an abomination, fit to see your name stricken from the records. This deep martial tradition was engraved into the recesses of your soul, and it is this you carry onto the throne on Mars.

Your father, Albin, has been Emperor for so very long. You mull over some of the last words you exchanged before the incident, and the time before then.

>Albin Interlude
>https://pastebin.com/5pujesRN
>Otto Interlude
>https://pastebin.com/P6DsX2kc

>>5926690
You can no longer feel anything below the gaping hole where your nose once was, as your face is gone. In its place sits a silver mask and below, a feeble, near-civilian respirator affixed to the remains of your upper jaw. Many would have a grudge for the mutilation. You don’t. The rebel responsible, an avowed fighter of the Tripartite Entente, formerly a knight of House De Croize, got the worse end of it- you crushed his windpipe and slammed his skull into the ship’s walls until there was little bone left to hold shape and your men dragged you off of the body.

Besides, your feelings on House De Croize have softened immeasurably in the decade since. Your wife, Jeanne, once a De Croize, has shown you that there’s so much more of value to life than ending it, and by fate, given you no less than six, strong sons. By every account, you have lived a full and eventful life. Even so, it has only just begun.

You focus on the royal ceremony. Your uniform is in immaculate condition, your mask has been affixed, and unlike the previous coronation, your father was able to attend in the audience. The final proclamation begins, as the speaker shouts to an audience of billions.

“THUS! Humanity shall endure ETERNAL in the memory of old Earth, under one EMPIRE!”

Resisting the urge to draw your sword in assent, you step forward and kneel to the imperial throne.

“With the AUTHORITY vested in these hands by ANCIENT WISDOM, this voice declares a NEW EMPEROR!”

You bow your head as he receives the crown, and clench your fist as he places its heavy weight on your brow.

“EMPEROR OTTO HEINRICH, THIRD OF HIS BLOOD!”

He roars with passion for the throne, such that few could match his zeal, and fewer still would try.

“ALL HAIL! HAIL to the Emperor! HAIL to the Heinrich line!”

The gathered aristocrats, some effete, some worthy of the name, echo his words.

“Arise, EMPEROR, and assume the THRONE!”

You stand and march the short distance. Even with your misgivings, you’re awed by the weight of its majesty. If you still had your jaw, it would be dropping. As is, you have no recourse but to go on. You turn and lower yourself onto the throne. The masses, now your responsibility, watch in silence. The speaker concludes the ceremony.

“The Emperor is dead! Long live the Emperor!”

In that moment, there is no turning back.

It is now your burden to safeguard and protect the lives of tens of billions.

>>5926692
Sitting on the throne, you feel a sudden and incredible vastness about you. Not the significance of rule, but something deeper, something subtler. Something older. You dare not breathe before it passes.

>Henceforth, what direction shall the cosmos take?

>The cosmos will keep a firm grip, drowning House Heinrich in all its wonders and terrors, so that no generation can escape its touch. (Roll 1d6 for checks, as per the last two threads. Both crit-fails and crit-successes will be more common.)
>The cosmos will lessen its touch, leaving the lion’s share of House Heinrich’s fate in its hands alone, for better or worse. (Roll 1d12 for checks, doubling previous modifiers and adding slight granularity. Both crit-fails and crit-successes will be less frequent.)

>>5926694
>The cosmos will keep a firm grip, drowning House Heinrich in all its wonders and terrors, so that no generation can escape its touch. (Roll 1d6 for checks, as per the last two threads. Both crit-fails and crit-successes will be more common.)

Hi I dropped in to ask this question:
This is Simple Space Empire Quest, but how simple IS this space empire?

>>5926694
>>The cosmos will keep a firm grip, drowning House Heinrich in all its wonders and terrors, so that no generation can escape its touch. (Roll 1d6 for checks, as per the last two threads. Both crit-fails and crit-successes will be more common.)
Don't be cowards

>>5926694
>The cosmos will keep a firm grip, drowning House Heinrich in all its wonders and terrors, so that no generation can escape its touch. (Roll 1d6 for checks, as per the last two threads. Both crit-fails and crit-successes will be more common.)
We're back.

>>5926694
>>The cosmos will lessen its touch, leaving the lion’s share of House Heinrich’s fate in its hands alone, for better or worse. (Roll 1d12 for checks, doubling previous modifiers and adding slight granularity. Both crit-fails and crit-successes will be less frequent.)
Loved the interludes. Perspective really is king in this quest, hey?

>>5926694
>The cosmos will lessen its touch, leaving the lion’s share of House Heinrich’s fate in its hands alone, for better or worse. (Roll 1d12 for checks, doubling previous modifiers and adding slight granularity. Both crit-fails and crit-successes will be less frequent.)
Less BS rolls (for better of worse).

>>5926694
>The cosmos will lessen its touch, leaving the lion’s share of House Heinrich’s fate in its hands alone, for better or worse. (Roll 1d12 for checks, doubling previous modifiers and adding slight granularity. Both crit-fails and crit-successes will be less frequent.)
1d6 is way too likely to crit fail. As entertaining as crits can be, I really don’t enjoy having a genius or prodigy wasted on a rolled 1 on a mere d6.

>>5926694

>The cosmos will lessen its touch, leaving the lion’s share of House Heinrich’s fate in its hands alone, for better or worse. (Roll 1d12 for checks, doubling previous modifiers and adding slight granularity. Both crit-fails and crit-successes will be less frequent.)

>>5926694
>The cosmos will keep a firm grip, drowning House Heinrich in all its wonders and terrors, so that no generation can escape its touch. (Roll 1d6 for checks, as per the last two threads. Both crit-fails and crit-successes will be more common.)

>>5926694
>The cosmos will keep a firm grip, drowning House Heinrich in all its wonders and terrors, so that no generation can escape its touch. (Roll 1d6 for checks, as per the last two threads. Both crit-fails and crit-successes will be more common.)

>>5926694
>The cosmos will lessen its touch, leaving the lion’s share of House Heinrich’s fate in its hands alone, for better or worse. (Roll 1d12 for checks, doubling previous modifiers and adding slight granularity. Both crit-fails and crit-successes will be less frequent.)

>>5926690
Good interludes, finally some father-son interaction we all wanted.
>>5926694
>The cosmos will lessen its touch, leaving the lion’s share of House Heinrich’s fate in its hands alone, for better or worse. (Roll 1d12 for checks, doubling previous modifiers and adding slight granularity. Both crit-fails and crit-successes will be less frequent.)
Welcome back QM

>>5926694
>The cosmos will lessen its touch, leaving the lion’s share of House Heinrich’s fate in its hands alone, for better or worse. (Roll 1d12 for checks, doubling previous modifiers and adding slight granularity. Both crit-fails and crit-successes will be less frequent.)

Gives QM more possible outcomes to work with and for us to experience.

>>5926694

>The cosmos will keep a firm grip, drowning House Heinrich in all its wonders and terrors, so that no generation can escape its touch. (Roll 1d6 for checks, as per the last two threads. Both crit-fails and crit-successes will be more common.)

I want the rollercoaster experience.

Also QM - you’ve really quite successfully built an original setting here. This is much more than a “Simple Space Empire” quest!

>>5926694
>The cosmos will lessen its touch, leaving the lion’s share of House Heinrich’s fate in its hands alone, for better or worse. (Roll 1d12 for checks, doubling previous modifiers and adding slight granularity. Both crit-fails and crit-successes will be less frequent.)
Good morning, QM.

I'm stunned to see this many votes within about six hours of posting, at around 4AM on a weekday. It's surreal to see. I'll wait another few hours before tallying the vote and updating because this is a very substantial choice and will impact the rest of the quest.

>>5926702
The Space Empire itself is mildly complex. There's almost no division of power but there are over thirty noble houses directly governing its territory and eight imperial institutions, nine counting a company owned by the ruling dynasty, and a senate was recently implemented. The Quest itself is simple, because most of the mechanics are in balancing The Ledger, consisting of five code stats, but management of the ruling dynasty is also a factor and the relations and influence of many factions, inside and outside of the Empire, are an additional layer. The Simple part of the quest name is much a remainder to myself to keep it simple as it is talking about the mechanics and setting themselves.

>>5926725
Perspective is critical. From House Heinrich's point-of-view, the Federation of Uvarth was an anarchic slum waiting to implode in on itself and damage the Empire with it. From the Federation of Uvarth's point of view, the Empire were totalitarian warmongers hell-bent on the eradication of their way of life. Everyone has their own opinion on the same things happening, and is making moves to exploit them for their own ends or preserve themselves in response. As Emperor, most of this is beneath your notice and you're only seeing the topmost view, but there are many moving parts.

>>5926770
It's good to be back. I've not been gone for too long but I'm really enjoyed the quest over the last couple of threads. Running it practically is the break, but I don't dump too much time into writing.

>>5926804
An interesting thing about the setting, I think, is that very little is pre-planned. In that sense, there was initially a static frame, but the ways it's been expanded on are entirely emergent. I've got a series of charts for adjucating the results of rolls for the Empire (of which, a 1 isn't necessarily bad, depending on the results of the subtable(s) and a detailed list of the various factions, their assets, and their own goals. There's a fluidity to it that I figure is the bread and butter of any civ-like quest.

The Empire trudges forward and everyone else reacts to it, or in a time of crisis, vice versa, as the Empire's thrown into disarray by the ambition of one or several others. Such as the Tripartite Entente. The civil war likely could've been avoided but winning it left House Heinrich in a stronger position and with a heavier treasury, even if the economic prosperity of the Empire overall took a dive.

>>5926812
I've had a great morning so far. I hope you've all been enjoying yours as well.

>>5926694
>The cosmos will keep a firm grip, drowning House Heinrich in all its wonders and terrors, so that no generation can escape its touch. (Roll 1d6 for checks, as per the last two threads. Both crit-fails and crit-successes will be more common.)
The dice gods give and the dice gods take

>>5926901
>The cosmos will lessen its touch, leaving the lion’s share of House Heinrich’s fate in its hands alone, for better or worse. (Roll 1d12 for checks, doubling previous modifiers and adding slight granularity. Both crit-fails and crit-successes will be less frequent.)

Hey QM, can you give me a explanation on how much better a Jewel world is than a core?

>>5926694
>The cosmos will keep a firm grip, drowning House Heinrich in all its wonders and terrors, so that no generation can escape its touch. (Roll 1d6 for checks, as per the last two threads. Both crit-fails and crit-successes will be more common.)

>>5926933
Of course.

The Empire keeps five classifications of world: Dead Worlds, barren or acidic rocks that have no resources worth inhabiting them for, Wild Worlds, theoretically liveable worlds that haven't yet been settled en-masse, due to local aliens, simple isolation, or a dangerous environment, Frontier Worlds, planets that have undergone colonization and begun to contribute to the Empire in earnest, Core Worlds, planets that have reached a sizeable population and industry, and Jewel Worlds, planets of teeming billions and thriving economies that can rival the splendour of Mars itself.

The Empire's territories contain hundreds of dead worlds, which are uninhabited and would be prohibitively difficult to colonize, for very little gain. The Empire's territories are well-established and lack any wild worlds, as they've all been tamed and civilized in the distant (or, more rarely, recent) past.

The Empire holds 63 frontier worlds, of which around a fifth have the potential to become core worlds at Mankind's current technological understanding. Their economies tend to be oriented around raw resource extraction and agriculture, fishing, farming, or ranching, with a small surplus going to the interplanetary market. They very rarely exceed more than fifty million people, and those that do are usually en-route to becoming a core world. Frontier worlds tend to be an afterthought in imperial politics, but are quite significant to the noble houses, as even the poorest is lucrative through sheer economy of scale.

The Empire holds 44 core worlds, of which an estimated 2 have potential to become a jewel world, with an incredible, generations-spanning investment. Their economies tend to be oriented around resource refinement, manufacturing, and some agriculture to ease the burden of commerce. They tend to have between two-hundred million and two (rarely, as much as four) billion people, at a wide variety of living standards. Core worlds are widely considered the backbone of the Empire and the acquisition of even one is a triumphant occasion for any noble house, greatly expanding their influence and power.

>>5926968
The Empire holds 3 jewel worlds and of its lesser planets, 2 have the potential to join their ranks. These are Khamulod under House Arthen and Vintrola under House De Croize, respectively. To classify as a jewel world, a planet must be ideal for human habitation, with an abundance of resources and a convenient location on the star charts. Their economies are too vast to easily quantify and invariably versatile, with domestic markets no less lively than the exotic stalls of space merchants. They tend to have six to twenty billion people, and no upper limit, save for lack of opportunities at home driving emigration to the wider Empire. Jewel worlds are on average threefold the value of a core world, sometimes higher, and are singularly excellent locations to administrate an interstellar civilization. These are incredibly valuable, so much so even the half-credible promise of one could turn a bitter enemy into a close friend.

House Heinrich's monopolizing of jewel worlds has been met with some wariness by the noble houses, but every previous dynasty has done the same thing and it's of little concern. Especially as House Heinrich hasn't been greedy with the acquisition of lesser planets and has instead made a point of spreading new conquests among the nobility.

>>5926694
>The cosmos will lessen its touch, leaving the lion’s share of House Heinrich’s fate in its hands alone, for better or worse. (Roll 1d12 for checks, doubling previous modifiers and adding slight granularity. Both crit-fails and crit-successes will be less frequent.)
I don't mind which option wins in the end, though I think the one I picked will offer better story opportunities. Honestly though, I think the idea that this option is less prune to crits is a bit naive desu.

>>5926688
>Those interludes
Oh fuck you can write

>>5926694
>The cosmos will keep a firm grip, drowning House Heinrich in all its wonders and terrors, so that no generation can escape its touch. (Roll 1d6 for checks, as per the last two threads. Both crit-fails and crit-successes will be more common.)
A wild ride from start to finish

Great interludes QM

>>5926694
>The cosmos will lessen its touch, leaving the lion’s share of House Heinrich’s fate in its hands alone, for better or worse. (Roll 1d12 for checks, doubling previous modifiers and adding slight granularity. Both crit-fails and crit-successes will be less frequent.)
I hate crits

>>5927014

I think QM is sort of publicly learning that he has a flair for writing - it’s been fun to watch him develop

>>5927057
+1

Honestly if I had to pick a dice system, I’d go for the chad Traveller 2d6.

>>5926701
>>5926704
>>5926715
>>5926725
>>5926738
>>5926745
>>5926754
>>5926758
>>5926763
>>5926766
>>5926770
>>5926785
>>5926804
>>5926812
>>5926928
>>5926933
>>5926959
>>5926988
>>5927057
>>5927101
>>5927235
Locking the vote here, so I can update. It looks like the d12 pulled a razor-thin win over d6, which is an interesting shift. I’d like to reassure everyone who voted for the sake of excitement that this only governs your direct rolls toward handling things, and the rolls of your opponents, where relevant. The Empire’s background dice-rolls will remain the same. For better or worse, House Heinrich’s future is now in its own hands, fickle fate be damned. I suspect the frequency of crits is going to be nearly unchanged in practice. The biggest difference with the d12 is now smaller modifiers are possible, which is neat, but the d6 has a certain blunt simplicity to it.

>>5927014
You humble me, anon.

>>5927139
I've been writing (or less often, reading) about 4-6 hours a day, 5-6 days a week, for going on three-fourths of my life so far. I've not published anything besides /qst/, but I like intricate story structures, for sure. Just can't let myself get too carried away with it, that's how we'd end up with monthly doorstopper PDF posts, kek. Better to stick to the flash fiction style updates with interludes where it seems reasonable, I figure.

>>5927305
You steel your will, focusing on the struggles of your imperial ancestors and refuse to yield so much as a single nanometer. The weight around you thickens, choking your very sense of self, but as long as you are sat upon the throne on Mars, nothing can sway you. There ensues a struggle of wills which the masses shall never know of- for it is done in silence and the contortions of your face’s charred remains are hidden to all, including yourself.

Close to an hour drifts by in what could’ve been a moment, could’ve been eternity, before the feeling disperses. You are left with a sense of cold dread and strange freedom, as though you were freed from comfortable bindings you couldn’t see were there. Not only you, but your bloodline. House Heinrich must stand strong in the coming years.

Strong on its own!

>Henceforth, d12 will be the default for rolls

You commence your royal duties the very next morning.

For the first time, you look upon The Ledger. It matches how it was in the final days of your father’s reign, which is only sensible, considering how long ago it was.

>The Empire:
>Territory: 7
>Economy: 5
>Military: 6
>Happiness: 4
>Population: 7

You forgo the documents concerning the ruling dynasty, as you have something else on your mind. Your father’s trusted head advisor, Igor, begins to speak.
“The Empire awaits your guidance, my liege! I am confident that your strong hand will steer us well!”

>>5927314
You cut him off and rise from the throne, ignoring The Ledger, which a specially-trained, naturally blind and illiterate servant sworn to secrecy- easily one of, if not the, most important and respected if unknown to all outside of the imperial court commoners in the Empire- puts into its case. Igor’s still smiling, but you see some worry as you lower your hand to grip the handle of your sword.

The voice synthesizer in your respirator, wired into your brain and remarkably lifelike, crackles with static as you speak. “Enough of the pleasantries, Igor. House Heinrich has ruled for ninety-eight years and in your tenure as head advisor, you’ve not aged a day over fifty. You are hiding something.”

Igor, ever aside the throne, whispering sound counsel to the ears of the sitting Emperor, frowns and takes a step back from the dias, as you begin to draw your blade. His wisened voice is concerned as he raises his hands. “Sire... Please, I beg of you, your majesty does not wish to know.”

That is… an unusual choice of words. The Royal Guard, or what you can see of the dozens of them in the throne room, are all visibly on-edge. The old man, too young to be so old, looks upon your crown in humble fealty, seemingly as deferrent as ever.

>Pry further. You’ll get to the bottom of this.
>Let it rest. You’ll commence the management of the Empire.

>>5927317
>Pry further. You’ll get to the bottom of this.
Not only did he serve Albin, but Alphonse too. I don’t doubt his loyalty but I would like to know how he has managed to live so long so bring it up more friendly like to get his guard down.

>>5927317
>>Let it rest. You’ll commence the management of the Empire.
I respect his wishes.

>>5927317
>Let it rest. You’ll commence the management of the Empire.

>>5927317
>>Pry further. You’ll get to the bottom of this.

>>5927317
>>Let it rest. You’ll commence the management of the Empire.
We are the Emperor. if anything, us respecting his wish is all the more important

>>5927317
>Pry further. You’ll get to the bottom of this.

>>5927317
>Let it rest. You’ll commence the management of the Empire.
I would prefer that he tells us of his own accord. I doubt we would think that much differently about him.

>>5927317
>Pry further. You’ll get to the bottom of this.

>>5927317
>>Let it rest. You’ll commence the management of the Empire.

Igor has served the dynasty loyally and faithfully from its inception. While I do wish to hear the story in full, we can allow it to be on his terms as thanks for his service.

>>5927317
>Let it rest. You’ll commence the management of the Empire.
I really want to know, but I do want to reward his loyalty. Perhaps we can get Nightshayd to investigate.

>>5927317
>Pry further. You’ll get to the bottom of this

>>5927317

>Pry further. You’ll get to the bottom of this.

Spill your secrets, old man!

>>5927317
>Let it rest. You’ll commence the management of the Empire.

>>5927317
>Pry further. You’ll get to the bottom of this.

How can our head advisor keep secrets from us - would be deeply worrying

>>5927594
It’s a personal secret that isn’t hurting us.

>>5927317
>Ask why?
Unless it's a cognitohazard, I don't see why Otto wouldn't want to know.

>>5927317
>Let it rest. You’ll commence the management of the Empire.
Old retainers have more secrets than you can shale a stick at. I trust that he's telling the truth, and we can let him have this one.

>>5927317
>Let it rest. You’ll commence the management of the Empire.

>>5927317
>Let it rest. You’ll commence the management of the Empire
I trust am and I'm afraid if we pry the guys gonna explode or turn into ash or something. I like Igor and don't wanna risk that even if he is literally immortal.

>>5927317
>Let it rest. You’ll commence the management of the Empire.
Igor has done nothing that should be of concern to us.

>>5927601

Otto should know if his top advisor is a fucking Xenocultist!!!!!

>>5927335
>>5927340
>>5927344
>>5927364
>>5927406
>>5927433
>>5927448
>>5927471
>>5927483
>>5927550
>>5927560
>>5927568
>>5927576
>>5927594
>>5927614
>>5927615
>>5927621
>>5927622
Your need to know is immense, but your trust in his loyalty is even more-so. Igor has faithfully served your bloodline for decades before you were so much as a thought in your father’s head and has asked nothing in return, save for the stipend common to any other household servant. The sword stops, and slides back into its scabbard.

“...I trust you are telling the truth. You’ve served House Heinrich dutifully for nearly a century. I have no cause to deny your words.”

The head advisor kneels. “You have my gratitude, sire. I will continue to serve to the best of my ability.”

You stare. “Do not mistake clemency for complacency. I expect that you’ll reveal the truth to us, eventually.”

Igor gives a subtle nod. “In… In time, your majesty.”

You sit on the throne on Mars once more. “So be it. Let us resume the duties of my reign.”

The advisor rises to his feet. “As you wish, sire.”

>>5927785
The trusted servant carefully removes The Ledger from its casing. You examine it once more, this time, in exhaustive detail. It appears that, indeed, little has changed since your father’s reign came to a close.

>The Empire:
>Territory: 7
>Economy: 5
>Military: 6
>Happiness: 4
>Population: 7

>House Heinrich:
>3 jewel worlds, 7 core worlds, 6 frontier worlds
>2 Retinue Fleets
>Crown Corp

There are, however, several items of interest for your appraisal.

Shortly after your coronation, a man in one of the suits common to the merchant interests approached you with a briefcase. “The boards of Loca Corp, Ceiblue Corp, and Cherry Corp are unanimous in their wish to give thanks to the throne, for its efforts to suppress the racketeering of House Rothsford and Amasoft Corp.” As there was only the remotest possibility a bomb could’ve made it this deep into the imperial palace, you opened the briefcase and looked at its contents on the spot.

Your eyes widened. Therein are enough credits to purchase a frontier world from a noble house, sell it to the highest bidder, and buy it again, with some to spare. This is almost assuredly the lion’s share of their profits over the last decade, potentially two. The representative continued. “Let it be known that my benefactors are fully behind House Heinrich and its continued reign. For a peaceful and prosperous Empire.”

As he saluted you and departed, you were left to consider the implications. This wasn’t given to the Empire, rather, directly to House Heinrich. It represents a considerable boost to the liquid funds of your bloodline, doubling them. You are glad to receive such a statement of the Corps’ backing, but at the same time, you acknowledge that they- under the Merchant Holdings- were once opposed to imperial rule, and without the economic influence of House Rothsford and Amasoft Corp, the Empire’s markets have been left nearly undefended against their expansion.

This may even be a positive thing for the treasury, but as Emperor, you must keep all factors of a situation in mind as it unfolds.

Rolled 1 (1d6)

>>5927786
Next, your sister Lydia sent you a message. “Congrats on the crown, little brother! The project is almost done. Me and Eddy are working on the finishing touches. I can’t wait for you to see it!” Quite enigmatic concerning what the couple’s “project” actually is, but you suppose that’s good news? Strange.

In addition, your father’s noble institutions- the Landstaat and Privy Council, are both well underway to contributing to the Empire. At the moment, they’ve yet to truly take shape. It may be some time before they are a proper force in imperial politics.

Igor's reluctance to inform you of the truth, whatever it may be, is worrying. You doubt the Empire itself is at stake, but you can never be too certain when dealing with such sensitive affairs as this.

Should an investigation be launched?

>Yes. House Nightshayd's most elite operatives will covertly monitor him.
>No. If the old, young man is good to his word, the truth will be revealed, in time.

The last obvious thing is the upcoming centennial anniversary of House Heinrich’s rise to rule the Empire. Most previous dynasties have done something to commemorate the occasion. Of course, it's far from universal.

Should House Heinrich follow the trend?

>No, it will be the same as any other day. This will entrench the reputation of House Heinrich’s humility, for better or worse.
>Yes, a proper ceremony will be held. Plenty of fireworks, marches, and so forth, the typical arrangements for such an occasion.
>Yes, an extravagant festival is in order! No expense will be spared in aweing the masses at the glory of the Empire!

Concerning your reign itself, it has only just begun. You are 59 years old and your rule is likely to be a short one. You’ll need to act decisively if you want to enshrine yourself as one of the greats, assuming you aren’t content to be a transitory sovereign. After all, you never did want the crown, but it is your burden to bear.

What should you do?

>Oversee Crown Corp. It represents a considerable asset to the throne, and ought to be set in a proper direction.
>Manage House Heinrich. The infusion of credits has left the lineage quite well-off, and it’s only sensible to invest them.
>Reform the Royal Guard. At the moment, they’re little better than any other elite detachment of the imperial army, and that should change.
>Improve noble relations. Though House Heinrich is the grandest of the Major Houses, its peers are strong, and their strength must be made the Empire’s own.
>Arrange the Privy Council. While Igor is trustworthy, secrets aside, he is not omniscient and coordinating advisors to help him in his duties could be a wise decision.
>Preside over the Landstaat. Though this forum is only a new institution, the Emperor’s direct involvement in its opening stages could lend it a degree of legitimacy.

>>5927788
>No. If the old, young man is good to his word, the truth will be revealed, in time.

>Yes, a proper ceremony will be held. Plenty of fireworks, marches, and so forth, the typical arrangements for such an occasion.

Can we also implement more of those reforms? From that list we used.

>>5927790
You certainly can. As the reforms were extremely recent and their implementation is still ongoing, further reforms could strain the imperial administration, but it's entirely possible.

>>5927788
>No. If the old, young man is good to his word, the truth will be revealed, in time.

>Yes, a proper ceremony will be held. Plenty of fireworks, marches, and so forth, the typical arrangements for such an occasion.

>Arrange the Privy Council. While Igor is trustworthy, secrets aside, he is not omniscient and coordinating advisors to help him in his duties could be a wise decision.
>Preside over the Landstaat. Though this forum is only a new institution, the Emperor’s direct involvement in its opening stages could lend it a degree of legitimacy.

>>5927792
It's more to get the ball rolling, doesn't mean we gotta do everything at once.

>>5927798
Of course. Laying down a framework ahead of time can make procedures much smoother.

>>5927788
>No. If the old, young man is good to his word, the truth will be revealed, in time.
Though we should revisit this if he takes too long.

>Yes, a proper ceremony will be held. Plenty of fireworks, marches, and so forth, the typical arrangements for such an occasion.
>Preside over the Landstaat. Though this forum is only a new institution, the Emperor’s direct involvement in its opening stages could lend it a degree of legitimacy.

>>5927792
Would strengthening the bureaucracy (with governors and so on) be one of the more straining reforms?

>>5927788
>Yes. House Nightshayd's most elite operatives will covertly monitor him.
>Yes, a proper ceremony will be held. Plenty of fireworks, marches, and so forth, the typical arrangements for such an occasion.
>Reform the Royal Guard. At the moment, they’re little better than any other elite detachment of the imperial army, and that should change.

>>5927813
In practical terms, no, as it's as simple as putting a trusted official into the position and granting him carte blanche to administrate the imperial bureaucracy. In political terms, yes, as most of the nobility would see it as undermining their own rule of their worlds, even if the governors' authority is largely concerned with the bureaucracy which they already weren't involved with.

>>5927786
Nice bribe, we are putting in anti-monopoly laws now though
>>5927788
>No. If the old, young man is good to his word, the truth will be revealed, in time.
No need
>No, it will be the same as any other day. This will entrench the reputation of House Heinrich’s humility, for better or worse.
Actions speak louder than pompous ceremony
>Arrange the Privy Council. While Igor is trustworthy, secrets aside, he is not omniscient and coordinating advisors to help him in his duties could be a wise decision.
>Preside over the Landstaat. Though this forum is only a new institution, the Emperor’s direct involvement in its opening stages could lend it a degree of legitimacy.
By setting this up it will help Otto manage things later on
>>5927792
Question QM, who is currently on the privy council? Names would be good since they are going to be a political force soon so better to know the players.

>>5927826
The Privy Council is in an odd situation, as almost immediately after its founding, Albin spent the next five years in the wildest frontiers of the Empire restructuring the ERC into the Order of Rangers. Most of those involved consider themselves to be interim members.

There are eleven major positions, technically twelve, if the Nightshayd's clandestine top expert is considered a part of it, but he's not publicly considered a part of the Privy Council.

>Advisor of Agriculture
>Advisor of Manufacturing
>Advisor of Infrastructure
>Advisor of Finance
>Advisor of Diplomacy
>Advisor of Shipyards
>Advisor of Xenology
>Advisor of Colonization
>Advisor of the Military
>Advisor of the Masses
>Advisor of the Nobility

Examining and vetting every possible Privy Councilor would be a project in its own right, hence the need for your personal involvement. If the Emperor doesn't weigh-in, a variety of uncontroversial picks will be put into place and have a negligible effect outside of their advice itself, in more specific circumstances. Because the Privy Council is entirely subservient to the Emperor himself, it can be dismantled or reorganized at your leisure.

>>5927788
>Yes. House Nightshayd's most elite operatives will covertly monitor him.

>Yes, an extravagant festival is in order! No expense will be spared in aweing the masses at the glory of the Empire!

>Arrange the Privy Council. While Igor is trustworthy, secrets aside, he is not omniscient and coordinating advisors to help him in his duties could be a wise decision.

>>5927788
>No. If the old, young man is good to his word, the truth will be revealed, in time.
>Yes, a proper ceremony will be held. Plenty of fireworks, marches, and so forth, the typical arrangements for such an occasion.
Avoid excess.
>Arrange the Privy Council. While Igor is trustworthy, secrets aside, he is not omniscient and coordinating advisors to help him in his duties could be a wise decision.
>Preside over the Landstaat. Though this forum is only a new institution, the Emperor’s direct involvement in its opening stages could lend it a degree of legitimacy.
Get these done.

>>5927881
+1

>>5927788
>Yes. House Nightshayd's most elite operatives will covertly monitor him.

>Yes, a proper ceremony will be held. Plenty of fireworks, marches, and so forth, the typical arrangements for such an occasion.

>Arrange the Privy Council. While Igor is trustworthy, secrets aside, he is not omniscient and coordinating advisors to help him in his duties could be a wise decision.
>Preside over the Landstaat. Though this forum is only a new institution, the Emperor’s direct involvement in its opening stages could lend it a degree of legitimacy.

>>5927788
Know what forget the whole possible immortal thing what we should be asking is how the hell the guy gets his data. I mean sure it's just a semi vague number that just tells us our overall state but within that vague number the guy has never been wrong once. Like that is some seriously impressive data collecting for such a large empire, especially for Population (cause even semi accurate population polling is a bitch in a half) and Happiness (which is usually not even something that can be quantified)

Another important thing for next turn is to reinforce our empire against a potential Vrakak invasion. In case you don’t know, the Vrakaks are aliens that invaded the Federation and have 60 worlds. Of course the biggest problem is they invade their neighbors every few generations and guess who’s next to them now?
I don’t know about the rest of you but I don’t want to drown under a deluge of space rats.

>>5927788
>No. If the old, young man is good to his word, the truth will be revealed, in time.
We just told him we trust him, let's not make it a lie.
>No, it will be the same as any other day. This will entrench the reputation of House Heinrich’s humility, for better or worse.
>Yes, a proper ceremony will be held. Plenty of fireworks, marches, and so forth, the typical arrangements for such an occasion.
Something in between. A humbler than usual ceremony
>Arrange the Privy Council. While Igor is trustworthy, secrets aside, he is not omniscient and coordinating advisors to help him in his duties could be a wise decision.
>Preside over the Landstaat. Though this forum is only a new institution, the Emperor’s direct involvement in its opening stages could lend it a degree of legitimacy.
Should be able to oversee the beginning of both with little difficulty

>>5927788
>>5927796
>Support

>+ tell the new councils and our noble houses to prepare for war against alien scum. Varaks will need to be exterminated. Or they shall attack the new planets we took into our fold.

>>5927974
Anons please support this addendum. It's been a generation. They will have rebuilt their numbers and they shall wash over us like Tyranids if we don't prepare.

>>5927974
I mean sure I’ll support it as I brought it up but I think we’ll have a chance to vote for it soon won’t we?

>>5927788
>Yes. House Nightshayd's most elite operatives will covertly monitor him.
>Yes, an extravagant festival is in order! No expense will be spared in aweing the masses at the glory of the Empire!
>Reform the Royal Guard. At the moment, they’re little better than any other elite detachment of the imperial army, and that should change.

>>5927788

>Yes. House Nightshayd's most elite operatives will covertly monitor him.

I have to know what this guys deal is.

>Yes, a proper ceremony will be held. Plenty of fireworks, marches, and so forth, the typical arrangements for such an occasion.

Following tradition here is wise.

>Reform the Royal Guard. At the moment, they’re little better than any other elite detachment of the imperial army, and that should change.

These guys should be galaxy-feared fighting force and we are EXACTLY the right guy to make this happen.

>>5927974

Supporting this. We should prepare to invade the Vrakaks BEFORE they build up to WAAGH proportions. Wars of aggression have served us very well in the past.

>>5927788
>No. If the old, young man is good to his word, the truth will be revealed, in time.
Again, I doubt Igor is much of a threat
>Yes, a proper ceremony will be held. Plenty of fireworks, marches, and so forth, the typical arrangements for such an occasion.
No reason to ignore it
>Arrange the Privy Council. While Igor is trustworthy, secrets aside, he is not omniscient and coordinating advisors to help him in his duties could be a wise decision.
>Preside over the Landstaat. Though this forum is only a new institution, the Emperor’s direct involvement in its opening stages could lend it a degree of legitimacy.
Better get shit sorted

>>5928068
The Royal guard aren’t that pressing an issue. On military matters a larger imperial fleet and securing the border are more important (securing the border was one of the reforms people neglected to vote for).
The Vrakak as a species are twitchy, ADD-addled, small vermin race that can process half-a-dozen distinct problems simultaneously and use swarm tactics making them especially awful to fight in ground combat (excluding the engineers who have a lobotomy). In space however their impulsiveness can easily work against them, despite that we still need a large fleet because they use swarm tactics in space too (even if they garbage they’ll have enough to crush us).

>>5928105
The Vrak are not that pressing a threat in my opinion. Obviously, out of all the Xenos races, they will probably be the first to attack us, but will they? Remember, the Federation managed to beat them to a standstill and forced them to end their invasion and that was with a smaller fleet than ours. Not only with the sheer size of the Empire but also the new internal stability makes it so that if the Empire was invaded every house would join in, not just the Imperial Navy and those we have marriage alliances with. So for now, I think we will be safe but I do agree that we should increase our naval forces soon, though we will need to improve the economy for upkeep before that.

Also, the first thread vote count in the archive is 27 after 235 votes.

>>5927788
>No. If the old, young man is good to his word, the truth will be revealed, in time.
We told him we would wait for an answer.

>Yes, a proper ceremony will be held. Plenty of fireworks, marches, and so forth, the typical arrangements for such an occasion.
It may be milquetoast but it should be inoffensive.

>Arrange the Privy Council. While Igor is trustworthy, secrets aside, he is not omniscient and coordinating advisors to help him in his duties could be a wise decision.
This is the most important of the two.

>>5928143
We risk a drop in multiple stats we don’t completely repel their assault from the start. If we succeed we can potentially gain happiness from proving our superiority over the federation we conquered and gain an opportunity to invade them while they are weak, of course we need a much bigger fleet if we intend to invade them.

>>5927974
+1

>>5928157
As said that would only happen if they attack which is highly unlikely as of now. Once we give our fleet another boost we can think about severing the head of the Vrakak conclave.

>>5927974
Honestly I think we should focus more on uniting the rest of humanity (that we can reach atleast) than fighting some aliens. I mean we beat up the alien guys then what? We call it a job done and leave? We take their planets and cause Albin to roll in his grave by starting a mass genocide campaign? We keep them around as some sort of semi-autonomous client state? Other than preventing any further invasions what's the actual long term end goal here?

>>5928188
We should at least glass their planets and destroy their fleet.

We were told we'd have a generation before they'd have their numbers again. That generation is up. They will likely try to expand as soon as they're able.

We can then immediately pivot and go after the kingdom. But like another anon said I think it would be better to focus on econ and happiness before we go after the kingdom.

If you don't remember one of the interludes was from the kingdoms perspective and they're getting ready for a show down with us.

I DO NOT want to be backdoored by some alien swarm cunts while we are duking it out with the kingdom. They're much stronger than the federation was and we will need all our forces for it. If we do a blitz campaign on the aliens we can kill their fleet. Then leave 1 or two warfleets their glassing their shit. And then come back later if at all.

>>5928188
Aldin would never admit it, I consider the Vrakak a lost cause. Any attempt to control them would end with them revolting unless they have a strong psychological mechanism for loyalty built in.

>>5927974
>No. If the old, young man is good to his word, the truth will be revealed, in time.

>No, it will be the same as any other day. This will entrench the reputation of House Heinrich’s humility, for better or worse

>>5927974
Supporting this.

We really should do something with Crown corp soon, since its creation it has been neglected.

>>5928143
No their fleet was equal to ours in size at the time and They barely beat them. We could have catastrophic losses if we don't preemptively strike them. Then we're massively weakened and the kingdom will absolutely pounce on us like we did the federation.

And if we ignore varak go after the kingdom. If varak come after us if they land anywhere we suddenly have a destroyed world and all its people and resources dead.

>>5928207
While I’m in favor of bombing them back to the stone age.

>>5927788
>No. If the old, young man is good to his word, the truth will be revealed, in time.
Arthen honor

>No, it will be the same as any other day. This will entrench the reputation of House Heinrich’s humility, for better or worse.
Celebrations like this arent in character for Otto IMO

>Arrange the Privy Council. While Igor is trustworthy, secrets aside, he is not omniscient and coordinating advisors to help him in his duties could be a wise decision.
We should appoint Lydia in a role once her project is done

>>5927974
>>5928214

Sorry I'm on phone so my ID is changing. This is all me.

Please remember that if we lose planets we can easily fracture the empire. The qm told us that when we had a world burned during the Civil War. Varak will be 10 times worse. They won't enslave us. They don't need our buildings. We are just food to them. We won't be able to negotiate with them. It will literally be like the zerg or tyranids.

>>5928220
More like orks honestly. People will probably enslave or torture until one of them gets bored and decides to kill or eat them. We shouldn’t expect anything short of genocide from them. They are bad enough to consider bringing alien allies for support.

>>5927974
Supporting this too

We need to start lying the groundwork amongst our people - a large scale war is coming

>>5928217
>Celebrations like this arent in character for Otto IMO
Bullshit. Him just not overthinking and letting other people do all the planning for this royal stuff is more in character. Besides a humble reputation is going to undermine us for a long time.

>>5928214
I am not disagreeing with you here but what I am saying is that it is because we are superior in numbers and experience NOW, that it is a deterrent from invasion from anyone. Despite having a civil war the military is in strong shape you could even say it grew and though the economy may have taken a hit it is on the road to recovery. It would make no sense for them to attack an enemy that managed to wipe the floor with the Federation that once beat them back and remember, their naval forces must have taken an equal or even worse beating than the Feds. It is also not that long ago since the war so they are most likely not even at pre-fed war levels if we go by our naval construction time though I could be wrong.
What I am saying is that we have some breathing room for awhile and we can sort out this stuff before we bring up the navy and exterminate the space Skaven.

>>5928252
The numbers say otherwise.

>>5928252
Are we superior to both the kingdom and varak?

The answer is fuck no.

Let's not die to hubris.

>>5928255
and quality says otherwise
>>5928260
Agreed which is why I am in favour of expanding the navy soon which should be possible despite the current vote since its not really something that the Emperor would be directly involved in since it will be purchased for the Imperial Navy and thus the navy accountants can handle it.

>>5928266
Qm said there's 4( I think it was 4) warfleets about to be finished and we can decide where they go aka who gets to "buy" them. In the last thread cause I had asked if we could get more warfleets for our retinue fleet.

>>5927790
>>5927796
>>5927808
>>5927816
>>5927826
>>5927873
>>5927881
>>5927892
>>5927899
>>5927937
>>5927974
>>5927982
>>5927998
>>5928068
>>5928074
>>5928150
>>5928158
>>5928213
>>5928217
>>5928234
You have your suspicions concerning Igor, but you also have a foundation of trust. The old advisor may keep his secrets for now. Eventually, he will confess or they will be coaxed out.

You reason that a traditional festival is best for the centennial anniversary of House Heinrich’s reign and sign the appropriate documents. The gears of the imperial bureaucracy begin to turn. Soon, the multitudes will have their celebration. For you, it is only so much pomp and ceremony. The symbolic value is what strikes your heart.

In a mere century, the Eternal Empire has gone an incredible distance. By the imperious will of your bloodline, the legacy of old Earth has been exalted from one more human state among many, to the preeminent authority over Mankind in known space!

Much of this was done by your hand. Sitting in your private chambers, alone, you hold the Prime Minister’s skull in your hands. You recall the war for Uvarth and the final battle in their capital. Months of struggle, of blood and noise. All of it is etched into your memory, but the last confrontation, the storming of their parliament, you remember as if it were moments ago. Unlike many, their Prime Minister stood and fought. He was old, then, older than you are now, and weak, but unlike most of his peers, there was no fear in his eyes. Only a loud and passionate zeal for his country.

You charged him down and severed his head in one clean motion. You took it afterward, in memoriam. Less a trophy, more a remainder not to hold the Empire for granted. The Federation was once a strong star power, proud in its own right. In the span of two decades, it was erased.

Father wouldn’t have understood and much of the Imperial Army frowns on such “archaic” practices, so you kept it in secret. Fashioned it into a cup by your own hands, a sign of respect in the old Arthen tradition- sharing a drink with the foe even long after their death.

Now, you can only share the memory. Hah. The feddie bastard would’ve been happy to hear that. The corners of your eyes crease but you have no mouth to smile. You have nothing left. The strength of your prime grows farther away every day, the pain of bygone wounds deepens by the year. You would have it no other way. The Otto of your youth died to the hands of that Tripartite rebel, in those twisting tunnels of steel.

Now, you live for the Empire, House Heinrich, and most importantly, your own blood. Ferdinand grows strong, clever, too. His younger brothers follow suit. You hope to one day see them grow into men.

You must lay a foundation for their future.

>>5928334
The Vrakaks must not erase what your fathers have built. The vermin are fecund and rabid, no more than vicious, swarming animals to be put down. By the accounts of surviving Federal military personnel, they were merciless, even to their own. Their own wounded were killed where they fell, if crippled. If not, they dragged themselves to safety or died where they stood. They took no prisoners and expected none to be taken. In pushes over ground they'd captured, the dead of both sides could be found stripped to the bone.

Worse were the burrows. Sprawling bunkers, half-ruin, half-hole in the dirt, dug-in to hell and back. The aliens took little time to make them. During the Federation’s counter push, after a mere five years, their soldiers found that some of the earliest bunkers had already been turned to nests. Another decade and there would’ve been more than litters. Two, and those planets would’ve been contested. The Vrakaks have had longer than that to recover from their losses.

If they are left to their own devices, they’ll return to their former strength in swiftness. The Empire must crush them before this can come to pass. You must not delay. Orders are sent to the noble houses, bidding them to prepare for a war against the Conclave of Vrakak Clans. If their wretched species is to be conquered or slaughtered remains to be seen, but it's clear to you that every vestige of their independence must be eradicated.

>>5928335
Interstellar wars don’t happen overnight and your father pushed reforms for the future, which is today. It’s your duty as his son and heir to see his legacy fulfilled. To that end, you’ll leave the Vrakaks be for now and start your cruelest campaign yet.

Politics.

You will preside over the Landstaat for the next five years and in doing so, gain a deep understanding of the noble houses and their grievances. It sickens you to do it, but you are the Emperor, and so you must. You aren’t expecting very much to develop but your presence- if nothing else- will signal to the bickering nobility that the ruling dynasty takes the Landstaat seriously as an institution.

More sensible but still exhausting is the Privy Council. There are several offices which need to be filled, intrigues which warrant consideration. Because the Empire is vast, there are millions of potential candidates for every position, and because the Empire is efficient, these millions are laboriously narrowed down to those who are likely the most qualified three.

Appointing future members of the Privy Council shall be beneath your descendant’s concern, but those at the start will set the tone for the future. None of these positions hold any hard authority, on paper, but their influence as having the Emperor’s ear is immense. Poor choices here could have long-term consequences.

You analyze them all in full.

>>5928336
The Advisor of Agriculture presides over the continued sustenance of the population and successful growth of crops.

Who should receive the position?

>Axel Talcaster. An orator who has tried and failed to push for terraces and redundant wells among his house. Quite focused.
>Huguette De Croize. A lifelong gardener with extensive experience on a variety of worlds. Deeply hostile toward pesticides.
>Larry. A houseless commoner and owner of a small tractor company, who, ironically, believes a variety of food sources is necessary for a healthy Empire.

The Advisor of Manufacturing presides over the production of goods for the masses and the tools that uphold interstellar civilization.

Who should receive the position?

>Nathaniel Aboze. A minor shareholder in Cherry Corp and outspoken proponent of House-Corp assimilation.
>Ted. An incredibly boring commoner who is fixated on spreadsheets and optimization. Dull, but qualified.
>Haider Soluton. An artisanal craftsman with decades of experience, and true believer in handicrafts. Supports the Guilds.

The Advisor of Infrastructure presides over the maintenance and expansion of roads, starports, and utilities throughout the Empire.

Who should receive the position?

>Armel De Croize. An affluent industrialist who lost almost all of his fortune during the nanoplague, and has rebuilt only some of it. Still grieving the war.
>Ed. A prospector turned overseer, brought to the crown’s attention for record-breaking efficiency. Hardworking, impatient.
>Denton Buckson. An heir to the minor house, known for its naval sacrifices and wide but shallow economic base. Friendly, if a tad forgettable.

The Advisor of Finance presides over the circulation of credits and tracking the growth (or decline) of key industries.

Who should receive the position?

>Mikhalis. A former Rothsford who defected as soon as rebellion was declared, now a commoner, he retains his former contacts. Uncanny at shuffling funds and wracked with guilt.
>Kaiapo Parmas. A merchant from a minor house known for its soft chokehold on tourism and luxury cruises. Extravagantly wealthy, views the masses as a necessary inconvenience.
>Petronilla Nightshayd. A more public member of their bloodline, who has a bare minimum of competence and is excellent at cooking the books. If she were given a blind eye in the imperial court, Nightshayd would be pleased.

>>5928337
The Advisor of Diplomacy presides over the Empire’s discussions with foreign humans who’ve yet to realize the importance of their place beneath the throne.

Who should receive the position?

>Hanno Junger. A pile of burns and scars bolted into a dented cyberframe, and a most intimidating specimen. A decorated veteran and strong believer in gunboat diplomacy.
>Pierre. An average accountant’s son, who’s incredibly likeable and managed to talk his way into the very heart of the imperial court. Seems harmless, and loyal.
>Barnaby Soluton. A steward of his house’s estate who has a great deal of experience in playing nobles off of each other. Savvy at intrigue, but has a secret habit of depressant abuse.

The Advisor of Shipyards presides over the continued function and refinement of shipbuilding facilities that the Empire depends on.

Who should receive the position?

>Liam Arthen. A harsh and uncompromising taskmaster who views burnout as a sign of weakness. Has taken two days off in his entire career, both for funerals.
>Rufus. A relative to Big Hoss Gus, and no less extroverted, but he knows his way around ships. Views the particulars of the work itself as secondary to efficiency of design.
>Martin Soluton. A gentle and inquisitive architect that’s made a handful of choice starship designs. More concerned with the contentment of employees than their productivity.

The Advisor of Xenology presides over the enlightenment and integration of alien species into the Empire. In theory, it’s still a very new field, included at your father’s discretion.

Who should receive the position?

>Heiko Lochstrum. A boisterous and violent ex-mercenary, driven to an interest in the Osgus culture by his love for Jumpcrawl. Is a co-announcer of some fame to the squids.
>Albin Heinrich. Your father and perhaps the best person for the position, although you get the impression he applied because he couldn’t help himself, and if you allowed it, your mother would mourn the loss of her husband.
>Martin Soluton. The same as the potential Advisor of Shipyards, he boasts a considerable grasp of xenolinguistics and has helped several Corps translate the Osgus tongue.

The Advisor of Colonization presides over the expansion of the Empire to new worlds and the terraforming of old worlds.

Who should receive the position?

>Gunnar. An astro-pioneer who spent over three decades stranded on a dead world, before managing to flag down a passing freighter. Has more hands-on experience than almost anyone.
>Katrin Rausch. An old matron of her house who barely survived an organ-rotting plague, believes the Empire would be better off developing its currently held planets than expanding.
>Anderius Ustong. A technician of the now-minor house, known for his work in atmospheric seeding. Though his house has been shamed, it still holds ancient secrets.

>>5928338
The Advisor of the Military presides over the armed forces of the Empire and ensuring that word of the rank-and-file's concerns reaches the throne.

Who should receive the position?

>Harrison Arthen. An old knight obsessed with chivalry and feats of strength in battle. You knew him personally as a boy, and know him to be of a kind but strict character.
>Reuben III, Schafer. A quiet, calm descendant of Oskar Schafer with a mind for operations of scale. Dislikes direct engagement, feels that maintaining void supremacy is more efficient.
>Leopold Junger. A bold veteran turned drill sergeant after he lost his leg to a federal bomb. Humble and feels he doesn’t deserve the position, but competent and driven.

The Advisor of the Masses presides over the population, and keeping them from doubting the supreme excellence of the nobility or veering into dangerous, insane ideologies.

Who should receive the position?

>Kaleb Bates. A smooth-talking former Amasoft Corp shareholder who’s rejoiced at House Rothsford’s demise. Thinks holo-advertisement techniques would work well for propaganda.
>George. A famous merchant known for liquidating his fortune to feed the poor, and more than tripling it through donations. Now runs a legitimate charity and skims only a tiny fraction off of the top.
>Maleko Parmas. An aggressive advocate for increased aristocracy, thinks the masses are best controlled through directly helping them because they’re too incompetent to help themselves.

The Advisor of the Nobility presides over the nobility, and keeping them too distracted with each other to challenge the throne yet united enough to contribute when called.

Who should receive the position?

>Paskal Lu’gaut. The patriarch of a minor house known for its lavish festivities and the extremely strict lifestyle outside of them. Even having him on call would be a decent amount of leverage.
>Elmar Heinrich. A cousin of yours who’s spent most of his life as a subtler member of the Royal Guard. Unknown to Nightshayd, and a highly skilled operative in his own right.
>Calvin Phillips. A retired brute renowned for his exploits on the battlefield, much like yourself, save that he’s spent the last few decades making friends. Knows much about the inner workings of the houses.

>>5928337
>Agriculture:
>Huguette De Croize. A lifelong gardener with extensive experience on a variety of worlds. Deeply hostile toward pesticides.

>Manufacturing:
>Ted. An incredibly boring commoner who is fixated on spreadsheets and optimization. Dull, but qualified.

>Infrastructure:
>Denton Buckson. An heir to the minor house, known for its naval sacrifices and wide but shallow economic base. Friendly, if a tad forgettable.

>Finance:
>Kaiapo Parmas. A merchant from a minor house known for its soft chokehold on tourism and luxury cruises. Extravagantly wealthy, views the masses as a necessary inconvenience.

>>5928338
>Diplomacy:
>Hanno Junger. A pile of burns and scars bolted into a dented cyberframe, and a most intimidating specimen. A decorated veteran and strong believer in gunboat diplomacy.

>Shipyards:
>Rufus. A relative to Big Hoss Gus, and no less extroverted, but he knows his way around ships. Views the particulars of the work itself as secondary to efficiency of design.

>Xenology:
>Heiko Lochstrum. A boisterous and violent ex-mercenary, driven to an interest in the Osgus culture by his love for Jumpcrawl. Is a co-announcer of some fame to the squids.

>Colonization:
>Gunnar. An astro-pioneer who spent over three decades stranded on a dead world, before managing to flag down a passing freighter. Has more hands-on experience than almost anyone.

>>5928339
>Military:
>Harrison Arthen. An old knight obsessed with chivalry and feats of strength in battle. You knew him personally as a boy, and know him to be of a kind but strict character.

>Masses:
>Kaleb Bates. A smooth-talking former Amasoft Corp shareholder who’s rejoiced at House Rothsford’s demise. Thinks holo-advertisement techniques would work well for propaganda.

>Nobility:
>Elmar Heinrich. A cousin of yours who’s spent most of his life as a subtler member of the Royal Guard. Unknown to Nightshayd, and a highly skilled operative in his own right.

>>5928337
>Huguette De Croize. A lifelong gardener with extensive experience on a variety of worlds. Deeply hostile toward pesticides.
>Haider Soluton. An artisanal craftsman with decades of experience, and true believer in handicrafts. Supports the Guilds.
>Ed. A prospector turned overseer, brought to the crown’s attention for record-breaking efficiency. Hardworking, impatient.
>Mikhalis. A former Rothsford who defected as soon as rebellion was declared, now a commoner, he retains his former contacts. Uncanny at shuffling funds and wracked with guilt.
>>5928338
>Hanno Junger. A pile of burns and scars bolted into a dented cyberframe, and a most intimidating specimen. A decorated veteran and strong believer in gunboat diplomacy.
>Rufus. A relative to Big Hoss Gus, and no less extroverted, but he knows his way around ships. Views the particulars of the work itself as secondary to efficiency of design.
>Albin Heinrich. Your father and perhaps the best person for the position, although you get the impression he applied because he couldn’t help himself, and if you allowed it, your mother would mourn the loss of her husband.
>Gunnar. An astro-pioneer who spent over three decades stranded on a dead world, before managing to flag down a passing freighter. Has more hands-on experience than almost anyone.
>>5928339
>Harrison Arthen. An old knight obsessed with chivalry and feats of strength in battle. You knew him personally as a boy, and know him to be of a kind but strict character.
>Maleko Parmas. An aggressive advocate for increased aristocracy, thinks the masses are best controlled through directly helping them because they’re too incompetent to help themselves.
>Paskal Lu’gaut. The patriarch of a minor house known for its lavish festivities and the extremely strict lifestyle outside of them. Even having him on call would be a decent amount of leverage.

>>5928337
Agriculture:
>Huguette De Croize. A lifelong gardener with extensive experience on a variety of worlds. Deeply hostile toward pesticides.

>Manufacturing:
>Ted. An incredibly boring commoner who is fixated on spreadsheets and optimization. Dull, but qualified.

>Infrastructure:
>Denton Buckson. An heir to the minor house, known for its naval sacrifices and wide but shallow economic base. Friendly, if a tad forgettable.

>Finance:
>Petronilla Nightshayd. A more public member of their bloodline, who has a bare minimum of competence and is excellent at cooking the books. If she were given a blind eye in the imperial court, Nightshayd would be pleased.

>>5928338
>Diplomacy:
>Hanno Junger. A pile of burns and scars bolted into a dented cyberframe, and a most intimidating specimen. A decorated veteran and strong believer in gunboat diplomacy.

>Shipyards:
>Rufus. A relative to Big Hoss Gus, and no less extroverted, but he knows his way around ships. Views the particulars of the work itself as secondary to efficiency of design.

>Xenology:
>Heiko Lochstrum. A boisterous and violent ex-mercenary, driven to an interest in the Osgus culture by his love for Jumpcrawl. Is a co-announcer of some fame to the squids.
Only reason I'm not choosing Albin is because he deserves retirement after the civil war.

>Colonization:
>Gunnar. An astro-pioneer who spent over three decades stranded on a dead world, before managing to flag down a passing freighter. Has more hands-on experience than almost anyone.

>>5928339
>Military:
>Leopold Junger. A bold veteran turned drill sergeant after he lost his leg to a federal bomb. Humble and feels he doesn’t deserve the position, but competent and driven.

>Masses:
>Maleko Parmas. An aggressive advocate for increased aristocracy, thinks the masses are best controlled through directly helping them because they’re too incompetent to help themselves.

>Nobility:
>Calvin Phillips. A retired brute renowned for his exploits on the battlefield, much like yourself, save that he’s spent the last few decades making friends. Knows much about the inner workings of the houses.

>>5928337
>Huguette De Croize. A lifelong gardener with extensive experience on a variety of worlds. Deeply hostile toward pesticides.
Sound like he knows his shit.
>Nathaniel Aboze. A minor shareholder in Cherry Corp and outspoken proponent of House-Corp assimilation.
Probably will work well with our interests in Crown Corp.
>Ed. A prospector turned overseer, brought to the crown’s attention for record-breaking efficiency. Hardworking, impatient.
He's going to do wonders for the economy.
>Mikhalis. A former Rothsford who defected as soon as rebellion was declared, now a commoner, he retains his former contacts. Uncanny at shuffling funds and wracked with guilt.
His guilt will probably drive him into "super determined to get the economy booming" mode.
>>5928338
>Hanno Junger. A pile of burns and scars bolted into a dented cyberframe, and a most intimidating specimen. A decorated veteran and strong believer in gunboat diplomacy.
Probably the most in-character person for otto to appoint desu.
>Rufus. A relative to Big Hoss Gus, and no less extroverted, but he knows his way around ships. Views the particulars of the work itself as secondary to efficiency of design.
Helps deepen our connection to Gus and his shipyards.
>Heiko Lochstrum. A boisterous and violent ex-mercenary, driven to an interest in the Osgus culture by his love for Jumpcrawl. Is a co-announcer of some fame to the squids.
While Albin is tempting, we really need some new blood, that and Heiko will simultaneously mend ties with House Lochstrum and will make our relationship with the Osgus stronger.
>Gunnar. An astro-pioneer who spent over three decades stranded on a dead world, before managing to flag down a passing freighter. Has more hands-on experience than almost anyone.
Reward merit with gov. positions, simple as. Also, he's just a very talented dude in general compared to the others.
>>5928339
>Harrison Arthen. An old knight obsessed with chivalry and feats of strength in battle. You knew him personally as a boy, and know him to be of a kind but strict character.
There needs to be at least some honor on the battlefield, plus adding another Junger will probably be please the other houses.
>Maleko Parmas. An aggressive advocate for increased aristocracy, thinks the masses are best controlled through directly helping them because they’re too incompetent to help themselves.
Having a person directly helping the masses will give the commoners at the very least an impression of being cared for.
>Calvin Phillips. A retired brute renowned for his exploits on the battlefield, much like yourself, save that he’s spent the last few decades making friends. Knows much about the inner workings of the houses.
Paskal is tempting, but we really need someone who knows the fuck the Houses actually think about us.

>>5928337
>Huguette De Croize. A lifelong gardener with extensive experience on a variety of worlds. Deeply hostile toward pesticides.
Most qualified although his anti-pesticide stance could potentially backfire we shall see.
>Ted. An incredibly boring commoner who is fixated on spreadsheets and optimization. Dull, but qualified.
Again most qualified not everyone has to be an eccentric character sometimes boring is the best option.
>Ed. A prospector turned overseer, brought to the crown’s attention for record-breaking efficiency. Hardworking, impatient.
Quicker infrastructure construction at the cost of cutting corners if it takes too long is what I'm reading here not exactly a bad thing but wouldn't be against someone else.
>Mikhalis. A former Rothsford who defected as soon as rebellion was declared, now a commoner, he retains his former contacts. Uncanny at shuffling funds and wracked with guilt.
Ex Rothsford aside clearly the most competent by far and highly unlikely to do shady shite over his guilt complex although may affect his performance slightly.
>>5928338
>Hanno Junger. A pile of burns and scars bolted into a dented cyberframe, and a most intimidating specimen. A decorated veteran and strong believer in gunboat diplomacy.
Probably not the best choice but the one I believe Otto would pick bigger stick diplomacy ahoy!
>Rufus. A relative to Big Hoss Gus, and no less extroverted, but he knows his way around ships. Views the particulars of the work itself as secondary to efficiency of design.
I just really like anything related to Gus arguably less efficient than Liam but also less of an asshole.
>Albin Heinrich. Your father and perhaps the best person for the position, although you get the impression he applied because he couldn’t help himself, and if you allowed it, your mother would mourn the loss of her husband.
I mean we gotta.
>Gunnar. An astro-pioneer who spent over three decades stranded on a dead world, before managing to flag down a passing freighter. Has more hands-on experience than almost anyone.
These three seem the most obvious. Choose Gunnar if you want to develop frontier worlds, choose Katrin if you want to develop core worlds, and choose Ustong if you want to give developing uninhabitable worlds a shot.
>>5928339
>Leopold Junger. A bold veteran turned drill sergeant after he lost his leg to a federal bomb. Humble and feels he doesn’t deserve the position, but competent and driven.
Fine with this guy or Reuben both seem competent. Arthen seems like a trap answer frankly.
>Maleko Parmas. An aggressive advocate for increased aristocracy, thinks the masses are best controlled through directly helping them because they’re too incompetent to help themselves.
He may be right for the wrong reasons but the guys still right.
>Calvin Phillips
Has the most knowledge. Heinrich feels like a trap option cause if we do bring him on board then that whole Unknown to Nightshayd bonus probably wont last long.

>>5928399
Anon Harrison is a Arthen not a Junger

>>5928339
My goals are to choose competent people with diverse backgrounds and offer something different than what our character already is capable of. I’m also avoiding potential yes-men and prioritizing quality of work with an emphasis on happiness. Efficiency is not an extremely high priority as I think it’ll lead to eventually sacrificing quality and happiness.
Furthermore I think people forget we came use people for multiple purposes. We don’t have to limit them solely to their role.


Advisor of Agriculture
>Huguette De Croize. A lifelong gardener with extensive experience on a variety of worlds. Deeply hostile toward pesticides

Advisor of Manufacturing
>Ted. An incredibly boring commoner who is fixated on spreadsheets and optimization. Dull, but qualified.

Advisor of Infrastructure
>Ed. A prospector turned overseer, brought to the crown’s attention for record-breaking efficiency. Hardworking, impatient

Advisor of Finance
>Mikhalis. A former Rothsford who defected as soon as rebellion was declared, now a commoner, he retains his former contacts. Uncanny at shuffling funds and wracked with guilt.

Advisor of Diplomacy
> Pierre. An average accountant’s son, who’s incredibly likeable and managed to talk his way into the very heart of the imperial court. Seems harmless, and loyal.

Advisor of Shipyards
>Martin Soluton. A gentle and inquisitive architect that’s made a handful of choice starship designs. More concerned with the contentment of employees than their productivity.

Advisor of Xenology
>Albin Heinrich. Your father and perhaps the best person for the position, although you get the impression he applied because he couldn’t help himself, and if you allowed it, your mother would mourn the loss of her husband.

Advisor of Colonization
>Anderius Ustong. A technician of the now-minor house, known for his work in atmospheric seeding. Though his house has been shamed, it still holds ancient secrets.

Advisor of the Military
>Reuben III, Schafer. A quiet, calm descendant of Oskar Schafer with a mind for operations of scale. Dislikes direct engagement, feels that maintaining void supremacy is more efficient.

Advisor of the Masses
>George. A famous merchant known for liquidating his fortune to feed the poor, and more than tripling it through donations. Now runs a legitimate charity and skims only a tiny fraction off of the top.

Advisor of the Nobility
>Paskal Lu’gaut. The patriarch of a minor house known for its lavish festivities and the extremely strict lifestyle outside of them. Even having him on call would be a decent amount of leverage.

>>5928482
You sure about George over Maleko? Frankly reminds me of Mr Beast or one of those billionaires that donate all their money before they die. Like i'm sure he would be popular but I don't know if he will actually improve things for the common person (ignoring the fact that he is atleast slightly corrupt)

>>5928339
>Axel Talcaster. An orator who has tried and failed to push for terraces and redundant wells among his house. Quite focused.
I am very wary about Huguette's aversion to pesticides. Could lead to famines.

>Haider Soluton. An artisanal craftsman with decades of experience, and true believer in handicrafts. Supports the Guilds.
Hopefully we can improve the quality of our goods. We already started by supporting the guilds.

>Armel De Croize. An affluent industrialist who lost almost all of his fortune during the nanoplague, and has rebuilt only some of it. Still grieving the war.
Not sure "impatient" is a desirable trait for an overseer of infrastructure. Nor is someone known for a shallow economic base. Armel seems to be good at what he does if he is able to rebuild after losing nearly everything.

>Mikhalis. A former Rothsford who defected as soon as rebellion was declared, now a commoner, he retains his former contacts. Uncanny at shuffling funds and wracked with guilt.

>Pierre. An average accountant’s son, who’s incredibly likeable and managed to talk his way into the very heart of the imperial court. Seems harmless, and loyal.
I have no clue why Hanno seems to be winning this so far. He seems like the obvious worst candidate.

>Rufus. A relative to Big Hoss Gus, and no less extroverted, but he knows his way around ships. Views the particulars of the work itself as secondary to efficiency of design.
Ideally I'd like Martin, but he is far and away the best candidate for Xenology, so unfortunately I'm going to have to settle for the one who isn't a brutal taskmaster.

>Martin Soluton. The same as the potential Advisor of Shipyards, he boasts a considerable grasp of xenolinguistics and has helped several Corps translate the Osgus tongue.
Albin deserves a retirement with his wife, and Martin seems very competent for the role.

>Anderius Ustong. A technician of the now-minor house, known for his work in atmospheric seeding. Though his house has been shamed, it still holds ancient secrets.
I'm torn between Anderius and Gunnar. Both are good candidates and I would be happy with either. Katrin is a clear no-go, I want to expand eventually.

>Leopold Junger. A bold veteran turned drill sergeant after he lost his leg to a federal bomb. Humble and feels he doesn’t deserve the position, but competent and driven.
I don't like that Reuben seems to have a disdain for the ground troops, I fear picking him will lead to an overspecialization towards the navy. Arthen is alright too.

>Kaleb Bates. A smooth-talking former Amasoft Corp shareholder who’s rejoiced at House Rothsford’s demise. Thinks holo-advertisement techniques would work well for propaganda.

>Calvin Phillips. A retired brute renowned for his exploits on the battlefield, much like yourself, save that he’s spent the last few decades making friends. Knows much about the inner workings of the houses.
I'd really like to pick Elmar, but Calvin seems too perfect for the position.

>>5928483
I wanted someone that understands the masses on a deeper level and won’t be seen as another suit or an arrogant noble. His job isn’t fix problems as that’s what everyone else does in the room will be doing but to raise happiness. Remember happiness is one of our lowest stats.

>>5928487
Roleplay anon. Hanno doesn't exactly seem like the best option to me either but i'm voting for him anyway cause it's what I think Otto would choose if we weren't mind-controlling his every major decision.

>>5928488
Fair enough I just think actually making a difference in things is the best for their long term happiness even if most likely George would get better short term results for the reasons you mentioned.

>>5928337
>Huguette De Croize. A lifelong gardener with extensive experience on a variety of worlds. Deeply hostile toward pesticides.

>Haider Soluton. An artisanal craftsman with decades of experience, and true believer in handicrafts. Supports the Guilds.

>Armel De Croize. An affluent industrialist who lost almost all of his fortune during the nanoplague, and has rebuilt only some of it. Still grieving the war.

>Petronilla Nightshayd. A more public member of their bloodline, who has a bare minimum of competence and is excellent at cooking the books. If she were given a blind eye in the imperial court, Nightshayd would be pleased.

>>5928338
>Hanno Junger. A pile of burns and scars bolted into a dented cyberframe, and a most intimidating specimen. A decorated veteran and strong believer in gunboat diplomacy.

>Liam Arthen. A harsh and uncompromising taskmaster who views burnout as a sign of weakness. Has taken two days off in his entire career, both for funerals.

>Martin Soluton. The same as the potential Advisor of Shipyards, he boasts a considerable grasp of xenolinguistics and has helped several Corps translate the Osgus tongue.

>Katrin Rausch. An old matron of her house who barely survived an organ-rotting plague, believes the Empire would be better off developing its currently held planets than expanding.

>>5928339
>Harrison Arthen. An old knight obsessed with chivalry and feats of strength in battle. You knew him personally as a boy, and know him to be of a kind but strict character.

>Kaleb Bates. A smooth-talking former Amasoft Corp shareholder who’s rejoiced at House Rothsford’s demise. Thinks holo-advertisement techniques would work well for propaganda.

>Elmar Heinrich. A cousin of yours who’s spent most of his life as a subtler member of the Royal Guard. Unknown to Nightshayd, and a highly skilled operative in his own right.

>>5928493
That’s not what roleplay is. Roleplay is putting yourself in your character’s shoes not “choosing what your character would do.”
>>5928497
Did you not read what I said? I fully intend on fixing problems. You seem to think raising happiness is just some short term benefit. By raising happiness we can open up more opportunities.

>>5928337
Advisor of Agriculture
>Huguette De Croize. A lifelong gardener with extensive experience on a variety of worlds. Deeply hostile toward pesticides
Advisor of Manufacturing
>Haider Soluton. An artisanal craftsman with decades of experience, and true believer in handicrafts. Supports the Guilds.
Advisor of Infrastructure
>Armel De Croize. An affluent industrialist who lost almost all of his fortune during the nanoplague, and has rebuilt only some of it. Still grieving the war
Advisor of Finance
>Mikhalis. A former Rothsford who defected as soon as rebellion was declared, now a commoner, he retains his former contacts. Uncanny at shuffling funds and wracked with guilt.

>>5928338
Advisor of Diplomacy
>Each choice is unacceptable, find someone else.
Advisor of Shipyards
>Martin Soluton. A gentle and inquisitive architect that’s made a handful of choice starship designs. More concerned with the contentment of employees than their productivity.
Advisor of Xenology
>Heiko Lochstrum. A boisterous and violent ex-mercenary, driven to an interest in the Osgus culture by his love for Jumpcrawl. Is a co-announcer of some fame to the squids.
Advisor of Colonization
>Katrin Rausch. An old matron of her house who barely survived an organ-rotting plague, believes the Empire would be better off developing its currently held planets than expanding.

>>5928339
Advisor of the Military
>Leopold Junger. A bold veteran turned drill sergeant after he lost his leg to a federal bomb. Humble and feels he doesn’t deserve the position, but competent and driven.
Advisor of the Masses
>Maleko Parmas. An aggressive advocate for increased aristocracy, thinks the masses are best controlled through directly helping them because they’re too incompetent to help themselves.
Advisor of the Nobility
>Paskal Lu’gaut. The patriarch of a minor house known for its lavish festivities and the extremely strict lifestyle outside of them. Even having him on call would be a decent amount of leverage.

>>5928529
>Advisor of Diplomacy
>Each choice is unacceptable, find someone else.
Interesting. Mind saying why?

>>5928339
>>5928350
I'll change my vote for Masses to
>Maleko Parmas. An aggressive advocate for increased aristocracy, thinks the masses are best controlled through directly helping them because they’re too incompetent to help themselves.

>>5928531
The first option doesn't really fit the role of a diplomat, any admiral can conduct "gunboat diplomacy." it's just not useful to have a simple minded brute as an advisor.

The second is a commoner so he's immediately out. He just isn't a noble so how can he advise the emperor on pitching feudalism to other factions of humanity? I have no faith in him.

The third would be another member of House Soluton which already has 2 other seats on the council according to my vote, it would be better to have a greater diversity on the council. Also he has a known secret, that's another mark against him.

So ideally someone from House Heinrich will be found if the QM wouldn't mind making that an option, as it is we won't have out House on the council at al!

>>5928337
Agriculture
>Huguette De Croize. A lifelong gardener with extensive experience on a variety of worlds. Deeply hostile toward pesticides.
Manufacturing
>Haider Soluton. An artisanal craftsman with decades of experience, and true believer in handicrafts. Supports the Guilds.
Infrastructure
>Ed. A prospector turned overseer, brought to the crown’s attention for record-breaking efficiency. Hardworking, impatient.
Finance
>Mikhalis. A former Rothsford who defected as soon as rebellion was declared, now a commoner, he retains his former contacts. Uncanny at shuffling funds and wracked with guilt.
Have him marry Petronilla if possible or another Nightshayd debutante. Im sure they would appreciate his skills and having a "woman behind the man" so to speak.
>>5928338
Diplomacy
>Hanno Junger. A pile of burns and scars bolted into a dented cyberframe, and a most intimidating specimen. A decorated veteran and strong believer in gunboat diplomacy.
Shipyards
>Martin Soluton. A gentle and inquisitive architect that’s made a handful of choice starship designs. More concerned with the contentment of employees than their productivity.
Xenology
>Albin Heinrich. Your father and perhaps the best person for the position, although you get the impression he applied because he couldn’t help himself, and if you allowed it, your mother would mourn the loss of her husband.
Colonization
>Anderius Ustong. A technician of the now-minor house, known for his work in atmospheric seeding. Though his house has been shamed, it still holds ancient secrets.
>>5928339
Military
>Reuben III, Schafer. A quiet, calm descendant of Oskar Schafer with a mind for operations of scale. Dislikes direct engagement, feels that maintaining void supremacy is more efficient.
Masses
>Harrison Arthen. An old knight obsessed with chivalry and feats of strength in battle. You knew him personally as a boy, and know him to be of a kind but strict character.
Nobles
>Barnaby Soluton. A steward of his house’s estate who has a great deal of experience in playing nobles off of each other. Savvy at intrigue, but has a secret habit of depressant abuse.
I'd prefer these last two in the positions I've put them in rather than the ones they are suggested for.

>>5928524
Anon you're arguing semantics. From my view of what roleplay is when you have a preestablished character with defined personality traits and beliefs putting yourself in your character's shoes and then deciding what you THINK they would most likely do IS at the very least a type of roleplay.

I did read what you said I just disagree with supporting a philanthropist over someone who is more likely to give solid results. Philanthropy is nice and all but it doesn't actually change the underlining issues for why people are unhappy in the first place you can't just throw money at charities for the rest of eternity and expect the overall happiness of billions to skyrocket we have to set a actual foundation of systematic change for the overall quality of life and subsequently happiness of the average person. That's my personal view on it at least.

>>5928553
That's why I want to put Harrison Arthen in that position. I think he's more capable of that long term change.

>>5928553
You are making a fundamental mistake in your assumptions.
Long term versus short term is mostly horse shit. Everything is a matter of opportunities and consequences. The world is a dynamic place that we have to constantly adapt to as such long term decisions are mostly an illusion.
You also are assuming my approach. I see his value in terms of his ability to influence the masses and use that to bring our goals and the people’s goals into alignment.
What need do we of taxes when people gleefully fund our projects of their own violation?
What need do we have of forcing people to obey edicts if they trust us enough to follow them anyway?
Such is my true plan.

As for RP, you make the assumption you actually know how he thinks. That’s part of the QM’s job at the end of the day which, in turn, is what the options and story posts express. Every option by the QM is in character and he reserves the right to veto write-ins if they don’t fit.
>>5928536
This is fairly well reasoned. The reason I chose the commoner is because he managed to charm his way to the top. Serious this is the kind of guy you adopt because of how talented he is… we should do that shouldn’t we.

>>5928361
>>5928339
>Support

Thanks saved me time from copying all of them myself.

>>5928595
I still disagree with some fundamental points of your view of things simply from a human nature perspective but I shall relent for the sake of this disagreement not dragging on for too long.

And yes obviously I don't know how he thinks but nothing wrong with making an educated guess.

Anyway let us just agree to disagree for now good debating.

We really scraped the bottom of the barrel with some of these choices
>>5928337
>Huguette De Croize. A lifelong gardener with extensive experience on a variety of worlds. Deeply hostile toward pesticides.
Decent overall choice, Albin would be happy

>Haider Soluton. An artisanal craftsman with decades of experience, and true believer in handicrafts. Supports the Guilds.
A Soluton is always good and perhaps he will increase the overall quality of goods in the Empire too

>Ed. A prospector turned overseer, brought to the crown’s attention for record-breaking efficiency. Hardworking, impatient.
Solid Choice

>Mikhalis. A former Rothsford who defected as soon as rebellion was declared, now a commoner, he retains his former contacts. Uncanny at shuffling funds and wracked with guilt.
The best of the 3 really although I don't trust him because of his lineage

>>5928338
>Pierre. An average accountant’s son, who’s incredibly likeable and managed to talk his way into the very heart of the imperial court. Seems harmless, and loyal.
He just needs to keep the peace and if he can smoothtalk his way up here then he seems pretty solid

>Martin Soluton. A gentle and inquisitive architect that’s made a handful of choice starship designs. More concerned with the contentment of employees than their productivity.
Happy employees are efficient employees I guess. Also I rather not burnout all our shipbuilding staff as that would be catastrophic

>Heiko Lochstrum. A boisterous and violent ex-mercenary, driven to an interest in the Osgus culture by his love for Jumpcrawl. Is a co-announcer of some fame to the squids.
A bone to Lochstrum and an overall solid choice

>Katrin Rausch. An old matron of her house who barely survived an organ-rotting plague, believes the Empire would be better off developing its currently held planets than expanding.
Good, we have a lot of dead worlds that can be developed

>>5928339
>Harrison Arthen. An old knight obsessed with chivalry and feats of strength in battle. You knew him personally as a boy, and know him to be of a kind but strict character.
All the choices here were good actually so I would be fine with anyone of them getting the position

>Maleko Parmas. An aggressive advocate for increased aristocracy, thinks the masses are best controlled through directly helping them because they’re too incompetent to help themselves.
Seems like a nice guy alongside George

>Calvin Phillips. A retired brute renowned for his exploits on the battlefield, much like yourself, save that he’s spent the last few decades making friends. Knows much about the inner workings of the houses.
His knowledge will be great for the position and he is from an incredibly loyal house. Elmar was a close tie for me but I am sure that Calvin can enlist his aid either way.

>>5928529
>>5928536
Hanno was considered for his past skill in bridging the gap between house retinue and imperial army detachments, as well as forcing a few surrenders on Uvarth ahead of schedule. He's a brute but has a knack for applying pressure. That said, the Junger is far from ideal for peaceable negotiations.

If you'd like, Elmar could easily be shifted to Advisor of Diplomacy. His skills for the most part lie in infiltration, which required a fine expertise in navigating the highs and lows of noble society.

Failing that, there are a selection of runner-up candidates who were overlooked for their less impressive careers.

>Basil De Croize. A gentleman with some skill in mediating disputes between the minor houses. Clever, but always tries to find a middle-ground.
>Harold Heinrich. The admiral looking to retire, despised by much of the commoners but beloved by the nobility. Always knows what to say to make an aristocrat smile.
>Maria Arthen. A rare peace-loving member of her line, and a partial, albeit small, contributor to its isolation. Seems kind on the surface, but killed a man sentenced for death in the past and relished it.

>>5928610
>>5928611
I will change my diplomacy vote from Pierre to
>Harold Heinrich. The admiral looking to retire, despised by much of the commoners but beloved by the nobility. Always knows what to say to make an aristocrat smile.
Just so we have someone of our house in the council, also he seems pretty competent enough to talk and negotiate with other species.

>>5928611
Thank you very much for accommodating my concerns, I change my vote to Harold.
>>Harold Heinrich. The admiral looking to retire, despised by much of the commoners but beloved by the nobility. Always knows what to say to make an aristocrat smile.

>>5928611
Question QM, what happened to the two Ustong fleets that surrendered in Oufret?

And a second: What exactly is the legacies of Alphonse and Albin? I assume in the end they were both favourably seen by about everyone but still.

>>5928337
>Huguette De Croize
>Ted. An incredibly boring commoner who is fixated on spreadsheets and optimization. Dull, but qualified.
>Ed. A prospector turned overseer, brought to the crown’s attention for record-breaking efficiency. Hardworking, impatient.
>Mikhalis. A former Rothsford who defected as soon as rebellion was declared, now a commoner, he retains his former contacts. Uncanny at shuffling funds and wracked with guilt.
Literally the only qualified choice for that last vote.

>>5928338
>Barnaby Soluton. A steward of his house’s estate who has a great deal of experience in playing nobles off of each other. Savvy at intrigue, but has a secret habit of depressant abuse.
Get them some treatment. social engineering is super valuable in politics
>Martin Soluton
>Albin Heinrich
(I thought Albin was dead though?)
>Katrin Rausch

>>5928700
Not dead just retired.

>>5928339
>Reuben III, Schafer. A quiet, calm descendant of Oskar Schafer with a mind for operations of scale. Dislikes direct engagement, feels that maintaining void supremacy is more efficient.
>George
>Paskal Lu’gaut

>>5926692
>The Emperor is dead! Long live the Emperor!”
Is usually said when one figure dies and the other takes the throne.

>>5928337
>Huguette De Croize. A lifelong gardener with extensive experience on a variety of worlds. Deeply hostile toward pesticides.
It's who dad would want
>Haider Soluton. An artisanal craftsman with decades of experience, and true believer in handicrafts. Supports the Guilds.
Quality, yeah!
>Ed. A prospector turned overseer, brought to the crown’s attention for record-breaking efficiency. Hardworking, impatient.
Record breaking efficiency is exactly what we want
>Mikhalis. A former Rothsford who defected as soon as rebellion was declared, now a commoner, he retains his former contacts. Uncanny at shuffling funds and wracked with guilt.
As much as I like mom's house, we need someone competent and motivated here
>>5928338
>Barnaby Soluton. A steward of his house’s estate who has a great deal of experience in playing nobles off of each other. Savvy at intrigue, but has a secret habit of depressant abuse.
The only human state of consequence remaining unconquered is the kingdom. His expertise will shine.
>Rufus. A relative to Big Hoss Gus, and no less extroverted, but he knows his way around ships. Views the particulars of the work itself as secondary to efficiency of design.
I like these guys, he knows what he's doing. Would have picked the Soluton if not for
>Martin Soluton. The same as the potential Advisor of Shipyards, he boasts a considerable grasp of xenolinguistics and has helped several Corps translate the Osgus tongue.
Great for the job, dad needs to rest.
>Anderius Ustong. A technician of the now-minor house, known for his work in atmospheric seeding. Though his house has been shamed, it still holds ancient secrets.
We hold no grudge as long as he puts these secrets to the empire's use.
>>5928339
>Harrison Arthen. An old knight obsessed with chivalry and feats of strength in battle. You knew him personally as a boy, and know him to be of a kind but strict character.
Hardest choice, all three are great.
>Kaleb Bates. A smooth-talking former Amasoft Corp shareholder who’s rejoiced at House Rothsford’s demise. Thinks holo-advertisement techniques would work well for propaganda.
He's probably right.
>Elmar Heinrich. A cousin of yours who’s spent most of his life as a subtler member of the Royal Guard. Unknown to Nightshayd, and a highly skilled operative in his own right.
A spy who is not a Nightshayd? We should encourage that.

Looking back at my picks, that's a lot of Solutons. Most competent nobles, we should keep them close. Appointing this many of them to the council will probably make them forget the grudge over our wife.

Rolled 2, 2, 4, 2 = 10 (4d6)

I'm going to lock the vote here, largely because I've gotten the update (for the overwhelming most part) written. This is likely the largest one yet, by a decent margin. That makes sense, given that you've laid the framework for two major institutions and several things have happened that warrant the Emperor's input.

In between the politics, you also had some time to spend with Jeanne, which has likely born results.

>>5928188
>>5928700
>>5928848
My apologies for any confusion about Albin. Your father's alive and well, at ninety-five years old. He is, however, legally dead as he was once the Emperor and is no longer. The Eternal Empire holds that once taken, the throne is for life, with the renunciation any claim to their previous rule after stepping down. This was enacted due to a number of civil wars over ex-Emperors re-seizing the throne during power vacuums, but by now, the tradition is a formality. Pre-death funerals aren't held anymore, in any case.

>>5928620
No problem. As Emperor, you have a wide range of possibilities available to you. Don't ever hesitate to ask if you suspect another avenue could work better.

>>5928632
>Question QM, what happened to the two Ustong fleets that surrendered in Oufret?
Only one Ustong fleet surrendered in Subregion Ouferet, under Sergio Ustong. In consideration of your sister, Aurelia, your father Albin left the fleet under House Ustong (and by extension, her) control. Due to the sheer expense of maintaining a fleet and their newfound poverty, House Ustong is caught in between a rock and a hard place and has been struggling to stay afloat. You've left it under them so far as a white elephant, of sorts.

The other Ustong fleet fought a suicidal last stand in Subregion Licciri and was destroyed. Oskar II was commander of the battle and it was quite decisive.

>And a second: What exactly is the legacies of Alphonse and Albin?
Alphonse is remembered as a mythical figure, who arose from nothing and shattered the decadent tyranny of Vonduul, united the worlds of the Empire under one vision, and died a tragic early death as a result of his own mercy, which the Brand Loyalists didn't deserve. Even today, calling someone a Brand Loyalist or accusing them of Brand Loyalty is a grievous slur.

Albin is remembered as his father's son, but also as a strange, if dedicated ruler, who implemented a number of important environmental and political reforms, broke the Tripartite Entente, and awakened the masses to the many wonders of ritualized team-violence with aliens. He's interesting as many of the Empire's most and least educated citizens consider him the greatest Emperor of all time, but those in the middle don't feel very strongly about his reign.

>>5928901
>A seventh son
I'm stunned beyond words

>>5928905
Fucking 7. The statistical probabilities are mental.

File: AlbinBellCurve.jpg (83 KB, 675x499)

83 KB JPG

>>5928905
Way too much testosterone in Otto to allow a daughter

>>5928901
I was talking about the mercenary who didn’t rout after the De Croize Carnival Cruise who stood by Sergio at Oufret, I think his name was Axton? Either way good on Aurelia for keeping the fleet and hopefully the stipend that was sent makes sure her children live comfortably.
Also how is Karl doing with his new wife?
>>5928905
The civil war is going to go crazy
>>5928941
KEK

>>5928939
I'm starting to suspect Otto may be some kind of genetic throwback to a wilder, more violent age.

>>5928941
Kek, that's pretty much how it is, yeah.

>>5928949
Ah, "Hurricane" Axton's fleet was confiscated by the imperial navy and has been mothballed, as it was ill-maintained and old- some warships even predating the founding of House Vonduul. There'll be a choice of what to do with it once the Martian Shipwrights finish their current project. With major shipyards over Mars, Plutul, and Uvarth, and the Martian Shipwrights as well as two Corps working on them, House Heinrich's likely to be drowning in warships. Of course, keeping the Corps under contract and maintaining these fleets, once constructed, reaps a heavy toll on the treasury of any who keep them. If House Heinrich isn't cautious, this could become ruinous.

Regarding Karl and Beatrice, that'll be explained in the upcoming update.

>>5928941
He’s definitely going to be remembered as the Heinrich equivalent of Heracles.

>>5928967
> House Heinrich's likely to be drowning in warships. Of course, keeping the Corps under contract and maintaining these fleets, once constructed, reaps a heavy toll on the treasury of any who keep them.
Good thing we’ll be waging war against the Vrakak soon otherwise that might have been a problem.

>>5928979
I was hoping we could give them to the Martials so they finally have retinue fleets

>>5928967
You mentioned that Albin is considered by some to be the greatest emperor ever. My question: Who are the other emperors considered the greatest and the worst, and why?

Also when are we going to get a horrific interstellar plague that wipes out 6/7ths of the Imperial Family, alongside an invasion, leaving an extremely young ruler to try and bring things back from the brink?

>>5929120
Getting impatient for Renovatio Imperii, are we?

>>5928350
>>5928532
>>5928361
>>5928367
>>5928399
>>5928478
>>5928482
>>5928487
>>5928507
>>5928529
>>5928620
>>5928548
>>5928598
>>5928610
>>5928617
>>5928700
>>5928704
>>5928885
Sorting through potential advisors is a long, tedious process, but it is essential and must be done. You're beginning to find that most of the day-to-day duties of the Emperor are long and tedious yet essential processes. You go through the positions one-by-one.

You appoint Huguette De Croize as Advisor of Agriculture. The haggard, leathery woman (whose sex was difficult to tell, what with the raspy smoking voice and baggy clothes) is pleased to assist in matters of carrots and spuds. "The Corps must not be allowed a foothold in the agricultural sphere, m'lord. If we hesitate to act, they'll poison the earth."

You appoint Haider Soluton as Advisor of Manufacturing. The craftsman obeys the polite protocol of bows and diction to an impressive degree, as you've long come to expect from his lineage. "I shan't disappoint your majesty. My hands are your own."

You appoint Ed as Advisor of Infrastructure. The commoner's etiquette is rough around the edges, but he's hardened in a way that implies a lifetime of hard work, with keen, analytical eyes that indicate it wasn't all physical. "Thank you, sire. There's some inefficiencies in the mines, I think nearby residences could really cut down on transit times, and have drafted some plans for you to look at."

You appoint Mikhalis as Advisor of Finance. This is a clear statement that House Heinrich is forgiving, to those who are worth forgiveness. The ex-Rothsford is driven to tears at your decision and prostrates so deeply you're worried it may leave an imprint in the rug. "Thank you, m'lord! Thank you! Thank you! You have my word your treasury will explode!" There's a tense moment, as he starts to sweat enough to leave a visible stain in the carpet and corrects himself. "...I-In the positive, m-metaphorical sense, m'lord!"

You briefly consider bringing up the prospect of marriage with Petronilla Nightshayd, as he's a childless widower (albeit, by House Heinrich's hands) and she herself is eligible.

Should you go through with it?

>Yes. Nightshayd would be pleased by your consideration of their interests, and this would allow you to keep a close eye on the financier.
>No. You fear Nightshayd's involvement would compromise the integrity of the position, and will remain silent on the matter.

>>5929146
You appoint Hanno Junger as Advisor of Diplomacy, although you resolve to keep Harold on call, in case a finer touch is needed. The veteran is ecstatic and laughs. "HA! We'll put those traitors to the throne in their place! I humbly suggest we start off with them gutless Chav'acs!"

While you did overlook Pierre for the position, you note that he has a remarkable gift of gab. Perhaps he'd be worth inducting into the imperial family, much like Harold.

Should you adopt Pierre into House Heinrich?

>Yes. If he's charismatic enough to talk his way from nothing to the very throne, there may be a genetic component.
>No. The man is a consummate socialite and average in every other respect, with nothing of worth to contribute.

You appoint Rufus as Advisor of Shipyards, though it is a difficult decision between him and the Soluton. He's ecstatic and takes his hat off at the news. "Ah mus' SAY suh, ah wasn' 'spectin ta ackshually get tha position! Ah swear ah won' letcha down, suh!"

You are tempted by Heiko Lochstrum and Martin Soluton both, but in the end, cannot let your father down. You appoint Albin Heinrich as Advisor of Xenology. The former Emperor is rapt with excitement at the news. "Thank you, son... Thank you! You have no idea how much this means to me... Finally, we can mend affairs with the Mukvir and reach out to the stars, you and me, together! Father and son!"

You have no doubt of his competence. Even so, you have a sinking feeling in your stomach, worsened by a message from your mother in the days to come. She's outraged, as his obsession with aliens has returned full-bore and he's no longer in retirement. "I hope you are happy with your choices, boy. You've killed your father as sure as any bullet."

You appoint Gunnar as Advisor of Colonization, though you feel the others are excellent candidates in their own right and resolve to have them head a project at some point. The pioneer, the survivor, really, is amazed to see the throne with his own two eyes. "I never imagined I'd be standing here one day, Emperor. I promise to do my best, for all Mankind. First things first, the colony prefabs need redundant bulkheads and welding rods. Believe me, no airlock is foolproof and you can never, ever have too many welding rods..."

>>5929147
You appoint Harrison Arthen as Advisor of the Military, but are impressed with Leopold and decide to keep him in mind if you ever go ahead with major martial reforms. After all, your mind was shaped by House Arthen and external perspectives are key. The old knight's helmet obscures his face as he bows deeply, but his voice betrays his gratitude. "You have my thanks, your majesty. I hope we can instill a proud martial tradition in all the Empire."

You appoint Maleko Parmas as Advisor of the Masses. The richly-dressed nobleman's jeweled cane shakes in his hand- he's clearly excited at this opportunity. "Finally, sire, we can dig wells, build hospitals, and reduce child mortality rates for the poor! Cosmos knows they're too stupid to do it themselves!"

You appoint Calvin Phillips as Advisor of the Nobility. Seeing the beaten lump beaming ear-to-ear is like looking into a mirror, and makes you wish you could smile back. "You mean I've just got to keep doing what I've been doing, except I get to fill the Emperor in on everything? Sounds like a damn fine job, your majesty!"

At the same time, you note House Lu'gaut could be worth reaching a hand to in the future. Unlike most hedonists, they cling jealously to the discipline of mind and body. Something you can respect.

The Privy Council has been assembled! From now on, they'll advise you in circumstances where their expertise is needed.

>>5929148
The Landstaat is, above all else, boring. From your perspective, it's a profound waste of time that diminishes everyone involved. The endless gibbering between the powerless but self-important dignitaries, functionaries, and representatives of the houses is mind-numbing. It makes you want to order the imperial navy to glass the entire structure from orbit while every feeble windbag is chained to their chairs inside. The temptation is even harder to resist when you know that such an order would be obeyed, enthusiastically, and you'd most likely win the ensuing civil war. Still, you force yourself to keep up appearances.

When you notice the similarities, it's impossible to ignore that this political ensemble is a twisted mirror-image of the Federation of Uvarth's parliament, stripped of all authority and run through an aristocratic strainer. If nothing else, it has confirmed to you that the inherent inefficiencies of democracy outweigh the value of any idealism it may have. All manner of paper-pushers and silver-tongues thrive in this den of snakes, none of them contributing any worth whatsoever to the Empire.

You are affronted by the entire ordeal. Even if you are forced to admit that, for all of its many, many flaws, it is excellent for keeping tabs on the noble houses. Your presence here has caused it to take root as an organization and given you a great grasp of the noble house's problems, real or perceived, and of their louder opinions. You review them in detail.

>House Heinrich is pleased with the situation and thinks everything is going smoothly. A few think Crown Corp is useless in its current form and ought to be further refined.
>House Soluton is outraged that De Croize has suffered no penalties to its planets and had a daughter married into the ruling bloodline. That said, they blame this on House Heinrich's supposed kindness, and are quite happy with the dynasty overall.
>House Arthen is still reeling from the loss of Lughan and looking to old glories for a renewed martial identity. They regularly raise concerns of hypothetical civil wars, campaigns, and invasions, and otherwise seem bored with the entire forum.
>House De Croize is apologetic to House Soluton and has repeatedly tried, and failed, to placate them. Some feel their continued hostility is unfair, but they are understanding.
>House Nightshayd is outwardly boring and concerned with interplanetary tarifs. At a few points, they raised the notion of state-sponsored vices for laughs, but you suspect they may have been serious.
>The Martial Houses are in subtle agreement with your own thoughts and sent only the bare minimum delegation. They are House Arthen's most regular conversation partner and remain a nearly interchangeable power bloc.

>>5929152
>House Lochstrum is railing against the continued injustices of the Tripartite Entente and the Reaver Clans. Their admiral, Galileo recently returned to imperial space missing half of his fleet, with no word of success and rumours of wild men and mysterious aliens.
>House Talcaster is taking this the most seriously and frequently jumps on House Nightshayd's bait, much to the spies' chagrin. One subject they keep coming back to is the encouragement of self-sufficiency for remote colonies.
>House Junger is bold and energetic, despite the dullness of the proceedings. They frequently play devil's advocate in military discussions, raising valuable concerns of plausible weak points in the Empire.
>House Aboze is as slavish as ever and fixated on the throne, apparently in earnesty. Among other things, they feel the Empire has far too few monuments of past and present Emperors under House Heinrich.
>The Minor Houses are varied and of little concern, but a recurring trend is pitches for expansion. It seems they each want more planets and a higher chance of lifting themselves up to the status of a Major House.

There's nothing to be done for it now, but this knowledge could be useful in the future. You're relieved when your time with the Landstaat is over. Honest to the memory of Alphonse, you'd rather be thrown under gunfire than set another foot in that building.

>>5929153
After many years of diligently constructing research facilities, gathering brilliant minds, and cross-referencing ancient manuscripts, the Order of Erudition has finally gotten its feet (or talons, you suppose) under itself. Their scientists are now prepared to advance the knowledge of Mankind in any way you see fit. Progress will take many years, if it comes at all, but any step forward is invaluable to future generations.

Where do you want them to start?

>Industry. Humanity has been using the same manufacturing methods for nine dynasties, with incremental improvements at best. They should try to find a way to even more efficiently streamline the process.
>Credits. Perhaps the greatest threat to the Empire lies in finance, and the ability of anyone to amass a dangerous fortune. They should try to find a way to covertly monitor every transaction and freeze the accounts of dissidents.
>Propaganda. Too many of the masses believe they shouldn't owe fealty to the noble houses, which is both seditious and ignorant. They should try to find a way to merge Corp advertisement techniques with imperial avenues, keeping the best parts of both and losing the worst.
>Holotech. Arguably the greatest invention of Mankind, holo-imagery is already everywhere and widely agreed on as the ideal media platform, even by the egalitarians themselves. They should try to find a way to use holo-imagery that hasn't been implemented yet.
>Medicine. This is a particularly touchy subject for you, but also for wounded veterans the Empire over. They should try to find a way to cleanly regrow lost organs and appendages with little to no loss of function.
>Terraforming. Some dead worlds have a soil composition which would be excellent for agriculture, if only it were processed via microecology and there were an atmosphere to sustain it. They should try to find a way to produce and hold atmospheres wholesale, after all, it's been done before. It's hard to believe, but Mars itself was once a dead world with a below-Earth gravity.
>Shipbuilding. Manufacturing more fleets is too expensive and maintaining them is a prohibitive drain on funds. They should try to find a way to make it easier, ideally without any leaks outside of the Martian shipwrights.
>The Telescope. You went through a huge amount of trouble to get this artifact, only for these overeducated idiots to ruin it by poking and prodding around. They should try to find a way to put the thing back together and see if they can't learn its other secrets.

>>5929156
Over two decades have been condemned to memory since their contract began. This can't be begrudged them, as the Tripartite Entente interrupted the supply lines they were dependent on, but now, after many delays, Bullseye Corp has finished its work. Their first fleet has been manufactured! Once again, Corp technicians did their best to meet your expectations but their preexisting knowledge base forced them to make certain concessions.

Their design is a stark divergence from the imperial mainstream, though relying on the same parts in a different configuration.

The warships have a large internal energy supply, which is almost exclusively leveraged toward fine engines and dense sensors, with munitions almost as an afterthought. Their armour is thin and their shields, weak. The construction itself is intricate, requiring notably more maintenance than comparable vessels. They have many shortcomings and compared to warships of the imperial line, are fragile and undergunned.

However, they have a number of advantages. Each of their ships is incredibly swift and agile, going so far as to dodge slower enemy munitions in flight. While they have one-third fewer lasers and cannons, they are projected to be twice as accurate due to heightened data-feeds. Further, in a substantial deviation from the Empire's doctrine, the designs of the fleet are heavily interconnected.

Each imperial warship is designed to fight a war in miniature on its own, if need be, and compromise nothing. This has resulted in a strong, versatile navy. These warships, to contrast, are designed with their squadron in mind and are each specialized to fulfill a select role in that capacity. Many of the ships are little more than sensors bundled around an engine, which enable rare, spinal mounted railguns to inflict backbreaking damage. Most of the rest are primed for strafing and hit-and-run tactics, rather than the head-on slugging you've come to expect. Prior to imperial inspection, each was painted a sleek vantablack with gunmetal highlights.

Overall, the ships are far faster and deadlier than the baseline, but flimsier, less able to endure heavy casualties, and of a comparable price. Yet again, these differences are minor on the strategic scale but represent a substantial change for individual admirals. The Corp is confident that the throne's facilities over Uvarth can produce one more fleet like it per twenty years at negligible cost, though they're equipped to produce a wide variety of possible designs.

>>5929157
The Corp experts are desperate to win the Emperor's approval. Even so, their designs are dramatically different to what you've come to expect. For better or worse, it's indicative of a foreign mindset, operating on priorities which the imperial navy doesn't. If not for the parts, most admirals would consider them exotic.

What is your decree as Emperor?

>Purchase Bullseye Corp. You are pleased by their out-of-the-box thinking and feel they could do excellent work for the throne beneath the guidance of your dynasty. This would strain the economy, but strengthen the crown.
>Keep Bullseye Corp hired. Their unfamiliar design represents an upset to the stagnation of imperial naval design. If this continues, it may spur wider innovation. They'll be allowed to continue working on Uvarth and refining their design.
>License Bullseye Corp. They've done well, well enough you deem they're worthy of the right to make and sell their own warships. Cherry Corp isn't likely to be pleased but they have their own core world and no room to complain.
>Let Bullseye Corp's contract expire. If something is unusual, it's not necessarily good. Their designs are too far from imperial sensibilities to tolerate the budget. If their mercantile shipwrights wish to remain employed, they can submit to the noble houses or find work with Hookware or Cherry Corp.
>Fire Bullseye Corp. You are frankly disgusted by their design, which to you stinks of a lack of martial honour. You'll disbar them immediately and ban them from further meddling with imperial warships of any kind.
>Plunder Bullseye Corp. These ex-feddie scum have gone too far with their glorified glasswork, and must suffer the consequences! Their coffers will be looted, their executives given a fair trial by combat, their engineers imprisoned. None will escape your judgement. This will shock the other factions of the Empire, even if Cherry Corp may be quietly relieved at the lack of competition.

Regardless of Bullseye Corp and your thoughts on the design itself, this is undeniably a functional war-fleet. No matter the composition, such an asset is not to be taken lightly.

Who should receive it?

>House Heinrich. Your bloodline could use another retinue fleet, even if it is... odd.
>The Royal Guard. You feel they aren't yet at their full potential, but the throne's guards warrant further strength, even so.
>The Order of Rangers. You suppose it would please your father and keep the nobles in line, if nothing else.
>The Imperial Navy. You're confident they could make some use of these strange warships, one way or another.
>A Noble House. You deem it would be prudent to shift the balance of power and ingratiate one of the ancient bloodlines to your own. (Which?)
>A Mercenary Charter. You reason this fleet isn't worthy of (or necessary for) the Empire, proper, but the highest bidder would pay well for the privilege.

>>5929158
>>5928901
Back on the homefront, you've had time to come closer to your wife, Jeanne. Apart from the analogue watch she made for your anniversary and which now rests on your wrist, you've shown her the joys of trap-shooting and she, of puzzles to you. Jeanne has a fondness for the convoluted, three-dimensional ones that holo-tech makes possible, even if you can't wrap your head around some of the finer bits. These days, you cherish all the more for how rare they are as Emperor.

To the sheer astonishment (and hushed dread) of House Heinrich, Jeanne has grown pregnant and given birth to a seventh son!

He has bright eyes and takes after your father some in his looks, though it's impossible to tell what kind of man he'll be yet.

What will you name your seventhborn son?

Your brother, Karl, has finally opted to settle down from his wandering to help overseee the imperial court. His wife Beatrice was too timid to keep up with his high-flying gambling career (which you are only hearing of now) and he deemed it would be selfish to force her into the dangerous lifestyle. You approve of his decision. Especially as the couple has four children, albeit all daughters, and seem to be raising them well.

>>5929159
Late one night, he surprises you by sneaking past the Royal Guard patrols to meet you in your chambers, where he confesses his intentions.

"Brother, I know we aren't the closest, but I assure you, my time as a cheat wasn't what it looked like. These nobles and corpos, they've got more money than they know what to do with, and they spend it all on themselves. While it's no loss if I snatched some here or there, it wasn't the thrill of the game that kept me at it. Nah, I wanted to help the little man, like dad did, and grandad tried. These commoners are poorer than dirt, and that's maybe for the best, but maybe, maybe things ought not to be so bad for 'em. I was hoping... I could make enough from wheeling and dealing to buy my own colony, then run it like... like House Heinrich does our worlds, y'know?"

Your brother gets a wistful look in his eye, as he goes on. "A nice place to settle down, start a family, *live.* Not worry so much 'bout the politics, the taxes to local nobles, 'stead of just the Empire. I would've earned it myself. It would've been mine, 'stead of just given to me. I could've really been proud of that. You understand, yeah? I don't mean to push you anywhere, or ask anything of you. This has just been laying on my heart, brother, and I thought it was best you know." He goes to leave, and tips his cap to the Prime Minister's skull on its shelf as he goes. "Thanks for listening, Otto. I know the Emperor's a busy man and I didn't give you too much choice, but it means the galaxy to me."

A rather peculiar situation. Should you do anything in light of this information?

>Leave Karl be. Your brother and Beatrice are happy together and his presence is making the imperial court the slightest bit safer. If nothing else, his wife seems very comfortable with the current situation.
>Arrange for Karl to receive a governorship. This is more than a little blunt, but you're the Emperor and House Heinrich has a number of planets needing administration. His worries of ownership are needless- he is a royal Heinrich, the Empire lays at his feet!
>Conveniently "slip" some funds to Karl. A small chunk of the Rothsford plunder, enough to do some higher-stakes, if remote gambling with the stock market. This would make House Heinrich slightly less wealthy, but give him the chance to win or lose his dream by his own hands.
>Scold Karl for his duplicity. His idealism is tantamount to federal, and stealing the well-earned money of the nobles and merchantry makes him little better than an underhanded fraudster.

>>5929161
Some time after you've made your decision, you receive a message from the Nightshayd operatives deep undercover in Clan Matador. According to them, the Reaver Clans are planning a raid in the Empire's frontier. A big one, of the type that comes once a century. It's estimated most of the serious pirate families will be pitching in men and material. Exchanging data between the spies in Clan Matador and the Chavenac Kingdom, it becomes clear this is a purely Reaver Clan initiative and King Gustav had no part in encouraging it.

By their informants, there's still no sign of Ol' Hornswoggle. Of course, that means nothing, as the mercenary turned pirate is one of the very, very few people the assassins of House Nightshayd respect, which speaks a library of volumes. For all the Empire knows, this entire raid could be a rumour to distract its forces. It could also be a straightforward raid and most likely is, but you can't dismiss anything.

This forewarning gives you precious time to act.

What should the Nightshayd spy network do? The Nightshayd can attempt several, but more than one operation would strain plausible deniability and jeopardize their whole operation.

>Sabotage one of Clan Matador's fleets. There are three of consequence, and wouldn't be difficult to blunt the edge of their assault.
>Poison the head of Clan Matador. This may cripple the raid's momentum and likely weaken it overall, but could just as easily enrage it.
>Stage a false flag on Clan Firehawk. An atrocity against someone important to their head might spark infighting ahead of time.
>Arm an uprising among Clan Matador's serfs. Funneling guns to the commoners would be trivial, and certainly distracting.
>Provoke the spies of Clan Skullstacker. This is the riskiest to attempt by far, as they're competent, but a success would be catastrophic.
>Bribe the captains of Clan Matador. Quite blatant and costly, but a foolproof means of getting greedy pirates to reconsider.

>>5929163
Lastly, how should the Empire respond on the naval front?

>Let the raid go on as usual. The imperial navy might muster a response in time, it might not, but it would reassure the reavers of their informational security and give Nightshayd's operatives more room to spread. Though it doesn't sit right with you, if you were smooth, this could be leveraged into a tearjerking propaganda campaign and wildly popular casus belli for war.
>Ensure that a high portion of the imperial navy is in the area to intercept them. This is a likely stroke of bad luck for the reavers and would leave their suspicions of Nightshayd interference unfounded. It would also give the Empire excellent chances of victory, as your fleets are individually superior.
>Gather every fleet possible to counter their attack. This would be blatantly admitting the spy network's existence and lend a vast amount of credence to the many absurd conspiracy theories that House Nightshayd are secretly assassins and have House Heinrich in their pocket. It would also crush the reaver scum in a hurry.

>>5929146
>No. You fear Nightshayd's involvement would compromise the integrity of the position, and will remain silent on the matter.
Man has suffered enough.

>>5929147
>Yes. If he's charismatic enough to talk his way from nothing to the very throne, there may be a genetic component.

>>5929156
>Credits. Perhaps the greatest threat to the Empire lies in finance, and the ability of anyone to amass a dangerous fortune. They should try to find a way to covertly monitor every transaction and freeze the accounts of dissidents.
>Propaganda. Too many of the masses believe they shouldn't owe fealty to the noble houses, which is both seditious and ignorant. They should try to find a way to merge Corp advertisement techniques with imperial avenues, keeping the best parts of both and losing the worst.

>>5929158
>Seize Bullseye Corp. They will be folded into Crown Corp.

>The Royal Guard. You feel they aren't yet at their full potential, but the throne's guards warrant further strength, even so.
>The Order of Rangers. You suppose it would please your father and keep the nobles in line, if nothing else.
Can we split them between the two? If not then just give it to the Order of Rangers.

>>5929159
>Ulricht

>>5929161
>Leave Karl be. Your brother and Beatrice are happy together and his presence is making the imperial court the slightest bit safer. If nothing else, his wife seems very comfortable with the current situation.

>>5929163
>Sabotage one of Clan Matador's fleets. There are three of consequence, and wouldn't be difficult to blunt the edge of their assault.

>>5929165
>Ensure that a high portion of the imperial navy is in the area to intercept them. This is a likely stroke of bad luck for the reavers and would leave their suspicions of Nightshayd interference unfounded. It would also give the Empire excellent chances of victory, as your fleets are individually superior.

>>5929152
>House Nightshayd is outwardly boring and concerned with interplanetary tarifs. At a few points, they raised the notion of state-sponsored vices for laughs, but you suspect they may have been serious.
Feeling a bit nostalgic for the old dynasty, eh Nightshayd? Sorry but we run things different here.

>>5929147
>>5929146
>yes to both

>Industry. Humanity has been using the same manufacturing methods for nine dynasties, with incremental improvements at best. They should try to find a way to even more efficiently streamline the process.

>Keep Bullseye Corp hired. Their unfamiliar design represents an upset to the stagnation of imperial naval design. If this continues, it may spur wider innovation. They'll be allowed to continue working on Uvarth and refining their design.

>The Order of Rangers. You suppose it would please your father and keep the nobles in line, if nothing else

>Conveniently "slip" some funds to Karl. A small chunk of the Rothsford plunder, enough to do some higher-stakes, if remote gambling with the stock market. This would make House Heinrich slightly less wealthy, but give him the chance to win or lose his dream by his own hands.

>Stage a false flag on Clan Firehawk. An atrocity against someone important to their head might spark infighting ahead of time.
>Arm an uprising among Clan Matador's serfs. Funneling guns to the commoners would be trivial, and certainly distracting.

>Ensure that a high portion of the imperial navy is in the area to intercept them. This is a likely stroke of bad luck for the reavers and would leave their suspicions of Nightshayd interference unfounded. It would also give the Empire excellent chances of victory, as your fleets are individually superior.

>Send scouts to varaks space see wtf they're doing.

Question qm did solutions not produce a fleet? Did cherry Corp not produce a fleet? Did crown Corp not produce a fleet?

>Have dad try to get the squid dudes to help us fight the varak. Make it a game. Well I think we can kill the majority of their planets. Aka gimly and legolas style of who kill most orcs.

And wicked update thanks for taking the extensive time it took.

>>5929146
>Yes. Nightshayd would be pleased by your consideration of their interests, and this would allow you to keep a close eye on the financier.
>>5929147
>Yes. If he's charismatic enough to talk his way from nothing to the very throne, there may be a genetic component.
>>5929148
Overall I think there are a bit too many commoners here but I can live with it
>>5929152
Overall, things are pretty good in the Landstaad.
>>5929156
>Terraforming. Some dead worlds have a soil composition which would be excellent for agriculture, if only it were processed via microecology and there were an atmosphere to sustain it. They should try to find a way to produce and hold atmospheres wholesale, after all, it's been done before. It's hard to believe, but Mars itself was once a dead world with a below-Earth gravity.
It will be a massive boon to us considering the amount we have
>>5929158
>Keep Bullseye Corp hired. Their unfamiliar design represents an upset to the stagnation of imperial naval design. If this continues, it may spur wider innovation. They'll be allowed to continue working on Uvarth and refining their design.
New fleet at not stat affecting cost every 2 decades? Splendid!
>A Noble House. You deem it would be prudent to shift the balance of power and ingratiate one of the ancient bloodlines to your own. (Which?)
Split it among the Martials, since we already split one fleet they should be 2/3 of the way to all having a fleet I think
>>5929159
Name him Konrad
>>5929161
>Arrange for Karl to receive a governorship. This is more than a little blunt, but you're the Emperor and House Heinrich has a number of planets needing administration. His worries of ownership are needless- he is a royal Heinrich, the Empire lays at his feet!
He is a royal prince and former second in line and more importantly our brother, he doesn’t need to skulk about. It also seems that the Heinrich’s are a bit too kind jeez.
>>5929163
>Stage a false flag on Clan Firehawk. An atrocity against someone important to their head might spark infighting ahead of time.
If it works we can do the same as the Federation
>>5929165
>Ensure that a high portion of the imperial navy is in the area to intercept them. This is a likely stroke of bad luck for the reavers and would leave their suspicions of Nightshayd interference unfounded. It would also give the Empire excellent chances of victory, as your fleets are individually superior.
The Armada crushes all

Also QM since we are infiltrated in Matador can’t we figure out the raids size in terms of fleet? It would help the decision making here

>>5929190
Also didn’t we order Hookwire to finish the Rothsford fleet for ourselves too?

Rolled 6 (1d6)

>>5929116
This is a very in-depth question and deserves a very in-depth answer. I'll get back to you on this sometime in the near future.

>>5929120
Plagues are more than possible, and invasions tend to follow any sudden weakness in the Empire. Aside from that, I can reveal nothing.

>>5929187
You could split the fleet between both factions, but it wouldn't be numerous enough to take to battle and would be a boost to their influence.

>>5929190
>Question qm did solutions not produce a fleet?
The Solutons are producing a fleet... for themselves.
>Did cherry Corp not produce a fleet?
Cherry Corp is currently manufacturing a fleet. The ETA is another 5-10 years, supply lines depending.
>Did crown Corp not produce a fleet?
No, as Crown Corp hasn't been specialized toward shipbuilding. That's one of several possibilities for them, but right now, they don't have a niche as a Corp.

The Martian Shipwrights are also manufacturing a war-fleet, with a similar ETA to Cherry Corp. In general, war-fleets take two decades or longer to manufacture (the exception being Hookware Corp- able to produce them in half of the time due to their methods) and require three things- a huge amount of liquid funds to get the parts together, a major shipyard capable of putting them together, and a faction willing to work, which could cover multiple major shipyards if it were large enough.

Due to the Emperor's contracting of Cherry Corp and Bullseye Corp, as well as only funding them to the basics of proper war-fleet manufacturing, the Martian Shipwrights can only handle on shipyard at a time. This may be for the best, as if a faction grows too influential, it may begin to think it could manage things better on its own. Currently, they're working on Mars, which is owned by the Empire rather than House Heinrich, in a subtle but important distinction. The major shipyards over Plutul and Uvarth are owned by House Heinrich.

>And wicked update thanks for taking the extensive time it took.
No problem, anon. I greatly enjoyed writing it. Future updates will most likely be smaller, it's by chance so many things ended up happening on this turn specifically.

>>5929207
>Also QM since we are infiltrated in Matador can’t we figure out the raids size in terms of fleet?
It's difficult to be sure, but Nightshayd operatives suspect a raid of between three and six fleets.

>Also didn’t we order Hookwire to finish the Rothsford fleet for ourselves too?
There was some discussion surrounding it during the war, but I don't remember you coming to a firm decision on that. If you like, it could've been bought at cost (at this economy, 1:2 risk of a -1 to Economy) for a faction at your discretion, and mothballed for cost-saving purposes up until now. Unless I'm a brainlet and forgetting that you'd already bought the fleet, but I'm unsure, and will have to check.

>>5929210
Hmm.

>>5929214
>Hmm
So that’s the size of the fleet?
If we prepare a fleet there would we get the ambush bonus?

>>5929224
That's the size of the reaver armada, yes. If you prepared a fleet, you'd have a chance of pulling off an ambush but the pirates are paranoid and might manage to catch on ahead of time.

>>5929235
Good news then but I am hoping that firehawk guy is assassinated so we can kill this raid before it even begins.

>>5929207
Thanks I was dumb I meant hookware not crown Corp. Thanks anon.

My Idea is we start a false flag. Then pump weapons to the peasants. Doing a good old fashioned color revolution.

Should Hopefully dead stop the raid and after scout varaks and having ol papa get the squids down to murder some obviously inferior species with us we can turn around a clean up the reavers easy peasy lemon squeezy.

>>5929252
I relooked qm

Their should be a "finished" Rothsford warfleet from cookware.

They were half way finished making it before civil war popped off. They supposedly refunded Rothsford for it...

So I guess we will have to pay for it.


78/105 searched hookware

>taking our father out of a peaceful retirement to max on the min life he had left
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZlpsneDGBQ

>>5928941
Ahaha
>>5929146
>>No. You fear Nightshayd's involvement would compromise the integrity of the position, and will remain silent on the matter.
She should seduce him on her own if she wants.
>>5929147
>No. The man is a consummate socialite and average in every other respect, with nothing of worth to contribute.
>>5929156
>Terraforming. Some dead worlds have a soil composition which would be excellent for agriculture, if only it were processed via microecology and there were an atmosphere to sustain it. They should try to find a way to produce and hold atmospheres wholesale, after all, it's been done before. It's hard to believe, but Mars itself was once a dead world with a below-Earth gravity.
>>5929158
would strain the economy, but strengthen the crown.
>Keep Bullseye Corp hired. Their unfamiliar design represents an upset to the stagnation of imperial naval design. If this continues, it may spur wider innovation. They'll be allowed to continue working on Uvarth and refining their design.
>A Noble House. You deem it would be prudent to shift the balance of power and ingratiate one of the ancient bloodlines to your own. (Which?)
Split it among the martials, as anon said.
>>5929161
>Conveniently "slip" some funds to Karl. A small chunk of the Rothsford plunder, enough to do some higher-stakes, if remote gambling with the stock market. This would make House Heinrich slightly less wealthy, but give him the chance to win or lose his dream by his own hands.
>>5929163
>Stage a false flag on Clan Firehawk. An atrocity against someone important to their head might spark infighting ahead of time.
>>5929165
>Ensure that a high portion of the imperial navy is in the area to intercept them. This is a likely stroke of bad luck for the reavers and would leave their suspicions of Nightshayd interference unfounded. It would also give the Empire excellent chances of victory, as your fleets are individually superior.

>>5929146
>Yes. Nightshayd would be pleased by your consideration of their interests, and this would allow you to keep a close eye on the financier.

>>5929147
>No. The man is a consummate socialite and average in every other respect, with nothing of worth to contribute.

>>5929156
>Terraforming. Some dead worlds have a soil composition which would be excellent for agriculture, if only it were processed via microecology and there were an atmosphere to sustain it. They should try to find a way to produce and hold atmospheres wholesale, after all, it's been done before. It's hard to believe, but Mars itself was once a dead world with a below-Earth gravity.

>>5929158
Bullseye corp is really only barely hanging on in usefulness,they suck so far to be frank but I suggest one last chance for them to make something worthwhile. Get it together, nerds.
>Keep Bullseye Corp hired. Their unfamiliar design represents an upset to the stagnation of imperial naval design. If this continues, it may spur wider innovation. They'll be allowed to continue working on Uvarth and refining their design.
Give the fleet to the Royal Guard
>The Royal Guard. You feel they aren't yet at their full potential, but the throne's guards warrant further strength, even so.

>>5929159
Name him Sampson.

>>5929161
>Leave Karl be. Your brother and Beatrice are happy together and his presence is making the imperial court the slightest bit safer. If nothing else, his wife seems very comfortable with the current situation.

>>5929163
>Arm an uprising among Clan Matador's serfs. Funneling guns to the commoners would be trivial, and certainly distracting.

>>5929165
>Ensure that a high portion of the imperial navy is in the area to intercept them. This is a likely stroke of bad luck for the reavers and would leave their suspicions of Nightshayd interference unfounded. It would also give the Empire excellent chances of victory, as your fleets are individually superior.

>>5929165
>Yes. Nightshayd would be pleased by your consideration of their interests, and this would allow you to keep a close eye on the financier.

>Yes. If he's charismatic enough to talk his way from nothing to the very throne, there may be a genetic component.
More charismatic members to the royal house would be a welcome addition.

>Terraforming. Some dead worlds have a soil composition which would be excellent for agriculture, if only it were processed via microecology and there were an atmosphere to sustain it. They should try to find a way to produce and hold atmospheres wholesale, after all, it's been done before. It's hard to believe, but Mars itself was once a dead world with a below-Earth gravity.

>Keep Bullseye Corp hired. Their unfamiliar design represents an upset to the stagnation of imperial naval design. If this continues, it may spur wider innovation. They'll be allowed to continue working on Uvarth and refining their design.

>A Noble House. You deem it would be prudent to shift the balance of power and ingratiate one of the ancient bloodlines to your own. (Martial Houses)

>Leave Karl be. Your brother and Beatrice are happy together and his presence is making the imperial court the slightest bit safer. If nothing else, his wife seems very comfortable with the current situation.

>Arm an uprising among Clan Matador's serfs. Funneling guns to the commoners would be trivial, and certainly distracting.

>Ensure that a high portion of the imperial navy is in the area to intercept them. This is a likely stroke of bad luck for the reavers and would leave their suspicions of Nightshayd interference unfounded. It would also give the Empire excellent chances of victory, as your fleets are individually superior.
It’s funny that this option is it’s easy to spin as us preparing for a potential Vrakak raid.

>>5929159
I'd suggest Frank for a name

>>5929146

>Yes. Nightshayd would be pleased by your consideration of their interests, and this would allow you to keep a close eye on the financier.

This is just good thinking.

>No. The man is a consummate socialite and average in every other respect, with nothing of worth to contribute.

We can put Pierre to use and we don’t have to adopt him - we should really reserve this for truly exceptional individuals.

>>5929156

>Terraforming. Some dead worlds have a soil composition which would be excellent for agriculture, if only it were processed via microecology and there were an atmosphere to sustain it. They should try to find a way to produce and hold atmospheres wholesale, after all, it's been done before. It's hard to believe, but Mars itself was once a dead world with a below-Earth gravity.

Restoration of the Earth itself should become our focus - sort of an homage to our father.

>>5929158

>Keep Bullseye Corp hired. Their unfamiliar design represents an upset to the stagnation of imperial naval design. If this continues, it may spur wider innovation. They'll be allowed to continue working on Uvarth and refining their design.

If nothing else, will keep the other Corps on their toes.

>A Noble House. You deem it would be prudent to shift the balance of power and ingratiate one of the ancient bloodlines to your own. (Which?)

Soluton!

>>5929161

>Conveniently "slip" some funds to Karl. A small chunk of the Rothsford plunder, enough to do some higher-stakes, if remote gambling with the stock market. This would make House Heinrich slightly less wealthy, but give him the chance to win or lose his dream by his own hands.

But warn him that this is our only loan.

>>5929163

>Stage a false flag on Clan Firehawk. An atrocity against someone important to their head might spark infighting ahead of time.

This might also provide us with valuable intelligence and allow us to place our fleets optimally.

>>5929165

>Ensure that a high portion of the imperial navy is in the area to intercept them. This is a likely stroke of bad luck for the reavers and would leave their suspicions of Nightshayd interference unfounded. It would also give the Empire excellent chances of victory, as your fleets are individually superior.

Coincidences abound when House Heinrich are involved, no?

>>5929165
Hey QM, I appreciate the long update and all these decisions, but I really feel there are too many choices here. It really strains the ability to discuss with others about any individual choice when there are so many in one update. I'd love to be able to talk about some of these with people but there's just not enough time or attention available to do so. I'd personally appreciate if things like this were split up in the future.

>Yes. Nightshayd would be pleased by your consideration of their interests, and this would allow you to keep a close eye on the financier.

>No. The man is a consummate socialite and average in every other respect, with nothing of worth to contribute.

>Terraforming. Some dead worlds have a soil composition which would be excellent for agriculture, if only it were processed via microecology and there were an atmosphere to sustain it. They should try to find a way to produce and hold atmospheres wholesale, after all, it's been done before. It's hard to believe, but Mars itself was once a dead world with a below-Earth gravity.

>Keep Bullseye Corp hired. Their unfamiliar design represents an upset to the stagnation of imperial naval design. If this continues, it may spur wider innovation. They'll be allowed to continue working on Uvarth and refining their design.

>The Royal Guard. You feel they aren't yet at their full potential, but the throne's guards warrant further strength, even so.
Splitting the fleet is foolish, it was designed to work as a cohesive unit rather than as individual ships. Splitting it would deprive it of its ability to properly operate. And the solutons wouldn't want it, they like their own high quality designs. I'm partial to giving it to the imperial navy but the royal guard has other votes so I guess that's what I'm going with.

>Conveniently "slip" some funds to Karl. A small chunk of the Rothsford plunder, enough to do some higher-stakes, if remote gambling with the stock market. This would make House Heinrich slightly less wealthy, but give him the chance to win or lose his dream by his own hands.

>Stage a false flag on Clan Firehawk. An atrocity against someone important to their head might spark infighting ahead of time.

>Ensure that a high portion of the imperial navy is in the area to intercept them. This is a likely stroke of bad luck for the reavers and would leave their suspicions of Nightshayd interference unfounded. It would also give the Empire excellent chances of victory, as your fleets are individually superior.

>>5929210
>You could split the fleet between both factions, but it wouldn't be numerous enough to take to battle and would be a boost to their influence.
In that case I'll vote to solely grant it over to the Order of Rangers.

>>5929322
> truly exceptional individuals
Anon. He’s the child of a commoner accountant that managed to charm everyone to reach this point which obviously includes both commoners and nobles. That’s exactly what “truly exceptional” looks like.
>We can put Pierre to us
You know one of the other Houses are going to try to take him in using the reform we created.

>>5929146
>No. You fear Nightshayd's involvement would compromise the integrity of the position, and will remain silent on the matter.

>>5929147
>Yes. If he's charismatic enough to talk his way from nothing to the very throne, there may be a genetic component.

>>5929156
>Industry. Humanity has been using the same manufacturing methods for nine dynasties, with incremental improvements at best. They should try to find a way to even more efficiently streamline the process.

>>5929158
>Keep Bullseye Corp hired. Their unfamiliar design represents an upset to the stagnation of imperial naval design. If this continues, it may spur wider innovation. They'll be allowed to continue working on Uvarth and refining their design.
>The Order of Rangers. You suppose it would please your father and keep the nobles in line, if nothing else.
>>5929161
>Conveniently "slip" some funds to Karl. A small chunk of the Rothsford plunder, enough to do some higher-stakes, if remote gambling with the stock market. This would make House Heinrich slightly less wealthy, but give him the chance to win or lose his dream by his own hands.
Probably the best we can do without straight-up giving it to him. As he said he wants to ultimately succeed by his own merits and if we just give him a governorship he may come to resent that.
>>5929163
>Stage a false flag on Clan Firehawk. An atrocity against someone important to their head might spark infighting ahead of time.
>>5929165
>Ensure that a high portion of the imperial navy is in the area to intercept them. This is a likely stroke of bad luck for the reavers and would leave their suspicions of Nightshayd interference unfounded. It would also give the Empire excellent chances of victory, as your fleets are individually superior.

>>5929350

I mean, he’s clearly an incredible schmoozer, but what would we do with him? He’d be a good Landraad representative, now that I think of it…

>>5929422
I don't know sure we can find something having someone who is great at winning over people is a pretty big boon. At minimum us having him will prevent some other house from deciding to adopt him.

>>5929425

I guess my concern is that if he is an extremely charming idiot, he could end up being a big problem rather than a useful tool

>>5929427
That’s more reason to take him in. I also doubt he’s going to be as stupid as you think.

>>5929146
>Yes. Nightshayd would be pleased by your consideration of their interests, and this would allow you to keep a close eye on the financier.

>>5929147
>Yes. If he's charismatic enough to talk his way from nothing to the very throne, there may be a genetic component.

>>5929156
>Terraforming. Some dead worlds have a soil composition which would be excellent for agriculture, if only it were processed via microecology and there were an atmosphere to sustain it. They should try to find a way to produce and hold atmospheres wholesale, after all, it's been done before. It's hard to believe, but Mars itself was once a dead world with a below-Earth gravity.

>>5929158
>Keep Bullseye Corp hired. Their unfamiliar design represents an upset to the stagnation of imperial naval design. If this continues, it may spur wider innovation. They'll be allowed to continue working on Uvarth and refining their design.
>The Order of Rangers. You suppose it would please your father and keep the nobles in line, if nothing else.
The design doctrine fits right in with the Rangers' tight knit nature.
>>5929161
>Conveniently "slip" some funds to Karl. A small chunk of the Rothsford plunder, enough to do some higher-stakes, if remote gambling with the stock market. This would make House Heinrich slightly less wealthy, but give him the chance to win or lose his dream by his own hands.
He said he wants to win it himself but I'd like to send the message that we care about him.
>>5929163
>Stage a false flag on Clan Firehawk. An atrocity against someone important to their head might spark infighting ahead of time.
>>5929165
>Ensure that a high portion of the imperial navy is in the area to intercept them. This is a likely stroke of bad luck for the reavers and would leave their suspicions of Nightshayd interference unfounded. It would also give the Empire excellent chances of victory, as your fleets are individually superior.
Like others said, the story should be about preparing against a potential Vrakraks raid.

>>5929146
>No. You fear Nightshayd's involvement would compromise the integrity of the position, and will remain silent on the matter.
>>5929147
>No. The man is a consummate socialite and average in every other respect, with nothing of worth to contribute.
>>5929156
>Terraforming. Some dead worlds have a soil composition which would be excellent for agriculture, if only it were processed via microecology and there were an atmosphere to sustain it. They should try to find a way to produce and hold atmospheres wholesale, after all, it's been done before. It's hard to believe, but Mars itself was once a dead world with a below-Earth gravity.
>>5929158
>Keep Bullseye Corp hired. Their unfamiliar design represents an upset to the stagnation of imperial naval design. If this continues, it may spur wider innovation. They'll be allowed to continue working on Uvarth and refining their design.
>The Order of Rangers. You suppose it would please your father and keep the nobles in line, if nothing else.
>>5929159
I second Konrad
>>5929161
>Conveniently "slip" some funds to Karl. A small chunk of the Rothsford plunder, enough to do some higher-stakes, if remote gambling with the stock market. This would make House Heinrich slightly less wealthy, but give him the chance to win or lose his dream by his own hands.
>>5929163
>Stage a false flag on Clan Firehawk. An atrocity against someone important to their head might spark infighting ahead of time.
>>5929165
>re that a high portion of the imperial navy is in the area to intercept them. This is a likely stroke of bad luck for the reavers and would leave their suspicions of Nightshayd interference unfounded. It would also give the Empire excellent chances of victory, as your fleets are individually superior.

>>5929159
>>5929459
For the name, I say Richter.

>>5929146
>Yes. Nightshayd would be pleased by your consideration of their interests, and this would allow you to keep a close eye on the financier.

>>5929147
>No. The man is a consummate socialite and average in every other respect, with nothing of worth to contribute.
>>5929156
>Credits. Perhaps the greatest threat to the Empire lies in finance, and the ability of anyone to amass a dangerous fortune. They should try to find a way to covertly monitor every transaction and freeze the accounts of dissidents

>>5929158
>Plunder Bullseye Corp. These ex-feddie scum have gone too far with their glorified glasswork, and must suffer the consequences! Their coffers will be looted, their executives given a fair trial by combat, their engineers imprisoned. None will escape your judgement. This will shock the other factions of the Empire, even if Cherry Corp may be quietly relieved at the lack of competition.

>The Order of Rangers. You suppose it would please your father and keep the nobles in line, if nothing else.

>>5929161
>Leave Karl be. Your brother and Beatrice are happy together and his presence is making the imperial court the slightest bit safer. If nothing else, his wife seems very comfortable with the current situation.

>>5929163
>Poison the head of Clan Matador. This may cripple the raid's momentum and likely weaken it overall, but could just as easily enrage it.

>>5929165
>Ensure that a high portion of the imperial navy is in the area to intercept them. This is a likely stroke of bad luck for the reavers and would leave their suspicions of Nightshayd interference unfounded. It would also give the Empire excellent chances of victory, as your fleets are individually superior.

>>5929146
>Yes. Nightshayd would be pleased by your consideration of their interests, and this would allow you to keep a close eye on the financier.

>>5929147
>No. The man is a consummate socialite and average in every other respect, with nothing of worth to contribute.

>>5929156
>Terraforming. Some dead worlds have a soil composition which would be excellent for agriculture, if only it were processed via microecology and there were an atmosphere to sustain it. They should try to find a way to produce and hold atmospheres wholesale, after all, it's been done before. It's hard to believe, but Mars itself was once a dead world with a below-Earth gravity.

>>5929158
>Keep Bullseye Corp hired. Their unfamiliar design represents an upset to the stagnation of imperial naval design. If this continues, it may spur wider innovation. They'll be allowed to continue working on Uvarth and refining their design.

>The Order of Rangers. You suppose it would please your father and keep the nobles in line, if nothing else.

>>5929161
>Conveniently "slip" some funds to Karl. A small chunk of the Rothsford plunder, enough to do some higher-stakes, if remote gambling with the stock market. This would make House Heinrich slightly less wealthy, but give him the chance to win or lose his dream by his own hands.

>>5929163
>Stage a false flag on Clan Firehawk. An atrocity against someone important to their head might spark infighting ahead of time.

>>5929165
>Ensure that a high portion of the imperial navy is in the area to intercept them. This is a likely stroke of bad luck for the reavers and would leave their suspicions of Nightshayd interference unfounded. It would also give the Empire excellent chances of victory, as your fleets are individually superior.

>anons please vote to send scouts to varaks space we need to see where their fleet is at in terms of size.

>and to have Albin try to convince the squids to fight varaks with us in the coming years as a game of who is the superior species. Aka gimly and legolas who can kill more orcs.

>>5929684
Anon we can do that in the next vote, there is too much to vote on right now and besides ic it would be a relatively short time between this and ordering the scouting

>>5929684
We have to deal with Reavers and the Vrakaks. Both of them at the same the time could destroy the empire.

>>5929330
That's a good point, I think I overdid it this update. I was going over the five year interval turns with things going on concurrently as time passes, but it occurs to me there's nothing preventing several smaller updates for a single, larger turn in the event that several project result timetables are overlapping. This could've easily been three updates, and likely would've led to more discussion about the separate parts. In the future, when there's a lot going on like this, I'll be breaking it into smaller updates.

>>5929146
>as he's a childless widower (albeit, by House Heinrich's hands)
We killed this guy's spouse and kids?

>>5928901
> He is, however, legally dead as he was once the Emperor and is no longer. The Eternal Empire holds that once taken, the throne is for life, with the renunciation any claim to their previous rule after stepping down. This was enacted due to a number of civil wars over ex-Emperors re-seizing the throne during power vacuums, but by now, the tradition is a formality. Pre-death funerals aren't held anymore, in any case.
That's some No-Prize tier after the fact explanation shit. I fucking love it. Reminds me of the Speed Force .

>>5929769

No worries, QM - you’re still doing a phenomenal job. Your biggest complaint from the players is “you’re delivering great content too fast!!!” - most QMs are not so lucky to have this problem

>>5929153
>frequently jumps on House Nightshayd's bait, much to the spies' chagrin.
Why are the spies pissed off that someone is taking their bait?

>>5929898
>I'm in this post and I don't like it.

>>5929147
>Yes. If he's charismatic enough to talk his way from nothing to the very throne, there may be a genetic component.
The privileges of nobility should not be gatekept.

>>5929156
>Medicine. This is a particularly touchy subject for you, but also for wounded veterans the Empire over. They should try to find a way to cleanly regrow lost organs and appendages with little to no loss of function.
An Empire's first responsibility is to its people. better medicine will improve quality of life.

>>5929158
>Purchase Bullseye Corp. You are pleased by their out-of-the-box thinking and feel they could do excellent work for the throne beneath the guidance of your dynasty. This would strain the economy, but strengthen the crown.
Good work. But the corporations shouldn't be allowed to function separately. I suggest we continue nationalizing business and converting them to Imperial Mandates for the Public Trust

>The Order of Rangers. You suppose it would please your father and keep the nobles in line, if nothing else.
Swift and deadly light vehicles with a focus on sensing feels appropriate for a ranger corp, as opposed to a military operation.

>>5929161
>Leave Karl be. Your brother and Beatrice are happy together and his presence is making the imperial court the slightest bit safer. If nothing else, his wife seems very comfortable with the current situation.

>>5929163
>Bribe the captains of Clan Matador. Quite blatant and costly, but a foolproof means of getting greedy pirates to reconsider.


>>5929165
>Ensure that a high portion of the imperial navy is in the area to intercept them. This is a likely stroke of bad luck for the reavers and would leave their suspicions of Nightshayd interference unfounded. It would also give the Empire excellent chances of victory, as your fleets are individually superior.

>>5929921
I honestly want to merge Cherry and Bulleye into a single Corpo and see what they can make but I think we should purchase Cherry first.

>>5929852
You did, yes. Mikhalis's wife was a former Ustong and committed to the Tripartite cause, as were their three sons. They were executed for a refusal to renounce the Rothsford name, in the former case, and fighting against the crown, in the only survivor of the latter's case, the other two having died during the battle over Jaifah. Everyone that was capable of choosing a side and didn't surrender outright was executed, and those who did surrender but refused to abandon the Rothsford name were executed. Over ninety percent of Rothsfords were killed during the fighting or executed afterward. That said, many were surprised that any of the Rothsfords were spared at all.

>>5929885
There's a lot of arbitrary traditions that have been cemented as essential to the Empire over time. When in doubt, a civil war was likely the reason. Several bloody conflicts have been fought over Mars as the throneworld, rather than the cloud cities over Venus or one of Jupiter's more prosperous moonbases, and after the fact, of the Empire's foundational myth being the legacy of old Earth rather than new Mars.

>>5929898
I'm definitely not too worried, hahaha. You guys have been great. I'll be getting some sleep and updating tomorrow, as I've been busy and there was a huge amount of stuff to parse through this time.

>>5929909
Nightshayd isn't pissed that their bait was engaged with, they just find it up tedious. Nightshayd's cloak and dagger tendencies are an open secret among the noble houses, their cover kept largely for appearances' sake, but their suggestions consistently engaged at face-value is, while ideal, less so for the speakers themselves. On a superficial level they're the least interesting of the major houses by a wide margin, and that's by design.

>>5929953
Poor Mikhalis
Also how fucking large are these families? It’s insane, but once again, poor guy.

>>5929953
>Over ninety percent of Rothsfords were killed during the fighting or executed afterward.
What is with this board and genocide?
That wasn't a rhetorical question, why do players across threads keep voting for it?

>>5929979
Actually the option we chose was the lenient one considering they were the worst offenders of the rebellion, the fact their were survivors at all is considered merciful as we could have gone and destroyed everything Rothsford, root and stem.
Ustong was also the last holdout military and inflicted the worst damage on our allies yet we only humbled them and their heir still lives, though powerless (and we usurped the house)
De Croize basically got away with a slap on the wrist (and their fleet being stolen) and the current Empress is one of them.
We have honoured every surrender and are considered one of the kindest dynasties from nobles and commoners.
We have been actively trying not to be genocidal retards this time

>>5929994
Can't wait till we conquer the rat aliens!

>>5930170
Dad will be sad if we genocide them

>>5930186
I doubt he would be upset at xenociding the space skaven, I think he would only be that way if we drove them extinct.

>>5930191
We should probably figure out at some point if they are maniacs due to psychological/biological, cultural, or governmental reasons. If it's psy or bio then they are literally just space skaven and pretty much nothing we could do would stop them from being maniacs. If it's cultural it would take a lot of effort but we could in theory reform them to be less assholes. And if it's governmental then simply replacing the government and improving their overall living conditions should be enough to keep them in line for the most part xenophobia aside.

>>5930229
It’s psychological and biological. They were described last thread. They are not only extremely shortsighted and completely lacking in patience but they also chronically suffer from extreme overpopulation.

>>5930243
Where at? The very high birth rate and willingness to throw themselves at enemies/lack of self care is mentioned yes but the first isn't a complete "we gotta kill them all" deal breaker and the second could still be cultural which means something with enough effort we could exercise out of them. Like hell humans have done the same shit in more collectivist type cultures. On a random thought they also must have atleast some level of willing to work with others within them otherwise they wouldn't of made it to the space age in the first place.