Post by RM21804 on Jan 23, 2015 4:18:38 GMT -5
Map 3: Rinze: 32X32. Normal Difficulty. No Elite Technology.
1.0 A.E.:
After nearly a century of travel, our small convoy has arrived. I, Captain Juron Vega, was tasked with escorting a tenth of the Star Trader fleet in the Great Exodus. Millions of men, women, and children perished in that chaotic age, yet the Prophet protected us as we left the Galactic Core and journeyed to our new home in the stars.
Unfortunately, though, we did not arrive at our planned destination. Rather, we arrived on a spiral arm adjacent to the Rim that we have been referring to as Rinze. Whether it was due to a plotting error or a conspiracy within the De Valtos hive to chart out new, profitable lands is something that will be determined when there is time. What we do know is the De Valtos hive positioned themselves 1 full degree off target and jumped, leading the other two hives off course. As my sworn duty was to protect this fleet, I was required to follow.
Our portion of Rinze is filled with mineral rich asteroids and binary stars, so even though it was not our planned destination, perhaps this is where the Prophet intended for us to arrive all along. With our fuel dwindling, we really have little choice but make the best of our situation. I feel very nervous whenever I look at the long range scanner and see all the interference blocking our view of the surrounding area. Anything could exist within this dense area. We must be vigilant as we dispatch the exploratory forces.
May the Prophet guide us as we travel this dangerous path...
1.4 A.E.:
What a trying few weeks! We have only just established our first three colonies and already the nobles are bickering about the best residences within their colonies. One would think that the hardships we left behind and have endured thus far would make them less fickle... I suppose some things never change...
Last week we sent the TE Zendu to explore a strange anomaly near our colonies, and they discovered a fully functional, though somewhat archaic and abandoned, hab unit on a desolate planet. Of course, we took advantage of this blessing and installed it on Cadar Prime, but I am nervous about the orange blood in certain places... It almost looks like Xeno blood, but surely the filth could not be even here... Could they?
On days like days, I can only wish my wife and daughters survived the chaos of the Exodus. I was onboard the TD Shalun when they were ambushed by Xeno and all onboard the transport...I have not set foot in that cursed vessel again.
My advisor encourages me to rest, but how can I rest when there is so much to be done? Perhaps a few minutes can be afforded...
1.6 A.E:
By the Prophet! I have slept for a full day! Thankfully, my advisor attended to any urgent affairs, but I must now go about my duties.
While sleeping, the Prophet appeared to me in a dream, encouraging me to keep my vow, even at the hardest moments. I pray this is not an ill omen of things to come...
1.11 A.E.:
Cursed gossips! The TE Zendu discovered some interesting artifacts implying the existence of a rare group of Xeno in the area, though it was far from conclusive and could be hundreds or thousands of years old. However, the news leaked on Cadar, and crushed morale. At times like these, we desperately need to work together, so I established a neutral place for the princes to gather for diplomacy. Hopefully, this will check the ancient rivalries so we may present a unified front to any dangers.
11.13 A.E.:
Our fears were realized today. The TE Zendu discovered a planet today covered in the Xeno filth, but it was not the common filth encountered before. These were the Red Zorga, of whom I had only heard legends. Though the other details varied, they were always described as extremely aggressive and rapidly expanding. So far, the legends proved true. As soon and the TE Zenga discovered one of their colonies, two mass driver ships closed in from outside of sensor range and opened fire. They managed to dodge the first volley, but were struck squarely by the second, inflicting significant damage. It would only take a few more hits like that to destroy the ship, so I ordered the TD Shalun to intercept the ships and the TE Zendu to retreat. I can only pray that they can hold on the five weeks until the TD Shalun arrives.
1.18 A.E.:
The TD Shalun has arrived, and not a moment too soon! The TE Zendu took more damage in the 5 week hit and run battle with the Zorga mass driver vessels, but survived and kept them from advancing beyond the binary star system. If a scout vessel can hold off two, we will see what a proper warship can do against this filth.
1:20 A.E.:
This battle is over, and the Xeno are retreating, but this is no victory on our part. Right after the TD Shalun jumped in, a third mass driver vessel jumped in, and the three together pounded on the TD Shalun as it tried to fend them off. It wasn't until the TD Vega jumped in that they pulled back, but this had less to do with the fact that the Vega arrived then that their real mission became apparent. While our valiant Templar ships were engaging the Xeno filth, a Xeno colony vessel jumped in and planted the filth deep into one of the star systems.
We must crush this infestation swiftly, or we will surely be overrun. Even the TD Shalun and TD Vega will not be able to stand long against this hoard. We need new vessels, new colonies, and new tactics, or we will perish to the man.
1.23 A.E.:
I have been working tirelessly for three weeks now on the Xeno problem, and the faction leaders, my advisor and I have developed a risky strategy. Cadar Syndicate and Syndicate Rychart will establish a parameter of colonies around the Red Zorga space, containing their advance. They will then expand backward throughout the cluster to provide industrial support to the front line. Meanwhile, De Valtos will expand away from the line to provide the financial support essential to the success of this operation.
In order to accomplish this, several things must happen flawlessly. First and foremost, the factions must cooperate with each other at all times. I would hope that they would see the urgency of our situation and unite, but I fear this is wishful thinking. Diplomacy, shared research, and direct Templar involvement in the political sphere are the only things which will make this happen.
Second, we must manufacture new combat vessels and research lost technologies. Now that the Xeno are aware of our presence, they will only grow stronger. If we do not also, we will be both outnumbered and outclassed. Beyond that, our colonies will soon grow beyond their capacity if we do not improve living conditions. A balance between our military and civilian needs must be maintained.
It cannot be overstated how risky this plan is, but it cannot be overstated how dire our situation is. The thought of using colonies as a wall against the Xeno goes against everything I believe, and I can only pray the support structures stand. But, this is the only way. May the Prophet forgive me if I am in error.
1.27 A.E.:
Today, the first warship manufactured in our new home left the stardock. It is a Cadar designed F XVII, codenamed Blue 1, and was designed to be a counterpart to the mass driver ships we encountered before. It is faster than either our TD or TE class vessels, packs a punch with its autocannon, and more importantly, is easily mass produced. Soon we will be fielding a small armada of these fighters.
Soon, De Valtos will be fielding their own design, the Austerity Class fighter. It uses the same weapon system, but uses a much heavier armor and, in typical De Valtos fashion, is twice as expensive. Only time will tell which design is more effective against the alien.
1.40 A.E.:
As I write this entry, the last binary system in the initial Xeno barrier is receiving its first colony. There is still much work to be done; two systems only have one colony, so the alien could easily create a foothold and compromise the containment, but we are decidedly making progress.
There has been no sign of the Red Zorga mass driver ships since our initial battle. I don't know which is more unsettling; seeing their war vessels in combat or knowing they are there, building up their strength. I can only pray that our forces are ready when they reemerge from just outside our sensor range.
May the Prophet protect us from their fury.
1.0 A.E.:
After nearly a century of travel, our small convoy has arrived. I, Captain Juron Vega, was tasked with escorting a tenth of the Star Trader fleet in the Great Exodus. Millions of men, women, and children perished in that chaotic age, yet the Prophet protected us as we left the Galactic Core and journeyed to our new home in the stars.
Unfortunately, though, we did not arrive at our planned destination. Rather, we arrived on a spiral arm adjacent to the Rim that we have been referring to as Rinze. Whether it was due to a plotting error or a conspiracy within the De Valtos hive to chart out new, profitable lands is something that will be determined when there is time. What we do know is the De Valtos hive positioned themselves 1 full degree off target and jumped, leading the other two hives off course. As my sworn duty was to protect this fleet, I was required to follow.
Our portion of Rinze is filled with mineral rich asteroids and binary stars, so even though it was not our planned destination, perhaps this is where the Prophet intended for us to arrive all along. With our fuel dwindling, we really have little choice but make the best of our situation. I feel very nervous whenever I look at the long range scanner and see all the interference blocking our view of the surrounding area. Anything could exist within this dense area. We must be vigilant as we dispatch the exploratory forces.
May the Prophet guide us as we travel this dangerous path...
1.4 A.E.:
What a trying few weeks! We have only just established our first three colonies and already the nobles are bickering about the best residences within their colonies. One would think that the hardships we left behind and have endured thus far would make them less fickle... I suppose some things never change...
Last week we sent the TE Zendu to explore a strange anomaly near our colonies, and they discovered a fully functional, though somewhat archaic and abandoned, hab unit on a desolate planet. Of course, we took advantage of this blessing and installed it on Cadar Prime, but I am nervous about the orange blood in certain places... It almost looks like Xeno blood, but surely the filth could not be even here... Could they?
On days like days, I can only wish my wife and daughters survived the chaos of the Exodus. I was onboard the TD Shalun when they were ambushed by Xeno and all onboard the transport...I have not set foot in that cursed vessel again.
My advisor encourages me to rest, but how can I rest when there is so much to be done? Perhaps a few minutes can be afforded...
1.6 A.E:
By the Prophet! I have slept for a full day! Thankfully, my advisor attended to any urgent affairs, but I must now go about my duties.
While sleeping, the Prophet appeared to me in a dream, encouraging me to keep my vow, even at the hardest moments. I pray this is not an ill omen of things to come...
1.11 A.E.:
Cursed gossips! The TE Zendu discovered some interesting artifacts implying the existence of a rare group of Xeno in the area, though it was far from conclusive and could be hundreds or thousands of years old. However, the news leaked on Cadar, and crushed morale. At times like these, we desperately need to work together, so I established a neutral place for the princes to gather for diplomacy. Hopefully, this will check the ancient rivalries so we may present a unified front to any dangers.
11.13 A.E.:
Our fears were realized today. The TE Zendu discovered a planet today covered in the Xeno filth, but it was not the common filth encountered before. These were the Red Zorga, of whom I had only heard legends. Though the other details varied, they were always described as extremely aggressive and rapidly expanding. So far, the legends proved true. As soon and the TE Zenga discovered one of their colonies, two mass driver ships closed in from outside of sensor range and opened fire. They managed to dodge the first volley, but were struck squarely by the second, inflicting significant damage. It would only take a few more hits like that to destroy the ship, so I ordered the TD Shalun to intercept the ships and the TE Zendu to retreat. I can only pray that they can hold on the five weeks until the TD Shalun arrives.
1.18 A.E.:
The TD Shalun has arrived, and not a moment too soon! The TE Zendu took more damage in the 5 week hit and run battle with the Zorga mass driver vessels, but survived and kept them from advancing beyond the binary star system. If a scout vessel can hold off two, we will see what a proper warship can do against this filth.
1:20 A.E.:
This battle is over, and the Xeno are retreating, but this is no victory on our part. Right after the TD Shalun jumped in, a third mass driver vessel jumped in, and the three together pounded on the TD Shalun as it tried to fend them off. It wasn't until the TD Vega jumped in that they pulled back, but this had less to do with the fact that the Vega arrived then that their real mission became apparent. While our valiant Templar ships were engaging the Xeno filth, a Xeno colony vessel jumped in and planted the filth deep into one of the star systems.
We must crush this infestation swiftly, or we will surely be overrun. Even the TD Shalun and TD Vega will not be able to stand long against this hoard. We need new vessels, new colonies, and new tactics, or we will perish to the man.
1.23 A.E.:
I have been working tirelessly for three weeks now on the Xeno problem, and the faction leaders, my advisor and I have developed a risky strategy. Cadar Syndicate and Syndicate Rychart will establish a parameter of colonies around the Red Zorga space, containing their advance. They will then expand backward throughout the cluster to provide industrial support to the front line. Meanwhile, De Valtos will expand away from the line to provide the financial support essential to the success of this operation.
In order to accomplish this, several things must happen flawlessly. First and foremost, the factions must cooperate with each other at all times. I would hope that they would see the urgency of our situation and unite, but I fear this is wishful thinking. Diplomacy, shared research, and direct Templar involvement in the political sphere are the only things which will make this happen.
Second, we must manufacture new combat vessels and research lost technologies. Now that the Xeno are aware of our presence, they will only grow stronger. If we do not also, we will be both outnumbered and outclassed. Beyond that, our colonies will soon grow beyond their capacity if we do not improve living conditions. A balance between our military and civilian needs must be maintained.
It cannot be overstated how risky this plan is, but it cannot be overstated how dire our situation is. The thought of using colonies as a wall against the Xeno goes against everything I believe, and I can only pray the support structures stand. But, this is the only way. May the Prophet forgive me if I am in error.
1.27 A.E.:
Today, the first warship manufactured in our new home left the stardock. It is a Cadar designed F XVII, codenamed Blue 1, and was designed to be a counterpart to the mass driver ships we encountered before. It is faster than either our TD or TE class vessels, packs a punch with its autocannon, and more importantly, is easily mass produced. Soon we will be fielding a small armada of these fighters.
Soon, De Valtos will be fielding their own design, the Austerity Class fighter. It uses the same weapon system, but uses a much heavier armor and, in typical De Valtos fashion, is twice as expensive. Only time will tell which design is more effective against the alien.
1.40 A.E.:
As I write this entry, the last binary system in the initial Xeno barrier is receiving its first colony. There is still much work to be done; two systems only have one colony, so the alien could easily create a foothold and compromise the containment, but we are decidedly making progress.
There has been no sign of the Red Zorga mass driver ships since our initial battle. I don't know which is more unsettling; seeing their war vessels in combat or knowing they are there, building up their strength. I can only pray that our forces are ready when they reemerge from just outside our sensor range.
May the Prophet protect us from their fury.
