STGOD 4 Game Thread

[Alyrium Denryle]

Televised Broadcast

Astinius stood on a balcony, his robes billowing in the wind.

"As Member of the cOuncil of Seven, and as head ambassador of the Arcane Empire, we wish the galaxy at large to know that the late Ambassador Nether, acted very foolishly, and we aplogize for his actions in his stead. We cannot necessarily control every action by every officil, and in the heat of the moment as his thought tanscript will show, he wanted get out of sight to regain his composure. His spells duration expired and he waskilled. It is tragic, and we bear the Monocorans no ill will for his death. It was a foolish accident on both of our parts, and for our part we apologize.

Asto allegations by certain parties that this was planned in order to give us an excuse to withdraw foreign aid from the monocorans... that is simply sick. And frankly, if we wanted to withdrw aid we would have done so."

[Pablo Sanchez]

He looked up from his work. "Ah. Elanie. I was.... expecting you."

He gestured sharply to his Dhampir majordomo, who exited and closed the door behind him.

"I see that you have made the decision that I hoped you would make," Basil said as he stood, "but in the intervening moments I will try to make certain hard facts clear."

He moved around the desk, "One. You will be forced to consume blood every few days in order to live. You can live comfortably on the blood of any mammalian animal, though the blood of sentient beings is special. It carries a life force and vitality that no animal can match."

"Two," he began to move towards her, and he directed the unrestrained force of his superhuman magnetism at her, "your sleeping cycle must be reversed, and if you ever see the sun again it will not be for many years. Though, as one who born in space, I doubt you will mark this passage with much regret."

As Basil got closer, Elanie found herself feeling a warm numbness and sense of helplessness, yet at the same time she felt completely safe.

"Three. As you will be reborn by me and created a full vampire of my blood, you will be more powerful than the average creature of the night. I will help you to understand the changes."

Now he was right next to her, and he looked deeply into her eyes, "Four. This will hurt."

Then he gently turned her head aside, encountering no resistance whatsoever. She was entranced. He bit into the stream he saw pulsing within neck. She felt pain, but it was as if it was happening to someone else.

When he had finished, Basil called for his majordomo again, to prepare a bed for the young girl and place her in it. The damage to her skin was already healing itself, though she would no longer have the luxury of examining herself in a mirror. In a few days, she would drink of his blood, and she would become complete.

Basil put his plans for the future out of his mind and went back to the reports. Other work was afoot.



Ekaterina Cluster

The black diplomatic ships carrying the embassy to the Ousters arrived, and the personnel exited. Among their decoding machines, documents, and other sundries were a number of handwritten manuals, scrolls, and tomes. Concurrently, the larger, slower, megafreighters were still in transit, and would arrive in a few days to retrieve the Ouster end of the bargain.

[lazerus]

[From: The Jardanian Republic]
[To: The Ousters]

The Free Jardanian Republic requests to know if you are interested in a millitary alliance. Although we recognize that your intervention in our civil war was served your own intrestes greatly, we hope you would be interested in a more long lasting relationship.

----

In responce to increasing riots and sympathy to the rebel cause, as of this moment, the republic is suspending the right to free speach, the right to bear arms, and authorizing the poliece to use extreme force.

[lazerus]

[FROM: The Jardanian Republic]
[TO: The Arcane Empire]

The Free Jardanian Republic requests to know if you are interested in a millitary alliance. Although we recognize that your govenement and the old empire had.......less then peacefull relation, we hope we can leave the past behind us.

[Thirdfain]

<< The Hajr has no interest in any sort of permenant military alliance with your power. On the other hand, we would offer client-world status to your empire. Your worlds would be free to govern themselves, a moderate tax in the form of raw materials would be extracted, you would be allowed to maintain your own navy, though it would be obligated to come to our aid on request. Clusters would be built in your systems, and the Hajr would defend your worlds and systems as our own.>>

[Straha]

Member of the cOuncil of Seven, and as head ambassador of the Arcane Empire, we wish the galaxy at large to know that the late Ambassador Nether, acted very foolishly, and we aplogize for his actions in his stead. We cannot necessarily control every action by every officil, and in the heat of the moment as his thought tanscript will show, he wanted get out of sight to regain his composure. His spells duration expired and he waskilled. It is tragic, and we bear the Monocorans no ill will for his death. It was a foolish accident on both of our parts, and for our part we apologize.

Asto allegations by certain parties that this was planned in order to give us an excuse to withdraw foreign aid from the monocorans... that is simply sick. And frankly, if we wanted to withdrw aid we would have done so."

The Cabinet had just finished watching the video, for the tenth time. The military was practically jumping up and down demanding that the prince publically berate the entire Arcane Empire for its half hearted apology, whereas the State Department was merely demanding a private political castration. The prince decided not to do either and both.

"Send the Arcane Delegate here. I want him guarded every step of the way inside the palace, he will not get out of our sights, if he goes invis shoot to kill. Tell him that we have important matters to discuss, but put it in a bright light. I'm going to deliver some news, and thank him for the apology. Havelocke, the treasury is sure about this?"

And with a nod to answer he turned and left for the reception office.

[Alyrium Denryle]

We are not interested in a mlitary alliance with you at this time, however, we will agree not to attck you, if yu do not attack us, or any of our allies.

[lazerus]

<< The Hajr has no interest in any sort of permenant military alliance with your power. On the other hand, we would offer client-world status to your empire. Your worlds would be free to govern themselves, a moderate tax in the form of raw materials would be extracted, you would be allowed to maintain your own navy, though it would be obligated to come to our aid on request. Clusters would be built in your systems, and the Hajr would defend your worlds and systems as our own.>>

"We are not interested in that time, but will the offer remain open should our situation change?"

[Thirdfain]

<< If you are interested in the offer, contact us again. We will assess the situation.>>

[consequences]

To: Shi Combine
From: United Protectrates State Office

Greetings, with your recent emergence into the Galaxy at large, the United Protectrates would like to formalize relations with an exchange of Ambassdors. We would also like to began trade and exchange of historical and cultural information. We of course are willing to await your best time to begin such.

United Protectrates State Office in the name of Lord Protector Sir Joshua Mattews.

To: United Protectorates
From: Shi Combine

We would be pleased to etablish a relationship with your government and people. With your permission, we will dispatch our ambassador and a trade mission to your worlds as soon as you give the word. We ask that we be allowed to escort our embassy-to-be into your space, with an armed force, not to exceed two cruisers and six escorts, to guarantee the safety of our people in these unsettled times.

[Alyrium Denryle]

Offie of the Political Prince, Andorran Palace

Raistlin majere walked into the office, as he was the only one on the council not working on... other projects at the moment

"Might I ask why my presence has been required? Your summns was rather... cryptic" he said, only his hourglass eyes and glint of his golden skin visible under his black cowel.

[Straha]

Offie of the Political Prince, Andorran Palace

Raistlin majere walked into the office, as he was the only one on the council not working on... other projects at the moment

"Might I ask why my presence has been required? Your summns was rather... cryptic" he said, only his hourglass eyes and glint of his golden skin visible under his black cowel.

The prince looked up from his desk to the new comer, who was flanked on either side by Monacoran guards.

"Did I? Oh YES! That's right! I did didn't I!

"Well, we've got two things we've got to discuss. First, the bad news, reports have just come back. Our Arabian treasury, the one that contained a whole lot of our solid currency, was confirmed as totally destroyed today. That puts us down quite a bit, the matter that concerns you, however, is that the treasury also contained, and this is a low ball park mind you, roughly five to seven precent of the Galaxy's known and mined gold. Also I think three precent of the Galaxy's platinum, maybe less of the platinum though.

"Secondly, the good news, in a gesture of peace I was thinking of giving a joint press conference with us two, accepting your nation's apology. We'll put you up in safe quarters untill then. Though you should be warned, quite a few people, my state deptartment included, think that your apology was quite insuffecient. Come now, I have dinner reservations at an Indian resturant. The Tiki Masala is the best you can find anywhere, and the Vindaloo is the best in the galaxy."

[Captain tycho]

Broadcast channel to Monocoran command
A slim and perfectly proprotioned man appeared on the screen, his eyes unmoving, and his head frozen stiffly in plance. "Greetings" he said stiltedly. "I am Ambassador Qui'kulsk of the R'hlloran Free-spacer Confederacy, and my superiors wish to discuss terms of a military alliance. You name the place and time, and we shall be there."

[Thirdfain]

Terra
Sol System

The Hajr's initial probes into Known Space had revealed a single fact above all else- The mages were powerful. Individually, they were forces beyond any the science of the Elysium clusters could comprehend. It was also decided that to defeat the Arcane Empire, should it become necessary, they would have to kill the Council of Seven. The Blackeyes had been the answer, experiments in neutralizing an individual's connection with the arcane long enough to ensure a kill- but the skills were embryonic at best, theory and hearsay applied. They had prooved effective against relatively weak battle mages and arcane archers, but the great ones, ones like Raistlin and Karsus, would require far greater power. Elanie had been one of those experiments, a natural telepath of extreme puissance and skill- but she was not the only one. The arrival of the Mage's books had allowed some breakthroughs. While no actual magic had been performed, A number of Blackeyes had used the knowledge of the actual workings of magic to make their attacks far more efficient.

Binat su Elysium was one of those. He and three members of his unit were skilled at killing spells, using their minds to sever arcane constructs and inhibit the ability to cast spells. And now, a spy had brought word- Raistlin, now known to be a member of the Seven, would be on Terra. It was sheer luck- an intern had dropped a short itinerary of the political prince's day.

Meeting with Raistlin, Arcane Delegate: 4:00. Dinner: 6:00.

It had been easy, then, to find out where they would be dining. An Indian resaurant in Andorra. The Tiki Masala.

Right down the street from where Binat sat right now.

[Pablo Sanchez]

Diplomatic Communique to the Jardanian Republic

As you are a state reemerging to the galactic political scene, we mark your progress with concern. As several nations have proven, known space is a region fraught with hostility and violence, and there is little trust and safety to be had. In the interest of helping your nation and thus preserving the balance of power in your immediate sector of known space, we would like to exchange a few pleasantries.

Items for your consideration:
1-- Mutual non-aggression pact, neither of us shall attack the other unless this agreement should be officially dissolved; may such circumstances never come to pass.
2-- Cordial agreement and exchange of diplomatic staff. Both nations will agree to respect the interests of the other, and to further this aim, an exchange of embassies will be organized. Buildings for this purpose will be made available on Temesvar, with similar arrangements expected in your own capital.
3-- The Blood King will extend his personal guarantee of your independence and territorial integrity against unprovoked aggression.

This are the extent of what we are willing to offer at this time, but the door remains open to further commitment. We await your reply.

Casimir the Demon
Blood King
Ruler of Vampires

[Alyrium Denryle]

Well, we've got two things we've got to discuss. First, the bad news, reports have just come back. Our Arabian treasury, the one that contained a whole lot of our solid currency, was confirmed as totally destroyed today. That puts us down quite a bit, the matter that concerns you, however, is that the treasury also contained, and this is a low ball park mind you, roughly five to seven precent of the Galaxy's known and mined gold. Also I think three precent of the Galaxy's platinum, maybe less of the platinum though.

"Ok... that is bad... Actually, it deflates our currency making it more valuable. I hope that doesnt have an adverse effect on your own money however"

"Secondly, the good news, in a gesture of peace I was thinking of giving a joint press conference with us two, accepting your nation's apology. We'll put you up in safe quarters untill then. Though you should be warned, quite a few people, my state deptartment included, think that your apology was quite insuffecient. Come now, I have dinner reservations at an Indian resturant. The Tiki Masala is the best you can find anywhere, and the Vindaloo is the best in the galaxy."

"I can agree. However, I am naturally nervous, and will be... guaded, if you get my meaning. I will come fully defended by spells, no need to defend myself from any hostiles. I have recieved reports of people who can block the spell-casting of others. This does not bode well. I am naturally paranoid, and will not allow myself to be... vulnerable."

[SirNitram]

Deep within the Overseer's fortress world, the machine-God surveyed it's newest project. A Nighthawk construct lay before it, it's advanced datacore torn out. As the silicon deity observed and directed it's Replicators, which tore it's turbofans off and began constructing high-efficiency reactionless drives in their places. A shielding generator, the smallest the Overseer could manufacture, was squeezed in. The artificial intelligence being constructed for this drone would be.. Primitive. But it would take orders.

The first starfighter of the Overseer was slowly nearing testing stages. It simply needed a worthy target for the test run.

[Straha]

Broadcast channel to Monocoran command
A slim and perfectly proprotioned man appeared on the screen, his eyes unmoving, and his head frozen stiffly in plance. "Greetings" he said stiltedly. "I am Ambassador Qui'kulsk of the R'hlloran Free-spacer Confederacy, and my superiors wish to discuss terms of a military alliance. You name the place and time, and we shall be there."

We will meet you in the mountains of Far Point's Embree continent. We look forward to meeting you.

[Straha]

"Ok... that is bad... Actually, it deflates our currency making it more valuable. I hope that doesnt have an adverse effect on your own money however.

"I can agree to the dinner. However, I am naturally nervous, and will be... guaded, if you get my meaning. I will come fully defended by spells, no need to defend myself from any hostiles. I have recieved reports of people who can block the spell-casting of others. This does not bode well. I am naturally paranoid, and will not allow myself to be... vulnerable."

"Yeah, our economists are rather worried about what effects the deflation could have on your already weekening economy. As for the security, don't worry, we'll have guards all throughout the resturant. It's on such short notice that we won't be able to close it down mind you, but we've arranged to get the tables surrounding ours cleared of everything. As for the kitchen, those people are great friends of ours, made take-out for us for literally centuries. They hired a bunch of people to help the economy in Andorra, but the managment screened them out, we'll be fine."

[Captain tycho]

Far Point, Embree Mountains
A small and boxy shuttle descended into the mountains, sweeping low over their tops and then circling around the agreed upon landing zone before setting down. As the ramp slid open, a pair of Anubites marched down, energy lances cradled in their arms, eyes scanning every detail. A few moments later, a R'hlloran clambered down the ramp, ill-used to the planet's high gravity. "Greetings" he said through his electronic voice filter. The R'hlloran flicked an annoyed appendage at the 2 Anbuites, who went back inside the ship. "Now, lets get down to business."

[Thirdfain]

Terra
Sol System

Michi su Hadriel and Desan su Candaris talked animatedly, staring into eachotehr's eyes with the fervent passion of young lovers. Michi's dress suited her strong build well, and her face, while blunt-featured, contained a merriment and genltness which made it more attractive than bone structure alone could determine. Desan's high cheekbones and thick shock of black hair combined to form an impression of a reserved young man swept away by unexpected love. The picture was perfect- young lovers, splurging to go to a restaurant beyond their regular means, wearing their best clothes and pretending at being part of high society. Their table was by the door, afforded a fantastic view of Andorra's Old City. It was a spark of warmth in these trying days following the Rape of Terra, one of the few scenes of joy on the planet that night. It was sad that it was a mere ruse.

Gazin su Miitgar was seated at another table, across the room from them. His hefty bulk filled his chair, and his jowely face, a near-miracle of disguise, looked like that of a wealthy man who enjoyed his meals far too much. He sat, digging in to another platter of vindaloo with manic speed.

None of them were armed. None carried any weapons, and none would do anything tonight but watch.

[Marcao]

Veithan Empire Space
Veitha III, Capitol

The Veithan representatives listened attentively as the director spoke about the inherent limitations of the so called “soul catcher” technology. It was an intriguing technology, working similarly to Veithan methods in some regards and differently in others. No words were directly exchanged upon the technology, thoughts exchanged between Veithan government members. After they were more intimately aware of the technology, there would be plenty of time for in depth questions. At the moment, the gist of what the Ravenlock director spoke had gotten across.

When the test was done and the information displayed, it seemed as if a weight was removed from the Ravenlock delegation. The president was obviously pleased by the willingness of his counterpart to allow him the flexibility he desired. “Yes, that is part of the reason why I wish to see if we can hunt down the root of the similarities. I thank you for your trust in this matter and assure you that we will keep you in the loop as our tests progress.” A moment later the touch of the director’s mind was noted and accepted, the Veithan delegation falling back to telepathy as the meeting progressed along matters of more direct importance to both star nations.

There was little hesitation before the Ravenlock proposals were considered and then answered in turn. ~We are quite receptive to establishing formal ties with your people, and a free trade agreement with minor reservations is something that both our nations will benefit from. We will immediately begin the process of finding suitable locations to allow your corporations to set up regional offices within our space.~ the data crystal was noted as it was placed upon the table. It would take a bit of time for all the details to be worked out, but widening the trade options of the empire was considered a good idea. The Veithan export rate was still going strong, but given enough time the markets would become saturated with Veithan goods. Furthermore, the Myheri and Manasan markets could only accept so much considering their status as local powers. The Empire took great pains to keep on top of its economy, and access to Ravenlock markets was quite appealing.

There was no hesitation upon the second point, although the secretary of defense made sure to whisper a consideration to the president’s mind. The president considered the request and decided that it was a point that had to be addressed. ~We would be more than happy to open our borders to your people, however we request your assistance in one matter before this is finalized. We are aware of your Dra`kol and would appreciate the assistance of some of your experts to make sure that our scanning technology is up to the task of identifying members of that race. Although we are confident that our scanning technology is up to the galactic standard, the Dra`kol are unlike anything we have previously encountered. Your assistance in this matter will allow the ties of tourism between our nations to fully open, benefiting both our nations.~ Veithans were by and large a curious people, and the appearance of a new star nation always held the promise of new things to see and experience. As long as the Veithan government could safeguard its people, and prevent foreign infiltration it would jump at the chance to widen its tourism capabilities.

The final request had not been expected but when placed in the context of the Ravenlock situation it was immediately understood why the request had been made; The President considering for a moment, while his aides exchanged thoughts with him before he nodded. ~We will assist you in this regard, although I warn you that our star maps around your space are limited. It is part of the reason why our nations did not run into each other years ago. Nonetheless, I will make sure that any detailed maps in your surroundings area of space will be made available to you. I cannot promise that they will be of great assistance to you, since terra-compatible planets are in high demand for most star nations. Nonetheless, we will provide the information to you in the hope that your nation will at least be able to focus its search on the right places.~
Space was vast, and even if Veithan star charts did not provide the location for a suitable planet, it would tell the Ravenlock consortium where not to look.

Grand Empire Space
Imperial Plaza

There was no hesitation as the Empress request was made, Veliam Munei taking only a moment to make the necessary arrangements. “The visit of the Crown Prince would be welcomed by my people Empress. They have been informed of your intentions and have agreed to receive and host the Crown Prince in Veitha III.” The ambassador smiled for a moment before speaking on a parallel topic. “The final draft of our alliance document will be completed by the end of the day. I wish to make it available to your people in order and my own when it is, in order so that both our governments may have all the necessary information needed to declare it.” An alliance between nations needed to be announced if it was to fulfill its function.

In the Veithan home world preparations were made for the arrival of the Crown Prince. The significance of the visit was obvious to all that where aware of the negotiations between the nations, and Veitha had every intention of making a good impression.

[Thirdfain]

Terra
Sol System

Binat smiled. His rifle was a simple affair, but it would more than suffice for this job. The scope was simple, lacking the targetting electronics of more modern guns, but effective- and he was an excellent shot.

His chances of escape were slim- the enemy security was excellent. He would give it a shot, and if the plan worked out, if he could reach the extraction point, he could melt into the crowds and reach safety. If not, well, the false tooth would work almost instantly- an it would be nearly painless. The Covenant documentation in his hotel room, along with the money and the Free Ix'agal holo-token he carried on his person and would project across the facade of the restaurant when the deed was done would protect him.

It might be his last mission, but hell- a brief life burned brightly.

[Straha]

The Prince's small entourage reached the resturant. They had picked a table near a window, the tables around the chair had already been cleared from use. The prince had a few open guards, eight exactly, but there was over a dozen concealed guards, most of which were men that Fedayn had spared. The crowd in the restuarant, which had been alerted of the princes coming only three hours before by a young intern, was mostly people who would normally be dining there anyway, though there were groups of agents eating meals as if they were normal citizens, and there were more waiting for tables in the now crowded restaurant.

The Prince arrived in a relatively non-descript manner, those in the restaurant that recognized him started talking to their companions in the quiet hushed whisper that usually follows celebrities wherever they go. After he sat his dining companion at the table, waved his bodyguards away to stop crowding the table, and silently placed a tiny recording device at the bottom of the table he turned to the waiter.

"EMIL! How are you? Could you please get us four orders of Vindaloo, four orders of Tiki Masala if we can't finish it I'll bring it back to the palace, and just keep the naan and rice coming as we need it. Get me a coke to drink, and bring my foreign friend here every drink you have. Bill the usual account, thank you very much!"

After that was over he turned back to Rastilin.

"We have important matters that need to be discussed. Before I start, would you like to say anything?"

[Alyrium Denryle]

" I am pleased to be here, and appreciate the security. Though, I am a bit cautions. As such, I have placed a warding spell on the restaraunt, any weapns fire inside, r reaching nside the building will be supressed. Consider it my thoughtful contribution to the security of both our persons"
Raisltin said with a wry smile.

His harper agents on the planet had informed him of the security issues with this particular etablishment. A sharp shooter on a rooftop coud get a clear shot if they were lucky... He could not take that risk. Any weapons would bounce off the warding spell, and any weapons firing inside the building would find the chemical reactions and electrical currents that drove them... non-functional.