-
Welcome to rpgcodex.net, a site dedicated to discussing computer based role-playing games in a free and open fashion. We're less strict than other forums, but please refer to the rules.
"This message is awaiting moderator approval": All new users must pass through our moderation queue before they will be able to post normally. Until your account has "passed" your posts will only be visible to yourself (and moderators) until they are approved. Give us a week to get around to approving / deleting / ignoring your mundane opinion on crap before hassling us about it. Once you have passed the moderation period (think of it as a test), you will be able to post normally, just like all the other retards.
The Codexian Saga LP
- Thread starter The Barbarian
- Start date
Sending ships in immediately might be risky but we are not going to shoot first, if they destroy our scouts then we have a definitive answer a long long time before we would know their intentions in any of the other choices.
Besides, how much damage can they cause, if they desire war, in the many weeks it takes us to mass our fleet? I bet it's a lot.
We must know now to make a strategic and long term plan as soon as possible.
Besides, how much damage can they cause, if they desire war, in the many weeks it takes us to mass our fleet? I bet it's a lot.
We must know now to make a strategic and long term plan as soon as possible.
- Joined
- Jul 6, 2008
- Messages
- 11,370
Stealth capability is only a part of long term strategic concerns with regards to the Phyr.
Their disposition, numbers, logistics, fleet mobility, fleet location and firepower are all things we will need to address and which I give more priority compared to their stealth technology, if it does come down to conflict.
Furthermore, why would the Phyrries, by stationing a cloaked vessel in Codexian space and making its presence known, draw attention to themselves despite their cloaking abilities?
What if Codex begins drawing in nearby ships in preparation to face the unknown vessel, thus leaving the surrounding regions open for reconnaissance and infiltration?
By leaving the on-site response to whatever Fleet has at hand, we maintain our prior guard. This is merely first contact with what we presume to be a small scout force. Why would we begin massing military might at this point of space?
Their disposition, numbers, logistics, fleet mobility, fleet location and firepower are all things we will need to address and which I give more priority compared to their stealth technology, if it does come down to conflict.
Furthermore, why would the Phyrries, by stationing a cloaked vessel in Codexian space and making its presence known, draw attention to themselves despite their cloaking abilities?
What if Codex begins drawing in nearby ships in preparation to face the unknown vessel, thus leaving the surrounding regions open for reconnaissance and infiltration?
By leaving the on-site response to whatever Fleet has at hand, we maintain our prior guard. This is merely first contact with what we presume to be a small scout force. Why would we begin massing military might at this point of space?
laclongquan
Arcane
We cant secondguess ourself. Paranoia is a virtue, provided you paranoid in moderation.
We dont mass our full strength fleet there, just a squadron. I said it before, yes? A SQUADRON, meaning a portion of fleet.
Imagine as a complex dance in diplomacy: they appear, you chase, they appear... you appproach? Heck no. You mass your strength. Now what will they do? PLaying who-blink-first with us? Or drop stealth and start communicating?
See? Massing a squadron nearby is not just a military response. I know many think that's the sole reason I propose that but it's not. The sole reason, I mean. It could be used as a diplomatic tool, "speak softly but hefting a big club" style
We dont mass our full strength fleet there, just a squadron. I said it before, yes? A SQUADRON, meaning a portion of fleet.
Imagine as a complex dance in diplomacy: they appear, you chase, they appear... you appproach? Heck no. You mass your strength. Now what will they do? PLaying who-blink-first with us? Or drop stealth and start communicating?
See? Massing a squadron nearby is not just a military response. I know many think that's the sole reason I propose that but it's not. The sole reason, I mean. It could be used as a diplomatic tool, "speak softly but hefting a big club" style
- Joined
- Jul 6, 2008
- Messages
- 11,370
If you see a bear that is close or it does see you, STAY CALM. Attacks are rare. Bears may approach or stand on their hind legs to get a better look at you. These are curious, not aggressive, bears. BE HUMAN. Stand tall, wave your arms, and speak in a loud and low voice. DO NOT RUN!
laclongquan
Arcane
Master Treave, if you seriously suggest we open diplomatic negotiation with a bear I would suggest the following:
1. Pack a stunner
2. Try to approach that bear from very far away.
3. Stun it.
4. Now you can conduct negotiation with it in comfort, style, and nearly 100% success.
EDIT: and whoever told you that bear attack is rare, is a liar. or only tell the truth in 1% circumstance. Without weapons,, we human are below bear in the food chain. And vice versa, I suppose.
1. Pack a stunner
2. Try to approach that bear from very far away.
3. Stun it.
4. Now you can conduct negotiation with it in comfort, style, and nearly 100% success.
EDIT: and whoever told you that bear attack is rare, is a liar. or only tell the truth in 1% circumstance. Without weapons,, we human are below bear in the food chain. And vice versa, I suppose.
The Barbarian
Liturgist
A more even spread than usual.
Five votes for Option A.
Seven votes for Option B.
Two votes for Option C.
B is victorious. Update forthcoming.
Five votes for Option A.
Seven votes for Option B.
Two votes for Option C.
B is victorious. Update forthcoming.
laclongquan
Arcane
Not doom per se! Just very tough beginning for negotiation with chances for future war, rather thanjust lengthy and cautious negotiation. Diplomacy with Big Stick make too much sense, so naturally our civilians would not choose it.
The Barbarian
Liturgist
Behind the Curtains
At the helm of the CSS Megadeth, beads of sweat ran down Captain Jack O'War's face. He had received his instructions, and was to probe the perimeter of the sensor 'dead zone'. The Codexians, forever a deliberate people, approached the task with their usual vigour, taking up positions three light minutes away from the suspected mothership - before unleashing a torrent of sensor drones. Further hours of collective consternation expired, before the zippy little machines broke the sensor barrier with nary a whimper. Seconds later, their sensory-visual transmissions began reaching the naval patrol. The mystery was finally solved. On the other side of the veil lay the biggest, ugliest piece of space debris ever witnessed by any living Codexian. It was at least two kilometres long, and was swarming with smaller craft. Analogically speaking, it resembled so much horse dung being feasted on by hordes of ravenous flies.
Finally, the sensor techs observing the spectacle realized that this, in fact, was a VESSEL. Dilapidated and pitted across its body it might have been, but the undeniable signs were there. There was an immediate reaction on the part of its escorts, and a number of them peeled away from the main body to intercept the drones. The machines were quickly snared and taken back to the mothership, as the Codexians continued to observe - under strict instructions to avoid any diplomatic incidents, or to initiate conflict. In the end, this strategy can be said to have paid off. A solar day after the 'abduction', the probes were sent back to the waiting patrol vessels, loaded with linguistic data and various equations. It was deemed to be the beginning of a successful first contact. Over the next several weeks, Codexian scientists pored over the data with customary thoroughness. Much head scratching was involved, for the Phyr tongue relied on body language that was difficult to reproduce. The result, of course, was never in question.
The historic first contact had already been made earlier - but the first dialogue eventually took place planet-side, where the representatives of Codexianity met with their Phyr counterparts, in order to officially open diplomatic relations between the two powers. It was a meeting that consumed another week entire. The mendacious aliens ate and drank copiously, and all the while were only too happy to discuss the 'mighty Phyr Dominion', its eons-long history, and to confirm (amidst a great deal of cursing) their age-long, hateful feud with their Turanei neighbors ('lizard scum'). According to their mission's Prime (the equivalent of 'leader'), the war against the Turanei was going well, and the Phyr were interested in both Codexian wares and in offering Codexianity the opportunity to partake in the 'glory' of the fight against the hated foe. They were very interested in details about the Codexian state - especially its strength and its conduct of the war with the Raumen.
Codexian ambassadors uhm'd and ahh'd, while their aides frantically shuttled messages back and forth between them and the government. The Phyr interrupted the process by simply making an outright offer of a treaty of friendship, simultaneously hinting at vast riches and a technological bounty, were the Codexians interested in a more involved relationship (i.e. an alliance), down the road. Therefore, it is now time to make a pivotal decision: how do we approach our relations with these strange creatures? What will the Codexian state concentrate on?
Do you... accept the treaty of friendship, but abstain from developing the relationship further in future?
OR
Do you... accept the treaty of friendship, and take advantage of the offer of alliance with these strange creatures?
OR
Do you... refuse to establish any official relations, preferring to keep Codexia removed from regional politics?
At the helm of the CSS Megadeth, beads of sweat ran down Captain Jack O'War's face. He had received his instructions, and was to probe the perimeter of the sensor 'dead zone'. The Codexians, forever a deliberate people, approached the task with their usual vigour, taking up positions three light minutes away from the suspected mothership - before unleashing a torrent of sensor drones. Further hours of collective consternation expired, before the zippy little machines broke the sensor barrier with nary a whimper. Seconds later, their sensory-visual transmissions began reaching the naval patrol. The mystery was finally solved. On the other side of the veil lay the biggest, ugliest piece of space debris ever witnessed by any living Codexian. It was at least two kilometres long, and was swarming with smaller craft. Analogically speaking, it resembled so much horse dung being feasted on by hordes of ravenous flies.
Finally, the sensor techs observing the spectacle realized that this, in fact, was a VESSEL. Dilapidated and pitted across its body it might have been, but the undeniable signs were there. There was an immediate reaction on the part of its escorts, and a number of them peeled away from the main body to intercept the drones. The machines were quickly snared and taken back to the mothership, as the Codexians continued to observe - under strict instructions to avoid any diplomatic incidents, or to initiate conflict. In the end, this strategy can be said to have paid off. A solar day after the 'abduction', the probes were sent back to the waiting patrol vessels, loaded with linguistic data and various equations. It was deemed to be the beginning of a successful first contact. Over the next several weeks, Codexian scientists pored over the data with customary thoroughness. Much head scratching was involved, for the Phyr tongue relied on body language that was difficult to reproduce. The result, of course, was never in question.
The historic first contact had already been made earlier - but the first dialogue eventually took place planet-side, where the representatives of Codexianity met with their Phyr counterparts, in order to officially open diplomatic relations between the two powers. It was a meeting that consumed another week entire. The mendacious aliens ate and drank copiously, and all the while were only too happy to discuss the 'mighty Phyr Dominion', its eons-long history, and to confirm (amidst a great deal of cursing) their age-long, hateful feud with their Turanei neighbors ('lizard scum'). According to their mission's Prime (the equivalent of 'leader'), the war against the Turanei was going well, and the Phyr were interested in both Codexian wares and in offering Codexianity the opportunity to partake in the 'glory' of the fight against the hated foe. They were very interested in details about the Codexian state - especially its strength and its conduct of the war with the Raumen.
Codexian ambassadors uhm'd and ahh'd, while their aides frantically shuttled messages back and forth between them and the government. The Phyr interrupted the process by simply making an outright offer of a treaty of friendship, simultaneously hinting at vast riches and a technological bounty, were the Codexians interested in a more involved relationship (i.e. an alliance), down the road. Therefore, it is now time to make a pivotal decision: how do we approach our relations with these strange creatures? What will the Codexian state concentrate on?
Do you... accept the treaty of friendship, but abstain from developing the relationship further in future?
OR
Do you... accept the treaty of friendship, and take advantage of the offer of alliance with these strange creatures?
OR
Do you... refuse to establish any official relations, preferring to keep Codexia removed from regional politics?
laclongquan
Arcane
A.
The curious stealth nature of their vessel is still unexplained, so we'd like more details on their sciences and techs. And primitive market though it was, it's nothing to be sneeze at.
The fact that they are TOO interested in future allies make for some interesting speculation as to the war between them and the lizard scum. Possibly they are getting sorely pressed. We dont need to jump on losing side unless the winning ones want to devour us.
And we 'd like to string them as long as possible to gather more info on their enemy too.
The curious stealth nature of their vessel is still unexplained, so we'd like more details on their sciences and techs. And primitive market though it was, it's nothing to be sneeze at.
The fact that they are TOO interested in future allies make for some interesting speculation as to the war between them and the lizard scum. Possibly they are getting sorely pressed. We dont need to jump on losing side unless the winning ones want to devour us.
And we 'd like to string them as long as possible to gather more info on their enemy too.
Angthoron
Arcane
- Joined
- Jul 13, 2007
- Messages
- 13,056
I'm siding towards the same sort of idea, but I will take a short while to evaluate the data once more and then give a proper decision. These Phyrries certainly are curious creature - we should find out what their giant flying turd was doing in our region in the first place.
An alliance is a two edged sword, on one side we add their might to ours (if they ate true to their word that is) and the scientific advances might be fantastic. Two races that have developed completely different sets of technology may very well lead to technological marvels beyond what either race could manage on its own.
On the other hand a enemy of our friend must also be our enemy, and the Phyrr are currently at war. They may very well be exaggerating their winnings in the war and should we enter on the loosing side, we will most probably be well and truly fucked.
The capital ship they stationed also looked kinda cheesy, perhaps the cloaking tech is all they have? What if they didn't even build the ship themselves and just found it somewhere? We sure don't want to ally with some kind of intergalactic space-jokels, do we?
The point is we don't really know anything about them that we havent stolen from the Raumen (wich may be fake leads) and what the Phyrr have told us themselves.
I will therefore advocate the path of friendship but not an alliance. We want them on our side and to trade with but we don't need to be dragged into a galactic war that we know nothing about.
I vote A
On the other hand a enemy of our friend must also be our enemy, and the Phyrr are currently at war. They may very well be exaggerating their winnings in the war and should we enter on the loosing side, we will most probably be well and truly fucked.
The capital ship they stationed also looked kinda cheesy, perhaps the cloaking tech is all they have? What if they didn't even build the ship themselves and just found it somewhere? We sure don't want to ally with some kind of intergalactic space-jokels, do we?
The point is we don't really know anything about them that we havent stolen from the Raumen (wich may be fake leads) and what the Phyrr have told us themselves.
I will therefore advocate the path of friendship but not an alliance. We want them on our side and to trade with but we don't need to be dragged into a galactic war that we know nothing about.
I vote A
- Joined
- Aug 5, 2009
- Messages
- 9,880
A most difficult situation. The beasts seem to willing to profess their glory and prosperity. Trade relations would be most beneficial, but I do not think we should get involved in the conflict -yet-. I hope our ambassadors have not let slip some information that might harm us in the future.
Refusing their offer would be highly impertinent.
A: accept the treaty of friendship, but abstain from developing the relationship further in future.
Refusing their offer would be highly impertinent.
A: accept the treaty of friendship, but abstain from developing the relationship further in future.
- Joined
- Jul 6, 2008
- Messages
- 11,370
Surely their war hasn't devolved into such a drastic situation that nomadic turd-ships are all they have left of their civilization...
A. Accept the treaty of friendship, but abstain from developing the relationship further in future.
It is likely, once we enter into an alliance with the Phyrries, they will drag us right into battle, and I do not fully trust them to be reliable allies. That they are interested in our prior conflict with the Raumen is something we must take note of.
We should maintain a safe but respectful distance from their affairs with the Turanei, for now. After all, the Phyrries have yet to deliver on any promises of riches and technology made, nor have they proven their trustworthiness to us. Let us focus on finding out more about these dung-piloting bear folk through the treaty of friendship.
A. Accept the treaty of friendship, but abstain from developing the relationship further in future.
It is likely, once we enter into an alliance with the Phyrries, they will drag us right into battle, and I do not fully trust them to be reliable allies. That they are interested in our prior conflict with the Raumen is something we must take note of.
We should maintain a safe but respectful distance from their affairs with the Turanei, for now. After all, the Phyrries have yet to deliver on any promises of riches and technology made, nor have they proven their trustworthiness to us. Let us focus on finding out more about these dung-piloting bear folk through the treaty of friendship.
I agree with most of the sentiments already put forth by other councillors. Option A is my choice as well.
Angthoron
Arcane
- Joined
- Jul 13, 2007
- Messages
- 13,056
I'll vote A as well, with a slight modification that we do not wish to form a closer relation in a foreseeable future.
We have to beware, though, that our refusal to participate in their war may be a form of a cultural offence, and that by doing so we appear accidentally weak. They do sound a bit suspiciously convenient, and as a Councillor before me has pointed out, we don't even know if their turd-ship is even theirs at all. We simply don't know anything about them yet to be able to make uninformed decisions like that.
Unfortunately, they may be offended by our refusal of a military alliance, but such is life.
Naturally, if the good Barbarian could fill us in with more details, like why they're on our territory (I'm sure we would have asked) and who began the war (they might have told), the Council may change their decisions yet.
We have to beware, though, that our refusal to participate in their war may be a form of a cultural offence, and that by doing so we appear accidentally weak. They do sound a bit suspiciously convenient, and as a Councillor before me has pointed out, we don't even know if their turd-ship is even theirs at all. We simply don't know anything about them yet to be able to make uninformed decisions like that.
Unfortunately, they may be offended by our refusal of a military alliance, but such is life.
Naturally, if the good Barbarian could fill us in with more details, like why they're on our territory (I'm sure we would have asked) and who began the war (they might have told), the Council may change their decisions yet.
Phew, that turned out better than expected.
I could have sworn that there would be a political shitstorm the second we crossed that veil.
As we know nothing of their enemy yet, so I wouldn't offer them an alliance.
A.
War however seems inevitable.
I wonder how much firepower they have in their floating turd.
My compliments, admiral treave, seems like you voted for the right action after all.
I could have sworn that there would be a political shitstorm the second we crossed that veil.
As we know nothing of their enemy yet, so I wouldn't offer them an alliance.
A.
War however seems inevitable.
I wonder how much firepower they have in their floating turd.
My compliments, admiral treave, seems like you voted for the right action after all.
(surreptitiously joins in.)
I vote A. The 'lizard scum' may well be an inevitable enemy, but being sucked in now without any knowledge about the war besides the Phyr's say so is madness. Further commitment can wait until we have the measure of our friends - and our foes. The sort of species that would take offence at our caution would be unreliable pact-brothers anyhow. We should find out more about them, in the same way they seek to know more about us.
If anyone doubts the madness of military commitment without due intelligence, only consider what would have happened if we had pressed for outright war against the Raumen.
I vote A. The 'lizard scum' may well be an inevitable enemy, but being sucked in now without any knowledge about the war besides the Phyr's say so is madness. Further commitment can wait until we have the measure of our friends - and our foes. The sort of species that would take offence at our caution would be unreliable pact-brothers anyhow. We should find out more about them, in the same way they seek to know more about us.
If anyone doubts the madness of military commitment without due intelligence, only consider what would have happened if we had pressed for outright war against the Raumen.
As an Amazon Associate, rpgcodex.net earns from qualifying purchases.