GrogHeads Forum

All right!  It's time to get this party started.  8) 



As some of you are already aware, four of us Armada players -- OJsDad (who just started playing the game), Shelldrake, W8taminute, and myself -- have begun a new PBEM campaign.  We're playing co-op style, and will be banding together to survive in a hostile galaxy against a total of 8 other (AI-controlled) factions. 

And since I apparently possess a masochistic streak, I'm going to be posting my bumbling moves here for your entertainment.  The other three may be posting here as well (depending on how masochistic *they're* feeling).  :P 


Anyway, the game parameters and settings are as follows: 

1.)  Very Large map (so all 12 factions should have at least a little space in which to expand before running into each other), star density set to Normal, and a dense center

2.)  Normal difficulty setting (this is where the AI plays its best game without cheating)

3.)  Bureaucracy set to Normal

4.)  Everyone starts with Normal homeworlds

5.)  Scalable research (which on a Very Large map means techs will take a good while to research, but not forever)

6.)  The game is set to last 500 turns


Faction-wise, W8taminute is playing as the Human Union.  In-game, they're pretty middle-of-the-road:  They suffer from slightly higher unrest (due to being a little "disorderly"), as well as modest penalties in Hyperspace and Psychic research.  However, they do get a general bonus to all other research levels.  Ideal planets are their favorite places to colonize, with Habitable & Aquatic worlds also being preferable. 

Shelldrake is playing as the Cryokon Federation.  As their name might suggest, they prefer cold arctic planets, which means they tend to not have to fight other races as much for territory.  They also receive an income boost from mining facilities, and are immune to biological warfare.  Their main drawback is their lower growth rate, which suffers even further when they colonize Ideal/Habitable/Aquatic planets -- they're too warm for the Cryos to live on comfortably. 

OJsDad is playing as the Ancient Race of Machines (or AROM for short).  Like the Humans, they're "disorderly" and therefore suffer from higher unrest, they have a slightly lower-than-average growth rate, have a small penalty to most research fields, and are vulnerable to nano-tech attacks.  However, they're also immune to biological & psychic attacks/weapons, and receive a boost to both Construction research and Skunkworks facilities.  Also like the Humans, they favor Ideal planets -- and to a lesser extent, Habitable/Aquatic planets -- for colonization. 

As for myself, I'm playing as the Volmar Union, a race of silicon-based lifeforms that prefer hot, volcanic planets (Irradiated & Venusian planets in-game), which -- similar to the Cryokons -- cuts down on conflicts with other races over living space.  They have a high growth rate, receive a natural bonus when defending against invasion, and are immune to both pollution & biological attacks.  However, they're crappy spies, cannot export their culture (which cuts down on trade/tourism dollars with other races), and suffer stiff penalties in Hyperspace, Information, and especially Biotech research.  Also, like the Cryos, the Volmar don't care much for Ideal/Habitable/Aquatic worlds -- they *can* colonize them, but are unlikely to do so capriciously, as they're too frickin' cold for comfort! 


As I said, we'll be playing co-op in this game...which is good, because we're probably going to need each other!  I did my best to fill out the ranks of the AI players with factions that are "evil", warlike, expansionist, and/or (in the case of the Teyes) just plain annoying.  In other words, you wouldn't want to root for the AI factions we're playing against.  ;) 




Okay, enough rambling!  Here we go.... 

For the purpose of writing for this AAR, how long is a turn, 1 day, week, month, year, other?

I usually go with 10 turns = 1 year.  No time scale is perfect, though, so I'd say just go with whatever you're comfortable with and/or used to.  :) 

Human Union
Emperor of Mankind W8taminute
Turn 4 Status Update


The Human kind finds itself alone in the upper left quadrant of the known galaxy.  Several of our ark ships have colonized decent planets with compliance being achieved in short order. 

Technological research is slow going at the moment.  Our scientists have recently graduated from top universities and will take some time establishing themselves.  Our priority now, however, is exploration.  We must determine the makeup of our galactic neighborhood before venturing out further.  Our ships are small and fragile and do not possess impressive firepower, but so far we seem to be alone in this galaxy. 

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Year 0.1



First off, just so you can get a look at what my race (the Volmar) are like: 

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My neck of the woods looks like it should be pretty quiet.  Starting in/near a corner like tends to be a double-edged sword -- it's easier to defend, but also limits my avenues for expansion.  Still, I'll take it for now! 

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I start out with only minimal infrastructure: a single Basic (level 1) Lab and a Colonists Workshop (the equivalent of a level 1 factory). 

As my first order of business, I queue up a mine (only one allowed per system), the basic sensor installation, and Light Industry (level 2 factory).  This last one is particularly important, as upgrading to Light Industry will allow me to build more shipyards, labs, and basic defenses (such as light missile batteries). 

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Ship-wise, I'm queuing up five Scouts for exploration.  The intrepid crews of these small vessels will seek out new worlds for the Volmar to colonize and exploit! 

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Since the Volmar don't suffer any sort of happiness/popularity penalty for pollution, I intend to build & upgrade as many mines on my worlds as I can.  Towards that end, the first tech I'm going to research is Advanced Mining. 

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Happily, there are no less than three star systems within range of my homeworld that are perfectly suited to colonization by my people.  The one to our galactic "west" appears to be particularly nice, as it also contains Natural Wonders; with the proper facilities, this planet could be a major tourist destination for all Volmar! 


1st colony location:   

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2nd colony location: 

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3rd colony location: 

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Our first colony is founded.  Huzzah!  (Ironically enough, it's actually the Venusian planet to our "east" that is settled first, due to its closer proximity to the capital.) 

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The other two colonies will be established in the next couple months, and scout ships are already scouring the nearby sectors for more worlds to claim.  We're on our way! 

The Cryokon Federation
Prime Minister Shelldrake
Turn 5 status update

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The peace-loving peoples of the Cryokon Federation continue to explore nearby star systems and establish colonies on suitable worlds. At this time the flag of the Cryokon Federation flies over 3 colony worlds located a short distance from the homeworld, Cryos. At Archangelsk our colonists discovered a derelict alien space station, confirming our suspicions that the Cryokon are not alone in the universe. Cryokon scientists are beginning to uncover the alien structure's secrets, which are expected to lead to significant breakthroughs in weapons research. It would be foolish indeed to assume that alien civilizations will be as peaceable as the Cryokon Federation so we must prepare for the worst!

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Mines are being constructed on the remaining 2 colonies to provide raw materials for Cryokon factories and shipyards. Recent communications from our scouts have provided the coordinates of 2 ice worlds that are ripe for colonization. Even now colonization arks are being constructed to take advantage of this windfall!

Unfortunately, the evolutionary process that adapted the Cryokon for life at sub-zero temperatures also slowed our population growth. This trait will be a major barrier to Cryokon colonization efforts; however, Cryokon scientists have theorized that limited terraforming and weather control may stimulate reproduction. Time will be our judge.

Human Union
Emperor of Mankind W8taminute
Turn 5 Status Update



Emperor W8taminute stares at his datapad to read reports of the time period known as Turn 5.  No intelligent life has been encountered so far as the Human exploration vessels continue to probe the galaxy. 

Economic reports show that the home world is thriving, but just barely.  There have been debates in the council on whether to raise taxes or not.  As the discussions rage on, nothing was done to adjust tax settings this time.

Below is an overview of activity in our sector:

We are known as The Ancient Race of Machines.  Once, many millennium ago, we were a pure organic species.  Like all such species, we were weak and frail and susceptible to disease.  Over time, we developed technology to replace our fragile organic bodies with strong, resilient machines.

Since that time, we have been content to live our long lives our on our home planet, Origin.  While there is nothing special about the Origin system, it was home, and it was all we needed.  That all changed a couple of decades ago, when, first some, then many, and finally all, began to have dreams that told us it was time to grow beyond Origin.  We don't know why for sure, but we know that there are other races out there that are growing.  And while we do not have desire to take their planets, they do not have reciprocating feelings.  Just as we know that there are many such races, we also know that there are a few races that will be friendly to us, even be willing to stand with us to ward off the evil that is growing in our galaxy.
A couple of months ago, we started to move out from our home system.  The first colony that we have taken was only a month from Origin, to the galactic east.  Like Origin, there is nothing really special about Pergamum, except that they both have Oort Clouds.  Once colonized, we began moving more our or people to this system. 

We have also build a couple of more scout ships to join the one we already had.  They are moving out to the east, west and north.  Being that we are in the bottom right of the galactic map, we want to move first to the east, so that we can secure both our southern and eastern borders with the nothingness of space.  However at the same time, we feel drawn to the west and northwest.  We can feel the presence of other, friendly races, in those directions. 

We have also colonized Roma to our northwest, and will be moving more people there soon.  Our efforts to find a suitable colony to the east has not worked in our favor so far.  While there is one system there that we could colonize, we will wait to see what else our scouts find.  The system to our east has an erratic orbit, and the habitability of the is constantly changing.  If there is no better place to colonize in that direction, then we will commit the resources  there so that we can move further east.

Not to butt in on your AAR but this is a great read keep it up guys!

Quote from: TheCommandTent on June 14, 2012, 08:52:35 PM
Not to butt in on your AAR but this is a great read keep it up guys!

As far as I'm concerned, your more than welcomed to jump in with questions or comments anytime you wish.

Two of our scouts have now arrived at two new systems.  Things are not looking good for our expansion prospects.  Neither of the new systems have planets that we can colonize.  The only systems that are left to us, that have been explored, or either non-colonizable, poor, or erratic orbits.

Our home system of Origin did upgrade our industries to Light.  We have also started construction on another General Research lab. 

Another group of colonists are now embarking for Roma, aboard five transports.  These should give a good boost to Roma's  economy. 

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1145.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo513%2FOJsDad%2FTurn6.jpg&hash=7242288062c15b86aa3efe39b04e8552d8165490)

LB EDIT: I'm seeing if a different URL will work for posting images.

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A scout reached the Red Giant system of Mirach.  We had not planned on anything of value being there, but were very surprised to discover a rich planet with a biodiversity.   While not the best planet for us, it is on the edge of our western boarders and will allow more exploration in that direction.  We will colonize this new system in four months.

Next month two more scouts will reach other systems, and we are very hopeful that we will find more planets to colonize.

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Year 0.7



The lone rocky planet in the Alpha Scorpio system is on a long, eccentric orbit, and the climate would be miserable for any Volmar living there.  Moreover, we do not currently possess the technology necessary to settle such a world.  The planet does contain a goodly amount of rare minerals, which could be useful in the future, but it's not a priority at this time. 

Thus, it appears expansion to our west/northwest has hit a dead end...at least for the time being.  Unless the scout ship on en route to the Gamma Cygni star system finds a worthwhile planet when it reaches its destination next month, we will have little choice but to redouble our exploration & expansion efforts to the galactic north & east.  This doesn't come as a surprise, but it will make things a little more challenging for us! 


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It appears we may have been a little too hasty/pessimistic in our assessment of the western sector's expansion prospects (not that we're complaining!): 


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The lone volmarial planet in the Gamma Sygni system isn't *quite* perfect in terms of climate, but it would still be comfortable enough for any of our people who settle there.  Better yet, the planet's specific properties are such that any terraforming projects/facilities located here would perform better than average, which would further increase growth rate and quality of life.  After only a short debate, the Council of Elders authorized construction of another Ark ship for settling this new world. 

Human Union
Emperor of Mankind W8taminute
Turn 7 Status Update





No major developments this turn.  Senate debates over increasing taxes continues but still at a deadlock.  Factories continue to churn out goods, materials, and munitions.  In contrast Human research is abysmal.  Emperor W8taminute is clearly disgusted with the lack of artifice in his people.  He retreats to his private quarters located within the senate to work on his plan for improving science output.

The Cryokon Federation
Prime Minister Shelldrake
Turn 9 update

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The Federation continues to grow at the cost of our treasury, which is rapidly shrinking due to the cost of supporting our new colonies. The Bureau of Emmigration anticipates establishing a fifth colony at Atria within the next 2 months.

We badly need to colonize a rich world to provide additional income but the only one identified so far (at Beta Draconis) is hostile to our race. Our primitive technology is not yet able to support a colonization effort in such a high radiation environment. A second scout ship has set out to the galactic east in the hope of finding a more hospitable mineral-rich world while our fist scout ship continues exploring to the galactic west. We have yet to find any more evidence of hostile or friendly alien civilizations. Are we truly alone?

Human Union
Emperor of Mankind W8taminute
Turn 9 Status Update



The debate over raising taxes is over.  It was a bitter contest between those who favored growth over those who realize the need for increased income.  In the end a compromise was reached.  Earth would bear the brunt of the taxes while all colonies would not have their tax rates changed.  Human kind desperately needs to colonize a rich world and one was found at the extreme west edge of our travel range.  Terran shipyards immediately began construction of a colony ship to take advantage of this find.  It will be some time before we can reach the lush system, hopefully it will still be there for Earth to colonize and bring into compliance.

With the debate over taxes ended the Emperor turns his attention to the science budget.  This will be a subject that no doubt will bring much discussion in the senate.

In our tenth month of our diaspora, we have found an rich, ideal planet with an asteroid belt.  As a bonus, this system has both Fertile Soil and Natural Antimatter.  We have dispatched an Arc ship, which will take seven months to reach Zeta Leporis, which is in the far north west area of our explored space.

Our scouts continue to explore wherever they can.   In addition to Zeta Leporis, they have also explored Zeta Volantis.  While it's a poor planet, it does have Rare Minerals, so it may be one we will want to colonize before too long.

On Origin, we have completed a second ship yard.  One ship yard is constructing a new Arc ship, and the second one is now building new transports to help grow new colonies faster. 

Our funds are dropping with all of this new construction, but it is well worth to expand our small empire.

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Now that I have my pictures displaying, I'll start making them big enough to see and read :)

On this, the 11th month of our diaspora, we have colonized our fourth planet, Ravenna.  Ravenna sits on our western borders.  With this colonization, we will open many new star systems for exploration.    Our heavy industries at Pergamum and Roma have been completed.  Further development on Roma is curtailed at this time, due to lack of population, however, both Origin and Pergamum are building the infrastructure needed to begin interstellar commerce.

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Quote from: OJsDad on June 17, 2012, 01:55:25 PM
In our tenth month of our diaspora, we have found an rich, ideal planet with an asteroid belt.  As a bonus, this system has both Fertile Soil and Natural Antimatter. 

[whistles appreciatively] 

Merry Christmas to you!  I think you just found what will likely be one of the AROM's most important colonies.  :) 

Quote from: OJsDad on June 17, 2012, 01:55:25 PM
In addition to Zeta Leporis, they have also explored Zeta Volantis.  While it's a poor planet, it does have Rare Minerals, so it may be one we will want to colonize before too long.

Quick tip:  While there's little harm in going ahead and colonizing Zeta Volantis whenever you want (especially if it's Habitable or Ideal), you may want to hold off a little while on actually building the facilities necessary to exploit the Rare Minerals there.  If you build those facilities before you have at least a few colonies with halfway-decent-sized populations -- say, 30 or more -- that are also within "trade range" of Zeta Volantis (no more than 22 squares away IIRC), you're probably going to be wasting money, especially when you consider the facilities' upkeep costs (versus how much trade/tourism income they're taking in). 

(Sorry for the unsolicited advice, by the way.  I'll crawl back into my dungeon now...) 

Quote from: OJsDad on June 17, 2012, 02:12:41 PM
Now that I have my pictures displaying, I'll start making them big enough to see and read :)

Cool!  I take it you were able to get things to work with Flickr then?  Or did you end up using a different site? 

Quote from: Martokyou may want to hold off a little while on actually building the facilities necessary to exploit the Rare Minerals there.  If you build those facilities before you have at least a few colonies with halfway-decent-sized populations -- say, 30 or more -- that are also within "trade range" of Zeta Volantis (no more than 22 squares away IIRC), you're probably going to be wasting money, especially when you consider the facilities' upkeep costs (versus how much trade/tourism income they're taking in).

I totally agree with you there and I've been holding off on facilities on my colonies until they're good and ready.  I am building a few missile bases but that's about it.  Otherwise I'm dumping my money into my homeworld.

Quote from: Martok on June 18, 2012, 01:10:42 PM

Quote from: OJsDad on June 17, 2012, 01:55:25 PM
In our tenth month of our diaspora, we have found an rich, ideal planet with an asteroid belt.  As a bonus, this system has both Fertile Soil and Natural Antimatter. 

[whistles appreciatively] 

Merry Christmas to you!  I think you just found what will likely be one of the AROM's most important colonies.  :) 

Well...it was Fathers day yesterday  8)

Quote from: Martok

Quote from: OJsDad on June 17, 2012, 01:55:25 PM
In addition to Zeta Leporis, they have also explored Zeta Volantis.  While it's a poor planet, it does have Rare Minerals, so it may be one we will want to colonize before too long.

Quick tip:  While there's little harm in going ahead and colonizing Zeta Volantis whenever you want (especially if it's Habitable or Ideal), you may want to hold off a little while on actually building the facilities necessary to exploit the Rare Minerals there.  If you build those facilities before you have at least a few colonies with halfway-decent-sized populations -- say, 30 or more -- that are also within "trade range" of Zeta Volantis (no more than 22 squares away IIRC), you're probably going to be wasting money, especially when you consider the facilities' upkeep costs (versus how much trade/tourism income they're taking in). 

I don't recall the habitability of Zeta Volantis at the moment, but I don't think it was very good, and I don't plan on colonizing it yet.

Quote from: Martok
(Sorry for the unsolicited advice, by the way.  I'll crawl back into my dungeon now...) 

Get out of your dungeon and don't be afraid to speakup.  I appreciate it.  Thats the fun of team play or playing with a group.

Quote from: Martok

Quote from: OJsDad on June 17, 2012, 02:12:41 PM
Now that I have my pictures displaying, I'll start making them big enough to see and read :)

Cool!  I take it you were able to get things to work with Flickr then?  Or did you end up using a different site?

I could not get Flickr to work, so I switched to Photobucket.  I have a dual monitor setup so that is why my screen shots are looking funny still.  Next time, I'll remember to hold down the Alt key to get just the left monitor.  Are you guys doing anything different than using the print screen button on  your keyboard and using paintbrush to save them for your screen shots?

Quote from: W8taminute on June 18, 2012, 01:55:52 PM

Quote from: Martokyou may want to hold off a little while on actually building the facilities necessary to exploit the Rare Minerals there.  If you build those facilities before you have at least a few colonies with halfway-decent-sized populations -- say, 30 or more -- that are also within "trade range" of Zeta Volantis (no more than 22 squares away IIRC), you're probably going to be wasting money, especially when you consider the facilities' upkeep costs (versus how much trade/tourism income they're taking in).

I totally agree with you there and I've been holding off on facilities on my colonies until they're good and ready.  I am building a few missile bases but that's about it.  Otherwise I'm dumping my money into my homeworld.

I don't know if I'm making mistakes or not, but I've built basic mining on all three of my planets already.  I'm also starting to build the basic trading buidling on my homeworld and my closest colony.  I hope to be able to get trading going in the not too distanct furture.

Also, I did build a second ground based shipyard on my homeworld.  This was so I could maintain at least one building an Arc ship, and the other building transports to spread my population around.  I know it may be a bit of waste now, but I think it will pay off big later.

What do you think.

Volmar Union
Martok, First Speaker of the Council of Elders
Year 1.1 (turn 11)




Intense -- and at times, even acrimonious -- debate has engulfed the Council's sessions the last couple months.  The reason for these heated discussions is that our scout-ships have surveyed two different planets, both of which are forcing us to radically reconsider the worldview most of our people have held for centuries... 

The issue is that both planets -- one in the Nashira system, the other in the Epsilon Aquilae system -- are only marginally habitable by Volmar standards...yet apparently are very comfortable for (what appear to be) carbon-based life forms!  That carbon-based life could even exist has come as a profound shock to nearly all Volmar; even our most far-thinking scientists have never considered the possibility as anything more than an interesting -- and hypothetical -- mental exercise.  Now we must suddenly grapple with the very real possibility that whatever other intelligent species may exist in the galaxy, they may be fundamentally different from us. 


At a more practical level, however, many in the Council are unsure (and those Elders who *are* sure are also sharply divided) as to what to actually *do* with these two planets.  Do we colonize them, or don't we?  There are pros and cons to both. 

On the one hand, both planets would be very uncomfortable for our people: population growth would be slow, and settlers living there would be quite miserable.  (Frankly, our technology is only barely capable of colonizing these worlds at all.)  If we claim these planets, we would essentially be doing so mostly do deny them to someone else -- a notion that does sit well with many Elders.  Are we truly that frightened of the Other (even if they may be carbon-based creatures)? 


All that being said, I've proposed a compromise that appears to be gaining sufficient traction with members of the Council that it just might pass:  Nashira is just to the galactic north of -- and in close proximity to -- our homeworld.  In addition to securing peace of mind among some of our more...xenophobic Elders, colonizing the planet there would also extend our fuel range just far enough that it should allow our scout ships to explore several star systems on the northern edge of explored space, thus (hopefully) facilitating our expansion in that direction.  Any possible colonization of the Epsilon Aquilae system would be tabled for a later discussion. 

A significant faction within the Council objects to my proposal:  They point out (correctly, I'm afraid) that Epsilon Aquilae's mineral deposits are sufficient to at least allow us to construct a Mine there, whereas the planet in the Nashira system is far too mineral-poor...and Mines form the cornerstone of our economy.  It is an admittedly valid point, which means more debate will certainly be needed before any decision is reached. 



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Quote from: OJsDad on June 18, 2012, 02:08:42 PM
Are you guys doing anything different than using the print screen button on  your keyboard and using paintbrush to save them for your screen shots?

Nope, I'm doing the same thing! 

Quote from: OJsDad on June 18, 2012, 02:12:39 PM
I don't know if I'm making mistakes or not, but I've built basic mining on all three of my planets already.  I'm also starting to build the basic trading buidling on my homeworld and my closest colony.  I hope to be able to get trading going in the not too distanct furture.

I wouldn't build the Landing Station on any of your worlds unless/until you've colonized a planet with a Trade/Tourism product (Rare Minerals, Natural Wonders, Past Civilization, etc.)...and even then, only if you plant to immediately build/upgrade the necessary facilities for said planet to "export" that trade/tourism product to your other colonies. 

Quote from: OJsDad on June 18, 2012, 02:12:39 PM
Also, I did build a second ground based shipyard on my homeworld.  This was so I could maintain at least one building an Arc ship, and the other building transports to spread my population around.  I know it may be a bit of waste now, but I think it will pay off big later.

What do you think.

I find that constructing a second shipyard at your homeworld usually becomes a necessity (or at the very least, extremely useful) at some point. 

The only real question is when you choose to do so, and that's more a matter of one's playing style than anything else.  I tend to wait til a little later in the game myself, but that's honestly just my own preference.  Building a second shipyard early on like you've done can set you back a bit at the beginning money-wise, but (as you said) it can -- and often does -- pay off in the longer run (partly for the reasons you outlined). 

Cryokon Federation
Prime Minister Shelldrake
Year 1.2

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The day that we both hoped for and feared is upon us! One of our long range scout ships has detected a ship of unknown origin moving into the Gamma Pegasi sector. Our scout ship FSS Intrepid is moving to intercept. Will first contact bring boon or disaster to the Federation?

Four of our five colonies have built or plan to build mines to support the Federation's growth. At this time no further colonies are planned.

Our colony on Archangel continues to focus on research but progress is slow. Our main research efforts are taking place on Cryokon. Our scientists report that they are close to a breakthrough in environmental engineering that should enhance our population's rate of growth.

Human Union
Emperor of Mankind W8taminute
Turn 12 Status Update



Our factories have produced another ark ship.  After it's christening by Dame W8taminute, wife to the Emperor, it was sent to colonize a rich system that was found recently.  Hopefully we are still alone and will be able to benefit from the rich mineral deposits there. 

Some Earth dwellers have decided to leave Terra, disgusted with the high taxes.  They begin migrating to Olympus, a peaceful colony with an excellent atmosphere and living conditions. 

No other major developments this turn.

Our 12th month of the diaspora has been a quiet one.  One of our scouts has found a planet that is colonizable.  While not ideal, it will be more than satisfactory.  We just need an Arc ship to send, which we will have next month.

We are currently constrained by lack of funds, but it is not a critical issue at this point.  Our new system at Ravenna is helping, and in five months we will have the our second rich system at Zeta Leporis.  The colonization of Ravenna has also opened up seven new systems for our scouts to explore, a task that they are more than happy to take on.

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Cryokon Federation
Prime Minister Shelldrake
Year 1.4

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Our exploration of local space continues. A long range scout ship has found a potentially useful world at Gamma Dephini that boasts stunning night sky vistas as well as remnants of an alien planetary defence system that warrants extensive study. Unfortunately it is a poor system that will require considerable funds to develop...funds that the Federation cannot spare at this time.

In a disturbing development, the alien species (they refer to themselves as the Klurgu Empire) that we recently encountered has refused our peaceful overtures in such a way that suggests future...unpleasantness. As a result, the Council of the Federation has voted overwhelmingly to raise taxes on Cryo in order to support a crash building program to expand our small and until now neglected self defence forces. We can only hope that it will not be too little too late.

There is not much news to report from the last couple of months.  AROM scout ships continue to move to explore new systems made available with the colonization of Ravenna.  Our Arc ship in will arrive in Zeta Leporis in a couple of more months.  And our Arc ship headed for Alpha Tucanae will arrive in months.  This will open up large areas of our northern frontier for exploration.  In the next few months, Ravenna will receive a large boost to its population.  This will allow the planet to develop faster.  Money is still a constraint, but is not a major issue at this time.  Research into better mining technology is also progressing slowing, however, with the population boost to Ravenna, we hope to add more research capability.

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Volmar Union
Martok, First Speaker of the Council of Elders
Year 1.6



A compromise deal was at last reached in the heated debate over whether or not to colonize the Nashira system north of Volmar Prime:  It's been decided that another Ark Ship will indeed be constructed.  However, it will not be sent to colonize Nashira unless & until our scout ships cannot find any Irradiated/Venusian planets in our far western frontier. 

Unfortunately, that means we will have to wait the better part of a year before anything can really happen, as we won't even have the range to explore those stars until we establish our new colony in the Gamma Cygni system (which will take another 2-3 months).  It's far from a perfect solution, of course, but the plan does at least have the advantage of making the most economical use of our dwindling treasury. 


In other news, we have finished upgrading the homeworld's infrastructure to support Heavy Industry.  As such, we can now also upgrade our Basic Laboratories to begin specializing in specific fields, and Elder CommandTent (head of our Science & Technology Ministry) immediately issues orders to all four government labs to focus on Construction Research -- we want those improved Mines! 



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[Once completed, this Ark Ship will be bound for either Nashira or points west, depending on what my scout vessels discover.] 



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[Just two more turns until my fourth colony is founded!] 



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[Getting ready to ramp up my Construction Research.] 

Cryokon Federation
Prime Minister Shelldrake
Year 1.6

Recent events have been positive. Our diplomats have succeeded in negotiating a nonaggression agreement with the Klurgu Empire, which at lease reduces the likelihood of war in the immediate future. The Klurgu Empire has informed us of a splinter faction, the Klurgu Trade Collective, which has colonized a number of worlds to our galactic north. We should establish diplomatic relations with the Collective as quickly as possible.

Our scouts have also located two promising planets. Although barren, Beta Piscum is rich in resources so the Council has authorized immediate construction of an Ark in order to establish a mining colony. Zeta Delphini is a very rich world but unfortunately our technology does not yet allow us to establish a colony here. Nevertheless, a corvette has been dispatch to...discourage colonization efforts by the Klurgu.

Human Union
Emperor of Mankind W8taminute
Year 1.6



Raising the taxes on Earth while annoying some of the population has proven to be the best choice for our people to move forward.  A new research lab has been constructed with a specialized weapons lab to be completed in 3 months time.  Our scientific research may now begin to propel humanity past the stars!

The past few months have seen much space explored but no other intelligent life detected.  Perhaps we are alone in this galaxy.  Many people back on Earth and the Colonies both despair and rejoice at the thought of being alone.  Despair with the feeling of loneliness, rejoice in the knowledge of peace and security.

Although our sector of space is large, it is but a small fragment of the very large galaxy.  Our two exploration vessels continue to probe the far reaches in the hopes of making first contact with someone while our Ark ship heads to the rich world located in Gamma Octantis.

Is there anybody out there?

This, the seventh month of the first year of our diaspora, the AROM rejoice.  We have colonized Syracuse, the rich, ideal planet with fertile soil and asteroid belt.  With the colonization of Syracuse, we should see a large section of space open up for our exploration. 

Last month we explored Izar to our west.  While not the most hospitable of planets for our people, it is rich.  An Arc ship has been sent, though it will take six months to reach Izar.  Our scouts continue to explore the area of space to our southwest.   

Money still remains a major issue, and we are considering raising taxes, on a short term basis, to help with this problem, though many of our people reject this solution. 

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Volmar Union
Martok, First Speaker of the Council of Elders
Year 1.9




We have founded Erligang, our fourth colony!  A comfortably warm planet with atmospheric qualities that make it easier to terraform, we expect many of our people will eagerly flock to settle this new world.  Although we currently lack the funds to build it (all this rapid expansion has put a severe strain on our financial resources), Erligang's governor designates a Mine as the colony's first major construction. 

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Situated to the far galactic west, our new colony will also allow us to explore the remaining stars in this corner of the galaxy.  The crew of the Scout Ship stationed at Erligang, having waited for precisely this opportunity, departs for the as-yet unexplored Delta Cygni system.  Being a binary star system, odds are fairly good we'll find another planet there suitable for Vomar habitation. 

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Similarly, the Scout Ship that had been stationed in the Alpha Scorpii system proceeds westward to survey the Denebola system.  We've not had as much luck with white giant stars, but we're optimistic that our luck will turn sooner or later. 

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Cryokon Federation
Prime Minister Shelldrake
Year 2

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Exploration of the fringe systems continues, as does our research into advanced mining techniques. We badly need this tech in order to maximize profit from our mining colonies. By Council edict, 5 transports carrying less desirable elements of Cryokon society have departed for Narva to provide a much needed labor force for the colony's mining operation, which is now under construction. An Ark with its corvette escort is expected to reach the rich world at Beta Piscium in 3 months time - we can only hope that the Klurgu have not beat us to it!

In our 20th month, there is not much to report.  We have just completed construction of another Arc ship, though we are awaiting reports from our scout ships along our northern border before committing it anywhere.  With our low finances at this time, and the need to develop some of our richer newer colonies, we cannot construct more.  Two Arc ships are still in route to the new colonies of Alpha Tucanae, in two months, and Izar, in three months.
Our scientists predict that in about nine more moths we will have better advanced mining capabilities, and we will want to exploit that capability to boost our revenue.  We are also hoping to see a modest boost in revenues from trade in the next couple of months.


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Cryokon Federation
Prime Minister Shelldrake
Year 2.3

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Memorial services were held last month for the heroic crew of the FSS Discovery, which was tragically lost with all hands while exploring the Alshain sector. Preliminary analyses point to a reactor core breach caused by the stresses of sustained translight velocities.

On a happier note, a second construction lab has been completed on Cryo and work has started on a bioresearch lab that should aid in the growth of our population at home and on colony worlds.

A report has just been received that FSS Intrepid has located a rich ice world at Cygnus X1. Orders have been issued for immediate construction of an ark ship to take advantage of this discovery and a corvette has been dispatched to guard this future colony from interlopers. Meanwhile we have established the new colony of Narvik, which is also a rich world although not perfectly suited for our species. A mine will be constructed as soon as financing is available.

In the last two month the AROM people have continued to expand our empire.  We have colonized the Antioch, a normal planet with both an Asteroid Belt and Oort Cloud, and the barren plaent Capua which is rich with minerals. 

Our scouts are working hard to explore the new opportunities that have been afforded to us.  Already they have discovered some possibilities for new colonies.

Money still is a constraining factor in our growth, however, we're prioritizing projects, especially on our new richer worlds.  Research continues on advanced mining, which, once discovered and facilities constructed, will add to our treasury. 

Still no sign of other intelligent life.  We still have the feeling and belief we are not alone in the galaxy, but until we find other races, we will not know for sure.

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Human Union
Emperor of Mankind W8taminute
Past few months


Hey guys sorry for this short update.  Really busy both at work and at home this week.  Nothing major to report other than two more worlds have been colonized and brought into compliance.  No sign of life anywhere.  Economy is stagnant but of average health.  Science progress still slow but now we have a weapons lab online which should help somewhat.

No worries, W8taminute.  I've been slow in getting my latest update done as well, and for pretty much the same reasons! 

Our suspicions have been confirmed, we are not the only intelligent race in the galaxy.  We have made contact with The Teyes Flock.  We do not know much about them, but they have three eyes, six arms, and small wings.  We have been able to convince them to sign a non aggression pack for the next 20 years.  This will hopefully keep our northern border secure. 
Our scouts have explored Gamma Equulei and Gamma Tucanae system this month.  Gamma Tucanae is a poor ice planet that we are unable to colonize.  Gamma Equulei is a Red Giant system with a rich barren planet and surrounded by an Oort cloud.   The was quite a debate in the Senate chambers as to whether or not we should colonize Gamma Equulei.  In the end, it was decide to colonize it, solely due to the fact that it is so close to the Teyes Flock.
On the domestic front, Syracuse completed a mine today.  Being a rich planet, this will give a boost to our treasury.  In the next 5 months,  6 transports will arrive there with more colonists.  If we can get our population up and get a small shipyard built, we can start to build Arc ships there for speedier colonization of system to our north, along with the founding of a new fleet . 


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I've got a bunch more screenies to put up for the AAR, but for the moment, here's one I took that's going to make the other three guys hate me (;D)! 

 

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That, my friends, is one of the best combinations of traits for a planet you'll ever see in this game.  What a beauty! 

That is one nice planet you found!!


We still continue to exist alone.  I've got about 9 planets now under compliance and we've turned down the taxes on Earth.  We're still making a profit, but a very small one each turn.  About 95 Gold.

Hey guys, now that I'm back from vacation, I'll give an update to the AAR next turn.

It is the year 3.5 of the Diaspora.  We have expanded our nation to seven additional planets.   We have three star systems that have yet to be explored to our galactic northeast, though we have scouts moving to two of them now.  We should have all three in explored in the next three to four months.

Our scientists have developed advanced mining techniques.  This is helping to improve our economy.  While we have concentrated the building of these on our richest planets, we will upgrade our mining operations on our other planets soon.

There are a copy of systems we would like to colonize, but at this time, we do not have the Arc ships to make it possible.  It will be a few more months, perhaps even a year, before we are ready to start construction on any new ones.  This is so we can concentrate on developing our existing planets.

Our population growth is slowed by our high taxes.  With the upgrades to our mines, we plan on lowering them to encourage population growth.

We have lost contact with the Teyes Flock, and do not know what has happen to them.   Since we did not get to know them very well, and do not know why we lost contact with them, we are considering expanding our navy encase they were destroyed by another species.  This is still being hotly debated, and the desire to develop our existing colonies is currently winning the debate.

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Cryokon Federation
Prime Minister Shelldrake
Year 3.9

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The Cryokon Federation continues to expand, although finances remain a persistent obstacle to colony development. At least the threat of war with the Klurgu Empire has abated with the successful negotiation of a 2-year nonaggression agreement. Our people can now focus on research and economic expansion!

The Cryokon people now lay claim to seven colony worlds, incuding the ice planet Trondheim in a rich system. One of our scout ships has just found another rich system in the Beta Aquarii sector. The planet is a bit warm for Cryokon tastes but is habitable none the less. Accordingly, the Council has ordered that the ark and transports that are on route to Gamma Draconii be redirected to Beta Aquarii in order to colonize this world as soon as possible. A colony in the Beta Aquarii sector will also allow us to explore to the galactic west. Another ark is under construction to colonize the rare mineral containing planet in the Gamma Draconii sector.

Year 4.7 and still no first contact.  We're really enjoying our time up here in the north western quadrant. 

Year 4.8 of the Diaspora.

We've now colonized 9 planets.  Our lates was Constantinople on our western boarder.  Next month we will colonize Delta Cephei on our eastern boarder.  Once Delta Cephei is colonized, we should be able to secure our eastern boarders. 

Our financials are improving with all of our richer systems having build advanced mines and some of our others now buidling.  Our scientists and engineers report that we can begin building asteroid mining facilities in about eight months time.

Still no other contact with they Teyes, or any other race for that matter.

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Hey guys,

Just an FYI.  Been tied up with after hours activities with family and friends the past few nights.  Will try to get to all my PBEMs tonight however, but it will be later in the evening.

Sorry for the delays.

No worries, W8taminute.  I think it's safe to say we've all been there.  :) 


As for myself, I must apologize for not posting lately as well.  I've got a ton of screenshots (along with comments for each), but I always seem to lack either time or energy to actually put them up.  Gah!  :-[ 

Human Union
Turn 58


Breaking news...after living alone for 5.8 years shortly after discovering interstellar flight, mankind has made first contact.  Though how they found us is unknown we welcomed diplomatic communications with our neighbors to the east by exchanging map information and tech for gold.  Below is a screenshot taken from the video conference with these xenos.

Hey guys,  I was camping with the family last week, so, while I was able to get my turns in, I wasn't able to get any updates posted either, until now.  I'll just say that not much has happened since my last;

It the second month of the sixth year of our Diaspora.  When had sent an Arc ship to colonize the planet Garth, in our northeast , but discovered it had already been colonized by a species calling itself the XSpectdrada Imperium.  We were able to negotiate a non-aggression treaty with them for the next 20 months.  This was important as our fleet is still very small. 

In the next two month we will colonize Beta Cephei in our east, and it should help to open the rest of the southeast area of our galaxy for exploration.  Next month, we will colonize Delta Tucanae in our southwest, which will allow more exploration in that direction.

On the research front, our scientists and engineers say we will be able to produce a new class of Arc ships that will allow us to colonize dead and icy planets.  This should help with our expansion.   Some of our independent scientists are working on a secret project, but are not ready to reveal any details at this time.  After this new class of Arc ships are ready, we will expand our research into new Weapons, Shield, Hyperspace and Bio research fields.  We already have some research going on in the Information field, working on Tachyon Stealth. 

With most of our planets having constructed advanced mines, our economy has improved.  Due to a lack of population, we have not been able to take advantage of asteroid mining yet.

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Hey guys,


Just thought I'd drop a line and report on my general feelings about our game.  I'm really digging how things are developing.  So far I have only come into contact physically with the Linkin Empire and we've been living peacefully together.  They border my Easter edge of my Empire.  I just discovered Destroyers and am feverishly assembling a defense fleet in case the Kitty Cat's get greedy.  I'm bringing in about 1400 gold a turn and steadily building up the infrastructure of my "good" colonies. 

My long term goals are to try to expand southward in the hopes of bumping into one of you.  My options at the Southern edge of my borders are limited though.

I'm liking how our game is progressing as well.  I have 12 colonies now (time to think about halting my expansion before Bureaucracy starts hitting my income and/or morale too hard!), with 5 of them already being well-developed, both in terms of infrastructure and population.  In defense research, I've thus far nabbed Cruisers, Heavy Missiles, and am now working on Dreadnaughts.  In construction research, I'm getting close to discovering Core Mining, after which I'll quick grab Technology Complexes (so that I can build said Core Mines). 

Also, for the moment, I can't spend my money fast enough, which is a rare (but welcome) pleasure!  Not suffering from pollution penalties makes it an easy choice for the Volmar to max out out their mining income as soon as they're able, so I've done just that -- building & upgrading mines on all my colonies straightaway.  In addition, my colony of Chuxiong is pulling in a modest income serving as my nation's tourist hub. 


And while I haven't actually run into him thus far, I must be close to Shelldrake's Cryokons, as my diplomacy screen shows him on my list.  I can't contact him yet, but given that I just founded my newest (12th) colony about 20 light-years north of my capital (location: x40 y131), I'm willing to bet that's going to change very soon!  8) 

I'm not as developed as you guys are, my research is just now starting to ramp up.  But my economy is moving along.  I've got 14 colonies and Arc ships on the way to two more.  I think I will also bump into Shelldrake before long.  One of my arc ships is heading for IX Pegasi B, which is on my far west side.  Next turn I'll get some screen shots. 

ShellDrake I've found you at Narvik.  I've sent you a diplomatic offer, hopefully it is good. 

My colonies continue to develop at a reasonable pace.  My economy is strong and I'm maybe one or two techs behind the Linkin Empire my only neighbor.  Still trying to get some ark ships to colonize further south in the hopes of linking up with one of you.

Gah.  I've got a Scout Ship sitting on a nice little Aquatic planet along my northeastern frontier.  I don't really want to colonize it, but neither do I want any of the AI factions to grab it.  I wish one of you guys could come claim it! 

In the meantime, I think I might send an Ark ship up there to sit on it, just in case. 


Otherwise, I'm pretty much done with colonizing for now.  I have a dozen planets, and already Bureaucracy is taking a modest bite out of my wallet.  That, and my people really don't care much for Idea/Habitable worlds -- we like 'em hot and spicy! 

Martok which planet are you talking about.

Quote from: OJsDad on August 31, 2012, 04:23:24 PM
ShellDrake I've found you at Narvik.  I've sent you a diplomatic offer, hopefully it is good.

At last...it was starting to get lonely and scarey with all those Klurgu about!

My research is lagging behind but my economy is starting to pick up. The problem with Cryokons is that population growth is so slow.

Quote from: OJsDad on September 02, 2012, 12:04:30 PM
Martok which planet are you talking about.

...Crap, I forgot the name.  I'll look it up when I load my turn later today. 

Quote from: Martok on September 04, 2012, 03:44:14 AM

Quote from: OJsDad on September 02, 2012, 12:04:30 PM
Martok which planet are you talking about.

...Crap, I forgot the name.  I'll look it up when I load my turn later today.

Okay, it's the Epsilon Scorpii system, coordinates x:33 y:126. 

It's a Normal Aquatic planet, with an Asteroid Belt and Navigation Hazards.  Nothing special, but it's nice enough for those of you carbon-based lifeforms.  :) 

Quote from: Martok on September 04, 2012, 02:30:25 PM

Quote from: Martok on September 04, 2012, 03:44:14 AM

Quote from: OJsDad on September 02, 2012, 12:04:30 PM
Martok which planet are you talking about.

...Crap, I forgot the name.  I'll look it up when I load my turn later today.

Okay, it's the Epsilon Scorpii system, coordinates x:33 y:126. 

It's a Normal Aquatic planet, with an Asteroid Belt and Navigation Hazards.  Nothing special, but it's nice enough for those of you carbon-based lifeforms.  :)

I see it, and it's way to far for me to reach at this time.

Update screen shots of my explored space;

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^You've got yourself a pretty nice empire there!

Quote from: W8taminute on September 05, 2012, 08:19:21 AM
^You've got yourself a pretty nice empire there!

The key to having a big empire is keeping it  8)

ShellDrake

Here is a planet you may be interested in. 

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^ Nice...we likes the cold. We are going to have to watch the Klurgu Trade Collective as they are currently top dog and rising!