The Orion Sector (OOC/FT-Nation/Open)

[Olthenia]

Hey, guys? Help pick my brain for a second or three.

I've done some thinking, and I've come up with the following ways of describing my fledgling society: Sovereignty, Alliance, Continuum, Houses, Confederacy, League, Cordiality, Pavane, Combine and Massif.

Since an alien species must have an alien name, I've thought up the Yadari, Cheblon, Melor, Sultar, Polnor, Hyrosh, Trepani, Gaan and Linuri.

As far as actual genus goes, they'll have to fall within one of the following: molluscoid, fungoid or anthropoid.

And lastly, they should have that whiff of uniqueness about them - a descriptor that makes them special: Enigmatic voidfarers, hedonistic slavers, laconic scientists or even glass-faced fanatics.

So - which aliens do you think should grace the galaxy with its presence? The enigmatic voidfarers of the Yadari Pavane? The solar-sailed slave ships of the Polnor Houses? Perhaps the lurid research-legates of the Trepani Combine? Or the chitinous choir-hymners of The Linuri Cordiality?

[The National Dominion of Hungary]

Hyrosh Combine has a good ring to it in my opinion and hmm... how about having some enigmatic voidfarers around?

[The National Dominion of Hungary]

NS Name: The National Dominion of Hungary (or just NDH if you prefer)
Nation Name: The Thaelic Union State
Power Scale: Third-Rate Power.
Technology Tier: Tier 3 (Plus a handful of Tier 2 innovations so more like 2.90 to be more exact)
Major Species:
The Emyaar are a deceptively near-human species but there are nonetheless several differences to be aware of. The average Emyaar stands slightly shorter than most humans and they are also slighter of build, making them slightly physically weaker. Like all other placental mammals they are warm-blooded and give birth to live offspring which they nourish with milk. They have five fingers, one being an opposable thumb and it is believed this hand structure aided them in making tools early on in their history. Their circulatory system is closed and consists of one heart and a network of blood vessels as well as two lungs which breathe mainly a nitrogen-oxygen based atmosphere. Their most defining feature are their large, irregularly shaped ears which can be slightly articulated and give them an acute sense of hearing. They are a rather fertile species as well, of course not as much as most oviparous species but the Emyaar find it easy to concieve and births of twins and triplets are just as common as the birth of a single young. Skin tones range from pale pink to dark violet and shades of violet are the most common among them. Their eyes can see into the ultraviolet end of the spectrum and their screens, holograms and HUD's can show information in those wavelengths.

Faorans are a squat, bipedal arthropodal vertebroid species hailing from the methane-ammonia garden world of Zada Kerr. Their homeworld features an ammonia-based ecology and a gravitational field 1.5 times that of Earth and it's atmosphere has the high pressure of 60.6 atm. This is reflected in the physiology of the faorans themselves, they are unable to survive unprotected in an atmosphere more suitable to humans and the other species that make up the Union and nitrogen-oxygen atmospheres are unbreathable for them. As such faorans require protective suits capable of providing the proper atmosphere and pressure. The faorans are a sexually dimorphic species that gives birth to live young which are then nourished with milk, although apart from their reproductive organs, males and females do not differ greatly. They have been identified as being analogous to arthropods, despite this, the Faorans are actually a vertebrate species, among other differences, the Faoran circulatory system is apparently closed as opposed to the open systems characteristic of many arthropods. More accurately, the species should be considered xeno-arthropodal vertebrates which possess substantial influences from primate-like amphibians that once dwelt in Zada Kerr's aphotic zones.

The Hyrkanians are a carnivorous reptilian species hailing from the harsh terrestrial world of Arnhur. Despite being reptiles, they are viviparous and give birth to live young. They have a closed circulatory system that consists of one heart and a network of blood vessels as well as two lungs which breathe mainly a nitrogen-oxygen based atmosphere. Hyrkanians typically stand over six feet tall, have two long, proportionately thick fingers and an opposable thumb on each hand, each tipped with talons, and a set of mandibles around their mouths. Hyrkanians are also recognizable by their voices, which have a distinctive flanging effect. They are sexually dimorphic but males and females do not differ greatly in their general body shape and structure as other sexually dimorphic species do, female Hyrkanians also lack the crest of horns found in the males of the race. They exhibit the characteristics of predators rather than those of prey species, their forward-facing alert eyes give the impression that they possess outstanding eyesight and their teeth and jaws mimic the structures possessed by apex predators such as Earth's crocodiles or ancient, carnivorous dinosaurs.

Population: 120 Billion / Approx 86 Billion Emyaar - Approx 23 Billion Hyrkanians - Approx 11 Billion Faorans
Capital: Tashn'Var'Ishghan - Planet of Thaelin - Kenuyais System.
Number of Systems: 70 Colonized Systems divided into 11 regions or "Septs".

History and Culture:

The Thaelic Union State was born in the near-collapse of Emyaar civilization on their homeworld Thaelin after a culminating point of over-industrialization, environmental damage, resource shortages and bloody wars over resources reached it's peak in the so-called Red Century and the Global Conflict. The so-called Global Conflict was not a single great war but a series of conflicts, large and small fought more or less at the same time, new ones bubbling up as old enemies made peace and former allies now turned on each other. The Global Conflict lasted 72 years, and when it ended the problems that sparked the wars had not been solved, no, they only got worse. The environmental issues had only gotten worse, many resources had been spent on fueling the wars, pollution was reaching critical levels and environmental degradation led to terrible destruction. Extreme weather was much more common and the global economy was in shambles with rising levels of extreme poverty all contributing to take an ever increasing toll on the population.

It seemed like this could very well be the beginning of the end. But then the Celestials came. These people and their seemingly ever-rising number of followers were the disciples of Filaurel Nelthyra and her philosophy of the Great Society. Only 35 years after the Global Conflict had ended they had consolidated power, the upheaval of the Global Conflict had the people disillusioned with the old order and so the Celestials presided over the first global government in Emyaar history, the Thaelic Union State. This new state faced an uphill battle, the planet's infrastructure was largely in ruins and the very survival of the Emyaar species was in question. Indeed the first two decades required great amounts of sacrifice to tread the first step in the path toward the Great Society. Strict rationing, martial law, a mandatory one child policy were realities that made many people reconsider the trust they had placed in the Celestials and their promise of a Great Society. People were divided into a caste system and opportunities were first and foremost given to those whose work and knowledge could help stabilize the global situation. Millions of climate refugees died in vast relief camps where the bare necessities were exchanged for back-breaking physical labor and even some in the very highest echelons of government were horrified by the heavy hand needed to restore civilization.

After two decades however, the situation began stabilizing. Crop yields rose by the year, cities were rebuilt, infrastructure restored and the harshest measures imposed on the population were lifted. Large amounts of funds were spent on space research and soon, manned spaceflight resumed and soon after that, economically viable interplanetary travel on a large scale was made available. Mining stations and colonies were established across the solar system, Yryal was settled on mass and grew into a thriving hub. Resources flowed back to the homeworld and soon rationing was a thing of the past, the economy was gradually more liberalized, the one child policy was lifted and soon the Emyaar proliferated across their home system. It seemed the Great Society was more than rhetoric, it was achievable. The Emyaar would survive. For about a century things seemed well. Colonies were built across the solar system and a wealth of trade flowed between the worlds and stars of Kenuyais. While many had hoped that peace would reign from now on, this was not the case.

The culture, ways and ideals of the Great Society were not at all firmly entrenched among the population at this early age and many other ideological groups were strong, especially on the outer worlds of the system resenting the rule of the Celestials and seeing a better alternative to the Great Society in their own ideals. This led to the Mal'Ulath Revolution which in turn sparked the later assault on Mal'Ulath and marked the beginning of a systematic and dedicated campaign to crush the rebel forces on the various outposts they held. Ultimately the rebels were defeated in the face of a large, unified, inspired, and powerful Union military. The war lasted for six years but finally, the Union State was victorious. This new more than two-century long peace brought a golden age to the system, the economy flourished, the population grew, the flourishing economy gave rise to many great works of industry, commerce and art. A sense of unity came upon the Emyaar species who found their strength and their purpose ever more in the ideas and culture of the Great Society, soon it became the central pillar of Emyaar identity, something the Celestials only encouraged in every way. Of course, this is not to say that there were no problems at all, pirates attempted to get rich by raiding the many busy trade routes but were mostly efficiently dispatched by the Thaelic Union Navy and Marine Corps. Terrorist threats popped up occasionally as small fringe political and religious groups radicalized but most were put down.

Then, in the middle of this golden age, milestone on the same level of importance as the mastery of fire occurred. This discovery led to a complete transformation of Emyaar life. Two brilliant scientists by the names of Hagas Petrieth and Falael Triscyne unveiled the Petrieth-Triscyne Shockpoint Drivecore, an economically viable Warp Drive that would make faster than light travel on a large scale a real possibility. Indeed, the year of 373-11A would forever be etched in the memory of all Emyaar. It took another eighteen years of experiments and automated tests, but in 384-11A the TUSS Yllanquial completed the first interstellar FTL journey ever attempted by the Emyaar race. The crew of the Yllanquial found themselves in the Hoxith system, the star closest to the three dancing suns of the Kenuyais System and there they made a startling discovery. Circling around the dim red star was a planet that while cold and unpleasant, could support Emyaar life without the use of pressurized colony domes and the use of sealed vacuum suits for outdoor activity. While perhaps not a warm tropical paradise, the planet, named Yrmaes became the site of the first extrasolar colony ever built by the Emyaar species. The fact that there were indeed livable planets in the galaxy made the Thaelic Union State embark on one of the greatest projects since the stabilization of the homeworld and colonization of the home system.

This project came to be known as The First Great Leap and it was a great effort which could only have succeeded with every element of society making it's contribution. Resources were stockpiled and FTL drives fitted into many more ships, space vessels were constructed by the dozens, and soon more FTL exploration vessels left the home system. They went to nearby stars and charted new worlds, finding habitable garden worlds welcoming to Thaelic life, barren worlds rich in resources, gas giants waiting to become centers of hydrogen and helium production. In their wake came to colony vessels, thousands and then millions left the crowded home system seeking a new life among fledgling colonies full of opportunities. After the colonists came the warriors of the Steel Caste to secure the gains and protect the colonies from pirates, vicious wildlife and other threats found among the stars. They also met other sentients out there, first were the Hyrkanians whose interplanetary civilization had been caught in a devastating war between it's two superpowers, ravaging their home system. While the Steel Caste sought to destroy any who opposed them, hunting them in the same manner in which they eradicated savage creatures, the Celestials saw an opportunity to end the war and bring enlightenment instead just adding to the carnage. Even aliens should be embraced and given a chance to contribute to the Great Society, they said. And so it was done, the Hyrkanians and later the Faorans who had been in the middle of their Industrial Age were absorbed into the Great Society, though not without friction and it will take much more time to integrate them fully.

After this great effort, the Emyaar took some time to consolidate their gains. Corporations invested in securing new resources and expanding into the colonies. New wealth flowed into the home system. 75 years after the Yllanquial left the tree suns of Kenuyais, the Emyaar gazed into the future starry eyed with optimism. They would expand, they would make their mark upon this galaxy, and they would come closer to the Great Society with each and every step. It seemed the Galaxy was there for them to seize it but the truth was far different. Using new advances in Warp Drive technology the Thaelic Union State pushed further, out from the septs of the First Founding, this Second Great Leap was marked by more contact with aliens, this time it was with aliens who were equally or even more advanced than the Emyaar and their brother-races. A number of short, sharp conflicts were fought with the most devastating being the Frontier War with the Tagali. After unwittingly expanding into a peripherial region of the Empire and making contact with worlds settled by malcontents and escaped slaves, the Union State began working on integrating them into it's own fledgling star-nation. The Tagali response was harsh as they pushed the Union back and ravaged several newly settled colonies in the Carnlaiqua Sept before being bogged down in a prolonged campaign in the region's capital system in the face of tenacious Thaelic resistance. The war ended largely with the interest of the Tagali shifting to some other end of their vast empire where significant reinforcements were needed to combat a larger threat than the Emyaar could ever hope to be in their current state, to the Tagali it was not even a war, it was just a larger policing action, to the Emyaar it was a war, and their very survival as an independent state was a victory.

Only two years later another conflict broke out when Thaelic explorers ran afoul of a powerful warlord who ruled his petty fiefdom with an iron fist. The small warlord-state was however conquered after a successful military campaign. Problems with the locals however, especially with the local Lunn and Ohelder populations led to the new policy of non-acceptance toward the Lunn race and the Ohelder faith as the Celestials after a long time in council and deep meditation decided that the Great Society would be best served by their destruction. It was a sad admission that some aliens were a lost cause and amended the protocols to forego any attempt to integrate these into the Union State, future species needed to be chosen with caution. Thus, the overwhelming majority of the region's population were expelled in order to avoid the presence of Lunn mutants and the territory was incorporated as a sept of the Thaelic Union State and opened for Emyaar settlement. However, Eyne'Falyse as the sept came to be called is an unstable region with frequent raids and skirmishes against Wahl-affiliated pirate gangs. These wars largely demarcated the known borders of the Thaelic Union State and halted their expansionist drive along two of the planned axis, the third was more successful though and resulted in another two septs being established.

Today, 90 years after leaving their home system, the Emyaar have achieved much, as much as some species took centuries to do. Their society having gone through a period of unprecedented expansion, discovery, progress, population growth and economic growth. Some other species dislike Emyaarkind's sudden ascendancy compared to their status as relative newcomers on the galactic stage. Some species feel that these Emyaar and their Union is overly expansive in its colonization efforts and aggressive in it's attempts to advance its position in Orion affairs. The Emyaar on the other hand have a great unity of purpose, where once they looked up to see the distant pinpricks of unexplored stars, now they see the shimmering lights of their own interstellar nation. The Emyaar believe that their destiny is to grow, to expand and to proliferate across the stars, and that the time to do so is now. They have recognized that they may very well be the only hope of bringing an enlightened philosophy to an otherwise bleak, barren and backwards Orion Arm. They believe that in due time, there will be no feat beyond the range of their engineering, no quandary that their scientists cannot solve, and no foe that their warriors cannot overcome. In time, all other intelligent races of the galaxy will come to accept these truths, and the very stars will be reshaped and realigned in the name of the Great Society, the one cause that ever really mattered.

---

Culture

The principles of the Great Society permeate the Thaelic state and the culture of the Emyaar people. The Great Society is a highly spiritual, almost quasi-religious, socio-political philosophy that formed as a result of the great crisis and Global Conflict on Thaelin where it was developed by philosopher and political theorist Filaurel Nelthyra which she hoped could lead the people to greater levels of prosperity and advancement. It promotes harmony between the citizens of the state and service to the Emyaar people as a whole while involving the pursuit of perfect societal harmony, combining the particular strengths of each caste to counter the many weaknesses and divisions their culture once possessed. It dictates that people dedicate themselves to a role in a caste and that they shall through their work rise in station and better themselves. In bettering themselves as individuals, they will also better the Emyaar species and civilization as a whole because every species, every civilization is ultimately made up of individuals.

This philosophy gives rise to the caste system present in the Union State. There are five castes, namely the Celestial Caste, the Steel Caste, the Water Caste, the Stone Caste and the Casteless. Within the castes, there are often many tiers and while switching from one caste to another is very difficult, social mobility within the caste is high. A person's inner caste-tier determines many aspects of their life, from which type of employment they may seek to if restrictions are made on their freedom of movement all the way down to how much water is allotted to their shower each month, this system is fluid, with people often gaining and losing inner caste-tiers many times throughout life. This system exists to promote duty to the state and to the Emyaar species as a whole and is used to combat wastefulness albeit at the expense of the people's social and political freedoms. Economic station is not necessarily determined by caste, and the uppermost tier of the Stone Caste consisting of many high-achieving scientists are often significantly wealthier than some high-tier Steel Caste members while the higher levels of the Water Caste made up of successful businessmen, entrepreneurs and corporate executives can rival even some Celestials in wealth.

Beyond the Great Society and it's tenets, there are many cultural customs among the Emyaar, too many to list here. They are much more community-minded than individualistic species and thus loyalty, trust, and cooperation are highly prized traits and qualities. They live in close-knit extended family units called clans, families and clans tend to be large and hold an important position in the lives of the Emyaar and as Castes tend to be relatively insular, all members of most clans belong to the same Caste. They greatly enjoy storytelling, which is often accompanied by dance, song and music. Among the Hyrkanians and Faorans however, much of their cultural traits still remain as they have not had as much time to absorb the Emyaar culture. Among the Hyrkanians, many are deeply religious and their customary Spirit Worship is still very widespread, though some, mostly the young have increasingly come to take to the spiritual aspects of the Great Society. Old national divisions still linger on and many Hyrkanians wear elaborate tattoos and face-paint to represent their nation of origin. The Faorans are an adventurous and mercantile people, many have taken this to the stars the Emyaar uplifted them to, living on great ships that sail the stars, mining asteroids and trading within and without the borders of the Union State.

Military Size: 365 000 000 active troops.
Military Description: The Union Armed Forces are the military organization tasked with "defending the existence, territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Thaelic Union State, to defend the national interest both within and without, to protect the citizens of the Union State and to combat all forms of terrorism." It consists of five main branches, namely the Land Forces, Aerospace Forces, Special Operations Forces and Logistical Operations Command, the Marine Corps is counted as a fifth branch though it operates as part of the Aerospace Forces. Almost only citizens of the Steel Caste are allowed to serve in the UAF with the occasional exceptions of the Redeemer Divisions, which are composed of Casteless attempting to rise out of their position through military service. Combat roles are exclusively male, though Steel Caste females may serve behind the lines in supporting roles.

The Emyaar prefer long-ranged combat over close-quarters fighting, and use the speed and agility of their vehicles to fight a war of movement. Pinpoint destruction is favored over massive barrages and the destruction of the enemy's forces is considered far more important than the capture of territory, thus the Emyaar will willingly give ground in order to achieve a more advantageous position. Battle plans are complex affairs, with each Cadre (Basic unit, similar in scope to a company) given specific targets and launch times, and if the initiative is lost the UAF will fall back to plan a new strategy. The Union military has no inclination to fight any war of attrition. The idea of a static defense is utterly foreign to the Emyaar military philosophy. If forced to defend a location, the will still use a highly elastic defense line and employ localized counterattacks in order to keep the enemy off-balance while important assets are removed. Bunkers and other defensive emplacements can be constructed, primarily to defend against long-range bombardment, but as a rule their cities are rarely fortified, and will often be evacuated in the face of an enemy attack. Their military doctrine is not at all based on absorbing and dishing out heavy shocks. Rather, they bypass enemy strong points and launch deep into their rear, cutting supply lines and logistics, destroying headquarters and support units leaving the enemy to wither away.

The Union Land Forces are primarily responsible for ground operations, but mainly in garrison duty and planetary invasion unlike the Marine Corps who are more of a forward expeditionary force. The land forces utilize a variety of weapons, but are mostly armed with mass-accelerators in the form of assault rifles, SMG's, pistols, carbines, LMG's, HMG's, shotguns and whatever else may be needed. In addition to this explosive weapons and lasers are used for heavy support. The Land Forces also employ a large amount of vehicles, being a highly mechanized army. These are mainly track and wheel-based but some hovercraft are in use. The Celestial Honor Guard serve as personal protection for high ranking Celestials. They are among the most skilled of warriors of the Steel Caste and are hand-picked for the duty of protecting the philosopher-aristocracy of the Union State from any danger. In accordance with their duties, they are unwaveringly loyal to the individuals they protect and would defend them to the death. The Honor Guard is officially part of the Land Forces. Special Operations is tasked with sabotage of enemy installations and supply lines, assassination of key enemy personnel, stealth infiltration, retrieval of high-value objects and conducting other high-priority, high-risk operations against enemy forces during war and sometimes even in peacetime. Although Special Operations has autonomy from the other four branches of the Armed Forces SpecOps closely collaborates with the Aerospace Forces and share assets with the Marine Corps and Land Forces. Logistical Operations Command, or LOGOPS, oversees the construction of bases, maintenance of equipment, and distribution of supplies and materiel, including ships, ammunition, replacement parts, clothing and food.

The Union Armed Forces Navy, or UAFN is concerned mainly with operations in space, though they still operate in the oceans with their terrestrial arm. It's roles include patrolling Thaelic Union State space, anti-piracy operations, ship-to-ship combat, orbital bombardment, the deployment of space fighters and bombers, and the delivery of UAFMC Marines into combat. The navy's warships are currently divided into eight fleets. These tend to be larger formations, though they are seldom seen together. Small patrols of single vessels or squadrons ranging between two and five vessels are however commonly seen patrolling throughout Thaelic Union space. The Home Fleet, stationed in the Kenuyais System is the largest of the fleets and is tasked with the safety of the Home System. The two Colonial Patrol Fleets are mainly tasked with patrol and anti-piracy operations in the colonies. Sometimes considered to be little more than glorified "revenue police", the Colonial Patrol Fleets have many of the most combat experienced officers and crewmen in the Navy. The five Rapid Response Fleets are powerful units mostly stationed at strategic locations at the ready to reinforce the Patrol Fleets and respond to an invasion with a swift counterattack. The expeditionary flotillas are tasked with the protection of research and survey ships beyond Thaelic Union space. The UAFMC, or Union Armed Forces Marine Corps consists of 40 000 000 troops operating as a sub-division of the UAFN.

Only a few relatively old Bravery-Class carriers are currently in service, both Aerospatial Command and the Celestials have however seen a need for commissioning more modern carrier-type vessels as the existance of powerful spacefaring species make these expensive military spacecraft worth the cost. Each Bravery-Class carrier is an immense construct, measuring 2680 meters in length and 818 meters in width with a crew complement of 5160, it is however extremely underpowered on it's own, with relatively poor armor, basic deflectors and it's only armament coming in the form of a 28 gun CIWS-grid connected to a state of the art V13 Banisher Targeting AI. The ship cannot operate safely on it's own and is thus only deployed as part of a battlegroup, sometimes as it's command ship. The ship's offensive power comes in the form of 424 embarked fighters and bombers. As the Thaelic Union State expanded from the Kenuyais system and new colonies often lacked groundside Aerospatial Force bases for strike craft, carriers became needed. Up until the wars during the Second Leap however only a few were constructed however as they are not overly efficient as patrol and pirate suppression vessels.

The Dominator-Class vessels are the most powerful warships currently in service with the UAFN. One of the most modern ship classes in the fleet having replaced the aging Indefatigable-Class only 15 years ago. Ably serving the role of a frontline battleship even in the Frontier War, it is also and able fleet command and coordination platform and force projection platform. Heavily armed, armored and mounting powerful deflectors, the Dominator is able to pick of targets at extreme range with it's two powerful turreted super-heavy mass accelerators and large missile volleys, it's CIWS-grid of 82 guns is linked to a V13 Banisher Targeting AI, the most advanced currently in use with the UAFN. Each Dominator represents a massive investment of funds and resources, and thus they are only deployed on extremely important missions and large fleet battles. The Dominator is capable of internally docking six Watchman-Class corvettes and quickly deploying them in battle, turning what looked like a lonely capital ship cruising the stars to a small but deadly squadron at a moment's notice. A single Dominator, the HMUS Emyren Unarith has been upgraded to serve as a long range exploration and science vessel with extensive laboratories and a large complement of Stone Caste scientists and technicians. Measuring 2285 meters in length and 860 meters in width, carrying a crew complement of 4050. It is also able to carry 24 R-Type Dropships and 8 D-Type Dropships alongside a two full squadrons of 12 fighters.

Today most Valiance-Class Battlecruisers in service with the navy, are being stationed as part of the Home Fleet and the rest sailing the stars as part of the expeditionary flotillas. The Valiance-Class is famed for its sturdiness and reliability, heavily armored and with powerful deflectors. These vessels are built for staying power in large scale fleet engagements, staying relatively stationary and using their two heavy turreted mass accelerators and 28 missile bays each carrying 24 launch tubes. It's CIWS defense grid is large and it's 62 guns are operated by a highly sophisticated AI, making the ship very hard to attack with torpedoes, missiles and strike craft. The ship carries a crew complement of 2850 men and measures 1262.5 meters in length along with 511 meters in width. It carries a complement of 18 R-Type Dropships, 4 D-Type Dropships and 12 Flanker A/X fighters. Allowing the ship to land a sizable force of marines and providing them with air-support. The interior is very cramped however, it's large missile arsenal taking up large amounts of storage space and making the ship unable to the armed with spinal mass accelerators.

Foehammer-Class Cruisers are a common sight in the navy. Designed to suit a multitude of roles from convoy escort, fleet support, interdiction, convoy protection and long-range patrol while remaining very capable in their primary role as a mainline attack cruisers dishing out damage at long range with it's three heavy spinal mass accelerators, two turreted medium mass accelerator and heavy missile volleys while it's heavy armor, good deflectors and impressive point defense grid consisting of 52 CIWS-guns keep it safe from damage. The ship class is one of the oldest in service with the UAFN but has proven capable and reliable, most Foehammer-Class ship would benefit a lot from an upgrade package to their targeting suites, cyber warfare suites, avionics systems and by fitting a newer fusion reactor. An extensive upgrade package is available but the lack of any major threats other than larger pirate ships has the Celestials unwilling to spend the money needed for these upgrades. Foehammers measure 743.5 meters in length and 303 meters in width, the ship is sizable and carries a crew complement of 1580 men including a large marine detachment and 8 R-Type Dropships and one D-Type Dropship allowing Foehammer cruisers to quickly land a sizable Marine force planetside and set up a forward base. Sturdy and able to operate for months without returning for resupply, many Foehammer cruisers serve as part of the Patrol Fleet and Expeditionary Flotillas.

Firebrand-Class Destroyers, while they are only slightly larger than a Warsword Frigate measuring 386.5 meters in length and 165 meters in width have almost twice the mass. This comes from the heavy armor plating and heavy weapons mounted on these vessels allowing them to punch far above their weight. This reflects in the way they are included in UAFN fleet doctrine with Firebrand destroyers forming into hunter-killer groups of two or three vessels where they move across the engagement zone and target larger hostile ships with their two powerful and heavy spinal mass accelerators alongside large missile volleys. They have a strong deflector system and are the first class of warship in the Navy to mount the latest electronic warfare suites to help the scramble enemy sensors and targeting systems. With a crew of 620, they carry a smaller marine contingent and no dropships, making them completely unsuited to force deployment.

Making up half of the navy's total number of ships, the Warsword-Class Frigate is considered the "poor bloody infantry" of the UAFN. At 352 meters in length and 149 meters in width, the Warsword carries a medium spinal mass accelerator, eight missile launch bays with 12 launch tubes each, 3 light railgun turrets and 16 CIWS-guns. While often spotted patrolling Thaelic space in pairs or at the head of a wing of Watchman-Class corvettes, the Warsword is primarily a ship of the line made to serve as part of a heavier battlegroup. They have strong forward deflection systems and powerful front armor for their size, essentially made to form a "wall" in front of the heavier ships in a line engagement to screen them while serving as a missile platform and using their point defense grid to help defend other ships in the formation from incoming ordnance and strike craft. More than capable of dueling ships of similar class and tonnage, the Warsword fills the requirements of many important mission profiles. With a crew complement of 780 including a large complement of marines and 3 R-Type Dropships, the Warsword is more than capable of being a boarding party insertion platform.

Brought into service only a decade ago with many new technologies, some of them reverse engineered from captured Tagali equipment incorporated into it's design. The Shade-Class Light Stealth Frigate is a small but extremely advanced warship. At 101 meters long and 42 meters wide, the Shade's spaceframe is highly unusual. This is a byproduct of the ship's stealth functionality, using sheets of angled composite materials to absorb or reflect sensor signals. These materials are supported by active cooling systems to conceal the ship's detectable heat signature, able to reduce the frigate's heat signature to match that of ambient background radiation. This is however lost when activating the engine or attempting to target a hostile vessel. It is armed with a single light spinal mass accelerator running 40% of the ship's length in addition to five CIWS-guns and two missile launch bays with a single launch slit each. The Shade-Class carries a 80 man crew, but can carry 150 at maximum capacity when carrying Special Operations units.

A common type of vessel in current service, the Watchman-Class Corvette was designed to be a low-cost but still FTL-capable alternative to pre-Warp Patrol Torpedo Boats. Designed to be able to be mass-produced and deployed on security assignments across Thaelic Union space. The class stands at 62 meters long and 20 meters wide, it is armed with a single missile launch bay with four launch tubes and two CIWS-guns, it is also equipped with a basic deflector system to supplement it's poor armor. The ship normally carries a 40-man crew and serves as a patrol boat, customs inspection craft and fast attack vessel. Watchman-Class corvettes are small enough to be carried aboard a Dominator-Class battleship which is capable of carrying four Watchman Corvettes in it's internal docking bay.

The Thunderclap GV90 bomber, while old and decades into it's service is the mainstay of the UAF Aerospace Force bomber fleet. Affectionately nicknamed the "flying chisel" by it's crews it's poorly suited to operating in atmosphere due to it's non-aerodynamic design, instead optimized for operating in space. It's well placed RCS-thrusters allow the GV90 to quickly lever it's mass and preform evasive maneuvers to avoid incoming point defense fire. The Thunderclap is heavily armed and armored, capable of carrying a large payload of powerful and modern plasma bombs and precision strike missiles to target vital points on an enemy vessel while using it's three mounted twin-linked Gatling-guns to ward off many incoming fighters. Despite it's age, the efficiency of the Thunderclap has made any replacement unnecessary as of yet.

The small fighter-craft of the UAFN Navy are deployed either from carriers or more commonly from groundside bases. Primarily used for exoatmospheric interception, interdiction, or space-supremacy operations. The fighters used by the Thaelic Union State are so-called "spaceplanes" capable of operating both in atmosphere and in space, increasing the versatility and mission profile of the craft. The most ubiquitous fighter in the UAFN is the Kinatrix G30 Flanker A/X Fighter, designed to serve primarily as a fighter but also capable of interception, suppression, bombing, or direct attack. It's quickly proven popular and will probably soon start being replaced by a much improved but similar-looking version, namely the Kinatrix G40 designed with great care for "future-proofing" by making it easy to upgrade in the future. The older Esval A120 Gimlet still remains in service however and large numbers are held in reserve despite it's lack of deflectors and relatively weak weaponry compared to the Kinatrix G30.

#OS_APP

[Ralnis]

It seems the Thaelic Union State maybe the first war of pillage and raiding by the Confederation.

[Arkeyana]

ooo, this again.
Question: Are more exotic forms of beings (Dark matter, energy, etc) allowed or are they too difficult to scale?
My idea was a sorta shadow species made of Dark Matter that lived around stars, but I can easily alter for something else.

[The Empire of Tau]

It seems the Thaelic Union State maybe the first war of pillage and raiding by the Confederation.

Don't forget that you got a another ally, the crazy religious radical nuts that rams armored fuel tankers into ships.

[Ralnis]

It seems the Thaelic Union State maybe the first war of pillage and raiding by the Confederation.

Don't forget that you got a another ally, the crazy religious radical nuts that rams armored fuel tankers into ships.

Definitely, we need to get them back for taking some of our land.

[The Empire of Tau]

Don't forget that you got a another ally, the crazy religious radical nuts that rams armored fuel tankers into ships.

Definitely, we need to get them back for taking some of our land.

H o l y w a r t e r r o i s m t i m e

[Utceforp]

ooo, this again.
Question: Are more exotic forms of beings (Dark matter, energy, etc) allowed or are they too difficult to scale?
My idea was a sorta shadow species made of Dark Matter that lived around stars, but I can easily alter for something else.

WE ARE THE SHADOWS OF YOUR WORLDS' MASS

[Shadowwell]

So, since many of our peoples presumably knew each other prior to rp start in virtue of banding together against the Tagali, who wants to have what sort of history with the Weseh Conclave?

[The Empire of Tau]

So, since many of our peoples presumably knew each other prior to rp start in virtue of banding together against the Tagali, who wants to have what sort of history with the Weseh Conclave?

If you want, we could have history. That is, if you want to frequently, and I mean very frequently, deal with radical terrorist cells in your colonies and worlds as your territory would be the former lands of the Ohelder Church. Else-wise, we could also have history that is not so hostile too.

[Shadowwell]

So, since many of our peoples presumably knew each other prior to rp start in virtue of banding together against the Tagali, who wants to have what sort of history with the Weseh Conclave?

If you want, we could have history. That is, if you want to frequently, and I mean very frequently, deal with radical terrorist cells in your colonies and worlds as your territory would be the former lands of the Ohelder Church. Else-wise, we could also have history that is not so hostile too.

While i would not necessarily be adverse to interaction, how old is your nation, exactly?

[The Empire of Tau]

If you want, we could have history. That is, if you want to frequently, and I mean very frequently, deal with radical terrorist cells in your colonies and worlds as your territory would be the former lands of the Ohelder Church. Else-wise, we could also have history that is not so hostile too.

While i would not necessarily be adverse to interaction, how old is your nation, exactly?

It was among the first nations to join in the coalition against the Tagali Empire, which was 500 years ago. Given that, I would say about 1,200 or so years of existence.

[Shadowwell]

While i would not necessarily be adverse to interaction, how old is your nation, exactly?

It was among the first nations to join in the coalition against the Tagali Empire, which was 500 years ago. Given that, I would say about 1,200 or so years of existence.

Thats like only two and a half Weseh Lifetimes, the 1200 years, give or take.

The Weseh were already an established power, albeit a secluded and mysterious one, by the time the Tagali rolled in and said "This shit ours now".

I asked as the Tagali are mentioned but once at the begining of your app with no amount of years given.

Also the conflict with the Tagali ended 500 years ago, but the conflict itself was closer to 570-600 years ago.

I could see a bit of history between the Conclave and your guys, but the Conclave would not look kindly upon fanatics and terrorists in their area.

[The National Dominion of Hungary]

Would the Conclave have any kind of relations with the Union State? Possibly at least a base diplomatic channel with embassies or at least a consulate in both nations?

[The Empire of Tau]

It was among the first nations to join in the coalition against the Tagali Empire, which was 500 years ago. Given that, I would say about 1,200 or so years of existence.

Thats like only two and a half Weseh Lifetimes, the 1200 years, give or take.

The Weseh were already an established power, albeit a secluded and mysterious one, by the time the Tagali rolled in and said "This shit ours now".

I asked as the Tagali are mentioned but once at the begining of your app with no amount of years given.

Also the conflict with the Tagali ended 500 years ago, but the conflict itself was closer to 570-600 years ago.

I could see a bit of history between the Conclave and your guys, but the Conclave would not look kindly upon fanatics and terrorists in their area.

Indeed, every-state hates the Path for those reasons. After-all, they also fund pirates and raid other nation's colonies and cargo lances. Hell, the Path is allied with the pirates and aid them in their raids on trade routes and such. The Path funds all forms of terrorism in the sector, even if you don't share the same ideals (although they will prioritize their own terror-cells first before any other). Hence why that the Path is banned from even doing any form of business or diplomatic mission to any nation by every-nation there is.

[Shadowwell]

Would the Conclave have any kind of relations with the Union State? Possibly at least a base diplomatic channel with embassies or at least a consulate in both nations?

I could see an exchange of diplomats on both sides and maybe some trade of information or technology or the like.

[The National Dominion of Hungary]

snip

I could see an exchange of diplomats on both sides and maybe some trade of information or technology or the like.

Sounds cool, the Union State would be very interested in star-charts, intel-sharing and in the longer term a possibility of more free flow of goods and capital between both nations.

[Shadowwell]

I could see an exchange of diplomats on both sides and maybe some trade of information or technology or the like.

Sounds cool, the Union State would be very interested in star-charts, intel-sharing and in the longer term a possibility of more free flow of goods and capital between both nations.

Was the Union State involved in the Coalition against the Tagali 570 years ago?

Also, did you want the relationship between the nations to have been an established thing as of the IC or a newly formed agreement between the nations?

[The National Dominion of Hungary]

snip

Was the Union State involved in the Coalition against the Tagali 570 years ago?

Also, did you want the relationship between the nations to have been an established thing as of the IC or a newly formed agreement between the nations?

No by that time they still hadn't invented Warp Drives.

We could have established embassies at the start of the IC and some sharing of star-charts and some basic trade, I suppose products from a relatively new civilization on the galactic stage would at least have some novelty value.

Then we can do a diplomatic summit in a joint post or something to discuss deeper ties, sounds cool?

[Shadowwell]

Was the Union State involved in the Coalition against the Tagali 570 years ago?

Also, did you want the relationship between the nations to have been an established thing as of the IC or a newly formed agreement between the nations?

No by that time they still hadn't invented Warp Drives.

We could have established embassies at the start of the IC and some sharing of star-charts and some basic trade, I suppose products from a relatively new civilization on the galactic stage would at least have some novelty value.

Then we can do a diplomatic summit in a joint post or something to discuss deeper ties, sounds cool?

Soundz good

[The National Dominion of Hungary]

Grand!

[Utceforp]

I've been thinking - and when I think about something I often find it hard to stop thinking about it - of reinventing the Heptarchy as organic beings rather than AI, since I can't decide whether RPing as single-minded rogue paperclip maximizers would be fun or not. Specifically, I would reinvent them as vast, ancient, planet-sized intelligences that emerged from the tholins on the surface of Sednoids in the outer reaches of their solar system. Due to their frigid and lifeless home, they would be extremely slow-thinking and energy-conservative. They would make up for their lethargy and "punch above their weight", however, with potent self-replicating bioweapons and (possibly) vast psychic powers. Also, they would be a lot more complex and benevolent than the AI Heptarchy. What do you think? Should I stay the course or switch ideas?

[Shadowwell]

Grand!

Do you think the summit would be a thing held on the Patriarch's Legacy, the mobile space captial and Seat of the Council of REvered Elders, or some neutral ground?

I've been thinking - and when I think about something I often find it hard to stop thinking about it - of reinventing the Heptarchy as organic beings rather than AI, since I can't decide whether RPing as single-minded rogue paperclip maximizers would be fun or not. Specifically, I would reinvent them as vast, ancient, planet-sized intelligences that emerged from the tholins on the surface of Sednoids in the outer reaches of their solar system. Due to their frigid and lifeless home, they would be extremely slow-thinking and energy-conservative. They would make up for their lethargy and "punch above their weight", however, with potent self-replicating bioweapons and (possibly) vast psychic powers. Also, they would be a lot more complex and benevolent than the AI Heptarchy. What do you think? Should I stay the course or switch ideas?

You do you Utce, just keep in mind that Malevolent AI are done a lot.

[Ralnis]

Don't mind the pirates having some history other than Hungry or Tau.