NATION: THE BROTHERHOOD OF DIVINE ASCENSION _______________________________ GOVERNMENT TYPE: TECHNO-THEOCRACY
The brotherhood governs its many followers through a divine leader – a figurehead for their society. The figurehead – known as the Prophet – is then surrounded by a council of ascension. The council of ascension is made up of high ranking brothers of ascension and leaders of different sects or chapters. These influential people of the brotherhood are rarely all together at any one time. If the council and the figurehead convene it would never be complete – certain areas of the brotherhood are more perilous than most and require a firm guiding hand. _______________________________ DEMOGRAPHICS ACROSS BROTHERHOOD TERRITORY:
Halley Cross: A shrewd tactician, a charismatic leader, a brutal militant. Halley possess many titles, some from comrades, some from her enemies – a common one from her ignorant oppossition is “fanatical bitch”. However, such names are not a concern for the current Prophet of Ascension. She is decisive and idealistic... (WIP) _______________________________ HISTORY:
The brotherhood’s roots are deep. The idea of ascension rose out of the frozen wastelands of a world the first humans settlers called Skadi. Skadi was home to the Kadkir, a race of aliens that no longer remember what they once were after they modified their bodies to survive Skadi’s harsh weather.
The Kadkir were not native Skadi, they too were refugees. After their scientists detected a large celestial body on a collision course with their homeworld, they promptly evacuated their world at a last desperate attempt to escape oblivion. However, the Kadkir were out of luck, only the young are unmodified, the last organic connection they have with their past. The humans learned of their culture, their way of surviving the harshness of Skadi. Eventually, the humans learned of an ancient alien civilization beneath the ice, their technology and bodies completely preserved. This is how the Kadkir learned to survive. The bodies discovered underneath the ice weren’t too well preserved, however, the technology that were discovered along with the bodies seemed to have been designed to enhance biological functions – even transcend them.
It was at this point, the first pact was formed – the brotherhood was born out of this pact. Once an agreement to survive Skadi, now a quest to transcend material being and become equals – become one. The ideology came from who was believed to be the first prophet of ascension – Hal Stephan. He was the first to preach the methods of ascension, the first to preach equality to all beings, and the right to choose between ascension and biological servitude. Technology and Biology were two different worlds to Stephan. His teachings say that technology, while the purest form of ascension, was not the path for everyone, there were some who would need to be the face of ascension, the biological bridge between the two worlds – the servants of ascension.
Many of his teachings have been reinterpreted and reiterated many times, but it has built a solid framework to allow for choice. It has also been the framework of the brotherhood to see dictatorship and despotism as tools for the powerful to exploit the weak. As such, rebellions have been the tools of the Brotherhood for a long time, inciting rebellion in the disenfranchised, the weak and fragile, and the many slaves to bring their oppressors down to their knees.
Skadi became the symbol of the Brotherhood’s roots. If the brotherhood could rise above the limitations of the flesh, so too can the people rise up against their oppressors, their “Skadi”. The influence of the Brotherhood’s exploits has gained them favor in the fringes and high respect from those of the working class, with some successful revolutionists pledging their territory and gratitude from the secondary worlds. The ideology is well known among the well-traveled parts of the fringes, and many militant patrols along with Brotherhood aid being supplied have further allowed the Brotherhood to be seen as benevolent to those of their client states. _______________________________ ECONOMY:
The Brotherhood supply mercenaries, Xeno-based technology, body modification, food and medicine, and of course weapons. The Brotherhood was never meant to be a militant organization, nor was it meant to be a nation. However, the expansive growth of the Brotherhood some two hundred years after its founding prompted changes to its economic policy – more mouths to feed means more monetary resources needed to be obtained to sustain a large population. The Brotherhood already invested in pharmaceutical and medical technologies as a product of their body-modifying past – however, food was still a major concern before the midsector rebellions that ultimately pledged their allegiance to the brotherhood. As such, the Brotherhood had to sell what they had researched in order to attain some food for those who did not wish to ascend. The Brotherhood’s doors were open to all.
It wasn’t until after the Brotherhood aided several rebellions that PMC’s would become more common place within the Brotherhood’s militant ranks. PMC’s were considered to be among the elite of the Brotherhood’s militant core, as such, they were given better weapons and armor than most and if they were augmented, they would be upgraded given their elite status. It was soon discovered that elite units of the Brotherhood could be used as a way of attaining monetary funds – send the best to finish odd jobs and return with funds for the Brotherhood. As a reward, these PMC’s would be allowed to keep 40% of all their earnings. It wasn’t long till the Brotherhood was recognized as one of the few places open to mercenaries to work legally. There were rules in place to prevent clashing with other governments and organizations, however, it was generally considered okay if one was not caught in the act. _______________________________ MILITARY: DIVISIONS: (WIP) _______________________________
@Sigma That works perfectly actually, they're religion is based on ascension, the alien artifacts are mostly to perpetuate that ideal. They believe that the aliens that have died out may have had technology that could help them ascend thus, they seek any and all alien artifacts. The endgame is just to turn them into the Cybran or - to keep with the C&C theme - sort of like the Marked of Kane, non-essential or inefficient biological components replaced with technology developed from knowledge and insight gained from alien artifacts an illgotten form of "ascension".
It'd certainly make for some interesting interaction.
I'm sort of tempted to do a religious type of organization that frequently raids and steals supplies disguised as pirates. I sort of know what I want to do, something like Nod in C&C, a charismatic leader who's goal is ascension through alien technology and artifacts. Ascension then would be tied to their ideology that they will be one people with shared thoughts and shared goals. However, they are quite far from there yet thus, they are sort of terroristic, raiding, gathering materials, stealing artifacts, all to further their goals. They operate with different cells around the galaxy but center themselves near the fringe where they are less likely to be snooped on while at the same time rousing the poor and oppressed to rise up against their supposed overlords. But it's just a concept, any ideas on criticisms, or things I may have missed? I did only skim a little of the accepted sheets, I don't want to conflict with anything.
EN-ROUTE TO KADATHI EMBASSY TAKAR MOON SAYTAK SYSTEM
Takar was a jungle-based world, half of it was converted into a food production sector, the other half was left to grow unfettered. Takar was also a birthing world. Young nymphs would be tested here, some may never reach adulthood. This was considered barbaric, but to the Lokoid it is a way to control the growing population and ensure that only the strongest and the fittest survive. Those that do not, are simply not worth the space, nor the time.
Most of the habitation is underneath the surface, only a few structures rise above all the farms and food processing plants to see the lush jungles of Takar. The Kadathi Embassy on Takar was one of the few along with the rest of the foreign diplomatic structures. Comparatively, Saytak looked quite different and could be seen clearly from Takar. Saytak is a world full of swirling noxious gasses and abandoned structures that can no longer be used for normal habitation. From Takar, Saytak looked like a brown gas giant, one could hardly see the surface, irreversible pollution. It would take a substantial amount of effort to return Saytak to how it once looked.
Zasz and Kaloth gazed upon their ruined world through their compound eyes – a world ruined years before they were even conceived. They’ve no connection to it, yet the image of a once lush, green world that was the home of the first Lokoid stings their mind with regret.
“We are now more careful than we were before, are we not Zasz?”
“It is a trend with all races that, I believe the human expression captures best. ‘Hindsight is 20/20’.”
“20/20?”
“It is their measurement for vision. The expression refers to the feeling of knowing what to do after the need for action has long passed.”
“It is not often that we experience such reactions.”
“Enough of this. We must be prepared to meet the Kadathi soon. We must focus on our present concerns. Araq has assigned Daggoth and Gorn to respond to the Conflux accordingly.”
“Indeed, the timing of the Conflux’s missive and their abrupt change of stance towards the treaty of Detente could not have come at a worse time. We are open to all alliances, that is for certain, however, the Taulron have called for a cessation of trade with the Conflux over slavery. In time, further scrutiny will reveal our connection to them and their less acceptable dietary habits. Such things are enough justification for a nations people to go to war.”
“Soon, more nations will abrogate the treaty out of fear of conflict. The tenuous peace that we are so desperately trying to prolong until we can attain non-aggression pacts and military agreements is crumbling quickly. Kaloth, be prepared to organize all Lokoid-based operations by importance. Daggoth may need a list soon to prioritize a defensive.”
“While we are discussing the matter of Lokoid-based operations. We should consider the Urdji in our planning. They lack the proper foundations for planetary operations, however, considering our dealings with them in the past, their navy holds promise.”
“I shall discuss the proposition to Araq after our talk with the baronetess Lady Elia.”
MISSIVE
"Supreme Hierarch, the task of which you have assigned to Gorn and I is complete."
Araq read the missive and clicked with satisfaction, "This is enough, though I feel we are too straight forward."
"Gorn determined that it would be best that way and I as the Hierarch of war agree. Transparency and clarity is needed to form any sort of working military alliance. Though this may possibly wound them, they have dealt with us several times in the past. This sort of tone should be considered normal."
"Very well, though I wonder whether cutting trade for the sake of our own objectives was wise?"
"Gorn determined that a small gift may convince them of our intentions."
"The usual then, Daggoth?"
"The usual."
With that Araq afixed the usual signature at the bottom and had it encrypted into a data chip that would immediately delete the missive if it were to be tampered with by unauthorized personnel. It was then handed off to a courier and sent on its way.
@Oraculum The Hierarchs extends their regards to the most respectable Commission for Beneficent Symbiosis.
We of the Ruling Caste have been discussing your proposition at length. We are currently hesitant because of a number of factors. The death of an Asraian official caused by Conflux rogue forces on Agdemnar and the Taulron’s recent proclamation to cease trade with the Conflux. The Taulron proclamation may indicate that the Conflux's actions may be under scrutiny. The actions of other nations have made it clear that the Hierarchy must review the possible outcomes of its future actions with scrutiny. While the Hierarchy is eager to form a military alliance, it is also reluctant to engage in open conflict if it can be avoided.
Before entering this pact, the objectives of the Hierarchy must be made clear. At the moment, the objective of the Hierarchy is to reduce the number of potential enemies by negotiating non-aggression pacts and military agreements. These actions will ensure that if conflict does occur, the number of fronts that have to be fought will be minimized. Additionally, the Hierarchy is utilizing the residual peace that the treaty once provided to identify and assess threats and to outline objective priorities.
It is, therefore, needless to say that an agreement such as this between the Conflux and the Hierarchy would need to be discreet for the time being. This may require some sacrifices for the sake of keeping up an image. Thus, it has been determined that the Hierarchy will temporarily cease trade with the Conflux until it is determined that it is no longer necessary to keep up appearances.
It is of great concern that the Conflux is currently unpopular with the other denizens of the galaxy which may jeopardize the primary objectives of the Hierarchy. It is feared that it may later compromise any friendly relationships the Hierarchy may have been able to form. However, after a strategic assessment, the Hierarchy’s Ruling Caste determined that a military alliance with the Conflux would be highly beneficial – far outweighing the possible consequence. We of the Ruling Caste are confident in our combined martial strength.
-Supreme Hierarch, Araq of the Lokoid Hierarchy and its Ruling Caste
The missive was sent as part of the final shipment of Lokoid goods, including an abnormally large shipment of 'delicacies' that would be live Lokoid as a sign of good-will. Lokoid that are traded to the Conflux are Lokoid who are deemed unfit or nonconforming to the rule of the Hierarchy. Usually, these types of undesirables are killed, processed, and turned into nutrients for future brood or for severe food shortage. These sources of meat and nutrients are usually avoided in exports, except when it comes to the Skirol.
The missive would be decrypted upon contact with Skirol authorities and as per usual, the convoy of freighters would leave after dropping their cargo.
We the Lokoid would appreciate any mediation you can help provide between the Jalaryians and our own representatives in Rolvius space. The nature of the discussion between the Jalaryians and our own representatives may escalate towards hostility.
The discussion between the Hierarchy and the Star Republic's delegates is working towards better friendly relations between the Hierarchy and the Star Republic. This particular matter may not need mediation unless it is deemed necessary. The Hierarchy appreciates any assistance the Taulron can provide.
-Supreme Hierarch, Araq of the Lokoid Hierarchy and its Ruling Caste
The missive was given a proper reply. The Taulron can indeed assist in mediation. The Rolvians do seem to need assistance in keeping the peace. ROLVIUS III ROLVIUS SYSTEM STAR REPUBLIC OF ROLVIUS
Nok took stock of all that had happened during his stay at the Rolvian lodging. Spending his day partaking in ‘berry picking’, a human activity that interested the rather curious Lokoid. Usually, Nok would be buried in research and documents regarding Manir and Rolvian industrial operations. He’s a lower hierarch, tasked with overseeing operations in Rolvius space. Particularly, Nok is a member of the Academic Caste currently studying foreign cultures and technologies.
He noted the death of the Asrian prince, the nearby FedNat military exercises, and the number of nations that have repealed the treaty of Detente. The situation was developing unfavorably, numerous parties are rumored to join the summit discussions. The Jalaryians have confirmed that they were to going to move forward with the inquiry. Nok has determined that perhaps the Taulron and the Rolvians would be more than sufficient in mediating between the two parties. Nok and his team were confident in both defending the position of the Hierarchy and forming counter-arguments against anything the Jalaryians were going to throw at them.
Speaking of the Rolvians, Nok noted that the Rolvian minister was quite avoidant of a clear definite answer towards the offer of the Lokoid. Perhaps, the Rolvians still wanted to weigh their options or, even more likely, they wanted to avoid forming a pact right away in order to perserve the peace. Either of those options seem possible.
However, within the confines of one of the lodging’s rooms, Nok conversed and played against his MK2 Automaton escort in a game of ‘ASSERT DOMINANCE’, programmed by a Lokoid who determined that simple games could be used to enhance performance. The game was simple resource management and military strategy.
Assert Dominance was a game intended for release all over the galaxy. It was one of the few games that displayed itself through holographic projection. There were two different types of boards, the private board which showed all the player’s pieces, and the Public board, which showed what everyone could see. It is noted that the game, without the developer knowing, worked similarly to iterations of the human game Kriegspiel.
“Another one of your frigates Mir?”
There was a pregnant pause before the Mir, the Mk2, could answer properly. The public board state was a mess with holographic projections of missiles and hulking wrecks. The exchange within the game has been going on for at least two hours. Nok was at an advantage.
Finally, after a few more ships materialized in the space between them, Mir replied, “A distraction, sir.”
Cruisers and destroyers have emerged towards the flanks of Nok’s formation, however, the formation was easily split and engaged the enemy cautiously. Nok was used to fighting Mir who was, by this point, one of the most experienced computerized opponents to have ever played the game. Mir was a learning A.I. one of the many MK2 that turned sapient as a result of A.I. research in the joint development program with the Kadathi. Granted, the MK2 wasn’t as sophisticated as its distant Kadathi cousins, but it was still very effective at many of the roles it filled.
As the game progressed, the Lower Hierarch buzzed inquisitively. The game felt like a four-dimensional, simultaneous movement chess game. The two played mind games with each other. Small battlegroups arranged to faint larger formations, attacking from awkward angles, evading only to be intercepted by missiles. The game was entertaining for Nok, for Mir it was simply routine. Mir was Running algorithms and determining the best case scenarios and strategies while simultaneously micromanaging several different engagements.
“Soon, sights like these will be more than just holograms all over the galaxy.”
“That outcome seems likely, sir.” As Mir spoke, several ships are effectively knocked out of action. Nok had clearly won but at a cost.
“You still lack the creativity to outpace my own abilities. However, you’ve become quite the opponent. I was struggling to keep up with your efficiency.”
“We’ve played four games today, it is currently two-two, there is only one match left to determine the victor, sir.”
“Victors don’t exist in a real war. If I were to carry on fighting with what I have at the end of our match – if the game was somehow built that way – it would perfectly simulate the struggle against attrition.”
“Sir, are you perhaps worried about the outcome of this Summit?”
“No Mir, it is the feeling of inevitability. Despite a favorable result at the summit, there is the inevitability that greed and personal ambition will overcome our future allies. Instead of us benefiting from an alliance, we may end up being used in an alliance. It is my opinion that the council is too confident over the effectiveness of this course of action.”
“A fair analysis, sir. However, I must beg to differ. The Hierarchy is better suited to heavier combat situations. The high birth-rate of Lokoid and the rather fast maturity period allows for quick replenishment of troops. Further, the Hierarchy is an industrial powerhouse that can produce high-quality robotics that can be deemed replaceable.”
“But for how long Mir? Our games must have taught you something.”
Mir perused the files that contained the outcome of every Assert Dominance match that Mir and Nok have ever had. There were several times where Mir determined it had the advantage and was utterly crushed. There were other moments where even with a numerical advantage, Nok had stronger, more efficient units. Of course, there was the recent match where Nok had mentioned attrition.
“You mean to say, despite our advantage, despite our precautions, despite our planning we may still lose?”
“Correct, if for example, we were to end up fighting several enemy nations at once, would we not be overwhelmed at some point? Would there not be a large decisive battle were we could potentially lose everything?”
“It is a plausible outcome.”
“Indeed, a very plausible outcome. Therefore, the need properly react and respond to different unexpected situations is necessary.”
“Some information gathering will be key then, sir.”
“Indeed, I will be relying on your data stores once again. Record everything that is deemed relevant to a possible conflict.”
"Yes sir."
The two entered another match, concluding their discussion to properly prepare for their next game. Together, the two engaged in yet another match of Assert Dominance as they awaited the start of the Rolvian summit.
NUK GRAVEYARD NUK SYSTEM LOKOID SPACE Just in orbit of one of the barren planets, masked under a large sensor disruption field is the LHS Dominance and a fleet of modernized vessels. The fleet itself was impressive in its size and strength. The amount of firepower gathered here could glass a planet within a matter of hours. Realistically speaking however, the force is to be split into smaller fleets with more flexibility in mind. All the ships present were constructed in the Nuk Graveyard to keep the Lokoid's mobilization and militarization a secret to the rest of the galaxy.
The ships assembled at the Nuk Graveyard were in clear violation of the Detente Treaty. The losses that were incurred in the opening weeks of the great war was a blunder that the Lokoid would not commit a second time. The Final message of the Ashtar met the conditions of commencing their military modernization program. The program sought to bring the Hierarchy’s Soldiery Caste back up to date and with more tools at their disposal. No longer would the Soldiers of the Lokoid have to make considerations for badly retrofitted ships. But before that could happen, the situation in Agdemnar changed significantly with the Commonwealth’s abandonment of the treaty of Detente. The council of Hierarchs have convened aboard the LHS Dominance after their inspection of the armada’s assembly.
The Hierarch of war began the discussion with Agdemnar in mind, “Supreme Hierarch Araq, the situation of the Agdemnar occupation is developing. The ruse is holding, but with nations looking to steadily pull away from the Treaty of Detente, we should consider our threats and strike appropriately and preemptively.”
To which the Supreme Hierarch replied, “Forgive my doubtful tone, but I don’t think a preemptive strike at our source of export income is advisable, Daggoth. What would be the opinion of Kaloth, the Hierarch of Commerce?”
“The opinion of the Commerce Caste is to express concern...” Kaloth, the youngest among the council of Hierarchs, was a shrewd Lokoid who displayed much potential in the political field, but is rather reserved and patient. “Our foreign economic relations are endangered by such brash action. Subsidiary companies underneath the Lokoid Trade Group have flourished and have garnered much profit for the Hierarchy. However, a war where we are an active participant would likely cripple our economy without careful consideration of our diplomatic situation. May I remind the Hierarchs that at present that we do not monopolize trade in the galaxy. We compete with the human megacorporation known as White Corps.”
Gorn of the Academic caste nodded in agreement and further supported Kaloth’s claims, “Indeed, Commerce Hierarch Kaloth is correct. If we fail to eliminate our enemies and the war becomes protracted then we would suffer significantly. Patience, effort, and diplomacy is needed...”
Zasz of the Industry Caste echoed this sentiment, however, emphasized on immediate action to remedy the situation, “I second the opinion of Gorn and that of Kaloth. However, Daggoth is correct in his observation, the situation is deteriorating quickly. As the overseer of our industry and production, I must advise caution and decisive action. We must secure allies if we are to participate in this war in earnest.”
The Hierarchy’s planetary forces are formidable, but the navy needs the modernization program to stay relevant. The key weakness of the military was evident in the number of modernized ships available for tasking. Overall, there is at least one modern ship for every hundred of the retrofits. The short amount of time that was afforded to the Lokoid after the Ashtar’s final message was not enough to amass a navy strong enough to challenge the superpowers. The Hierarchy fleet at Nuk is the collection of their efforts. Full-scale production would benefit the Lokoid greatly. Zasz has correctly laid the course of action necessary for full-scale production to begin without the risk of considerable pushback or resistance from the rest of the galactic community. The Hierarchy ’must’ secure allies and limit the number of possible hostiles.
“Industry Hierarch Zasz, your points merit reason. But do you honestly believe that the Lokoid Soldiery Caste would be defeated so easily if left to fend for itself?” Daggoth’s pride showed as he criticized Zasz’s apparent lack of faith in the Hierarchy’s martial strength. Daggoth was a Lokoid who led the third defense fleet that prevented further loss of Lokoid territory. To the proud Lokoid commander, it was insulting to even suggest that the military could falter.
“We are not diplomatically prepared to handle the fallout of revealing our true intentions too quickly, O’ Proud Warrior Daggoth...” Gorn interjected, stoking the fire of Daggoth’s pride. “I suggest for you to put less faith in our already aging main fleets and see the realistic dangers of the now more powerful modern ships being fielded by our enemies.”
Daggoth stridulated, his mandibles snapped shut, and his antennae twitched and flailed, he was visibly unhappy with Gorn’s blatant disrespect, “Gorn, you may be one of the most intelligent among the Academic caste, but remember your place you pathetic holonet addicted nymph!” Daggoth spread his tegmina (a protective, papery or leathery cover to insect wings) to reveal reveal his two pairs of wings, such an act is considered as a threat display. Daggoth rushed aggressively towards Research Hierarch, Gorn.
“Daggoth, enough!” the supreme hierarch intervened, stopping Daggoth within an inch of mangling Gorn. “The Hierarch of Research is quite correct, we cannot assume our own superioriority. Stow your ego, or are you unfit in this regard?”
The mere tone of vocalization or stridulation that even came close to sounding like the Lokoid word for ’unfit’ make lesser Lokoid cower—not Daggoth, “I was selected for my effective use of our fleet to drive away foreign aggression. With all due respect, Supreme Hierarch Araq, I am nowhere near unfit.”
“The soldiery caste pick the fearless and the aggressive and it shows clearly. Though this is not a sign of being unfit or nonconforming to the Hierarchy’s standards as a soldier, it is when it is considered that you are part of the ruling caste. Research Hierarch Gorn selected you for this position and I seconded his opinion. Were we wrong to have selected you, Hierarch of War?” Araq’s threats had little effect on such a strong-willed Lokoid, though, it was enough to put Daggoth in his place. The Hierarch of war, stepped back and merely glared at Gorn with his compound eyes.
Gorn, of course, continued his assessment of the politco-security of the Hierarchy, “Now with that fit out of the way, Daggoth shared some news with me a few days ago. The Jalaryians attacked one of our staging grounds at Agdemnar.” The so-called expeditionary force at Agdemnar was already a stretch. The Jalaryian incursion could turn into a string of massive assaults if left unchecked, which would threaten the secrets the Lokoid were so desperate to keep.
The Jalaryians were still quite sore after the Hierarchy wiped out several Lokoid Ashtari cults for not conforming with the strict society that the Hierarchy demanded. Several rebellious elements committed acts of terrorism and were gaining popularity, it was only when the Soldiery caste intervened were these rebellions quelled. Mass arrests, heavy military crackdowns, and martial-law declared on many worlds that harbored even the slightest sentiments of religious inclination. The whole incident was akin to a massacre and was merely passed off as anti-terrorist operations. Such an act was not easily forgiven.
The Hierarchy’s response to any aggressive action taken against the Lokoid is to ask for an inquiry. The inquiry can easily be used as a justification for war depending on the response. This was usually enough evidence for the Lokoid to avoid paying reparations. Araq was inclined to do so for the Jalaryians, seeing as the planetary invasion force had not been fully revealed. “I will request an inquiry about the attack to the Ascendancy’s leadership. However, with the purging of our own Ashtari cultists during the great war, we should prepare for the heavy-conflict with the dogmatic worshipers on Agdemnar. The Jalaryians may not have liked our brutal purge.”
Then there was the issue on Manir and the Rolvian debt. “Perhaps, we could also convince the Rolvians to sign a non-aggression pact...” the Lokoid were instrumental to the Rolvian war effort at Manir, providing them reliable warships that allowed them to push against other foreign powers. They’ve since given the Lokoid contracts for lunar and asteroid mining as well as a contract to keep foreign technology. “As Hierarch of commerce, I suggest we bring them to the table by lowering, or even clearing their debt.”
“I second Kaloth’s judgement. As the Hierarch of Industry, it is known to me that the Rolvians are experiencing problems on Manir. The reconstruction efforts are too slow and if the populists were to be appeased, it would put the Republic into a recession. If we were to provide the means for them to expediate their reconstruction efforts in exchange for a non-aggression pact or even a military alliance, it is likely the Rolvians would be more than willing to consider our offer.” Zasz oversaw the construction of many of the lunar and asteroid mining outposts in Rolvian space while collaborating with Gorn to create a research outpost on Manir. Lokoid overseers have reported to both Zasz and Gorn about the situation developing in the republic.
“I would suggest a gesture of good faith to sweeten the deal. Allowing them to profit from and oversee the Hierarchy’s mining operations in their space would likely further incentive them. I believe a 60/40 to 70/30 split in their favor would suffice.” Gorn understood that while the Rolvian’s would be quite interested in such offers, allowing the Republic to control and profit from resources gathered in within their own territory would give them another source of income to fund the reconstruction of Manir and long after the reconstruction efforts are finished.
Araq mulled over the proposal, but ultimately decided to discuss these terms with the Republic. Surely they would be open to dialogue. If diplomacy proves to be instrumental to the Hierarchy, then it would be folley to remain ignorant. The Hierarchy is known for their rigid structure and their their unyielding philosophies – Survival of the fittest, Natural Selection, Peace through power. Though power often meant physical or martial strength, through a contemporary lens power can be interpreted as economic strength or diplomatic strength. Power would have to be utilized in order to secure the survival of the Hierarchy and in as many forms as possible.
“There is one problem... What if the Asrians get involved?” Daggoth, of course, brought up the still present Asrians who to the best of Lokoid efforts are known only as the ’Manir assailants’ very little else is known about them. The Asrians are introverted isolationists, they did not allow much outside influence, if any at all, to penetrate their civilization. Records of the word ’psionic’ confuse the Lokoid because they are a psionically inept species, thus, the Asrian’s technology, the Asrian’s culture, the Asrian’s biology are all the more foreign to them than the rest of the denizens of the galaxy.
Araq was aware of the threat the Asrian navy may pose if the Asrians were to be rubbed the wrong way, especially when looking at their military actions during the great war. However, the Asrians have not shown too much interest in Lokoid and Rolvius affairs as of late. It was highly unlikely for them to get involved. This formed the basis of Araq’s reply, “Then we will adjust accordingly, Daggoth. It’s unlikely the Asrians will get involved, but if they do, we must put our efforts into understanding their civilization – our limited knowledge of their capabilities is concerning. In the meantime we must study and assess other races for diplomatic compatibility. We must work to limit our potential enemies with any and all means necessary.”
The discussion concluded there. Diplomatic messages were sent through the PsiNet, a letter to request an inquiry with the Jalaryian ascendancy was sent, and a letter to request a diplomatic meeting with the Rolvian
@Sigma To the divine Oracle, Lassnia Drass of the Jalaryian Ascendancy.
The Council of the Lokoid Hierarchy have been informed of confirmed Jalaryian armed incursions in the designated exploratory zones on Agdemnar. For the safety of the exploratory team and all exploratory equipment, an expanded security team have eliminated their hostile presence. The Hierarchy’s scout drones patrolling the area at the time have confirmed that the Jalaryian personnel fired the first shot indicating hostile intent. Holographic data is attached herewith.
This inquiry request is to ascertain the conditions of this incident. Agdemnar is a sensitive area and Lokoid-Jalaryian relations have been cold for quite some time. However, this incident may indicate that the Jalaryian Ascendancy may, indeed, harbor resentment against the Hierarchy. The Hierarchy demands an explanation and a meeting in unclaimed space for the inquiry to take place with a third party to mediate between the Lokoid Hierarchy and the Jalaryian Ascendancy. If this message is not replied to, please be advised that it can be used as evidence in the event of a conflict to justify reparations.
The inquiry will involve a simple investigation of relevant government documents and records such as military data, banking transactions, and other such things. The Jalaryian Ascendancy is requested to bring all relevant pieces of information related to the incident as well as any relevant witnesses or personnel to testify to the veracity of the provided information. Please be advised, if a conflict should occur, all omitted pieces of information will be counted against the Ascendancy. It is in the Jalaryian Ascendancy’s interest to confess such that the reparations for intentional hostile actions may be minimized if responsibility is taken for any intentional hostile actions taken against the Hierarchy. If the Hierarchy is found at fault, then the Hierarchy will pay reparations for the lives lost during this unfortunate incident.
You are given seventy-two Saytak hours (adjusted for the message's estimated time of arrival) to respond to this request of inquiry.
-Supreme Hierarch, Araq of the Lokoid Hierarchy and its Ruling Caste.
(The footage attached contained several angles focused on the Jalaryian forces which numbered close to battalion strength who have apparently entered two kilometers into the supposed Lokoid Exploratory zone. The footage confirms the Jalaryian’s were the first to fire a shot. M.M.A. Mk1 and Mk2 began firing back, supported by heavy robotics such as the A.A.-A.C. and the A.I.-A.C.. The firefight went on for hours with Jalaryian armored forces being committed to the fray. It all ended with the zealous Jalaryians making one last desperate charge with a very clear yell, “ASHTAS VULT!” only to be received by several A.A.M.s colloquially called ’tick mines’ which finished off their desperate offensive.)
@Aleranicus The Hierarchy extends its respect to you, Lady Vannifar of the Star Republic of Rolvius.
The Lokoid Ruling Caste wishes to redetermine the terms of your debt to the Hierarchy as well as to discuss matters of interest for both the Hierarchy and the Republic. Lokoid-Rolvian relations have been strictly business ever since the Manir conflict. The Hierarchy would like to strengthen its relations with the Republic through a thorough discussion on the politico-security and socioeconomic stance of both nations with regards to the Detente treaty and recent events revolving around Agdemnar. The goal is to form solid bilateral cooperation, besides that of business and trade, that would be mutually beneficial during this delicate period of tenuous peace.
Because of a number of factors, it was determined that rather than an exchange of messages, the complex and delicate nature of issues regarding certain points of interest have merited that this dialogue be conducted and continued through a Lokoid envoy. For legal reasons, it must be stated that the envoy will be escorted by a number of armed ships. The envoy and the designated escort will arrive within a few days of this message being delivered. We look forward to the outcome of this exchange of dialogue.
-Supreme Hierarch, Araq of the Lokoid Hierarchy and its Ruling Caste.
AGDEMNAR AGDEMNAR SYSTEM AGDEMNAR PLANETARY SURFACE
The Lokoid exploratory zones were spread far and wide, with one right next to the shield near Point Jakurna. In the middle of these so-called exploratory zones are so-called research outposts. Unbeknownst to the warring belligerents on Agdemnar, the Lokoid have been masking sensor data via sensor disruption nets. The Lokoid intentionally settled in places where it could be easily explained, such as mountainous regions or thick, wooded areas. These research outposts were a facade to hide military staging grounds connected via a large tunnel network, protected by roaming patrols and scoured by scout drones. Underneath the staging grounds were several divisions worth of vehicles, inactive robots and drones, and equipment waiting for the war to begin. The active patrols were at the very best, 10% of the Lokoid’s true martial strength on Agdemnar. The Hierarchy was still waiting for an excuse to launch their full might.
The Jalaryian’s attack a few days ago may have provided the Lokoid an excuse, or so the Soldiery Caste hoped. They’ve been there for months with little to no activity—the calm before the storm. Then, out of the blue, a transmission was received in Lokoid repeating the same phrase over and over and over.
”HELLO.HELLO.HELLO.HELLO...”
The Hierarchy do not communicate casually over military comms. The rogue transmission was enough to send the Lokoid, both on the ground and in space, into high gear just to investigate the transmission and send a reply.
”Unknown sender, identify yourself! Repeat. Unknown sender, identify yourself!” the Lokoid demanded, yet it droned ever on with its drivel without giving an appropriate response. However, the Lokoid did detect other signals from the source being sent through all known frequencies of communication. All other signals and communication that weren’t directed at the Lokoid were heavily encrypted. This continued for a short while until it stopped suddenly. The source was an object steadily approaching Agdemnar.
The Hierarchy could not investigate it fully with most assets bound to the research outposts staging grounds and the so-called expeditionary zones on Agdemnar. But it could, send a drone to ’survey the area for setting up a new research outpost’. In actuality, the Hierarchy would send scout drones to observe the object crashing towards the surface. It was transmitting something odd, it wasn’t of Lokoid design, and it was crashing towards Agdemnar. The higher ups at Agdemnar felt that this was too coincidental to just be malfunctioning space junk. They had to investigate the object with whatever means available to them and determine whether or not it posed a serious security threat.
The Hierarchy, The Lokoid, The Roaches (Derogatory)
General Information
Non-combatant-Neutral
Overview
The Lokoids are opportunistic, business-driven insectoids that focus on meritocracy, industry, and open trade. They are a major source of cheap but reliable hardware, ship components, and ready-made ships. This is driven by a desire to be relevant to the galaxy at large. The hierarchy was the result of hundreds of years of in-fighting and civil unrest wherein a dominant civilization emerged uniting their planet under the strict dictatorship of the militarily superior Hierarchy. This civilization valued individual merit, enforced concepts like survival of the fittest and natural selection, and placed emphasis on economic industry, sustainable agriculture, and scientific advancement. This is why hundreds of years later, the Lokoid Hierarchy is one of the biggest suppliers of weapons, ships, mechanical and electronic components, food, and raw material.
History
THE GREAT SCHISM AND UNIFICATION ERAS
The Lokoid Hierarchy was not formed through diplomacy, nor was it built overnight. A series of wars and conflicts broke out across their homeworld of Saytak. The imbroglio that was the great schism saw battle lines drawn and different alliances form and fall. The Hierarchy formed around this period of conflict with their core philosophies revolving around peace through power, survival of the fittest, and natural selection.
The Great Schism was not an all out war, at least, not in the beginning. The Great Schism was like a Mexican standoff where someone fired the proverbial bullet that set off a chain reaction of war and border gore. The Hierarchy prepared in earnest. They designed weapons of war that would be cheap and easy to use and maximized their industrial potential. In fact, the Hierarchy were the ones who fired the proverbial bullet, annexing its neighbors for natural resources and turning them into buffer states. This created the perfect excuse to go to war with the Hierarchy, but it wasn’t so simple. War opened up opportunities for other intrepid Lokoid countries. Soon the effects of attrition for those who went against the Hierarchy were showing. War on all sides allowed the other factions to slowly grind each other into a corner while the Hierarchy simply retreated inwards into their territory to conserve their strength while enacting a scorched earth tactic to starve their enemies. When the time was right, the Hierarchy launched a focused lightning war across their world.
After years of fighting, the hundreds of years of The Great Schism were over. The Hierarchy dominated the final fragments of resistance. The Hierarchy then set to work for another hundred years to reform and refocus its society where the core philosophies of the Hierarchy were enforced. A strong focus on meritocracy and scientific advancement along with the hierarchical structure that the Hierarchy depended on would be maintained.
THE GRAND EXPANSION AND THE ASHTAR ERAS
When interstellar travel was achieved, the Lokoid Hierarchy viewed this as an opportunity to expand their reach into the vast emptiness of space. Over a period of fifty years, the Lokoid race was able to expand to a respectable size for a relatively young species. This rate of expansion would be the start of a burgeoning, star-spanning civilization. The Lokoid, being such a young race, met the Ashtar as they appeared before first contact could be established with any other civilization. The Ashtar proved to be invaluable allies in trade. Their presence eliminated the need for expensive escort fleets and they facilitated the first contact with many star-spanning nations such as the dogmatic Jalaryian Ascendancy.
The Lokoid during this time focused their efforts on expanding their territory and their influence. Their repulsive appearance made trade difficult, but time under the Ashtar allowed them to smooth their relations with the different denizens of the galaxy. That time would be well spent and appreciated. The rush of trade would lead to the establishment of many Lokoid businesses and companies which would later be subsidized under the state-owned Lokoid Trade Group.
THE GREAT WAR
Despite the diplomatic and economic connections made during the Ashtar mandated peace, the effects of their disappearance led to an almost immediate outbreak of conflict. The Lokoid had prepared for this and within weeks the Lokoid fleet was assembled out of the planned modular retrofits on the Lokoid mercantile fleet. This took substantially longer than it should have and opportunistic nations sensed the problems besetting the hierarchy and took advantage of this by glassing or occupying systems within Lokoid space. This blunder would be the primary reason the Lokoid would be better prepared after the disappearance of the Asthar leading up to the conflict at Agdemnar.
The Hierarchy consolidated its forces and while it did technically fight in the Great War, it was not in any hostile aims or gains. The Lokoid fought when they needed to and negotiated when they needed to. They were determined to survive the struggle of the great war by any means necessary. Trade flourished during this era as weapons and ships were in short supply. The industrial centers of the Lokoid were still very much capable of pumping out cheap and reliable ships and weaponry. The number of nation states that needed such things were increasing by the day as the war dragged ever onward. The unprecedented amount of injured and dead provided the Lokoid an opportunity to make their stance clear, as relief missions were sent out during the Great War in order to ease the pain of conflict that afflicted many worlds. Some may have found this a gesture of good faith, others may have thought it was an elaborate ploy – an attempt to get them to lower their guards. The Lokoid saw this as easy propaganda material especially when combined with footage of worlds, once colonized by the Lokoid, being occupied or glassed by foreign powers. This evidence along with the fact that the Lokoids did not expand during the great war allowed them some leverage during the Madrigasa and Detente talks to have their embattled worlds returned to them.
THE DETENTE
The political maneuvering of the Hierarchy resulted in war reparations and the return of territories lost during The Great War. However, the lessons learned from the great war mandated an expansion of the Soldiery Caste and an ambitious modernization program of the army and the navy. Until then, more retrofit ships would be designed and manufactured according to the Detente’s strict limitations.
The Lokoid continued to trade with other civilizations as they began reconstruction of their then damaged worlds. The economy of the Lokoid was well utilized and managed, trade shifted back from weapons and warships to raw materials, food, and work related goods. Scientific research progressed and the new peace, while imperfect, was enough to bring the Lokoid back to the forefront of galactic trade along with the human organization known as White Corps.
REACTION TO THE FINAL MESSAGE
Finally, when the Ashtar sent out their final message, the Hierarchy, like in its earlier years, knew that war was inevitable. The modernization program commenced. Work began in secret, ship components, weapons, and vehicles were built and amassed. The army was augmented with drones and robotics in order to bolster its numbers and strength. Doctrines were drawn up in preparation for the so-called ‘expedition to Agdemnar’. While this was all happening, things went business as usual, trade, commerce, and diplomacy.
The Hierarch Council found Agdemnar to be a seat of power and potential wealth. Whoever gains control of Ashtar tech and weaponry would be able to dominate the current galactic community. The Lokoid recognize this as a way to profit from the disappearance of the Ashtar. The distribution of Ashtar technology at such high demand projects a high return of investment of military resources according to both the Soldiery and the Commerce caste. This further incentivized the Hierarch Council to support Lokoid involvement in Agdemnar.
Major Holdings
Saytak The homeworld of the Lokoid race. A planet ruined by industry and mining. Saytak is one of the shipbuilding worlds of the Lokoid. It is polluted to the point of non-habitation by the Lokoid. However, the large orbital ship construction yards allows it to stay relevant not just historically, but economically.
Takar Saytak’s moon, the primary habitation and agricultural center of the Saytak system. It allows the Lokoid to nest properly and feed a large workforce nearby on the Saytak orbital ship construction yards.
Sikwol The first interstellar colony and another industry focused planet. Sikwol is a special industry planet for its role in manufacturing prototype technology for use in the field. It is also a research hub for the Academic Caste.
Sikwol system asteroid field This asteroid field is mineral heavy, thus, a large quantity of raw materials is drawn from this asteroid field. It surrounds the Sikwol system and is often the site of field tests for prototype ship weaponry, sensors arrays, and shielding just to name a few.
Natok System A system seeded during the early years of interstellar colonization. Four of the system’s planets are food-producing worlds that help sustain the Hierarchy’s large population. Two of the system’s worlds are heavily industrialized. This system is responsible for canning, preserving, and shipping food all over Hierarchy territory and, of course, for trade.
Nuk Graveyard Nuk is a relatively barren system where the Lokoid have built a large recycling plant. The Lokoid collect scrap and materials in order to turn them back into raw resources to be used in manufacturing. The Nuk graveyard, owned by Saytak Drive Works, is one of the largest recycling plants of its kind and it’s responsible for churning out ready to use materials while cleaning up the galaxy at large.
Demographics
Population
Society
From birth, the order of the hierarchy is implemented. Lokoid young hatch from eggs within an egg sack as larvae. The liquids in the sack are consumed, filled with vital nutrients and antibiotics. The weak are eaten and the strong continue to develop. Once the survivors break out of the egg sack, they are taken as nymphs to be educated. Primary education begins, but nothing could prepare the young Lokoids for their second trial. The nymphs, nearing their adolescence, are thrown into the wilderness to survive. Cannibalism is encouraged if it means survival. They are given the lesson, eat or be eaten, the survival of the fittest as they once did when they were larvae. But it was also natural selection as those who fail to adapt die off. The survivors at the end of the month are taken and given secondary education. Their secondary education focuses on the general education of different subjects. Four years later, they are evaluated and if their scores drop below a quota they are euthanized, prepared as food, and is rationed to the rest of the now grown brood.
Usually, the survival rate for Lokoids in their childhood is less than half. Their massive amounts of eggs per-person, however, necessitate this way of population control. The survivors are then given a caste position and specialization training. It is possible to move up in society through individual meritocracy. The weak and the stupid are recycled and eaten. This is vestigial behavior from a more primitive time. The average lifespan of a Lokoid, if allowed to live in ideal conditions, is seventy solar years. However, the oldest known Lokoid was a hierarch who was reported to be 210 solar years old, indicating that in the best conditions the Lokoid can have a surprisingly long lifespan when compared to humans.
The castes themselves are divided into five categories:
The Ruling Caste
The Commerce Caste
The Academic Caste
The soldiery Caste
The Industrial Caste
The ruling caste is composed of the fittest Lokoid, the ones who have displayed amazing intelligence and leadership ability within their respective caste. The ruling caste’s most powerful members are made up of five individuals known as the Hierarch Council. Each individual all have equal power to one another and have different jurisdictions. However, there is always one individual among the five that presides among the five. This individual would come to be known as the supreme hierarch. The representatives themselves are known as, from descending order of caste, the hierarch of commerce, the hierarch of research and development, the hierarch of war, and the hierarch of industry. The supreme hierarch is chosen based on leadership ability and is chosen among the five hierarchs of the ruling caste. Only a majority vote within the council of hierarchs can have the supreme hierarch replaced.
The commerce caste is composed of traders and businessmen. The commerce caste is specifically for those among the Lokoid who display great social skills and have an eye for business. The commerce caste is the primary economic group that provides the Lokoid new business opportunities in the galaxy. They acquire trade licenses, manufacturing patents, design contracts, and more. On top of this, the commerce caste is also responsible for lending and collecting loans, managing budgets and expenses, and conducting audits on the other castes.
The academic caste is composed of Lokoids who display amazing aptitudes for the sciences. The academic caste is responsible for technological gains within the hierarchy. They are in charge of designing new ships and weapons for use in manufacturing. On top of this, they are in charge of scientific advancement in many fields such as botany and particle physics just to name a few. If the commerce caste is equated to a marketing and advertising department then the academic caste is research and development. This is where new products are made and approved. If approved they are handed over to the commerce caste and industrial caste for marketing and mass production.
The soldiery caste is responsible for choosing the strongest among the castes and placing them into sub-castes. These sub-castes are divided by merit and intelligence. There are four major sub-castes:
Command Caste - Responsible for NCO’s and command staff
Specialized Caste - Responsible for special operations
Regular Caste - Responsible for regular soldiers and fleet personnel
Support Caste - Responsible for operating equipment and vehicles
These sub-castes are responsible for training and selecting from placed or recruited members of the Soldiery caste. They are the backbone of the militant might of the hierarchy and make use of automated combatants if needed and are a common sight when collecting due debts and in security details.
The industrial caste is the largest among the castes and is where most Lokoid are placed. Some may find their way up the ladder from the industrial caste and into the other bodies of the hierarchy. The industrial caste is the primary workforce of the hierarchy. They are responsible for manufacturing goods, mining, and farming. They are given many avenues to rise up from this rung of society through merit. Pursuing education, displaying high levels of skill or strength, making logical and intelligent decisions, and more. The survival of the fittest and natural selection are at play. Those who do not adapt, stay in the industrial caste and are shackled to a life of service and are loaned as cheap manpower for the rest of the galaxy. Because of the individualistic nature of most Lokoid, this is seen as normal. Those who are left behind are left with basic skills and enough intelligence to do their job.
Economy
The economy of the Lokoid is powered by industry and cheap labor under a company known as the Lokoid Trade Group. Under the Lokoid Trade Group (LTG) are subsidiaries such as Saytak Drive Works, Sikwol Science Corps, Natok Supply Corps, Saytak Engineering Guild, Saytak Banking Corporation, and the Sikwol Mining company. The Lokoid Trade Group is one of the largest companies in the galaxy and it allows the Hierarchy to achieve a ludicrous amount of income comparable to that of megacorporations.
Government
The government is the Ruling Caste. The Hierarch Council disseminates their orders to system regional governors which keeps all systems in line with the will of the hierarchy. The council of hierarchs is made up of five members.
Araq, Supreme Hierarch - Chosen by the Hierarch Council
Kaloth, Hierarch of Commerce - Governs the Commerce Caste
Gorn, Hierarch of Research and Development - Governs the Academic Caste
Dagoth, Hierarch of War - Governs the Soldiery Caste
Zasz, Hierarch of Industry - Governs over mass production
These members of the council all have equal power except for the Supreme Hierarch who supersedes the rest of the council. The council deliberates everything related to running the Hierarchy as a whole and is responsible for the direction of the Hierarchy moving forward.
Technological Information
Major Techs
Simple Automation and Advanced Robotics: The Lokoid were not ones to shy away from using things that increased efficiency. Automation and robotics allowed for the construction of more cost-efficient ships and increased the production rate drastically compared to non-automated systems. Robotics also helped in the field of security through the use of drones, bolstering combat of security teams significantly. Multi-stage Railgun ammunition: Multi-stage railgun ammunition is akin to that of HEAT. The penetration power of Railgun ammo propelled with high-power is already extremely high. However, this allows low-powered railguns to hit above their weight class and give smaller ships a fighting chance. High-Speed Plasma Weaponry: Using what they’ve learned from railguns, the Lokoid were quick to incorporate it into plasma weaponry research. Instead of a rudimentary method of using a sustained beam of ionized gas being guided by a magnetic beam. The Lokoid made a sort of plasma railgun, with the use of solenoids and high voltage electrodes. These pulses of plasma in the form of Spheromaks now have increased speeds, higher kinetic force, and is more energy efficient. However, this cannot be used for infantry, thus, kinetic, laser and particle weaponry are still the norm. Variable Particle Lance: This weapon is a repurposed tool for mining, using variable power in order to avoid destroying precious materials. An upscaled version is now adapted to many vehicles and ships as a weapon. With a few tweaks, the particle lance can have high-frequency pulses in order to maximize damage per second, however, this retrofit was not done during the Great War and Detente era for there was no need for such a weapon. Advanced Multispectrum Sensors: The Lokoid, adapting their ability to comprehend their surroundings accurately, have developed some very advanced sensors in varying spectrums. These sensors are so powerful in their detection capabilities. They can differentiate different chemicals, detect various radiation signatures, see in various spectrums of light, acute changes in temperatures and more. Of course, this is limited to the role of a ship, vehicle, or drone. Most of these sensors are used in everyday life for mining and testing completed products for shipment and have only recently been improved for more focus on military use. Fusion Drives (Realspace propulsion): Using magnets, plasma, deuterium, tritium, and lithium to create a fusion reaction that can be used to drive ships forward. The drive is extremely fuel efficient and it is powerful enough to allow ships to travel planet to planet within days in realspace. Quantum Wave Drive (FTL): The drive manipulates the fabric of space so that it thins or compresses in front of the ship, and expands at the back allowing the ship to travel faster than lightspeed. In reality, it is traveling utilizing the folds that the drive creates at nominal speeds. Hardlight Plasmatic Projectors: A mix of hardlight selective shielding and magneto plasma arrays combined to make a solid and reliable shield that help increase a ship’s durability in combat. Because of power consumption to various parts of the ship, the hardlight aspect of the shield may vary in strength and coverage while the magnetoplasma shields equally cover the entire ship. This means that the ships that the Lokoid field are more durable against energy weapons and are only partially effective against kinetic weaponry.
Military Information
Military Overview
Military Doctrine
The Lokoid military power since the Great War and Detente era have been increasing steadily. The Lokoid have designed their ships to be easily modifiable turning large cargo vessels into sturdy and reliable warships. These retrofit ships are the backbone of the current Lokoid naval fleet, however, purpose-built warships are being designed and fielded as the conflict drags ever on in Adgemnar.
Lokoid ground forces are heavily dependent on a mix of robotic and organic elements. Ground forces rely on overwhelming numbers and setting up strong defensive and offensive positions that seek to overwhelm and encircle the enemy with a large spread of firepower across the board. Even special operations are carried out by a large number of highly sophisticated automatons capable of doing high amounts of damage in short amounts of time in an inexpensive package.
Fleet/Navy
The Dominion Class Dreadnought, a heavy hauler retrofit. It was originally designed to haul massive amounts of Cargo. It was retrofitted to use its cargo space for extra weapons and power production. It was designed just before the Great War broke out and was built to haul cargo. However, when the situation became increasingly hostile, the Lokoid retrofitted a number of these ships to secure their territories. The Hierarch class dreadnought. This dreadnought was never produced and was originally designed to be made near the end of the Great War. It’s production never went through as the Great War ended before it could escalate. It is now only being produced after the final message of the Ashtar as the Lokoid found need for a new heavy capital ship. Its design was updated to spec before production. It is to date, the heaviest capital ship ever produced besides the hyperdread. It is armed to the teeth with hundreds of kinetic weapons, plasma weapons, missiles, and torpedoes. It is designed to be a fleet within a fleet and is pound for pound more powerful than its predecessor. It is newer and more expensive, thus it is less numerous than its counterparts.
The Supremacy Class Battleship. A battleship built during the great war retrofitted from the base of a massive ore mining ship. This ship’s original purpose was to use its in-built refineries to churn out raw materials. This was all stripped out and was replaced with weapons, generators, and additional shielding. The ship was used to great effect in securing shipping lanes during the Great War until dreadnoughts of succeeding strengths and sizes were finally too much for makeshift battleships, leading to the Dominion Class retrofit and the design of the Hierarch Class. The Warrior Class Battleship. A purpose built warship made during after the final message of the Ashtar. This ship was designed with the same philosophy as the new Hierarch class dreadnought. It’s armed with every weapon available to the Lokoid, designed to be the Lokoid Ship of The Line. Several energy and kinetic weapon batteries as well as guided missiles launchers and torpedoes tubes. Just like the Hierarch class, it is newer and more expensive, thus there is not many of these Warrior Class Battleships.
The Instigator Class Battlecruiser is another cargo hauler that was retrofitted to be a warship. It’s relatively faster than a battleship and is relatively well armed. However, the battlecruiser is less well armored and has less overall shielding than its bigger Battleship brother. The instigator being less well armored and relatively quick meant that it could, in theory, enter and disrupt enemy formations with its flexibility and cause the enemy fleet to break apart. However, during the great war, this was not the case and now they are either used as a placeholder for battleships or merely for extra firepower. The Annihilator Class Battlecruiser was made as a response to the failures of the Instigator. While retaining the relatively respectable speed of the instigator, it packed on more weapons, more shielding, and more armor. One could call the Annihilator a “Fast” battleship which is what it was often called. However, when compared to its contemporary big brother, The Warrior Class battleship, it is outclassed in every category except speed. These ships are supposed to be used in a doctrine called “Jump-Burn”, taking a number of fast and powerful ships to carry out a devastating raid and then entering back into hyperspace. In a conventional battle, the Annihilator pales in comparison to dedicated ships of the line, however, its armament is not something to be trifled with. It has earned a place as a force multiplier in battle and its speed is often used to outmaneuver less flexible fleets.
The Hailfire Class Missile Cruiser was a cruiser made cheaply and out of necessity. When the Great War broke out, the Lokoid were only somewhat prepared. The ships that were designed to be retrofitted into warships did not include anything below the class of battlecruiser. Cruisers offered excellent multi-role potential for the Lokoid. Excellent heavy escorts for shipments, point defense multipliers for large fleets, and well armed and easy to maintain from a logistics perspective. The hailfire was hastily retrofitted from one of the old heavy tugboats. However, due to the limitations of the frame, the Lokoid had to design weapon systems for the Tugboat. Many problems arose due to this process and the Hailfire ended up being heavily reliant on its missile armament than its kinetic or energy based weapons because of the limitations of power generation caused by the ship’s frame and hasty retrofit design. The Mauler Class Cruiser was the result of lessons learned from the Hailfire. While the Lokoid made the most out of the Hailfire, increasingly more effective missile countermeasures were quickly making it outdated. The Mauler was designed in the middle of the Great War but was produced during the Detente period. It served its role perfectly during this period as the Detente treaty put heavy restrictions on Dreadnoughts, Battleships, and Battlecruisers. Cruisers themselves were left relatively untouched. The Mauler boasted better armor, better shields, and better weapons than the Hailfire and could outperform the Hailfire in several key aspects.
The Experimental Variable Particle Cannon Destroyer (E.V.P.C.) Destroyer. This destroyer was merely a test bed for a new particle weapon derived from the Variable Particle Beam found on common mining rigs. The ship's concept was highly flawed, however, it was produced in large numbers but never really made it out of the experimental phase. Its role as a destroyer was hampered by its weapon recharge rate. It was made to be a destroyer with capital ship firepower, however, as a consequence, its armor, miscellaneous weapons, and shielding were all underpowered for its support role.
The Aggressor Class Destroyer is a traditional, tried, and true destroyer. It has been updated, retrofitted, and tuned to fit current standards. However, unlike other ships designed during the Detente or Great War era, the Aggressor was made before the Ashtar came. Its design was dug up and reused during the great war. The destroyer would be redesigned and updated various times up until the present with retrofits planned for previous Aggressor Class Destroyers built before the present. Predominant classifications of each Aggressor type are as follows, Aggressor-Alpha, Aggressor-Beta, and Aggressor-Omega. Alpha represents the Aggressors before built during the Great War, beta represents Aggressors built during the Detente era, and Omega represents currently retrofitted Aggressors or Aggressors built recently, after the Ashtar's final message.
The Picket Class corvette is a patrol vessel used to safeguard minor installations. A patrol group can be range from three to six ships. Bigger patrols often include cruisers and destroyers in order to bolster patrol group strength. Larger vessels can be expected if a particular threat is too heavy to handle. If a Larger Vessel cannot be contacted and enemy combatants are significantly more powerful, the patrol's primary directive is to use its speed and maneuverability to break the engagement and locate larger vessels or contact a larger fleet of ships to deal with the incoming threat.
The Lokoid Drone Multirole Fighter. It comes in two variations, one armed with nose-mounted kinetic cannon and the chin mounted light variable particle lance and one armed with only the chin mounted light variable particle lance. Both variations come with wing mounted missile launchers with each wing containing four missiles. A solid but fragile fighter, reflective of Lokoid design philosophy before the final message.
The Lokoid unmanned patrol gunship (U.P.G.). Designed for a ground attack role, the Drone Gunship is a fast atmospheric craft armed to the teeth with missiles, side mounted kinetic weapons, and a chin-mounted rapid pulse variable particle lance. It also has an experimental space-superiority variant that's set to replace the older Drone Multirole Fighter. The UPG is a fairly new production strike craft, thus, only a few fleets have access to the U.P.G. The Lokoid Assault Dropship. This dropship is used during the opening stages of a planetary invasion. While heavily armed, it lacks mobility and has a large target profile. It is often escorted by Drone Fighters or UPGs. Because of its limitations in maneuverability and its need for escorts, it is limited in its combat capacity. It's armed with missiles, chin mounted pulse variable particle lances, and wing mounted kinetic weapons. It's used to pound an LZ coming in and dropping off troops in rapid succession, then hastily zooming away from the combat area.
The Lokoid Atmospheric Gunship Transport (A.G.T.). It's a straightforward, heavily armed infantry transport for Lokoid. It's armed with missile launchers, door guns, and pulse variable particle lance turrets. Unlike the Assault Dropship, the A.G.T. is more maneuverable and is well suited to prolonged engagements. It's designed to support troops even after a dropoff.
The Lokoid Heavy Transport. It's a massive logistical vessel meant to offload vehicles and supplies. It is heavily armed but still requires escort because of its size. It can also function as a long-range heavy gunship within an atmosphere. This function is mostly possible because of the option to mount a massive kinetic cannon. It is severely limited in its combat function outside of being a gunship or a massive logistical craft.
Army/Planetary forces
Multipurpose Modular Automata Mark1 (M.M.A.-Mk1). The Mk1 was what the name suggested. It's a multipurpose, modular robot. It's used in industrial work, clerical work, and of course security/combat work among other things. It's relatively strong despite its scrawny appearance. However, it is only above average when compared to a human. It was smart enough to hold a conversation, however, it was limited in its intelligence and would not go outside its parameters.
Multipurpose Modular Automata Mark2 (M.M.A.-Mk2). The Mk2 was an improved version of the Mk1 in many aspects. It came with more module options, it was stronger, it was more durable, it was smarter, faster, and more nimble. The Mk2 was an evolution of the Mk1 and it performed better in security/combat roles with marked improvements in speed and decision making. However, this meant it was more expensive. The Mk1 and Mk2 would be sold side-by-side because of the difference in price and customization options. Some of the customization options include sensor suites and improved power pack modules that double the default power supply (Mk2 stock power supply already doubles that of the Mk1).
The Mobile Defense Sentry (M.B.S.). A series of automated, roaming defense perfect for almost any setting except dense swamps, forests, and jungles. It is perfect for urban environments and big open terrain. It's armed with double pulse variable particle lances on each arm and can be shielded. It can also roll itself into a wheel and travel at speeds. It is most vulnerable when rolling or deploying. It's an expensive security tool, however, it is an effective one. It's packed full of targetting sensors and has a well programmed targetting computer.
Automated Anti-Armor Mines (A.A.M.), also known as Tick Mines or Spider Mines. They're notorious for climbing into, under, or over targets and exploding violently. They are easy to program, easy to manufacture making them very cheap. They are highly cost-effective, with their use in the great war being widespread. This was one of the worst weapons to be designed during the great war and it was the nightmare of every vehicle crew member in existence. They can be buried or left to roam around. The A.A.M. has evolved alongside the increasingly more efficient countermeasures and has remained relevant on the battlefield to this day. Some varieties come with sensor jamming equipment or eject cluster munitions upon destruction.
The Anti-Infantry Assault Crawler (A.I.-A.C.). This heavy robotics crawler is designed to be an anti-infantry terror machine. It packs medium armor and minor shielding and is used to jump into the middle of infantry formations to disrupt and crush enemy infantry. It also packs advanced sensors in order to hunt down and kill infantry. Patrol units would often pack at least one A.I.-A.C. on patrols to properly secure bases, cities, and industrial facilities. It is most vunerable to anti-armor weapons as well as anti-tank munitions.
The Anti-Armor Assault Crawler (A.A.-A.C.). It's not as nimble as its anti-infantry brother, however, it still packs a serious punch with its multi-stage railgun rounds. It can choose from cased plasma shells to Armor Penetrating High Explosives. It's slow moving and usually used to set up defensive locations. It can be mobile, but it's very slow moving.
The Light Automated Tank (L.A.T.). It has almost no armor to speak of, it has a high fire rate, and advanced targetting computers and sensor suites. It's used as a fast moving, anti-tank tool. Its dual cannons are used for hitting the target with two different damage types, one cannon is a high-velocity plasma gun, and the other is a kinetic railgun. It's stronger in large groups and is relatively cheap to manufacture. The biggest weakness of the L.A.T. is its lack of secondary armaments, thus, a group of infantry can efficiently take out groups of unsupported L.A.T.s with little resistance.
The Havoc Heavy Artillery Cannon. A Havoc cannon is deployed in established territories as a stationary firebase. It can reach out and touch someone miles away and destroy them ten fold. It is, however, usesless at ranges closer than a few hundred meters due to its innacuracy and large projectile arc. It's used in a battery to completely level large areas before moving in with conventional armies.
The Hailfire Mobile Artillery Platform (H.M.A.P.). This mobile artillery piece can also be used as an anti-armor vehichle and can be used as a tank. However, it was built with the main purpose of being a conventional mobile artillery platform, armed with a single cannon and racks of missiles. It was best used in groups of three at minimum to ten at maximum. The H.M.A.P. would unleash its missiles and fire its cannons repeatedly according to their firing solutions in order to properly barrage and destroy a target with saturated fire.
The Multispectrum Scout Drone (M.S.D.). The drone is about the size of a baseball and is packed with only essential sensors to be able to perform its function. It is small, nimble, simple, and efficient. It is used manufactured, sold, and used by the Lokoid. It's designed has not changed much with only simple upgrades to the optics, audio, and frequency recievers.
Heavy Armor Troop Transport (H.A.T.T.). The H.A.T.T. can haul large numbers of infantry and act as a mobile base of operations. It was designed during the Great War era to sell to other warring states. It wasn't a stellar design but it worked for what it needed to do - haul troops safely in a timely manner.
The Raider infantry fighting vehicle. The Raider is a fast moving, lightly armored, infantry fighting vehicle that fills the role between a nearly unarmed transport and a heavily armed tank. It's armed with twin grenade launchers and a pulse variable particle lance. Designed and produced during the Great War, and updated through the years.
The Juggernaut Armored Personnel Carrier. It's a smaller, armed personnel carrier. It features Kinetic repeaters on the roof as well as gunports for the occupants to shoot out of. The juggernaut is a modern, practical design. It retains a low price point and is much faster than the H.A.A.T. The juggernaut was designed during the Detente era as a preparatory move and produced after the final message of the Ashtar as new variables of war arose.
Hyperdread
LHS DOMINANCE An absolute behemoth that dwarfs the new Hierarch Class Dreadnought. The Dominance Class Super Dreadnought is armed with hundreds of weapons on all sides and carries hundreds of strike craft and can even support a scrapping and manufacturing section to self-repair in between battles and even help repair small fleets of ships. It is, in a sense, a mobile fortress. The Dominance is meant to be situated within a large fleet, it is meant to deliver volumes of fire and provide hundreds of support craft to the fray. It is heavily armored and heavily shielded.
The Dominance was first designed during the Detente period. The Lokoid knew that inevitably war will arrive. The Lokoid held this belief in mind as they designed new ships to replace the many retrofits and experimental ships within their navy. A massive modernization program.
CHANGELOG
07/16/2019 History section overhauled and expanded upon.
07/21/2019 Added the names of the Ruling Caste members in the Government section
This be my progress. It's the most done it can be with the time I have to work on it between college and this.
The Lokoid Hierarchy
The Hierarchy, The Lokoid, The Roaches (Derogatory)
General Information
Non-combatant-Neutral
Overview
The Lokoids are opportunistic, business-driven insectoids that focus on meritocracy, industry, and open trade. They are a major source of cheap but reliable hardware, ship components, and ready-made ships. This is driven by a desire to be relevant to the galaxy at large. The hierarchy was the result of hundreds of years of in-fighting and civil unrest wherein a dominant civilization emerged uniting their planet under the strict dictatorship of the militarily superior Hierarchy. This civilization valued individual merit, enforced concepts like survival of the fittest and natural selection, and placed emphasis on economic industry, sustainable agriculture, and scientific advancement. This is why hundreds of years later, the Lokoid Hierarchy is one of the biggest suppliers of weapons, ships, mechanical and electronic components, food, and raw material.
History
When interstellar travel was achieved, the Lokoid Hierarchy viewed this as an opportunity to expand their reach into the vast emptiness of space. Over a period of fifty years, the Lokoid race was able to expand to a respectable size for a relatively young species. This rate of expansion would be the start of a burgeoning, star-spanning civilization. The Lokoid, being such a young race, met the Ashtari as they appeared before first contact could be established with any other civilization. However, the Ashtari proved to be invaluable allies in trade. Their presence eliminated the need for expensive escorts fleets and they facilitated the first contact with many star-spanning nations such as the Lokoid themselves. This, combined with the frequent rebellions within the opening years of the Ashtar dominion, allowed the Lokoid Hierarchy to expand their influence and trade opportunities.
When the Ashtar disappeared, the Lokoid viewed this as an opening of a new era. Quickly adapting old ships into armed escorts. The great war period arrived and many nations were quick to target the sources of supply. Major belligerents and minor belligerents, having lost expensive equipment opted to use the cheaper Lokoid produced goods. The equipment and ships were of reasonable quality for its price, however, it was far from being the most effective. This was a non-issue as they fulfilled the roles of filling in gaps in the inventories and shipyards of major and minor belligerents alike. Most outsourced military technology and purchased supplies through cheap Lokoid labor. Outsourcing was more expensive but was made available on a massive scale. This also allowed the Lokoid the opportunity to improve their overall image as general aid was provided through food, water, and medical supplies meant to ease the pain of war on many worlds. This continues even into the present day.
After the Great War and the Detente Treaty was signed, the Lokoid designed many of their ships to be easily modifiable. Peace was not guaranteed and armed ships dissuaded many would be pirates. This proved to be invaluable as the final message of the Ashtar was sure to spark a war. Their mobilization efforts were minor. Many of the ships that needed to be retrofitted to combat capability would only need one solar day in at least one of the many large shipyards that the Lokoid maintain. Within a few months, a standing fleet would be amassed and of course, sales pitches for weapons, ammunition, supplies, and cheap ships were increasing. The Lokoid were determined to profit from this as much as possible. However, the Lokoid also recognized the significance of possible surviving Ashtar tech. Whoever can gain access and reverse engineer this technology becomes a dominant power in the galaxy. They also stand to profit from the resulting demand. Monopolizing this technology would be beneficial to the Lokoid, thus, their involvement at Agdemnar.
Major Holdings
Saytak The homeworld of the Lokoid race. A planet ruined by industry and mining. Saytak is one of the shipbuilding worlds of the Lokoid. It is polluted to the point of non-habitation by the Lokoid. However, the large orbital ship construction yards allows it to stay relevant not just historically, but economically.
Takar Saytak’s moon, the primary habitation and agricultural center of the Saytak system. It allows the Lokoid to nest properly and feed a large workforce nearby on the Saytak orbital ship construction yards.
Sikwol The first interstellar colony and another industry focused planet. Sikwol is a special industry planet for its role in manufacturing prototype technology for use in the field. It is also a research hub for the Academic Caste.
Sikwol system asteroid field This asteroid field is mineral heavy, thus, a large quantity of raw materials is drawn from this asteroid field. It surrounds the Sikwol system and is often the site of field tests for prototype ship weaponry, sensors arrays, and shielding just to name a few.
Natok System A system seeded during the early years of interstellar colonization. Four of the system’s planets are food-producing worlds that help sustain the Hierarchy’s large population. Two of the system’s worlds are heavily industrialized. This system is responsible for canning, preserving, and shipping food all over Hierarchy territory and, of course, for trade.
Nuk Graveyard Nuk is a relatively barren system where the Lokoid have built a large recycling plant. The Lokoid collect scrap and materials in order to turn them back into raw resources to be used in manufacturing. The Nuk graveyard, owned by Saytak Drive Works, is one of the largest recycling plants of its kind and it’s responsible for churning out ready to use materials while cleaning up the galaxy at large.
Demographics
Population
Society
From birth, the order of the hierarchy is implemented. Lokoid young hatch from eggs within an egg sack as larvae. The liquids in the sack are consumed, filled with vital nutrients and antibiotics. The weak are eaten and the strong continue to develop. Once the survivors break out of the egg sack, they are taken as nymphs to be educated. Primary education begins, but nothing could prepare the young Lokoids for their second trial. The nymphs, nearing their adolescence, are thrown into the wilderness to survive. Cannibalism is encouraged if it means survival. They are given the lesson, eat or be eaten, the survival of the fittest as they once did when they were larvae. But it was also natural selection as those who fail to adapt die off. The survivors at the end of the month are taken and given secondary education. Their secondary education focuses on the general education of different subjects. Four years later, they are evaluated and if their scores drop below a quota they are euthanized, prepared as food, and is rationed to the rest of the now grown brood.
Usually, the survival rate for Lokoids in their childhood is less than half. Their massive amounts of eggs per-person, however, necessitate this way of population control. The survivors are then given a caste position and specialization training. It is possible to move up in society through individual meritocracy. The weak and the stupid are recycled and eaten. This is vestigial behavior from a more primitive time. The average lifespan of a Lokoid, if allowed to live in ideal conditions, is seventy solar years. However, the oldest known Lokoid was a hierarch who was reported to be 210 solar years old, indicating that in the best conditions the Lokoid can have a surprisingly long lifespan when compared to humans.
The castes themselves are divided into five categories:
The Ruling Caste
The Commerce Caste
The Academic Caste
The soldiery Caste
The Industrial Caste
The ruling caste is composed of the fittest Lokoid, the ones who have displayed amazing intelligence and leadership ability within their respective caste. The ruling caste’s most powerful members are made up of five individuals known as the Hierarch Council. Each individual all have equal power to one another and have different jurisdictions. However, there is always one individual among the five that presides among the five. This individual would come to be known as the supreme hierarch. The representatives themselves are known as, from descending order of caste, the hierarch of commerce, the hierarch of research and development, the hierarch of war, and the hierarch of industry. The supreme hierarch is chosen based on leadership ability and is chosen among the five hierarchs of the ruling caste. Only a majority vote within the council of hierarchs can have the supreme hierarch replaced.
The commerce caste is composed of traders and businessmen. The commerce caste is specifically for those among the Lokoid who display great social skills and have an eye for business. The commerce caste is the primary economic group that provides the Lokoid new business opportunities in the galaxy. They acquire trade licenses, manufacturing patents, design contracts, and more. On top of this, the commerce caste is also responsible for lending and collecting loans, managing budgets and expenses, and conducting audits on the other castes.
The academic caste is composed of Lokoids who display amazing aptitudes for the sciences. The academic caste is responsible for technological gains within the hierarchy. They are in charge of designing new ships and weapons for use in manufacturing. On top of this, they are in charge of scientific advancement in many fields such as botany and particle physics just to name a few. If the commerce caste is equated to a marketing and advertising department then the academic caste is research and development. This is where new products are made and approved. If approved they are handed over to the commerce caste and industrial caste for marketing and mass production.
The soldiery caste is responsible for choosing the strongest among the castes and placing them into sub-castes. These sub-castes are divided by merit and intelligence. There are four major sub-castes:
Command Caste - Responsible for NCO’s and command staff
Specialized Caste - Responsible for special operations
Regular Caste - Responsible for regular soldiers and fleet personnel
Support Caste - Responsible for operating equipment and vehicles
These sub-castes are responsible for training and selecting from placed or recruited members of the Soldiery caste. They are the backbone of the militant might of the hierarchy and make use of automated combatants if needed and are a common sight when collecting due debts and in security details.
The industrial caste is the largest among the castes and is where most Lokoid are placed. Some may find their way up the ladder from the industrial caste and into the other bodies of the hierarchy. The industrial caste is the primary workforce of the hierarchy. They are responsible for manufacturing goods, mining, and farming. They are given many avenues to rise up from this rung of society through merit. Pursuing education, displaying high levels of skill or strength, making logical and intelligent decisions, and more. The survival of the fittest and natural selection are at play. Those who do not adapt, stay in the industrial caste and are shackled to a life of service and are loaned as cheap manpower for the rest of the galaxy. Because of the individualistic nature of most Lokoid, this is seen as normal. Those who are left behind are left with basic skills and enough intelligence to do their job.
Economy
The economy of the Lokoid is powered by industry and cheap labor under a company known as the Lokoid Trade Group. Under the Lokoid Trade Group (LTG) are subsidiaries such as Saytak Drive Works, Sikwol Science Corps, Natok Supply Corps, Saytak Engineering Guild, Saytak Banking Corporation, and the Sikwol Mining company. The Lokoid Trade Group is one of the largest companies in the galaxy and it allows the Hierarchy to achieve a ludicrous amount of income comparable to that of megacorporations.
Government
The government is the Ruling Caste. The Hierarch Council disseminates their orders to system regional governors which keeps all systems in line with the will of the hierarchy. The council of hierarchs is made up of five members.
The Supreme Hierarch - Chosen by the Hierarch Council
The Hierarch of Commerce - Governs the Commerce Caste
The Hierarch of Research and Development - Governs the Academic Caste
The Hierarch of War - Governs the Soldiery Caste
The Hierarch of Industry - Governs over mass production
These members of the council all have equal power except for the Supreme Hierarch who supersedes the rest of the council. The council deliberates everything related to running the Hierarchy as a whole and is responsible for the direction of the Hierarchy moving forward.
Technological Information
Major Techs
Simple Automation and Advanced Robotics: The Lokoid were not ones to shy away from using things that increased efficiency. Automation and robotics allowed for the construction of more cost-efficient ships and increased the production rate drastically compared to non-automated systems. Robotics also helped in the field of security through the use of drones, bolstering combat of security teams significantly. Multi-stage Railgun ammunition: Multi-stage railgun ammunition is akin to that of HEAT. The penetration power of Railgun ammo propelled with high-power is already extremely high. However, this allows low-powered railguns to hit above their weight class and give smaller ships a fighting chance. High-Speed Plasma Weaponry: Using what they’ve learned from railguns, the Lokoid were quick to incorporate it into plasma weaponry research. Instead of a rudimentary method of using a sustained beam of ionized gas being guided by a magnetic beam. The Lokoid made a sort of plasma railgun, with the use of solenoids and high voltage electrodes. These pulses of plasma in the form of Spheromaks now have increased speeds, higher kinetic force, and is more energy efficient. However, this cannot be used for infantry, thus, kinetic, laser and particle weaponry are still the norm. Variable Particle Lance: This weapon is a repurposed tool for mining, using variable power in order to avoid destroying precious materials. An upscaled version is now adapted to many vehicles and ships as a weapon. With a few tweaks, the particle lance can have high-frequency pulses in order to maximize damage per second, however, this retrofit was not done during the Great War and Detente era for there was no need for such a weapon. Advanced Multispectrum Sensors: The Lokoid, adapting their ability to comprehend their surroundings accurately, have developed some very advanced sensors in varying spectrums. These sensors are so powerful in their detection capabilities. They can differentiate different chemicals, detect various radiation signatures, see in various spectrums of light, acute changes in temperatures and more. Of course, this is limited to the role of a ship, vehicle, or drone. Most of these sensors are used in everyday life for mining and testing completed products for shipment and have only recently been improved for more focus on military use. Fusion Drives (Realspace propulsion): Using magnets, plasma, deuterium, tritium, and lithium to create a fusion reaction that can be used to drive ships forward. The drive is extremely fuel efficient and it is powerful enough to allow ships to travel planet to planet within days in realspace. Quantum Wave Drive (FTL): The drive manipulates the fabric of space so that it thins or compresses in front of the ship, and expands at the back allowing the ship to travel faster than lightspeed. In reality, it is traveling utilizing the folds that the drive creates at nominal speeds. Hardlight Plasmatic Projectors: A mix of hardlight selective shielding and magneto plasma arrays combined to make a solid and reliable shield that help increase a ship’s durability in combat. Because of power consumption to various parts of the ship, the hardlight aspect of the shield may vary in strength and coverage while the magnetoplasma shields equally cover the entire ship. This means that the ships that the Lokoid field are more durable against energy weapons and are only partially effective against kinetic weaponry.
Military Information
Military Overview
Military Doctrine
The Lokoid military power since the Great War and Detente era have been increasing steadily. The Lokoid have designed their ships to be easily modifiable turning large cargo vessels into sturdy and reliable warships. These retrofit ships are the backbone of the current Lokoid naval fleet, however, purpose-built warships are being designed and fielded as the conflict drags ever on in Adgemnar.
Lokoid ground forces are heavily dependent on a mix of robotic and organic elements. Ground forces rely on overwhelming numbers and setting up strong defensive and offensive positions that seek to overwhelm and encircle the enemy with a large spread of firepower across the board. Even special operations are carried out by a large number of highly sophisticated automatons capable of doing high amounts of damage in short amounts of time in an inexpensive package.
Fleet/Navy
The Dominion Class Dreadnought, a heavy hauler retrofit. It was originally designed to haul massive amounts of Cargo. It was retrofitted to use its cargo space for extra weapons and power production. It was designed just before the Great War broke out and was built to haul cargo. However, when the situation became increasingly hostile, the Lokoid retrofitted a number of these ships to secure their territories. The Hierarch class dreadnought. This dreadnought was never produced and was originally designed to be made near the end of the Great War. It’s production never went through as the Great War ended before it could escalate. It is now only being produced after the final message of the Ashtar as the Lokoid found need for a new heavy capital ship. Its design was updated to spec before production. It is to date, the heaviest capital ship ever produced besides the hyperdread. It is armed to the teeth with hundreds of kinetic weapons, plasma weapons, missiles, and torpedoes. It is designed to be a fleet within a fleet and is pound for pound more powerful than its predecessor. It is newer and more expensive, thus it is less numerous than its counterparts.
The Supremacy Class Battleship. A battleship built during the great war retrofitted from the base of a massive ore mining ship. This ship’s original purpose was to use its in-built refineries to churn out raw materials. This was all stripped out and was replaced with weapons, generators, and additional shielding. The ship was used to great effect in securing shipping lanes during the Great War until dreadnoughts of succeeding strengths and sizes were finally too much for makeshift battleships, leading to the Dominion Class retrofit and the design of the Hierarch Class. The Warrior Class Battleship. A purpose built warship made during after the final message of the Ashtar. This ship was designed with the same philosophy as the new Hierarch class dreadnought. It’s armed with every weapon available to the Lokoid, designed to be the Lokoid Ship of The Line. Several energy and kinetic weapon batteries as well as guided missiles launchers and torpedoes tubes. Just like the Hierarch class, it is newer and more expensive, thus there is not many of these Warrior Class Battleships.
The Instigator Class Battlecruiser is another cargo hauler that was retrofitted to be a warship. It’s relatively faster than a battleship and is relatively well armed. However, the battlecruiser is less well armored and has less overall shielding than its bigger Battleship brother. The instigator being less well armored and relatively quick meant that it could, in theory, enter and disrupt enemy formations with its flexibility and cause the enemy fleet to break apart. However, during the great war, this was not the case and now they are either used as a placeholder for battleships or merely for extra firepower. The Annihilator Class Battlecruiser was made as a response to the failures of the Instigator. While retaining the relatively respectable speed of the instigator, it packed on more weapons, more shielding, and more armor. One could call the Annihilator a “Fast” battleship which is what it was often called. However, when compared to its contemporary big brother, The Warrior Class battleship, it is outclassed in every category except speed. These ships are supposed to be used in a doctrine called “Jump-Burn”, taking a number of fast and powerful ships to carry out a devastating raid and then entering back into hyperspace. In a conventional battle, the Annihilator pales in comparison to dedicated ships of the line, however, its armament is not something to be trifled with. It has earned a place as a force multiplier in battle and its speed is often used to outmaneuver less flexible fleets.
The Hailfire Class Missile Cruiser was a cruiser made cheaply and out of necessity. When the Great War broke out, the Lokoid were only somewhat prepared. The ships that were designed to be retrofitted into warships did not include anything below the class of battlecruiser. Cruisers offered excellent multi-role potential for the Lokoid. Excellent heavy escorts for shipments, point defense multipliers for large fleets, and well armed and easy to maintain from a logistics perspective. The hailfire was hastily retrofitted from one of the old heavy tugboats. However, due to the limitations of the frame, the Lokoid had to design weapon systems for the Tugboat. Many problems arose due to this process and the Hailfire ended up being heavily reliant on its missile armament than its kinetic or energy based weapons because of the limitations of power generation caused by the ship’s frame and hasty retrofit design. The Mauler Class Cruiser was the result of lessons learned from the Hailfire. While the Lokoid made the most out of the Hailfire, increasingly more effective missile countermeasures were quickly making it outdated. The Mauler was designed in the middle of the Great War but was produced during the Detente period. It served its role perfectly during this period as the Detente treaty put heavy restrictions on Dreadnoughts, Battleships, and Battlecruisers. Cruisers themselves were left relatively untouched. The Mauler boasted better armor, better shields, and better weapons than the Hailfire and could outperform the Hailfire in several key aspects.
The Experimental Variable Particle Cannon Destroyer (E.V.P.C.) Destroyer. This destroyer was merely a test bed for a new particle weapon derived from the Variable Particle Beam found on common mining rigs. The ship's concept was highly flawed, however, it was produced in large numbers but never really made it out of the experimental phase. Its role as a destroyer was hampered by its weapon recharge rate. It was made to be a destroyer with capital ship firepower, however, as a consequence, its armor, miscellaneous weapons, and shielding were all underpowered for its support role.
The Aggressor Class Destroyer is a traditional, tried, and true destroyer. It has been updated, retrofitted, and tuned to fit current standards. However, unlike other ships designed during the Detente or Great War era, the Aggressor was made before the Ashtar came. Its design was dug up and reused during the great war. The destroyer would be redesigned and updated various times up until the present with retrofits planned for previous Aggressor Class Destroyers built before the present. Predominant classifications of each Aggressor type are as follows, Aggressor-Alpha, Aggressor-Beta, and Aggressor-Omega. Alpha represents the Aggressors before built during the Great War, beta represents Aggressors built during the Detente era, and Omega represents currently retrofitted Aggressors or Aggressors built recently, after the Ashtar's final message.
The Picket Class corvette is a patrol vessel used to safeguard minor installations. A patrol group can be range from three to six ships. Bigger patrols often include cruisers and destroyers in order to bolster patrol group strength. Larger vessels can be expected if a particular threat is too heavy to handle. If a Larger Vessel cannot be contacted and enemy combatants are significantly more powerful, the patrol's primary directive is to use its speed and maneuverability to break the engagement and locate larger vessels or contact a larger fleet of ships to deal with the incoming threat.
The Lokoid Drone Multirole Fighter. It comes in two variations, one armed with nose-mounted kinetic cannon and the chin mounted light variable particle lance and one armed with only the chin mounted light variable particle lance. Both variations come with wing mounted missile launchers with each wing containing four missiles. A solid but fragile fighter, reflective of Lokoid design philosophy before the final message.
The Lokoid unmanned patrol gunship (U.P.G.). Designed for a ground attack role, the Drone Gunship is a fast atmospheric craft armed to the teeth with missiles, side mounted kinetic weapons, and a chin-mounted rapid pulse variable particle lance. It also has an experimental space-superiority variant that's set to replace the older Drone Multirole Fighter. The UPG is a fairly new production strike craft, thus, only a few fleets have access to the U.P.G. The Lokoid Assault Dropship. This dropship is used during the opening stages of a planetary invasion. While heavily armed, it lacks mobility and has a large target profile. It is often escorted by Drone Fighters or UPGs. Because of its limitations in maneuverability and its need for escorts, it is limited in its combat capacity. It's armed with missiles, chin mounted pulse variable particle lances, and wing mounted kinetic weapons. It's used to pound an LZ coming in and dropping off troops in rapid succession, then hastily zooming away from the combat area.
The Lokoid Atmospheric Gunship Transport (A.G.T.). It's a straightforward, heavily armed infantry transport for Lokoid. It's armed with missile launchers, door guns, and pulse variable particle lance turrets. Unlike the Assault Dropship, the A.G.T. is more maneuverable and is well suited to prolonged engagements. It's designed to support troops even after a dropoff.
The Lokoid Heavy Transport. It's a massive logistical vessel meant to offload vehicles and supplies. It is heavily armed but still requires escort because of its size. It can also function as a long-range heavy gunship within an atmosphere. This function is mostly possible because of the option to mount a massive kinetic cannon. It is severely limited in its combat function outside of being a gunship or a massive logistical craft.
Army/Planetary forces
Multipurpose Modular Automata Mark1 (M.M.A.-Mk1). The Mk1 was what the name suggested. It's a multipurpose, modular robot. It's used in industrial work, clerical work, and of course security/combat work among other things. It's relatively strong despite its scrawny appearance. However, it is only above average when compared to a human. It was smart enough to hold a conversation, however, it was limited in its intelligence and would not go outside its parameters.
Multipurpose Modular Automata Mark2 (M.M.A.-Mk2). The Mk2 was an improved version of the Mk1 in many aspects. It came with more module options, it was stronger, it was more durable, it was smarter, faster, and more nimble. The Mk2 was an evolution of the Mk1 and it performed better in security/combat roles with marked improvements in speed and decision making. However, this meant it was more expensive. The Mk1 and Mk2 would be sold side-by-side because of the difference in price and customization options. Some of the customization options include sensor suites and improved power pack modules that double the default power supply (Mk2 stock power supply already doubles that of the Mk1).
The Mobile Defense Sentry (M.B.S.). A series of automated, roaming defense perfect for almost any setting except dense swamps, forests, and jungles. It is perfect for urban environments and big open terrain. It's armed with double pulse variable particle lances on each arm and can be shielded. It can also roll itself into a wheel and travel at speeds. It is most vulnerable when rolling or deploying. It's an expensive security tool, however, it is an effective one. It's packed full of targetting sensors and has a well programmed targetting computer.
Automated Anti-Armor Mines (A.A.M.), also known as Tick Mines or Spider Mines. They're notorious for climbing into, under, or over targets and exploding violently. They are easy to program, easy to manufacture making them very cheap. They are highly cost-effective, with their use in the great war being widespread. This was one of the worst weapons to be designed during the great war and it was the nightmare of every vehicle crew member in existence. They can be buried or left to roam around. The A.A.M. has evolved alongside the increasingly more efficient countermeasures and has remained relevant on the battlefield to this day. Some varieties come with sensor jamming equipment or eject cluster munitions upon destruction.
The Anti-Infantry Assault Crawler (A.I.-A.C.). This heavy robotics crawler is designed to be an anti-infantry terror machine. It packs medium armor and minor shielding and is used to jump into the middle of infantry formations to disrupt and crush enemy infantry. It also packs advanced sensors in order to hunt down and kill infantry. Patrol units would often pack at least one A.I.-A.C. on patrols to properly secure bases, cities, and industrial facilities. It is most vunerable to anti-armor weapons as well as anti-tank munitions.
The Anti-Armor Assault Crawler (A.A.-A.C.). It's not as nimble as its anti-infantry brother, however, it still packs a serious punch with its multi-stage railgun rounds. It can choose from cased plasma shells to Armor Penetrating High Explosives. It's slow moving and usually used to set up defensive locations. It can be mobile, but it's very slow moving.
The Light Automated Tank (L.A.T.). It has almost no armor to speak of, it has a high fire rate, and advanced targetting computers and sensor suites. It's used as a fast moving, anti-tank tool. Its dual cannons are used for hitting the target with two different damage types, one cannon is a high-velocity plasma gun, and the other is a kinetic railgun. It's stronger in large groups and is relatively cheap to manufacture. The biggest weakness of the L.A.T. is its lack of secondary armaments, thus, a group of infantry can efficiently take out groups of unsupported L.A.T.s with little resistance.
The Havoc Heavy Artillery Cannon. A Havoc cannon is deployed in established territories as a stationary firebase. It can reach out and touch someone miles away and destroy them ten fold. It is, however, usesless at ranges closer than a few hundred meters due to its innacuracy and large projectile arc. It's used in a battery to completely level large areas before moving in with conventional armies.
The Hailfire Mobile Artillery Platform (H.M.A.P.). This mobile artillery piece can also be used as an anti-armor vehichle and can be used as a tank. However, it was built with the main purpose of being a conventional mobile artillery platform, armed with a single cannon and racks of missiles. It was best used in groups of three at minimum to ten at maximum. The H.M.A.P. would unleash its missiles and fire its cannons repeatedly according to their firing solutions in order to properly barrage and destroy a target with saturated fire.
The Multispectrum Scout Drone (M.S.D.). The drone is about the size of a baseball and is packed with only essential sensors to be able to perform its function. It is small, nimble, simple, and efficient. It is used manufactured, sold, and used by the Lokoid. It's designed has not changed much with only simple upgrades to the optics, audio, and frequency recievers.
Heavy Armor Troop Transport (H.A.T.T.). The H.A.T.T. can haul large numbers of infantry and act as a mobile base of operations. It was designed during the Great War era to sell to other warring states. It wasn't a stellar design but it worked for what it needed to do - haul troops safely in a timely manner.
The Raider infantry fighting vehicle. The Raider is a fast moving, lightly armored, infantry fighting vehicle that fills the role between a nearly unarmed transport and a heavily armed tank. It's armed with twin grenade launchers and a pulse variable particle lance. Designed and produced during the Great War, and updated through the years.
The Juggernaut Armored Personnel Carrier. It's a smaller, armed personnel carrier. It features Kinetic repeaters on the roof as well as gunports for the occupants to shoot out of. The juggernaut is a modern, practical design. It retains a low price point and is much faster than the H.A.A.T. The juggernaut was designed during the Detente era as a preparatory move and produced after the final message of the Ashtar as new variables of war arose.
Hyperdread
LHS DOMINANCE An absolute behemoth that dwarfs the new Hierarch Class Dreadnought. The Dominance Class Super Dreadnought is armed with hundreds of weapons on all sides and carries hundreds of strike craft and can even support a scrapping and manufacturing section to self-repair in between battles and even help repair small fleets of ships. It is, in a sense, a mobile fortress. The Dominance is meant to be situated within a large fleet, it is meant to deliver volumes of fire and provide hundreds of support craft to the fray. It is heavily armored and heavily shielded.
The Dominance was first designed during the Detente period. The Lokoid knew that inevitably war will arrive. The Lokoid held this belief in mind as they designed new ships to replace the many retrofits and experimental ships within their navy. A massive modernization program.
As Nyla gives her name to Siv, she notes her soft and warm nature, "My, my... She's quite nice. It's as if she was glowing." she thought. Siv smiles back, but before more conversation could be made, more people have arrived. A rather large reptilian accompanied by a dancing elf have come to join the motley. "Ah, more colorful people! How interesting." This was followed by Deston finally revealing their first quest, a hunting mission, perfect for Siv to show her stuff. This also led to the man who arrived before her to speak, allowing her to hear him for the first time.
"Kobolds, you say? That shouldn't be too much trouble."
His voice exuded confidence, age, and experience. Again, before thoughts of reaction could be turned into words, another person places herself into the scene. A woman asking to join the conversation and even offering to pay for herself. Not wanting to step out of bounds, she turns her to Deston's attention, "Well, the person to ask is Deston." pointing her towards the blond starry-eyed prince's direction.
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I'm a space cat.
<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><div class="bb-center"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/180608/d4bbef67240f61a7ae8c3bbfaf8eb569.png" /></div><br><div class="bb-center"><img src="https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/faca2651-b94f-4700-a18c-c9c60cad6818.jpg" /></div><br><br>I'm a space cat.</div>
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