NationStates Jolt Archive

Smoke rose from the rocky, rolling hills of Dor Daedoloth. Sweeing over the countryside, it made for a ight that was beutiful to some, and horribly depressing to most others. High Warlord Alkanphel looked to the sky, his hands clasped behind his back. To his left stood Warlord Garrand [newly promoted], who gazed at the choking black clouds that covered Angband. A number of volcanoes around them contributed greatly to this phenomenon, and red cracks of lighting punctuated the grim ambiance.

"We've contacted Raem," started Alkanphel, slowly. "They've agreed to allow us webway access to our newly acquired lands to march our troops in."

Garrand nodded, and stroked his chin, the expression on his face surprisingly placid. "We must get those shipyards back here so we can sned more gravship support."

Alkanphel nodded again. "Patience, my friend. All will be acheived in due time. Once we get out there ourselves, we can coordinate the land attack with Lord Althalon."

Garrand chewed his lower lip nervously. "I've been hearing rumors that Melkor himself wishes to visit Mars."

Alkanphel turned to Garrand, as a crack of lighting snaked across the sky some ways behind him. "Perhaps. It will be revealed in due time. At this point, all we can do is get the gates up, then we'll go from there. We've been mobilizing now for some time, and have a healthy number of troops ready yet to annhilate the resistance."

Garrand furrowed his brow. "What of the atmosphere? Dont our troops need masks?"

Alkanphel grinned. "At the outset, we won't need that many of them. A number of primitive masks are being made for our Uruk friends, but at the moment we can only spare enough for the best of them. Southron and Easterling marines already have them."

Garrand leaned forward, resting his knuckles on the railing overlooking the vast field below him, where a batallion of troops marched. The chilling war cries of the Easterling horde echoed off the jagged mountains.

The Imperium was going to war.

Melkor, Lord of Darkness
He who Arises in Might
Emperor Eternal of the Imperial Dominion of Melkor Unchained, Lord and Master of Arda
http://people.vanderbilt.edu/~darion.c.smith/melkor.jpg

[Taggeth, for webway fun]

A small squadron of raiders screech over the Martian landscape, their gravitic thrusters howling with the effort of sustaining such high speeds. They emerged from the Webway at the original landing sites, trekking cross-country to reach the new Imperial territory.

_____________________________________________________________

High above the world, aboard Death's Respite, Rath observes the events through public channels and Kabal watchers. The planet hangs like a huge jewel against the starfield before the ship, its quiet beauty belying the momentous conflict brewing.

"My Lord.." an aide whispers.

"They are almost in position, I know."

"What are your orders?"

Rath stands slowly, his fingers lightly gripping the haft of N'wah Man. "I will descend to the surface. Begin constructing the Webway Gate as soon as a suitable location is pinpointed."

"And our forces?"

"You have the list of what is to be deployed. See to it that nothing interferes with Morgoth's ascension on Mars."

"As you wish it, my Lord."

____________________________________________________________

A dozen webway portals writhe to life on the surface below, deep within the new Imperial territory. A team of engineers on a Raider is dispatched to the nearest civilized locale, to begin work on the Gate.

As the webgates went up, row after row of Southron Guardsmen and other mixed Easterling/Haradrim units began taking up their positions around the Vascillian border. War trolls pounded mightly on massive war drums, punctuating the beat of the march. The deep booms echoed through the flat Martian terrain, audible for miles.

Raven escort could finally be seen over these areas, though they could only remain in the atmosphere for a short time due to a lack of airfields. Engineers went to work breaking ground on what would become covered pits & military bases.

War was imminent. The units only awaited their Dark Eldar counterparts to initate the assualt. When larger gates could be set up, artillery would be brought in to suppliment the artillery cover provided by the 5th Fleet overhead.

Melkor, Lord of Darkness
He who Arises in Might
Emperor Eternal of the Imperial Dominion of Melkor Unchained, Lord and Master of Arda
http://people.vanderbilt.edu/~darion.c.smith/melkor.jpg

[Tag]

Things do not look good for the LRR peacekeepers on the ground. The Melkor legions are first spotted from orbit by an LRR destroyer. They tighten their formation around the Mother Teresa hospital ship, knowing that if the Melkor ships decided to attack, their best chance would lie in a quick retreat.

The peacekeepers on the ground stare in horror as the Melkor legions approach. The Dark Eldars also get roudier in their positions.

"I thought we were allowing both sides to retreat!!!!!!!"

Post-captain Fredor Kaukonen observes the Melkor, Tor, and other forces from his recon car. He also watches as the LRR medical teams suddenly become aware of the huge body of troops headed in their direction. The peacekeepers remain at their position, but in orbit the dropships warm up their engines.

"Hey, what's that noise?"

Boom...boom

"Sound's almost like drums."
"It does. Who uses drums in this day and....MELKOR!!!!!"
"Hold on back there!"

The medical recon car heads towards the LRR landing zone as fast as it can. The sudden accelleration almost rips the wounded Eldar trooper from the medical bed. The two LRR medical attendants grab hold of a seat just in time to avoid being smashed against the door. Around the medical car, orinthopters and other medical teams head back to the waiting medical dropships. Orinthopters are stowed and patients secured. The dropships fire their takeoff jets and quickly ascend to space.

Meanwhile, the LRR peacekeepers decide it is time to move position.

"Let's get out of the way of the Eldar advance. They might kill us along with the Aumanii and Tannelhorn forces."
"Aye, right away sir."
"Eniqcir forces, our most sincere apologies to you. We find it somewhat necessary to change position in order to avoid the massive battle sure to take place here. We cannot possibly survive with that kind of firepower being thrown around. We will, however, remain within your call if you need us, over."


The 1st infantry column pulls out of its current position, headed for a new area out of the path of the main fighting. Orinthopters hover around the convoy, spotting unexploded ordinance and pockets of combating troops for the column to avoid. The second column follows suit, but has to leave through Melkor lines in order to evade the main fighting. The lead recon car drives up to the Melkor unchained positions.

"Hail, Southerlings, Easterlings, Orcs and Uruk-hai! We are peacekeepers and request passage through your lines in order to avoid being destroyed in the battle."

Peacekeepers, he thought. Some peacekeepers we are. Running at the first hint of combat. I can't believe we are asking to retreat.

"No, wait scratch that. We would just like you to hear something before you go about inevitably destroying us."

The young sub-commander prepares to transmit his message to all sides.

"All forces, can you not see what you do is pointless? This war will bring about an end to mars! You have already proven your skill in combat, if that's what you are worried about, now GO HOME!!!!! All of you, over."

Things do not look good for the LRR peacekeepers on the ground. The Melkor legions are first spotted from orbit by an LRR destroyer. They tighten their formation around the Mother Teresa hospital ship, knowing that if the Melkor ships decided to attack, their best chance would lie in a quick retreat.

The peacekeepers on the ground stare in horror as the Melkor legions approach. The Dark Eldars also get roudier in their positions.

"I thought we were allowing both sides to retreat!!!!!!!"

Post-captain Fredor Kaukonen observes the Melkor, Tor, and other forces from his recon car. He also watches as the LRR medical teams suddenly become aware of the huge body of troops headed in their direction. The peacekeepers remain at their position, but in orbit the dropships warm up their engines.

"Hey, what's that noise?"

Boom...boom

"Sound's almost like drums."
"It does. Who uses drums in this day and....MELKOR!!!!!"
"Hold on back there!"

The medical recon car heads towards the LRR landing zone as fast as it can. The sudden accelleration almost rips the wounded Eldar trooper from the medical bed. The two LRR medical attendants grab hold of a seat just in time to avoid being smashed against the door. Around the medical car, orinthopters and other medical teams head back to the waiting medical dropships. Orinthopters are stowed and patients secured. The dropships fire their takeoff jets and quickly ascend to space.

Meanwhile, the LRR peacekeepers decide it is time to move position.

"Let's get out of the way of the Eldar advance. They might kill us along with the Aumanii and Tannelhorn forces."
"Aye, right away sir."
"Eniqcir forces, our most sincere apologies to you. We find it somewhat necessary to change position in order to avoid the massive battle sure to take place here. We cannot possibly survive with that kind of firepower being thrown around. We will, however, remain within your call if you need us, over."


The 1st infantry column pulls out of its current position, headed for a new area out of the path of the main fighting. Orinthopters hover around the convoy, spotting unexploded ordinance and pockets of combating troops for the column to avoid. The second column follows suit, but has to leave through Melkor lines in order to evade the main fighting. The lead recon car drives up to the Melkor unchained positions.

"Hail, Southerlings, Easterlings, Orcs and Uruk-hai! We are peacekeepers and request passage through your lines in order to avoid being destroyed in the battle."

Peacekeepers, he thought. Some peacekeepers we are. Running at the first hint of combat. I can't believe we are asking to retreat.

"No, wait scratch that. We would just like you to hear something before you go about inevitably destroying us."

The young sub-commander prepares to transmit his message to all sides.

"All forces, can you not see what you do is pointless? This war will bring about an end to mars! You have already proven your skill in combat, if that's what you are worried about, now GO HOME!!!!! All of you, over."

Warlord Althalon could only blink at the message. He exchanged a glance with his Lieutenant, Ordin Malekhai. Ordin could only shrug.

Konrad turned back to the peacekeeper and laughed, his hand flying to his belt, drawing a pistol. He levelled it at the LRR envoy's head. "Get out."

Warlord Konrad Althalon
First Advisor for Imperial Armed forces, Grade A badass
http://www.zeitgeistfilms.com/current/caravaggio/sean.jpg

OOC:*Will watch*

Warlord Althalon could only blink at the message. He exchanged a glance with his Lieutenant, Ordin Malekhai. Ordin could only shrug.

Konrad turned back to the peacekeeper and laughed, his hand flying to his belt, drawing a pistol. He levelled it at the LRR envoy's head. "Get out."

Warlord Konrad Althalon
First Advisor for Imperial Armed forces, Grade A badass
http://www.zeitgeistfilms.com/current/caravaggio/sean.jpg

The Sub-commander quickly hops back into his recon car, which drives away.

"I guess we have our work cut out for us."

The 1st infantry column can only watch as their comrades are trapped between the lines. Seperated by the giganic Melkor hordes, the 1st column is unable to reach the 2nd's position. However, an idea comes to Kaukonen.

"How many orinthopters do we have?"
"32 at last count."
"Good. Just enough to evacuate the second column. Sparrow flight, this is command. Make for the second column's position, over."
"Roger that, command. Should the others follow?"
"Yep. Have the others follow you. Tell the troops to leave eveything behind."
"Roger that. We're headed out."

The flight of 30 orinthopters makes its way to the small pocket between the melkor hordes and vascilia at maximum speed and minimum altitude, in a bid to avoid Melkor fire. The orinthopters reach the column's position, and swoop down to pick up the 500 peacekeepers trapped between the lines. The first run goes smoothly, with 150 troops extracted. They are brought back to the 1st column's position and given new basic weapons. The orinthopters head back for the next 150 troops, but with the Melkor forces certainly wary of the sceme by now, it was anybody's guess how it would go.

"Eniqcir forces, this is Kaukonen again. We've decided the best thing to do is to lay low and wait for the battle to stop. We're forming a pocket up on this hilltop in case you need a place to retreat to. If you call for our aid in battle, though, we will certainly do our best to aid you."

Wretchengard was bustling with activity. With the ground war on Mars set to begin, the military sprang to life, for although Wretchengard lacked the space assets necessary to transport a large fighting force to the Mars theater, their allies in Raem had loaned them a webgate for precisely that purpose. Now the Dread Legions would march, and the red planet would live up to it's nickname as they spilled the blood of their enemies.

Warlord Baldur Grimwald oversaw it all. The Warlord had command over all of Wretchengard's armed forces, his commands superseded only by the Overlord Bradley Steelblood (or his son, the High Justicar Thanos Steelblood in the Overlord's absence).

The first wave of forces to be sent to Mars lined up in front of the portals, waiting for instructions from their commanders and the dark eldar from Raem that would ensure that they navigated the portals successfully. The first wave would include not only regular infantry of the Dread Legions, but numerous members of the feared Doomguard as well.

The Warlord glanced over at the larger portals, where numerous AFVs, motor rifle units and artillery units prepared to make the journey. Warlord Baldur Grimwald let a predator's grin cross his face for a moment. Wretchengard was coming to Mars to join Melkor's forces, and may God have mercy upon their enemies.

OOC: It's my birthday tonight, so I'll likely be too wasted to post anything else later tonight. I'll RP the actual arrival of my troops either tomorrow or sunday.

OOC: It's my birthday tonight, so I'll likely be too wasted to post anything else later tonight. I'll RP the actual arrival of my troops either tomorrow or sunday.

[happy birthday, dude!]

As the webgates went up, row after row of Southron Guardsmen and other mixed Easterling/Haradrim units began taking up their positions around the Vascillian border.
(OOC: The entire Vascillian border? I hope you realize that setting up anywhere but Aelosia and Hellespontus puts you in my territory. If this is so, I'm going to have to deploy more than a defensive force.)

##tag per alliance intrests on mars##

As the webgates went up, row after row of Southron Guardsmen and other mixed Easterling/Haradrim units began taking up their positions around the Vascillian border.
(OOC: The entire Vascillian border? I hope you realize that setting up anywhere but Aelosia and Hellespontus puts you in my territory. If this is so, I'm going to have to deploy more than a defensive force.)

The LRR peacekeepers re-deploy to the only apparently safe place, the Eniqcir border.

"Eniqcir forces, we will re-deploy to your positions, if that's ok, over."

In the frigid martian landscape the nervous scientists of Lareg look about. Their sensors had just noticed an enormous movement and coincided with recent confirmation by Fleet Intelligence things had turned from another normal hum drum day on the Martian research colony to a rather exciting one. Evacuation procedures had already begun and most of the sensitive data and experimental knowledge was tight beamed back to Lareg centers. Meanwhile the marine guards were put on high alert. Judging by the speed of the Melkorian troops it seemed to be a very tight schedule to keep to and as all men of science knew, fuck ups are often always possible.

_____________________________________________________________

"Fleet intel reports that it is unlikely all the scientist will leave the research facility alive. The speed and precision of the Melkorian invasion is well known...."

"Damn it! We must still make the effort!"

"My liege, perhaps it would be better to negotiate a safe passage instead of forcing our way through by force?"

"You fool! You think he is called evil for nothing? Melkor hates weakness and will merely see this as a sign of our impotency. No, the most successful course of action must be strength and cunning. Deploy the fast interceptors we WILL get our men out of there."

"And what of the facility?"

"Well, for now it seems unlikely we can fend off the hordes of Arada, especially seeing as most of our power is in near orbit and on Earth. Initiate self destruct procedures after we evacuate the people."

"And if we fail to do so?"

"We won't"

As the webgates went up, row after row of Southron Guardsmen and other mixed Easterling/Haradrim units began taking up their positions around the Vascillian border.
(OOC: The entire Vascillian border? I hope you realize that setting up anywhere but Aelosia and Hellespontus puts you in my territory. If this is so, I'm going to have to deploy more than a defensive force.)

[No, look at the map. You'll note the Burninatonian colony borders Vascillia. that colony is now under my control. Thats the border I'm talking about.]

(T.... T..... T.... ttt...... Taaa.... Tag: As said by the Minister of Mentally incapable affairs. ) :lol:

:wink: :wink: :wink:
--- 8)
--- 8) ag

The very existence of flame-throwers proves that some time, somewhere, someone said to themselves, 'You know, I want to set those people over there on fire, but I'm just not close enough to get the job done.'

George Carlin

OOC: Sorry to do this but is this a closed RP?

IC: The fast interceptors blasted out of the orbital platform and shot towards Mars as fast as possible. Designed primarily for scouting and quick in and out raids these things were lightening fast back a decent punch but fragile as morning dew. Their aim? To help the scientists get the heck out of the soon to be hot zone.

tag, like everything else I see.

[No, look at the map. You'll note the Burninatonian colony borders Vascillia. that colony is now under my control. Thats the border I'm talking about.]
(Aha. Good. So I can just continue defending Auman and not have to worry about a new front....)

Columns of Dark Eldar forces pour out of the twelve webway portals. First come flights and flights of Reaver jetbikes, swirling clouds of howling engines and blades. Then Ravagers, followed by uncounted hordes of Raiders and warriors on foot. They blacken the ground for leagues in all directions, and still more pour out of the portals.

Even as the specialized units, the mandrakes and grotesques and wyches on more Raiders, begin arriving, Rath directs the forces of the Kabal. The ground trembles as dozens upon dozens of thousands of warriors begin marching to reinforce the Imperial Dominion's positions at the fronts. The faster vehicles are sent off after the the engineers, to coordinate raids and strikes with the Dominion.

The Archon-Incubus rides at the head of the column of vehicles, eager to meet the Dominion's on-site representatives in person.

For the first time in its history, the Kabal of Death's Hand goes to war.

____________________________________________________________

In the city, the superstructure of the gate is beginning to become apparent. It is not built, but instead grown by the psychic guidance of the engineers. Wraithbone, a fortune of it, crafted with delicate impulses of thought and desire, twisted into angular shapes by the corruption in the souls of the engineers. Soon, it will be time to begin constructing the generator istelf.

(OOC: Crossposting.)

With Spirit still keeping position over Hellespontus, the other four Wellstones flew to the border areas, Ghost and Phantasm patrolling the Aleosian border while Specter and Phantom patrolled Burninatonia.

As troops approached, a deafening voice reverberated across the landscape, originating apparently from nowhere.

Fight no more or face your doom! The Four Riders, Death, Famine, Pestilence, and War, will bring Apocalypse upon you!

With that, dust and sand began to fly as repeated explosions slowly moved down the border lines, carving out a defensive moat in each case.

100 Starfires broke from the orbital engagement and began falling out of the sky into Tannelornian territory. There, they would wait until they were needed.

OOC: Sent by Auman to head off the invasion, that's why im here... but I'm still trying to undestand the conflict, so I won't be doing anything right now.

IC:

The Derek and the fleet of smaller ships maintained their orbit, for the moment. Nobody was really sure what they were doing at the moment, so everyone sat tight for the moment. Lt Jay Hawkins sat around with his squad, eating "food" that had been found. The supply ship was late. he watched a small cruiser in the window. "Geez, peacetime is boring." Everyone had been itching for action for a while; nothing SR ever committed to ever turned out to be anything important... this time though, people were expected to die. The Brass still didn't know for certain what was going on, so until they did, they maintained orbit, staying neutral to all, unless fired upon.

Reacting to the massive build-up of Melkorian forces to the south, but more importantly, detecting Dark Eldar forces, the Mobile Infantry has mobilized, and the Reserves are being put on standby.

"While the Melkorian hordes do worry me, I trust Melkor enough that he will not attempt an attack upon the Everlasting Lands. I believe he has some respect for us, since we fought alongside his fleet above the planet. However, these Dark Eldar do worry me greatly. We have heard stories from Tor Yvresse about the culture and practices of these... people, and they unnerve me. Be assured though, that Bajon will be ready if anything should happen."
-Commander Saeros the Half-Elven
http://hometown.aol.com/enkubusa87/images/saeros1.jpg
Fleet & Army Commander
~The Everlasting Avari Lands of Bajon (http://hometown.aol.com/enkubusa87/index.html)~

The red dust swirled up from the ground, forming tiny crimson specks all over the men's uniforms. Small collections of the debris tended to settle into the creases here and there, perhaps enough to remind some of snow. Above, the 3rd Fleet lingered, the masive prow of the Skyfurnace Hithlum cutting through the sky like a knife.

A short distance ahead, Althalon and his Lieutenant conferred. "The last bits of our strategy have been coordinated with the Dark Eldar," Althalon started at length.

Malekhai nodded. "That trench won't amount to f*ck-all if they don't staff it before it's overrun."

Althalon turned to his men, and raised his bullhorn, barking at the top of his lungs. Even the massive war trolls stopped what they were doing to listen, though they didn't have much of an idea what he was saying.

"This hour, men, we take our quarrel to the enemy! Today we will show the Aumani and their filth-in-arms just who they have meddled with! This day, friends, we will see the start the campaign to subjugate the Vascillians to the Might of Lord Melkor!" He raised his fist into the sky, a trail of crimson sand trailing from his clenched fist into the wind. "TODAY WE WILL FIGHT!"

A great cheer arose from the assembled batallion, and the War trolls took up the march again. Leading his armies, Althalon strode towards the Vascillian border. Soon, they would arrive.

***
In orbit, the fleets repositioned themselves. The 1st Fleet, needing repairs, jumped back to Io with a handful of shipyards, along with the 4th Frigate group of the 3rd Fleet, which had also sustained unacceptable damages. Fighter escorts are being rotated from the Shipyards, so as to provide fresh pilots and fully-operational craft. The 2nd Fleet takes a low orbit over the battlefield, and the 3rd and 4th take a slightly higher orbit, so as to blockade any military supplies being sent to Auman from off-world. Swarms of tiny active sensor drones were released into the atmoshphere and surrounding space, so as to provide constant sensor feeds to parent craft. Hyperspace and slipstream inhibitors were strategically placed near the fleets, so as to circumvent a "surprise" attack from Aumani ships still stationed at Freehold station, or in Mars orbit. [tactical FTL is dumb anyway] Aumani and other Vascillian satellites begun to be picked off as they passed orbit.

The fleets went on alert, stepping up FULL patrols.

Melkor, Lord of Darkness
He who Arises in Might
Emperor Eternal of the Imperial Dominion of Melkor Unchained, Lord and Master of Arda
http://people.vanderbilt.edu/~darion.c.smith/melkor.jpg

[ooc: okay, I'm attacking at the Gorgoroth [formerly the Burninatonian colony]/Vascillia border. I dont know which nation this is, but I think it's Auman given its proximity to the Hellespontos wall. The sensor drones and hyperspace inhibitors are easily dealt with if you know what you're doing, but as long as theyre up, there will be no "sneaking up" on my fleet.]

As the Pagag and Moriancumr continued their barrage, the thirs Phoenix shifted orbit slightly, taking it into a higher amplitude sine wave, and close to the northern pole. As the sensor drones orbited away from the southern pole, it opened fire, and waited for the rest of the enemy fleet to be swept along.

(OOC: No body can stay in orbit above the battlefield for very long- it's too far south.)

On the border, Specter remained low to the ground, prepared to pick off the first troops to cross over. It's partner, Phantom remaining as invisible as ever floated up above the Skyfurnace Hithlum, and waited for the proper moment to strike.

OOC: I'll be watching how this unfolds, but I don't think I'll get involved.

Suffice it to say, however, that the orbital station won't be in this particular orbit for another three months or something like that. Mostly because I'm pushing it into geosynchronous orbit over Kajal Mars.

So no plasmatic death from the skies. ^_^

As the Pagag and Moriancumr continued their barrage, the thirs Phoenix shifted orbit slightly, taking it into a higher amplitude sine wave, and close to the northern pole. As the sensor drones orbited away from the southern pole, it opened fire, and waited for the rest of the enemy fleet to be swept along.

(OOC: No body can stay in orbit above the battlefield for very long- it's too far south.)

On the border, Specter remained low to the ground, prepared to pick off the first troops to cross over. It's partner, Phantom remaining as invisible as ever floated up above the Skyfurnace Hithlum, and waited for the proper moment to strike.

[ooc: I'm not sure I quite understand the nature of this attack, or if I'm really even being attacked. clarification please. I'd also like to know how that cloaked ship above the Hithlum avoids IR detections and such. We run pretty thorough checks of the environment: while the Imperium doesn't possess cloaking capabilities, they're more than aware that others do. ]

No rousing speeches inspire the Twisted to battle; no cause but the desire to taste and mete out death drive the coldly silent warriors of the Kabal. It is as if they are at rest in one moment, and decide as one to attack in the next. No howls or war cries but the shriek of the engines of their vehicles echoing across the Martian landscape preceed them, nor songs of war or hymns to battle.

The bladelike jetbikes of the dark eldar forces leap ahead of the Uruks and trolls composing the Imperial infantry in a mad dash to the trench. Swirling clouds of vehicles reach out like tendrils of fog, raking the ditch with the sights of guns. Each squadron of reavers acts independently to secure against defenders: some set up wide-ranging patrols, some preemptively strafe the trench itself, others run low-flying searches.

Just behind them come a wave of raiders bearing dark eldar warriors in black and blue armor and sporting heavy weapons, each transport filled to capacity and escorted by a ravager. Most of the raiders and ravagers are simply inky blots of darkness against the backdrop of day, being equipped with some manifestation of the Fallen's shadow field technology. All are armed with dark lances and disentegrators that hum with ancient energies.

[ooc: I'm not sure I quite understand the nature of this attack, or if I'm really even being attacked. clarification please. I'd also like to know how that cloaked ship above the Hithlum avoids IR detections and such. We run pretty thorough checks of the environment: while the Imperium doesn't possess cloaking capabilities, they're more than aware that others do. ]
(OOC: 'Tis a wellstone ship. The result of a little deal with SHODAN several months back, the entire hull is made of wellstone, and the interior is mostly utility fog, so it can alter nearly all of it's outward physical properties at will, including electromagnetic transmission. Thus, it can imitate any ship that's roughly the same size, or make itself transparent, so that everything except gamma and x-rays passes through it without distortion, making it totally invisible. Being next to a Skyfurnace, having someone pick up on the IR it gives off is unlikely, but the Wellstone ships all carry a reserve of liquid nitrogen to soak up extra heat when needed. That, of course, can run out, so after a long time without maintenance it'll lose the ability to mask it's own IR emissions. For the oribtal attack, one Phoenix is staying mostly out of the way and just firing shots at everything that drifts far enough out of the battlezone, and the other two are flinging everything they've got- two big spheromak guns, innumerable lasers and masers, and DU shells- at Ardan capships.)

(Am havink own kvestion: how well are your troops equipped? Breathing masks and warm clothing all around, so bare that the majority will succumb to edema and drown in their own blood, or somewhere in between?)

IC: A set of four flying barges approached the border, but stopped two horizons back to unload their cargos. In addition to the usual drones and tanks, some 200 infantry on what looked like crosses between a deep-scan sonar device and a hoverboard floated out and began crisscrossing the landscape, stopping every hundred yards or so, putting a foot down for a moment, and then continuing on.

[ooc: I'm not sure I quite understand the nature of this attack, or if I'm really even being attacked. clarification please. I'd also like to know how that cloaked ship above the Hithlum avoids IR detections and such. We run pretty thorough checks of the environment: while the Imperium doesn't possess cloaking capabilities, they're more than aware that others do. ]
(OOC: 'Tis a wellstone ship. The result of a little deal with SHODAN several months back, the entire hull is made of wellstone, and the interior is mostly utility fog, so it can alter nearly all of it's outward physical properties at will, including electromagnetic transmission. Thus, it can imitate any ship that's roughly the same size, or make itself transparent, so that everything except gamma and x-rays passes through it without distortion, making it totally invisible. Being next to a Skyfurnace, having someone pick up on the IR it gives off is unlikely, but the Wellstone ships all carry a reserve of liquid nitrogen to soak up extra heat when needed. That, of course, can run out, so after a long time without maintenance it'll lose the ability to mask it's own IR emissions. For the oribtal attack, one Phoenix is staying mostly out of the way and just firing shots at everything that drifts far enough out of the battlezone, and the other two are flinging everything they've got- two big spheromak guns, innumerable lasers and masers, and DU shells- at Ardan capships.)

(Am havink own kvestion: how well are your troops equipped? Breathing masks and warm clothing all around, so bare that the majority will succumb to edema and drown in their own blood, or somewhere in between?)

IC: A set of four flying barges approached the border, but stopped two horizons back to unload their cargos. In addition to the usual drones and tanks, some 200 infantry on what looked like crosses between a deep-scan sonar device and a hoverboard floated out and began crisscrossing the landscape, stopping every hundred yards or so, putting a foot down for a moment, and then continuing on.

[ooc: good enough for me. what sort of damage are my ships taking?

and as a note: yes, my troops are well equipped, even the trolls. This is really the only reason why I don't have any Uruks on the field [yet]. Chronos has been manufacturing an insane number of environment suits to outfit the uruks for this campaign, however, so we'll still be having our traditionally slightly ridiculous numbers, but not until later on.]

[ooc: good enough for me. what sort of damage are my ships taking?]
[Heck, I thought that's what you were supposed to figure out... Stats on the Phoenixes are as follows:
Length: 1 kilometer
Width (widest point on hull): .3 kilometers
Engines: 3 Main VASIMRs, Hall effect thrusters.
Subships: 30 Starfires, 30 Warfuries
Onboard Weapons: 3 Spheromak plasma cannons (only one may fire at any time, output 50,000 Terajoules), 120 CO2 lasers (output 200 Gigawatts) 60 masers (output 600 Gigawatts), 9 DU shell launchers (.0625c maximum velocity), 12 guided missile launchers (armor peircing hypercompressed graphite tips), 18 HPDs (range 30 kilometers).]

As the Pagag and Moriancumr continued their barrage, the thirs Phoenix shifted orbit slightly, taking it into a higher amplitude sine wave, and close to the northern pole. As the sensor drones orbited away from the southern pole, it opened fire, and waited for the rest of the enemy fleet to be swept along.

As Kaseian ships near Imperial space at the planet's north a patrol group breaks off from its vigil around the Poleaxe station. The vessels move out towards the fringes of Imperial space, weapons primed, so as warn the Kaseians that infringement into what is considered sovereign territory will not be taken lightly.

<taggy taggy>

Severl Imperial frigates began taking fire from the Eniqcir ships in orbit above them. The fleet wheeled around slowly, as laser gunships, fighters, and bombers broke formation to engage the enemy. 5 Imperial Battlecruisers immediately opened fire on the Eniqcir craft, sending a deadly wave of anti-ship missiles screaming towards the enemy craft. As Missile frigates completed their about face, they unleashed their munitions as well, facilitating the bomber/gunship push that preceded it. Plasma explosives detonated along the hull of the Phoenix as the bombers swooped in under close fighter escort. A dozen destroyers took up firing positions, their loading crews scrambling to load their tubes for another volley. Proximity drones were deployed to ascertain the position of any nearby cloaked Eniqciri craft.

As of yet, the Imperial Fleet had lost a boarding Frigate and an Anit-air frigate, with one of the 2nd Fleet's destroyers taking moderate damage in the first volley.

***
Public Diplomatic Transmission
Origin: the Ali'Staan
Destination: Eniqcir Mars

"This is not your fight. Back down now, and be spared. Sources tell me that Eniqcir is the cheif terraformer of Mars. If this is the case, it is extremely foolish of you to engage in meaningless combat, as war with the Imperium will heavily jeopardize your efforts thus far. Even if you win, it will set back the terraforming process by hundreds of years.

Don't make us claim your land too. We want to see a green Mars every bit as much as you do."

--Fleet Admiral Ahadi Il-Amir

Public Diplomatic Transmission
Origin: the Ali'Staan
Destination: Eniqcir Mars

"This is not your fight. Back down now, and be spared. Sources tell me that Eniqcir is the cheif terraformer of Mars. If this is the case, it is extremely foolish of you to engage in meaningless combat, as war with the Imperium will heavily jeopardize your efforts thus far. Even if you win, it will set back the terraforming process by hundreds of years.

Don't make us claim your land too. We want to see a green Mars every bit as much as you do."

--Fleet Admiral Ahadi Il-Amir

<Message
FROM: Flagstaff, Kasei
TO: Ali'Staan
Hundreds of years you say? Let us tell you a little secret. Terraformation is nearly complete. All that remains is to carve the southern watershed, and then the rest is just bioforming. Nothing that you could do would make the environment worse than it was primordially. We, on the other hand, being the primary terraformers of this world, have had the opportunity to hide a few... surprises about.

What is and is not our fight is not for you to determine, and, to speak frankly, you don't want to make us pull out the Big Guns. All we wish is that you and your allies cease all offensives against Vascillia.

Try to claim our land, and you just may fall victim to a few of those secrets.
-Lord Martin Royen, Eniqciri Imperial Province of Kasei
>

(OOC: No, he's not bluffing about the surprises. They're very deadly.)

5 Imperial Battlecruisers immediately opened fire on the Eniqcir craft, sending a deadly wave of anti-ship missiles screaming towards the enemy craft. As Missile frigates completed their about face, they unleashed their munitions as well, facilitating the bomber/gunship push that preceded it. Plasma explosives detonated along the hull of the Phoenix as the bombers swooped in under close fighter escort. A dozen destroyers took up firing positions, their loading crews scrambling to load their tubes for another volley. Proximity drones were deployed to ascertain the position of any nearby cloaked Eniqciri craft.

Almost immediately, 50 Starfires and 50 Warfuries were released from the Pagag and Moriancumr. Intitially coasting along tangential paths, forming triangle formations around their motherships, they quickly fired up their engines and set about picking off missiles one by one. Two wings of five Warfuries headed for the Missile Frigates, each carrying four armor-piercing missiles to fire at close range.

The HPDs lining the Phoenixes' hulls attempted to pull the incoming missiles off course, but with limited success, being designed to act against non-powered objects. A few here and there ripped apart under the strains of the Hutchison Effect, but most of those missed by the fighters impacted along the hard ceramic hulls.

Portions of the hull at the points of impact of the plasma bombs glowed a dull red for a short time before quickly being cooled off, subsurface water pipes and diamond heat-conducting conduits transmitted the energy to three huge blocks of ice deep inside the ship, while bits of the fused regolith forming most of the hull were chipped away by the impacts of missiles and floated out into space.

Aboard the Moriancumr...
"Bridge to Nav."
"Go Bridge."
"Can we execute a jump inside one of the enemy vessels, over?"
"What? Are you insane? Have you forgotten everything you know about Alcubierre fields? The radiation would fry us! Sir. Over."
"Yes, but can we do it, over?"
"Sure, I guess, over."
"Good. Bridge out. Bridge to Fighter Control."
"Go Bridge."
"As soon as we get a free Warfury, set it up for remote pilot, over."
"Understood, over."
"Bridge out."

OOC:

This is just out of curiosity, but are these "surprises" things that would be obvious to us if we had all the available information?

Something incredibly predictable like melting somethng & flooding a plain full of troops- things that would be readily apparent were we totally aware of the terraforming process & our surrounding geography.

Lord General Ilritz realised his position was no longer tenable, the fools of Tor Yvresse had distracted them for far to long and when signs of Melkor invasion became apparent there was no other option available. Ilritz sauntered over to a strategic radio set and sent out an encrypted wide band communication to all coalition forces "This is Lord General Ilritz, all Coalition forces begin to withdraw to Ortega hive...tactical orders are being sent to all appropriate sections now."

The plan was to conduct a fighting retreat, blowing bridges, setting up ambushes and finally attempting to stop the enemy dead at Ortega. SR Control would have the honour of fighting the rear guard, being the only force as of yet to be unharmed by the conflict. Auman, being the third largest force in the area will forge ahead of the withdrawal to Ortega in order to coordinate the defence, whilst Tannelorn, Norieganian and Hellespontos Special Forces conduct operations behind enemy lines(Think, Rangers of Gondor)

Eniqciri aircraft would be invaluable, working alongside what is left of the Aumanii Naval Air Corps they would bomb enemy troop positions and fly air superiority missions.(Eniqcir, please Telegram me with any suggestions you might have)

-----

428 Fighters of the Aumanii Naval Air Corp embarked on what would undoubtedly be the largest air battle in the history of the Vascilian league. 128 Heavy bombers supported by 300 air superiority fighters streaked in past the Hellespontos Defence wall at incredible speeds, streaking in almost impossibly fast the bombers unloaded their deadly cargo of Fuel Air Explosives into the the hordes of the Dark Lord(5 FAE's per Bomber)Burning the oxygen out of the air as they exploded, creating an air vacuum that would kill any living thing with in 500 Meters of the explosion. Escort Craft buzzed around the bomber formation waiting for the first signs of enemy aircraft.


OOC:

I hope I didn't put you out Eniqcir, but the way troops were positioned there was no way to get them back into the trenches and settled in to them in time.

I wont be on the computer much for these few days considering christmas is coming real soon, so yeah. I think this post should wait until Noriegania can respond as its his country being invaded.

"Issue a message to Melkor, notify them that an attack on Phyrrics colony will not be tolerated and seen as an act of total war. Our colony on Mars is peaceful and only has a small military garrison for defensive and police purposes only. An attack will be seen as unprovoked and unjustified, this will not be tolerated in any way. Then send an an urgent reply to the colony that Phyrric will not stand a loss to our colony on Mars or abroad and will be defended to the last dying breath. Peaceful means are being sought at this time and will remain to be in effect until such a time is reached that all options have been exhausted. Sign both as the President of Phyrric."

"Yes, sir, immediately and will be done."

Message sent to the Government of Melkor:

"Do not cross the boarders of Mars Colony I of Phyrric. This will be judged as an act of war and will not be tolerated. Seek all you want on Mars, leave our lands in peace."

Pyrrhus

"Issue a message to Melkor, notify them that an attack on Phyrrics colony will not be tolerated and seen as an act of total war. Our colony on Mars is peaceful and only has a small military garrison for defensive and police purposes only. An attack will be seen as unprovoked and unjustified, this will not be tolerated in any way. Then send an an urgent reply to the colony that Phyrric will not stand a loss to our colony on Mars or abroad and will be defended to the last dying breath. Peaceful means are being sought at this time and will remain to be in effect until such a time is reached that all options have been exhausted. Sign both as the President of Phyrric."

"Yes, sir, immediately and will be done."

Message sent to the Government of Melkor:

"Do not cross the boarders of Mars Colony I of Phyrric. This will be judged as an act of war and will not be tolerated. Seek all you want on Mars, leave our lands in peace."

Pyrrhus

Having been sent a dispatch by the allied governemnt of Lare, the Empire of Light and Order would like to reaffirm the requests for neutrility for non combatants.

I am neutral in this and will remain as such until a time comes when the colony is attacked, captured or destroyed. Here is legitimacy of claim that Phyrric is present and has been for quite some time in a peaceful state.

http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=86125&highlight=

As the Aumani retreated, gundrones stayed behind as long as possible to cover the escape. Entopter drones began picking up immobilized troops, those stuck in large holes and such, two and three at a time, and dropping them off among their comrades. A special force was designated to retrieve the fifteen Heploneiet stranded by the destruction of their walking tanks. Wary of giving technology to the enemy, the wrecks were carefully mined before departure.

Flying barges began floating over the Wall to pick up troops and expediate their egress.

In under an hour, a convoy of flying barges was making its way out of Hellespontus, carrying out most of the Heploneiet and walking tanks, along with a significant fraction of Vascillians, taking up the cargo capacity freed up by leaving behind a large percentage of gundrones and Entopters. Those troops not aboard the barges floated through the trenches, and subsequently along the landscape of the retreat route, on devices looking like crosses between hoverboards and deep-scan sonar machines, while the absent drones lay in wait, hiddin in trenches and camoflaged against the barren lanscape, to enact ambushes.

OOC:
This is just out of curiosity, but are these "surprises" things that would be obvious to us if we had all the available information?

Something incredibly predictable like melting something & flooding a plain full of troops- things that would be readily apparent were we totally aware of the terraforming process & our surrounding geography.

Nope. Actually, I had considered flooding you out, but Melkor has been very good at avoiding the areas where that would be a viable option, and I really can't bust the GAN lines nearby because that would be bad for me in the long run... you might be able to figure it out OOC if you've been paying attention to everything I've been doing on Mars for a long time, but the only nation who might have an IC inkling of what the surprises are would be Aelosia.

Phyrric- exactly where is your colony?

Tag for territorial and alliance purposes. Tell me, has the MIDAS-II organization been notified of this?

Tag for territorial and alliance purposes. Tell me, has the MIDAS-II organization been notified of this?
OOC: Yes. MIDAS hasn't done much as a group, though, because, in the words of another: "We're a mutual defense alliance, not the planetary police."

OOC:Well there went my plans for a Mars orbital Sat..

IC:Word of the conflict on Mars slowly crawled up the chain of command,you know how it goes.Foreign Affairs,Tactics,and Military were alive on the comm frequencys trying to figure out what the hell is going on.(In others,The Traileric Empire remains neutral.For now.Any and all Traileric ships,military or otherwise,are being withdrawn from the Martian sphere of influence.)

http://www.satanstephen.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/flagz0r.gif

Traileric Empire

Tag for territorial and alliance purposes. Tell me, has the MIDAS-II organization been notified of this?
OOC: Yes. MIDAS hasn't done much as a group, though, because, in the words of another: "We're a mutual defense alliance, not the planetary police."

OOC: More or less just thought it should be notified that way an attack on its members won't come as a surprise. Plus, that would inform many of the nations on Mars as well.

ooc: Eniqcir, it is 200 miles south of the northern hemisphere cap, on the edge of the Tharsis (large volcanic plate), north of the canyon ridge. It is a small colony of 135K colonists in an area of 1200 sqm that mainly employ themselves in agriculture, mining and port services.

ooc: Eniqcir, it is 200 miles south of the northern hemisphere cap, on the edge of the Tharsis (large volcanic plate), north of the canyon ridge. It is a small colony of 135K colonists in an area of 1200 sqm that mainly employ themselves in agriculture, mining and port services.
OOC: Ah... depending on how far east or west it is, that would put it inside either my or Menelmacar's territory.

ooc: Eniqcir, it is 200 miles south of the northern hemisphere cap, on the edge of the Tharsis (large volcanic plate), north of the canyon ridge. It is a small colony of 135K colonists in an area of 1200 sqm that mainly employ themselves in agriculture, mining and port services.
OOC: Ah... depending on how far east or west it is, that would put it inside either my or Menelmacar's territory.

Surrounded by one or the other eh, not sure who either, but there it is.

It has been noted, that forces, unwanted and anwarranted have encroached upon the land of friends and allies. It is thus that our glorious nation of Das Vierten Reich has seen to it to mobilize an expeditionary force on behalf of its allies.

With assistance from fellow Vascillian league members, 2 armies will mobilize towards the mars sector to fully support any defence required by allies located upon that planet.

The pledge of 2 000 000 men will hold all ground and expunge by all means necessary any and all aggressive nations by warmongering fools who dare attack that which is deemed sovereign land, by sovereign nations.

Full logistical support, complete with mechanized transport has been sent.
250 of our latest aircraft will provide air support. The units are complete with armoured divisions consisting of the latest MBT designs incorporated by our highly advanced armouries.

I have a sneaking feeling this is a rather private RP as only a few players have had their actions responded to. But barring that...

The Laregian fast interceptors neared the northern polar air space and began initiating intra atmosphere gears. Martian atmosphere is relatively thin compared to Earth and the craft had little difficulty punching through. Meanwhile in the colony below the scientists were sccurying to get their equipment and effects packed. The marine guards patrolled nervously and the turret drones carefully walked the perimeter sensors on high alert.

*Senor Goare walked with a fast pace through the Hall of the Ortega Spire. He reached the 40m tall Great Doors which leads into Senors Chambers. Upon arrival the Honour Guard Captain, checked Goare with a Retinal Scanning Device, it cleared and the Great Doors creaked and slowly opend.

*Goare stepped into the Chamber, his footsteps echoed off the walls. Senor Markos Noriega rose from his Throne.

"You bring news, Alejandro?" said Senor Noriega

"Unfortunetly, I come bearing dire news, Senor." Senor Goare exclaimed

Noriega Turned to a small side table, and leaned forward on his knuckles.

Senor Goare stepped forward "Melkor, his armies plan to march against Ortega"

The Chamber went quiet.

"Senor?!" Goare shouted

"...and it begins, assemble all Armies, recall the Battalions from Hellespontos and Stevotron. Put the Hive on Obsidian Alert and begin Conscription warning...this Hive will not fall to the armies of evil!" replied Senor Noriega

"Yes, Senor!" Goare Saluted and then walked towards the Great Doors.

I have a sneaking feeling this is a rather private RP as only a few players have had their actions responded to. But barring that...


OOC: Not really - it's more that your actions are insignificant in the grand scheme of Mars right now. There are likely dozens of small research stations scattered around Mars now, and when you have a planetary population of 30 billion and a estimated 20,000-30,000 craft in orbit ranging from fighters to multi-kilometer warships - the actions of a small group are likely to be ignored.

This is a war between a group of 9 nations with close to 9 billion people amoung them and their allies against 3 larger nations with about 5 billion people between them. Simple math says the larger group wins, but math doesn't determine the outcome of wars - RP ability does.

~Sunset

The LRR sol command grows increasingly worried about the possible harm done to the green mars project by this war. The 2,000 troopers of the the 3rd and 4th infantry columns under Duke Roberto are dispatched from their waiting position in the asteroid belt to mars. They will be the fourth contingent of LRR troops deployed to mars in the war.

The 3rd and 4th infantry columns consist of:

2,000 infantry troopers (LRR's best trained forces. 450/2000 are equipped with hoverbikes)
200 IS-1 support drones (armed with a single infantry-grade plasma cannon)
150 Albatross Class dropships
4 Predator class dropships (Carry the equipment, etc.)
20 IS-2 support drones
30 light combat walkers (2-man crew)
1 Transport Cruiser (Space vessel)
2 Franconia Class frigates (space vessel)
20 Orinthopters

That makes:
450 Hoverbike troops
60 Walker troops
60 Orinthopter troops
1,430 dropship infantry

LRR units are organized:
(Organization is based on unit manpower regardless of vehicle)

10 troops- squad
24 troops- formation
50 troops- host
100 troops- array
250 troops- horde
500 troops- legion
1,000 troops- column
Anything larger than a column is usually classified as a regiment or brigade

OOC:

Since it hasn't garnered any response on the other thread...

As it approached Mars orbit, the golden speck resolved into a long, cylindrical shape, and then, before long, as it rushed onward at a phenomenal speed, the scanners and telescopes of those in orbit around the planet could see its shape in more detail, and began to realise that it did not resemble a star-ship so much as a some great tower, such as one might see rising high above the walls of a mighty fortress or palace, its slender spires reached up through the soft white clouds. And the bright golden sheen that made it so clearly visible was not purely due to the reflected glare of the sun, since this strange vessel glowed with an inner light, causing it to shine as brightly as a star.

Meanwhile, throughout the area of space surrounding Mars, strange thoughts and feelings swept through countless sentient minds. The strongest of these was a sensation of pressure and repulsion toward the oncoming tower, yet the emotion which swept through their minds as a result was not disgust, but all-consuming drive to avoid any form of contact with the bizarre vessel, and any thoughts of attacking or hindering it caused bile to rise up in the throats of the thinkers, accompanied by a wave of paralysing fear and foreboding.

But beneath that was a subtler undercurrent. An undercurrent of hatred, hatred for the nation of of Abu-Dhabi Khristatata. For its lands, and for its people, for its ships and its language, even the name itself began to inspire loathing in all that heard it, but as yet, this feeling was dim and weak, lurking in the subconscious, and easily controlled even by the flimsiest veneer of civilisation.

[Tag for MERCOR posts. I wonder how often I will change that acronym.]

The control room of Base Station New Hope was in frenzy. it has been over a month since. Western Might had left the Arda Alliance and so for arda had been quiet. But now Melkor and it's allies would own a chunk of Mars. But this was not enough for Western might to be drawn into the conflict.

"This is't good. All those Melkor troops and fleets near out back door. With the Neo , its fleet out with it on a shake down cruise and several other fleets out on deep space patrols they could push through or defences and destray the Base station, and take our shipyards along after it. Not to mention a good part of the fleet is under a huge reequipting and refit."

"Sir it llooks like they have their own problem on Mars to take care of. And I am sure Melkors eyes if not looking and the Republic."

The Sky Admiral laughed. A laugh that chilled the Captian to his bones. "One might think that. But Melkor ordered a attack on a nation willing to become a ally with them, for the only reason being that they needed a quick labor force. No Captian Melkor does have is eyes on us. At this point it may be a quick glance but soon the day will come when Melkor will make us pay for leaving Arda."

The Captian was silent. there had been rumors about agents of melkor in the Republic, but most took them as jokes or just what theuy were rumors. "But sir what can we do now? Most of out fleets are tied up elsewere. The only ships not under a refit are the transports. Which most happen to be here at the station."

The Sky admiral looked at a halographiv readout of fleet deployments. "hmm I see the 5th fleet is in transit form coming back from a deep space patrol and that the 2nd fleet is station near battle station Furry near Earth."

The Captian looke d at the same image. "Yes sir but the 2nd is do for a rehaul in a couple months and the 5th has been out on patrol for 3 months. most of the crew have not seem their loved ones in alomst twice that."

"I am sorry for them, but they are the only units we can spare at the moment so if will have to be them. Give them the order to redeploy to here and set up a defencive line be tween us and mars. NAd get 3 Corps of Moble infantry on standby deployment."

"yes sir"

The captain left he room and withing hours the ships and men were on the move.

Writhing, swirling tears in the fabric of reality open like sores above the red planet. First a few, then dozens, then hundreds. The baleful red light of the Empyrean pours out of the growing rips, preceeding the matte black ships of the Kabal by only a few seconds. Once the portals are closed behind them, their night shields flicker to life, blacking out entire swathes of stars at a time.

They move like a cloud of darkness against the starfield, a swift and ominous presence more noticeable for what it is not as opposed to what it is.

All across the fleets, bays open to disgorge hundreds of small shuttle-gunboats and fighters. The Kabal moves to intervene in the space battle raging over the planet...

With whom is this war with?

((The forces of Morgoth: Myself and Melkor at the moment, versus the Vascilians: Eniqcir and Auman. I think a few other nations have pitched in token support of either side, but nothing substantial yet. You could have figured that out by reading this thread, though. ;) ))

OOC: Tired. this is going to be bad. Please don't hurt me if this is bad.

IC:
A roar was heard as red crescents flashed above the retreating Vascilian forces, swooping out from the border. Bolts of heat and light blasted the opposition as rock melted and earth exploded as the rays shook the ground apart. The craft zigzagged along the retreating line, covering the retreat and attempting to keep the enemy forces at bay.

OOC: Tired. this is going to be bad. Please don't hurt me if this is bad.

IC:
A roar was heard as red crescents flashed above the retreating Vascilian forces, swooping out from the border. Bolts of heat and light blasted the opposition as rock melted and earth exploded as the rays shook the ground apart. The craft zigzagged along the retreating line, covering the retreat and attempting to keep the enemy forces at bay.
I claim the former New ArAreBee territory... :roll:

We call upon New ArAreBee to stand down and quit this conflict. We also renew our call for Eniqcir's withdrawal. Ravenspire does not see this as being in the best interests of MIDAS or of Mars.

Winter Akizuki

You know one time I was on Mars and I was like "HEY NOW MARTIANS" and they were like "ANTHONY IS A GAY" and I was like "YEAH I KNOW" and then I went back home and had some pancakes.

"New ArArebee would like to announce that, due to the incompetence of the company of MERCFOR, we are forced to explain that infact, the Red Gradient AeroCraft are not in anyway associated with NRRB and that their involvement in the conflict is beyond our control. If you wish to end their involvement, you will have to settle with the company itself and pay whatever ransom fee they desire. That or, destroy their fighter craft."

AA frigates slid to the front of the 3rd Fleet's formation as the bombers closed in, fighter escort racing to intercept the unsupported bomber wing.*

As they charged over the countryside, the men watched as bomber after bomber was picked out of the sky by either Raven escort or one of numerous AA frigates interposed between them and the troop columns.

A loud boom echoed through the sky as gauss bombardment was initated on the Ortega Hive. Shell after shell streaked through the air, plowing into the enemy's fortifications, targetting Airfields and AA defenses in the area. A salvo of long range missiles streaked from frigate after frigate, also aimed at airfields. As gunships cleared the decks, 25 additional missiles streaked from their pylons, moving at obscene speeds towards the Vascilian troop fortifications. They were sonic missiles, designed specifically to rupture the Aumani troops' life support suits, or at the very least, knock them out.

Fast attack craft sped to the fore, turret gunners perfoarting any stragglers as the battlegroup charged towards Ortega.

In the air, fighter escort was stepped up, ready to intercept whatever the enemy would send. In orbit, several shipyards jumped out of orbit, heading back to earth to gather aerial reinforcements. The ones that stayed began launching more Ravens into the atmosphere to cover the assault.

***
Back in Gorgoroth, troops were still filing out of the webgates. One, in particular, seemed larger than the others, set some distance back: on the site that would later becomeone of Lord Melkor's strongholds. Smoke billowed ominously from the gates, as men went about their business nearby, constructing fortifications as such.

Suddenly, a mighty flame burst from the gate, and the ground shook violently. Several nearby workers recoiled in horror, others started running outright. Out of the portal stepped a Balrog of Morgoth, surveying his surroundings intently. Following him were a dozen or so more of the creatures, the ground rumbling with each stride. They arrayed themselves in a circle, roaring with rage and anticipation. Their master was coming.

Almost as if on cue, another massive, black armored form stepped through the gate, clutching a deadly mace and shield. Morgoth had arrived.


http://www.angelfire.com/scifi2/iimperium/morgoth1.jpg

...and he was not pleased.

*[ooc: I read that post to mean you were attacking with bombers and nothing else. If this is the case, it's pretty damn near impossible for them to breach the gravship line to even get to my troops. Next time try running a fighter screen or something, it'll get you the results you want. Such as it were, it's rather ridiculous to assume I've got absolutely no air cover over my troops.]

[OOC: Oh hoorya, Melkor is here. Also that picture isn't working. The Vee AeroCraft are FighterBomber aircraft capable of most missions assigned, oh and the tactic was "stay behind lines, take pot shots, stay alive". I would assume the Ravens would make incursions over the line, which would result in dogfights. If this isn't the case, please feel free to smite me with Grond or something.]

OOC:

You should maybe make sure to clarify about AA frigates & stuff & whether the 3rd Fleet is one of gravships or not, Melkor- otherwise you're going to really confuse the poor Vascilians, who've been throwing around space fleets all over the place & might think that you think they're attacking you from orbit, or something. ...& it's a hammer & shield, surely? The mace is Sauron's thing- you've got the 'ole shield & Hammer of the Underworld.

I take this moment to remind Auman, by the way, that his entire starfleet is outside Martian space trying to chase me down.

"Sire. Melkor troops had arrived, and they're supported with Dark Eldar forces", said the Radar operator on the bridge of the Hellebore Frigate.

"Are they going to help the Vascilians?. Well, it don't matter anymore. We'll die as the elves knows to die. In battle and defending what it's ours", answered the Captain.

"Well, Sire, they are attacking the Vascilians right now...", whispered the officer after a quick look at the holo screen.

"What?. For Oromë!, those Mon-Keighs are not going to last in that fight. Just ignore the Arda's forces for now, fire upon them only if they approach our border, uneasy allies they are, but needed too"

--Triple--

--Post--

OOC:Interesting war..

AA frigates slid to the front of the 3rd Fleet's formation as the bombers closed in, fighter escort racing to intercept the unsupported bomber wing.*

As they charged over the countryside, the men watched as bomber after bomber was picked out of the sky by either Raven escort or one of numerous AA frigates interposed between them and the troop columns.

A loud boom echoed through the sky as gauss bombardment was initated on the Ortega Hive. Shell after shell streaked through the air, plowing into the enemy's fortifications, targetting Airfields and AA defenses in the area. A salvo of long range missiles streaked from frigate after frigate, also aimed at airfields. As gunships cleared the decks, 25 additional missiles streaked from their pylons, moving at obscene speeds towards the Vascilian troop fortifications. They were sonic missiles, designed specifically to rupture the Aumani troops' life support suits, or at the very least, knock them out.

Fast attack craft sped to the fore, turret gunners perfoarting any stragglers as the battlegroup charged towards Ortega.

In the air, fighter escort was stepped up, ready to intercept whatever the enemy would send. In orbit, several shipyards jumped out of orbit, heading back to earth to gather aerial reinforcements. The ones that stayed began launching more Ravens into the atmosphere to cover the assault.

(OOC: Am I correct in assuming that the gauss bombardment is coming from the ground forces and not from orbit, and that the Skyfurnace Hithlum hasn't crossed the border yet?)

As the convoy of flying barges began to come close to Ortega, they began trying to pull the gauss shells out of the sky via HPD, and sped up their pace so as to be able to put more HPD-carrying vehicles in place near the targets. Without even bothering to land first, fleets of fast and agile Entopter drones launched from the flying barges and sped off to engage the Ravens and AA frigates, keeping their mothercraft out of site for the time being.

Taking out powered missiles would be harder than ballistic gauss shells, but the HPDs did as best they could as they waited for support. Soon, the Starfire group waiting at the pole began flying to defend Ortega as well.

In orbit, the focus of the attack shifted to the shipyards. 30 Starfires broke off from strafing runs and dropped into the high atmosphere to pick off Ravens, and the Pagag turned its heavy spheromak cannons on the shipyards as the first few Warfuries started coming back to both ships for pit-crew maintenance and pilot rotation.

"Dock to Bridge."
"Go Dock."
"We're getting the first wave of Warfuries back in, we're told you wanted somethin' special done, over?"
"Yeah, just set a couple aside, don't relaunch immediately. Engineering should know what to do, over."
"Understood. Dock out."
"Captain, do you really want to try this?"
"Not yet. Not yet... wait for the right moment."

The gunship swarm coils and strikes, stretching out towards the Aumani terraforming station. Dark lances and heavy laser cannons probe at the station mercilessly from the moment the gunship-shuttles come into range.

___________________________________________________________

On the ground, Rath watches the emergence of Melkor silently. He stands with a legion of his Incubi to honor the power of the dark god.

"I greet you, Lord Morgoth, He Who Arises in Might, in the name of the true Eldar and the Four Ruinous Powers. Welcome to the red planet," Rath says, as N'wah Man sweeps expansively, a gesture taking in the landscape about them.

"Even now, the forces of the Kabal move to strike at Eniqcir and Auman. Even now, our might spreads through the Webway, to bring all under your power. The mon-keigh, Those Who Must Be Destroyed, may have their petty alliances, but friends are small comfort against the terrors of the night."

____________________________________________________________

Columns of vehicles and jetbikes strike out towards Eniqcir's heartland, moving swiftly upon invisible wings. The ground is black beneath the weight of the warriors that trail behind them; it trembles with the strength of their numbers.

Small forces of wyches, grotesques, and mandrakes range away from the main columns, seeking signs of civilization to assault.

____________________________________________________________

"Welcome to the red planet, Morgoth. It is yours."

*tag*

I bow to the awesomeness of this thread http://207.44.246.95/147/67/upload/p932.gif

Columns of vehicles and jetbikes strike out towards Eniqcir's heartland, moving swiftly upon invisible wings.
OOC: Which one? Kasei, or Earth territory?

OOC: Which one? Kasei, or Earth territory?

As the webgates went up, row after row of Southron Guardsmen and other mixed Easterling/Haradrim units began taking up their positions around the Vascillian border.

((If this isn't Eniqciri territory, the border you trenched, then just disregard the "Eniqcir" bit of my post, 'cause that's the territory I'm hip-deep in.))

As the webgates went up, row after row of Southron Guardsmen and other mixed Easterling/Haradrim units began taking up their positions around the Vascillian border.

((If this isn't Eniqciri territory, the border you trenched, then just disregard the "Eniqcir" bit of my post, 'cause that's the territory I'm hip-deep in.))
(OOC: Ah. Ok, good. That would've been very bad for peace negotiations. Not that they're going all that well anyway....)

The LRR ships watch from orbit as the Melkor, Raem, and Lord Sauron Reborn troops advance on the retreating vascillian line. Although 2,000 would do little to stem the tide of the hordes of troops being thrown at them, the LRR infantry would hopefully, at the very least, be able to reinforce the Vascilian line once it re-establishes.

"Ok! we are deploying! Launch the troops!"

A cloud of dropships emerges from the troop carrier, headed towards the martian surface, more specifically headed towards the border defenses of Eniqcir and the rest of the Vascilian line. The dropships slowly descend to the surface under the cover of their gunships and armed dropships.

"Eniqcir forces, this is the 2nd LRR infantry contingent. We are here to aid you, but our manpower is insufficent to hold an individual section of the line by ourselves. Where do you need reinforcements, over?"

LRR infantrymen stationed on The Neu Wirlde (LRR's storage planet, of sorts) are sent for, 25,000 in all. A force of 10 troop carriers and 20 frigates sets off for mars. Their low-power h-space modules will take about 15 hours to reach the martian grav-well safety point. Hopefully, they will not arrive too late. This will be the largest LRR troop deployment ever. Also with the troop carriers is a force of 100 Arrow II light fighters, which are atmospheric capable. Although not planning to get into a space battle, the LRR fleet is prepared to defend itself.

The next batch of 20,000 consists of:
20,000 infantry troopers (4,000 w/hoverbikes)
200 Heavy Dropships (Can carry 100 troops each, but multiple trips must be made to deploy both infantry and equipment at the same time)
20 Gunships (Dropships with weapons)
350 medical troopers
100 orinthopters (25 medical, 75 infantry support)
20 medical dropships
50 light walkers

Note: In terms of training, these troops are not nearly as combat-capable as Aumanii or Melkor troops. Most of the time in combat they will try hard not to kill the person they are aiming for, and go for their legs or vehicle. While very brave and dedicated, they would not compare to other elites.

An LRR force this size would probably be called a contingent by LRR terminology.

"Admiral, the fleet have been redeployed per your orders."

"And what of the MI Corps?"

"All three Corps are fully equipted and ready for deployment Sir"

"And the word from HQ?"

The Captian raised a eyebrow, the Admiral should not have know about the transmission from WM military HQ. "There is word sir but its eyes only." The captain handed over a piece of paper.

The Admiral glanced it over then droped it in a glass of water, were the paper dissolved. "Captian ready a moble jump gate for deployment. "

"Sir don't we use those now to move around our transports?"

"You are correct Captian."

"Then why...oh god!"

"Yes Captian, it looks like we may be going to mars."

bump

Hey! Respond!

Normally, at least three fleets of the Ravenspire Spacy were stationed at Deimos, protecting the greatest of the star-cities. Since this latest conflict had begun, that number had ballooned, as far-flung fleets were quietly recalled against the possibility of a MIDAS action. By the time it had seemed clear that MIDAS would not be involved, the numbers had tripled. It was the greatest concentration of Ravenspire military around a planet other than Earth since the Mishakal incident.

Now, the fleets began to move. Elements of the Fifth slowly began to peel away toward a polar orbit, then the Seventh.

Word was sent ahead:

It is the opinion of the Confederacy of Ravenspire that this conflict poses a threat to Mars. Already it has come close to spilling over into a world war, and continued escalations threaten once again to bring that about.

We are currently engaged in pursuing a swift resolution to the conflict. As such, we cannot allow this to occur. If the conflict should spread, it might very well go on for years, across different sections of the red planet's surface. This would be bad for the people of Mars, bad for the terraforming efforts, and bad for trade and business.

As such, the Ravenspire Spacy is moving to isolate this conflict until it can be successfully resolved. We will be engaged in patrolling the area. We are neutral with respect to all Vascillian and Ardan vessels and other assets, and we will avoid engaging them unless fired upon first. However, any military craft from an outside party will be requested to leave the zone of conflict -- and will risk destruction if they fail to comply.

This policy will go into effect in twelve hours. Forces belonging to neither Vascillia nor Arda have that length of time in which to withdraw peacefully. We particularly request, once again, the withdrawal of all Eniqcir forces -- we do not wish to engage in hostilities with an allied nation, but the good of Mars must outweigh that consideration. Our goal is de-escalation followed by an eventual peace.

The Ravenspire Spacy will not interfere with medical, diplomatic, or trade vessels. Only combatant vessels are subject to intervention.

OOC: So this means you're sending requests to leave to my fleet orbiting Mars? it is part of neither Vascillia nor Arda, and definitely has warships. I'm not sure how you define the "zone of conflict" here with regards to space.

OOC:

You should maybe make sure to clarify about AA frigates & stuff & whether the 3rd Fleet is one of gravships or not, Melkor- otherwise you're going to really confuse the poor Vascilians, who've been throwing around space fleets all over the place & might think that you think they're attacking you from orbit, or something. ...& it's a hammer & shield, surely? The mace is Sauron's thing- you've got the 'ole shield & Hammer of the Underworld.

I take this moment to remind Auman, by the way, that his entire starfleet is outside Martian space trying to chase me down.

ooc: I dont imagine Grond survived the War of Wrath. Either it was destroyed, or its sitting at the bottom of an ocean somewhere, most likely. Besides. It would contradict the picture :P

And yes, the "AA Frigates" I spoke of are elements of my 3rd Gravship battlefleet, which is supplimenting the push. I have the 1st Fleet above former Kinslayer land, and the 4th over former DLN Mars atm. If things get nasty, you'll be seeing the other two fleets soon.

All across the Republic of SilveryMinnow, citizens bang on their T.V. sets trying to get a picture on the Screen.

The loss of Satellites due to clouds of debris caused by the Martian Conflict has effectively wiped out transmissions.

Scientists at SilveryMinnow Space Center wet their pants with thoughts of the budget that will come.

Meteor showers are a common sight at night on Earth.

Tag :)

Tag and Clarification.

Auman is that withdrawal concurant with the troops I am sending against you?

The first contingent of LRR troops prepares to land. The dropships are painted high-visibility white with the WWSETI flag on them. The LRR infantry deploys right between the two lines of combatting troops. Sirens blare and LRR infantry armed with slow-pellet stunners, HSC sprayers, and kedamine grenades emerge from the dropships.

"All forces, you are to hold position where you are! Do not advance any further! Anyone who fires will be fired upon!"

The assault walkers parade around in front of both lines, their sirens at maximum volume. LRR infantrymen in their power armor look somewhat impressive with their megaphones and professional demeanor.

Meanwhile, the rest of the LRR force exits hyperspace and starts to move in towards mars with the rest of the 25,000 infantry troopers.

"All ships! This is the 2nd LRR infantry contingent! We are deploying on the ground as peacekeepers, so do not fire on us! This war you figth has the potential to destroy all of mars, and this cannot be let happen! We will be deploying between your lines, and anyone who fires will be disarmed or arrested!"

ooc: :shock: Ok lets take this time and give the LRR troops cedit for having really big balls. landing in a warzone out numbered and armed with nonlethiel weapons.. And not to mention Melkor and Darkeldar on one side, with pissed of humans on the other. Yes really, really big ball. Ok back to the killing.

The first contingent of LRR troops prepares to land. The dropships are painted high-visibility white with the WWSETI flag on them. The LRR infantry deploys right between the two lines of combatting troops. Sirens blare and LRR infantry armed with slow-pellet stunners, HSC sprayers, and kedamine grenades emerge from the dropships.

"All forces, you are to hold position where you are! Do not advance any further! Anyone who fires will be fired upon!"

The assault walkers parade around in front of both lines, their sirens at maximum volume. LRR infantrymen in their power armor look somewhat impressive with their megaphones and professional demeanor.

Meanwhile, the rest of the LRR force exits hyperspace and starts to move in towards mars with the rest of the 25,000 infantry troopers.

"All ships! This is the 2nd LRR infantry contingent! We are deploying on the ground as peacekeepers, so do not fire on us! This war you figth has the potential to destroy all of mars, and this cannot be let happen! We will be deploying between your lines, and anyone who fires will be disarmed or arrested!"


With an enormous trail of red dust and smoke in their wake, the Imperial army crested the horizon. Trolls were wheeling heavy artillery impliments, and the 3rd fleet cut slowly towards the 'peacekeeping' force as the group drew close to the Ortega Hive, fast attack vehicles streaking to the fore. Troops broke rank to flank the LRR peacekeeping force. They moved coldy into formation. A notification was sent from Imperial ground command to the 'peacekeepers.'

Get Out.

Melkor, Lord of Darkness
He who Arises in Might
Emperor Eternal of the Imperial Dominion of Melkor Unchained, Lord and Master of Arda
http://people.vanderbilt.edu/~darion.c.smith/melkor.jpg

200,000 of Sir Guillaume de Peche's Infantry and 100 fighters arrive at Ortega hive to assist in its defense. General Flemming sends a message to the Aumani and Norieganien Commanders "where are we needed?"

OOC: So this means you're sending requests to leave to my fleet orbiting Mars? it is part of neither Vascillia nor Arda, and definitely has warships. I'm not sure how you define the "zone of conflict" here with regards to space.

OOC: The south polar region, basically. Tight orbit above Vascillia. (Stationary orbit is impossible that far south, so the best you could do is an orbit that would bring you over the area frequently.)

Note that this is likely not a place a non-involved neutral would want to be at the moment anyway, since, last I checked, there's still some orbital fighting going on.

IC:

Meanwhile, the rest of the LRR force exits hyperspace and starts to move in towards mars with the rest of the 25,000 infantry troopers.


A short time after exiting hyperspace, the ship is hailed with a simple, looped message which cycles through several languages.

Attention, third party. This is the Fifth Fleet of the Ravenspire Spacy. You are on course to enter a secured zone. Please alter your course. Do not proceed into the south polar region. Our orders are to begin isolation of the conflict by preventing interference by third parties. We will use force if necessary. Repeat, alter your course.

The first contingent of LRR troops prepares to land. The dropships are painted high-visibility white with the WWSETI flag on them. The LRR infantry deploys right between the two lines of combatting troops. Sirens blare and LRR infantry armed with slow-pellet stunners, HSC sprayers, and kedamine grenades emerge from the dropships.

"All forces, you are to hold position where you are! Do not advance any further! Anyone who fires will be fired upon!"

The assault walkers parade around in front of both lines, their sirens at maximum volume. LRR infantrymen in their power armor look somewhat impressive with their megaphones and professional demeanor.

Meanwhile, the rest of the LRR force exits hyperspace and starts to move in towards mars with the rest of the 25,000 infantry troopers.

"All ships! This is the 2nd LRR infantry contingent! We are deploying on the ground as peacekeepers, so do not fire on us! This war you figth has the potential to destroy all of mars, and this cannot be let happen! We will be deploying between your lines, and anyone who fires will be disarmed or arrested!"


With an enormous trail of red dust and smoke in their wake, the Imperial army crested the horizon. Trolls were wheeling heavy artillery impliments, and the 3rd fleet cut slowly towards the 'peacekeeping' force as the group drew close to the Ortega Hive, fast attack vehicles streaking to the fore. Troops broke rank to flank the LRR peacekeeping force. They moved coldy into formation. A notification was sent from Imperial ground command to the 'peacekeepers.'

Get Out.

Melkor, Lord of Darkness
He who Arises in Might
Emperor Eternal of the Imperial Dominion of Melkor Unchained, Lord and Master of Arda
http://people.vanderbilt.edu/~darion.c.smith/melkor.jpg

Duke Roberto stands solidly on the ground, and addresses the Melkor forces.

"Sir, you are under arrest!"

Meanwhile, the LRR peacekeeping force is taken back by the ravenspire message.

"Did you not hear? We are peacekeepers! Peacekeepers and medical staff! Please let us through!"

*Waits to be killed*

Normally, at least three fleets of the Ravenspire Spacy were stationed at Deimos, protecting the greatest of the star-cities. Since this latest conflict had begun, that number had ballooned, as far-flung fleets were quietly recalled against the possibility of a MIDAS action. By the time it had seemed clear that MIDAS would not be involved, the numbers had tripled. It was the greatest concentration of Ravenspire military around a planet other than Earth since the Mishakal incident.

Now, the fleets began to move. Elements of the Fifth slowly began to peel away toward a polar orbit, then the Seventh.

Word was sent ahead:

It is the opinion of the Confederacy of Ravenspire that this conflict poses a threat to Mars. Already it has come close to spilling over into a world war, and continued escalations threaten once again to bring that about.

We are currently engaged in pursuing a swift resolution to the conflict. As such, we cannot allow this to occur. If the conflict should spread, it might very well go on for years, across different sections of the red planet's surface. This would be bad for the people of Mars, bad for the terraforming efforts, and bad for trade and business.

As such, the Ravenspire Spacy is moving to isolate this conflict until it can be successfully resolved. We will be engaged in patrolling the area. We are neutral with respect to all Vascillian and Ardan vessels and other assets, and we will avoid engaging them unless fired upon first. However, any military craft from an outside party will be requested to leave the zone of conflict -- and will risk destruction if they fail to comply.

This policy will go into effect in twelve hours. Forces belonging to neither Vascillia nor Arda have that length of time in which to withdraw peacefully. We particularly request, once again, the withdrawal of all Eniqcir forces -- we do not wish to engage in hostilities with an allied nation, but the good of Mars must outweigh that consideration. Our goal is de-escalation followed by an eventual peace.

The Ravenspire Spacy will not interfere with medical, diplomatic, or trade vessels. Only combatant vessels are subject to intervention.


OOC: Er... I have a space station whose orbit currently takes it through the aforementioned zone, as well as most of the Martian Kajali fleet... More because I have a territory that requires such an orbit so the station will pass over both of Kajal Mars' territory. It's the whole "If you invade us, the battlefield will turn to glass with you on it" thing.

IC: A general message was sent out to the Ravenspire Spacy.

We will not be moving our assets into a different orbit. To do so would threaten national security. If you open fire on our fleet or our station, they will return the favor.

Then arrest me,
came the reply.

The armies continued to mass--indeed they could annhilate the peacekeeping force at will. But, such as it were, the peacekeepers didnt say they were going to shoot. So unless they did, it would be rather hard to arrest the 10,000 men in the advance.

The press continued unabated.

Then arrest me,
came the reply.

The armies continued to mass--indeed they could annhilate the peacekeeping force at will. But, such as it were, the peacekeepers didnt say they were going to shoot. So unless they did, it would be rather hard to arrest the 10,000 men in the advance.

The press continued unabated.

Completely disgusted by the ignorance of both sides, the LRR peacekeepers withdraw.

Let them reduce mars to a burning cinder, for all I care.

Duke Roberto is the last to step onto the dropships. They come back into orbit and dock with the troop carrier, which motors away from the battle.

As such, the Ravenspire Spacy is moving to isolate this conflict until it can be successfully resolved. We will be engaged in patrolling the area. We are neutral with respect to all Vascillian and Ardan vessels and other assets, and we will avoid engaging them unless fired upon first. However, any military craft from an outside party will be requested to leave the zone of conflict -- and will risk destruction if they fail to comply.

This policy will go into effect in twelve hours. Forces belonging to neither Vascillia nor Arda have that length of time in which to withdraw peacefully. We particularly request, once again, the withdrawal of all Eniqcir forces -- we do not wish to engage in hostilities with an allied nation, but the good of Mars must outweigh that consideration. Our goal is de-escalation followed by an eventual peace.

At such time as this policy goes into effect, orbital assets will withdraw with conditions- Ardan assets will cease return fire and allow our safe retreat, and ground forces will be allowed to remain until such time as Arda ceases any and all attacks on Vascillia. Violation of either condition will result in continued combat.

The Imperium will halt its advance if granted a small strategic province of Vascilian territory; namely the land we've crossed so far: the Hellespotos wall and the area between it and the Ortega hive.

Otheriwse, it will be a bitter fight for the whole of Vascilia. Again, we make an attempt to reconcile, but of course we're assuming it won't work.

The Imperium will halt its advance if granted a small strategic province of Vascilian territory; namely the land we've crossed so far: the Hellespotos wall and the area between it and the Ortega hive.

Otheriwse, it will be a bitter fight for the whole of Vascilia. Again, we make an attempt to reconcile, but of course we're assuming it won't work.
(OOC: Requesting clarification: has the Skyfurnace crossed the border yet?)

The Imperium will halt its advance if granted a small strategic province of Vascilian territory; namely the land we've crossed so far: the Hellespotos wall and the area between it and the Ortega hive.

Otheriwse, it will be a bitter fight for the whole of Vascilia. Again, we make an attempt to reconcile, but of course we're assuming it won't work.
(OOC: Requesting clarification: has the Skyfurnace crossed the border yet?)

[ooc: I beleive it has. My forces are currently descending on the Ortega Hive; an attack post is coming as soon as Auman can come back and post losses, troop movements, fortifications etc.

If you're interested in peace at all, I suggest leaving the Hithlum alone. Morgoth has an odd tic about his skyfurnaces. *shrugs* I guess you're about to find that out. I'll caution you now against thinking you'll be able to take that sucker down with one post. There's only about three ways I'll accept a loss of a 'Furnace, and the third requires an obscene amount of firepower so its not very practical.

Also, your cloaking devices had better have ways around continuous active sensor/proximity scanning or else I'm going to be mighty pissed, as I have devices deployed to conduct the aforementioned tasks. The Imperium is vaguely aware of Eniqcir's cloaking capabilities [their intelligence efforts on the Yut hegemony surely would have revealed this, particularly if they've been used in past engagements], and I'm employing a number of measures to try and see them before they pop out of cloak-mode or what have you. I don't think I should be penalized for not knowing how the hell to find this stuff ooc, but you'd think we'd have some sort of vaguely effective surveillance measures :P]

New hope was agian in a frezy. With last of the troops bording the transports along with equiptment. Soon though all ships broke away from the loading dock and formed up. With a last comfirmation from HQ the two Western Might SDF fleets, plus thr troop transports set out for mars. Since the ships would not be hyper jumping, the trip would take 6 hours.

The ships arrive near mars space, with the two fleets deployed around the transports along with fighter and bomber coverage. The ships ships shields and structure integrity generators were brought online.

"Sir should we begin to land our troops sir?"

"No Captain we will wait for now."

"Yes Sir"

If you're interested in peace at all, I suggest leaving the Hithlum alone. Morgoth has an odd tic about his skyfurnaces. *shrugs* I guess you're about to find that out. I'll caution you now against thinking you'll be able to take that sucker down with one post. There's only about three ways I'll accept a loss of a 'Furnace, and the third requires an obscene amount of firepower so its not very practical.
OOC: Vell... zee Wellstone was put there specifically to keep the Skyfurnace from doing too much damage, so unless a peace agreement is worked in time to recall the Wellstones before the Hithlum does something to provoke an attack, bad stuff will happen.

Also, your cloaking devices had better have ways around continuous active sensor/proximity scanning or else I'm going to be mighty pissed, as I have devices deployed to conduct the aforementioned tasks.
I said before somewhere else, the only way to pick 'em up is as an X-ray or gamma-ray shadow.
The Imperium is vaguely aware of Eniqcir's cloaking capabilities [their intelligence efforts on the Yut hegemony surely would have revealed this, particularly if they've been used in past engagements], and I'm employing a number of measures to try and see them before they pop out of cloak-mode or what have you. I don't think I should be penalized for not knowing how the hell to find this stuff ooc, but you'd think we'd have some sort of vaguely effective surveillance measures :P]
Whether or not you know how to find it / how it works OOC won't make a bit of difference, since you couldn't use the knowledge IC. The Wellstones haven't been used in past engagements, only once has one been transported through interplanetary space, and all information about them is in hardcopy. So, unless you have really good remote veiwers, intelligence efforts on the Yut hegemony would not have revealed them. They're the single most closely guarded secret Eniqcir has. As far as anyone other than SHODAN, Kommetrez, or possibly vonKarma knows, Eniqcir has no cloaking ability at all.

OOC: Er... I have a space station whose orbit currently takes it through the aforementioned zone, as well as most of the Martian Kajali fleet... More because I have a territory that requires such an orbit so the station will pass over both of Kajal Mars' territory. It's the whole "If you invade us, the battlefield will turn to glass with you on it" thing.

OOC: Er... isn't Kajal Mars a lot further north? Like, near the equator, if not actually on it?

IC:

The ships arrive near mars space, with the two fleets deployed around the transports along with fighter and bomber coverage.

These ships received a warning identical to the one earlier sent to the LRR fleet.

If you're interested in peace at all, I suggest leaving the Hithlum alone. Morgoth has an odd tic about his skyfurnaces. *shrugs* I guess you're about to find that out. I'll caution you now against thinking you'll be able to take that sucker down with one post. There's only about three ways I'll accept a loss of a 'Furnace, and the third requires an obscene amount of firepower so its not very practical.
OOC: Vell... zee Wellstone was put there specifically to keep the Skyfurnace from doing too much damage, so unless a peace agreement is worked in time to recall the Wellstones before the Hithlum does something to provoke an attack, bad stuff will happen.

Also, your cloaking devices had better have ways around continuous active sensor/proximity scanning or else I'm going to be mighty pissed, as I have devices deployed to conduct the aforementioned tasks.
I said before somewhere else, the only way to pick 'em up is as an X-ray or gamma-ray shadow.
The Imperium is vaguely aware of Eniqcir's cloaking capabilities [their intelligence efforts on the Yut hegemony surely would have revealed this, particularly if they've been used in past engagements], and I'm employing a number of measures to try and see them before they pop out of cloak-mode or what have you. I don't think I should be penalized for not knowing how the hell to find this stuff ooc, but you'd think we'd have some sort of vaguely effective surveillance measures :P]
Whether or not you know how to find it / how it works OOC won't make a bit of difference, since you couldn't use the knowledge IC. The Wellstones haven't been used in past engagements, only once has one been transported through interplanetary space, and all information about them is in hardcopy. So, unless you have really good remote veiwers, intelligence efforts on the Yut hegemony would not have revealed them. They're the single most closely guarded secret Eniqcir has. As far as anyone other than SHODAN, Kommetrez, or possibly vonKarma knows, Eniqcir has no cloaking ability at all.

[ooc: ah. thanks for the clarification. I'd thought they were some kind of stock military vessel or what-have-you.

At any rate, I guess all we can really do now is wait for Auman to post.

Oh yeah.. and Merry Christmas, y'all. :) ]

The ships arrive near mars space, with the two fleets deployed around the transports along with fighter and bomber coverage.

These ships received a warning identical to the one earlier sent to the LRR fleet.

ooc:Did I say at? No, i said near. About as near as the moon is to the Earth. Which I take to be far enough away from Mars, so my ships are staying right were they are. For now that is.

Message to Ravenspire vessels.

We were passing through the sector and are not just observing the conflict. If your ships make and move against ours, we will be forced to open fire.

end of message

OOC: Er... I have a space station whose orbit currently takes it through the aforementioned zone, as well as most of the Martian Kajali fleet... More because I have a territory that requires such an orbit so the station will pass over both of Kajal Mars' territory. It's the whole "If you invade us, the battlefield will turn to glass with you on it" thing.

OOC: Er... isn't Kajal Mars a lot further north? Like, near the equator, if not actually on it?

OOC: Kajal now has two territories.

http://www.pacifier.com/~cziller/mapofmars.gif

IC:

Text message, general transmission...

Wazzu ships currently defending Eniqcir ships will depart with those forces. Wazzu orbital forces are moving to support Ravenspire ships. Violators of the Ravenspire control zone will also face Wazzu intervention. This is the only warning.

...picture a huge... room, is the only way it can be described... Several dozen miles cubed, the Chief Office of the grand Empire was the main feature of the Imperial throne world. Desks, chairs, military equipment, and a lot of paperwork floated through the space. Near the middle, surrrounded by a few AA cannon and some bored-looking titan guards, the desk of the Emperor hovered.
A man zipped through the building on a small jetpack. He weaved through the Secret Service, waving an ID card, and stopped before the Emperor. The Lord of the Empire looked up. "Ah, there you are! How goes the colony in the new universe?"
The Viceroy of Roseway answered. "It goes strongly, my lord," he said. "Five million have been drawn so far. Growth in this universe is very, very fast."
"What about other sentients?"
The Viceroy shuddered. "Trillions," he said. "And the majority are from... others. Others from... your world."
"Oh. Them. Any chance we can make another takeover?"
"None at all. Some of their rulers are mightier than yourself."
The Emperor looked sad. "Well, how can we draw attention to the colony?"
"We could get involved in some of their wars... here, I brought you a report. It's on Mars; they terraformed it centuries ago."
The Emperor pored over the report, reading it at an obscene rate. "Let's interfere," he said. "What military do we have over there?"
"None so far, sir. We could use about half a standard d to send forces through the mini-portal we have set up. That's... uh... a few master tanks, two battalions of Uruks, maybe one light cruiser..."
"I see. Well, this 'Melkor' is using forces remarkably akin to those of Middle-earth. Let's use our own. The Eclipse Clan is free right now, right?"
"Right, sir. We could get a hundred Uruk-hai to Mars within the hour with standard HALO-tech. They won't make much of a difference unless they're really, really valiant. And I understand that these are the valiantest."
He stood back to think about this grammatical rarity. As he pondered, the Emperor came to a decision. "Send two battalions from the Eclipse to Mars. Side against the Dark; we want to make a Good impression."
Two dropships roared unescortless from the main army world. It hit the nearest general portal at .5 c and zapped through the short-range portal in the planetoid of Roseway. They stopped for a few minutes to take on the local insignia, then flew on from the Belt toward Mars.

(OOC: Whoa. A Newbie who can role-play. Please don't get yourself wiped out. It would be such a shame to loose someone with promise.)

[ooc: >ahem<

Um, I dont beleive Uruk-Hai are capable of fighting against Morgoth, if that's what you intend on doing.]

OOC: I didn't see Ugluk hesitating much when he cut up those Mordorian orcs who were trying to oppose him in TTT. ;)

OOC: I didn't see Ugluk hesitating much when he cut up those Mordorian orcs who were trying to oppose him in TTT. ;)

[ooc: thats because the isengard orcs, whether they knew it or not, were acting in Sauron's best interests. Ugluk was ordered to return the hobbits to Isengard "unspoiled" and he was seeing to it that they did just that. Orcs are decidedly more than cabable of infighting, but I just dont see an army of Uurks marchin on Thangorodrim, you know what I mean?

Besides. Saruman didn't create the orcs. Morgoth did.]

OOC: Yeah, but Saruman created the Uruk Hai. Anyway, I think you're right, if some orcs, (of any kind), attack Morgoth, they sure will fall in awe of the dark power inside the Dark enemy and will worship him, turning into their former masters instead.

OOC: Yeah, but Saruman created the Uruk Hai. Anyway, I think you're right, if some orcs, (of any kind), attack Morgoth, they sure will fall in awe of the dark power inside the Dark enemy and will worship him, turning into their former masters instead.

OOC: You mean of any Tolkien kind?

Even that may not be the case. Remember, Tolkien orcs were once elves...creatures that would never side with him. If Melkor changed them, it is not too far of a streach that someone/thing else could change them. This is especially true in NS, a game that includes any/all universes, not just Tolkien's.

And as Snel pointed out, this new player seems to be able to actually role-play. It would be a shame to cast him aside and label him a "n00b" with all the lame kiddies we tend to get these days.

Give the guy (gal?) a chance.

OOC: Uruks were in fact a creation of Sauron. 'In the last years of Denethor I the race of uruks, black orcs of great strength, first appeared out of Mordor, and in 2475 they swept across Ithilien and took Osgiliath.' - Appendix A (iv) of The Lord of the Rings. The creatures Saruman created were Half-orcs and Goblin-men : "But these creatures of Isengard, these half-orcs and goblin-men that the foul craft of Saruman has bred, they will not quail at the sun...'" - Gamling, from The Two Towers III 7, Helm's Deep

OOC: Yeah, but Saruman created the Uruk Hai. Anyway, I think you're right, if some orcs, (of any kind), attack Morgoth, they sure will fall in awe of the dark power inside the Dark enemy and will worship him, turning into their former masters instead.

OOC: You mean of any Tolkien kind?

Even that may not be the case. Remember, Tolkien orcs were once elves...creatures that would never side with him. If Melkor changed them, it is not too far of a streach that someone/thing else could change them. This is especially true in NS, a game that includes any/all universes, not just Tolkien's.

And as Snel pointed out, this new player seems to be able to actually role-play. It would be a shame to cast him aside and label him a "n00b" with all the lame kiddies we tend to get these days.

Give the guy (gal?) a chance.

[ooc: heh. its all about the semantics, at any rate. If they're altered in some way, they should not be called "Uruk-Hai." As long as theyre referred to as "Uruks" I can do nothing but accept it for face value, and assume that thtey're the same goblin-man hybrids I'm using.

Also, Roseway: bear in mind that they'll be needing life support suits for that particular theater, lest they drown in the atmosphere and a bunch of other naasty stuff.]

TAG: Sorry to interfere, just a question please... What about WarCraft Orcs? Would they be considered a valid race?

Again sorry for the interuption.

OOC: Yeah, but Saruman created the Uruk Hai. Anyway, I think you're right, if some orcs, (of any kind), attack Morgoth, they sure will fall in awe of the dark power inside the Dark enemy and will worship him, turning into their former masters instead.

OOC: You mean of any Tolkien kind?

Even that may not be the case. Remember, Tolkien orcs were once elves...creatures that would never side with him. If Melkor changed them, it is not too far of a streach that someone/thing else could change them. This is especially true in NS, a game that includes any/all universes, not just Tolkien's.

And as Snel pointed out, this new player seems to be able to actually role-play. It would be a shame to cast him aside and label him a "n00b" with all the lame kiddies we tend to get these days.

Give the guy (gal?) a chance.

OOC: I wasn't trying to cast him aside, just expressing my opinion on the matter. And I wasn't trying to labeled him neither, I'm a n00b too, after all. And you're right. He's promising.

And of course Warcraft Orcs could be considered as a valid race, after all, the people of Aelosia are Sindarin elves from Doriath, (Tolkien universe, The Silmarillion), who migrated to the stars and now use Eldar stellar technology (Games Workshop universe, Warhammer 40.000, Battlefleet Gothic). Intrincated, no?.

[ooc: yeah, Warcraft Orcs are fine. I have a tough time rationalizing thier existance as it pertains to Tolkien Orcs, but it's not that big of a deal, really.]

((OOC: They look like Warcraft Orcs and have the same kind of savage independence and clan system, but they use the Black Speech. They're Uruks because that's what they call themselves.))
As the dropships cut acceleration and fell toward Mars, the Viceroy back on the Rosewegian planetoid stared in awe. Forty billion or more, ten times the usual population of Earth in most worlds he'd encountered, and he'd encountered many, many worlds... This was going to be a lot harder than those other universes, he thought suddenly. A lot harder.
Eclipse Clan 406A and 406B Infantry Battalions
Each battalion consists of four toons of eleven Orcs each with a tactitian and a captain. Then there's a battalion tactician and captain.
Eclipse Footsoldier
Standard Warcraft Grunt in body. Armor is a Doublekevlar body-suit and energy visor on the head. This provides very good insulation, and all soldiers on this campaign are equipped with breathing masks. Weapons consist of four fragmentation grenades, a projectile pistol, two Klingon-issue knives, and an energy rifle. The rifle has a full-automatic range of one hundred yards, an armor-piercing range of five hundred yards, and a sniper range of two thousand yards. All rifles are eqipped with sniper scopes.
Eclipse Tactician
Warcraft Shaman in body. Armor is an aerogel-minishield full-body suit with binoculars and the visor. Weapons consist of a Klingon knife and a pistol. Is equipped with battle-screen contact lenses and radio comm with battle HQ.
Eclipse Captain
The best-armed Orc in the battalion. Has short-range pulse-cannon, ceremonial broadsword, and eight fragmentation grenades. Battalion captains are authorized to use tactical nukes. Armor is a suit similar to the tacticians' but with about three times the armor capability. Air synthesizers are included with the aerogel-minishield suits.

OK, who's fighting whom here? I know I'm fighting against Morgoth, but who are my allies?

OK, who's fighting whom here? I know I'm fighting against Morgoth, but who are my allies?
That's not easy to answer... simplest answer: Me and Vascillia.

Two dropships silently slipped over the Martian terrain and near the Eniqciri lines. One hundred orcs poured out. The dropships returned to orbit, and the safe anonymity of the enormous traffic.
A hundred orcs with the insignia of a rose on the right side and the simple eclipse of their clan on the left started setting up tents. An extremely ugly orc wandered through the Eniqciri camp, waiting to be halted.

The Emperor walked through an empty tube between the throne world and the next-inner planet, known locally as the Shipyard World. The massive tubes had been completed some two years into his reign, and had not had even one major dysfunction since their completion...
Something that could not be said against most of the other things the Emperor had undertaken.
An arm was laid on his shoulder. He spun, alarmed, a karate chop ready. He stopped himself when he saw the man he had appointed as Viceroy of the Roseway colony standing there.
"Uh, sir..."
The Emperor frowned. "Enough with the 'sirs,' John. We've only known each other for fifty years."
"Yes, Your Majesty. Uh, we've upgraded the gate to Roseway, and we need your say-so to send more troops through."
"Do we need that many troops?"
The Viceroy, John, sighed. "There are one hundred of us and ten thousand of them."
"Very well. Give them a thousand more Uruks, maybe half of that cavalry and the other half a tank brigade. While we're with this Middle-earth stuff, send in some Ents. We have four battle-ready, don't we?"
"Yes, we do. But..."
"No buts. This is most important. Send some nukes as well. We probably won't use them but they'll be useful as insurance. And..."
"Sir?"
"Pax and Jason. Send them in."
"They've left your service. And they both said you'd need to pay them a ridiculous amount of money to get them back."
"How much money do we have? No. You can't comprehend that number. How much do I, myself, have?"
"Several quadrillion at last count, I believe."
"Give them a ridiculous amount."
John H. Scivarius, Viceroy of Roseway, Knight of the Crux Occidentalis, Hero of the Battle of Rivendell, Hero of the Battle of Darwin, and Duke of Tranquility, nodded.
"Yes...
Sir."
He turned around and walked to the elevator.

This post was hard to write and even more hard to edit...

Nothing to see here. Move along.

This one was easier....

Nothing to see here. Move along.

What? I didn't post. I really didn't. Sorry.

Nothing to see here. Move along.

((OK, editing in process.))

I hate editing...

((OK, the whole thing is being BALEETED and redone. Happy now?))

((OK, the whole thing is being BALEETED and redone. Happy now?))

OOC: I'm not. If you're trying to land forces from orbit, you're going to be warned away by my fleet, like any third-party. If you try anyway, you may be shot at. Saying that you've already landed them and then returned to orbit without anyone noticing... well, that's not going to happen. The area is probably the most-watched in the solar system right now. It's not just us, but all of the combatants, and probably most other Martian nations, and likely a few from elsewhere.

OOC: Raem, where will my troops arrive out of the webgates in relation to Melkor's? I'd kinda like to know where they'll be arriving and where they'll need to go before I deploy them.

Also, is the atmosphere on Mars breathable at this time, or no?

((They'll come out the same place Morgoth's troops came out, at the Vascilian border, or just inside as webway portals are moved to keep up with the advancing front. The atmosphere is, as I understand, largely only breathable with equipment.))

OOC: Raem, where will my troops arrive out of the webgates in relation to Melkor's? I'd kinda like to know where they'll be arriving and where they'll need to go before I deploy them.

Also, is the atmosphere on Mars breathable at this time, or no?

No. Nearly so at the equator, but not on the battlefield. Imagine the conditions on Everest, only move it to Antarctica, and then apply that set of conditions to the entire battlefield. Even with breathing gear, troops will have to go through depressurization procedures, which takes at least 8 hours, and that's cutting it real close.

"Captian bring up the map for the battle" stated the Admiral turning to face were the holo-map would pop up.

"Yes Admiral." The captain typed on a console for a few second the the Holo-map came to life. "as you can see Admiral the fighting is taking place in the southern hemiphere. several more forces have arrived in the past few hours, though we don't know which side they are on, yet. With this confusion we are unable to define the battle lines, and most that we do know is guess work. Though if we are to land our troops it must be soon. We have found tow areas that would be suttable for landing our forces. One is 11.4 mile behind the enemy's current position. The other is in terretory currently under Melkorian control. They are about the same in size, but they only have room enough to lad 1 corps at a time. That includes Armor, Artillery, MASH units plus other various support personel."

"How many Captian, give me numbers."

"Sir we could land 130 at the most with the first wave. Now if we get to use the LZ in Melkorian territory there is little fear from incloming fire in that area. The other LZ though we would have to use the Obital Bombardment ships. And with our lack of good intel on enemy positions, we would have to hit a large area. Most likly setting back the terraforming a wee bit."

" I Understand Captain in fact i have order not to set back the terraforming if at all possible, so ttry to get hold of who ever is incharge of the Melkor forces and ask them if we may use the LZ that is in there new territory."

"Yes sir Admiral"

Encripted message to Melkorian Mars Command from WM task force flag ship.

Melkor Command this is Admiral Yushi Matsuahara. We have been sent here to start our own colony on mars with a second mission to help your forces do the same. We are requesting rthat you allow out troops to land that is at current behind our lines of battle. I wait for your responce

~ end of message ~

A gigantic tubular fireball hurtled through the Martian atmosphere, its natural golden glow now eclipsed by the white hot flame caused by its contact with the air. Yet hot though the flame was, the great tower barely shrank, as its seared skin healed as quickly as it was devoured. And as the terrible artifact sped toward Green Mars, the waves of hatred emanating from it continued to grow.

As one, Wretchengard's forces burst through the webgates. Infantry, battle tanks, mobile artillery and anti-aircraft platforms, all wasted no time beginning their journey across the Martian landscape. The Imperium's forces were already far ahead, and if the Dread Legions were going to be of any help in this conflict they were going to have to reach the front first. With the Orcish soldiers in front, the forces moved out at double-time, taking the high ground whenever possible.

Message sent to the Phyrric colony:

"What is the current status?"

Reply:

"The war is currently in the southern hemisphere at this time, it looks as tho we might be overran soon if they head north. Escape is impossible. The belligerent navy in orbit will not likely allow any entry or exit onto the surface. Please advise."

Related: Wazzu tiptoes onto Arda (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=2470988#2470988)

I never said no one noticed. I said they returned to the "safe anonymity" mentioned by someone earlier in this thread. Basically, there's a bunch of orcs waiting for Eniqcir to respond.
And sorry about forcing you people to edit like that... :oops:

An extremely ugly orc wandered through the Eniqciri camp, waiting to be halted.
(OOC: It is questionable that anyone would've made it that far, but I'll let it slide....)
One of the techs helping offload equipment from the barges did a double-take. "Holy crap! Is that an orc?"
"Where?"
"There!" He pointed.
"Egads! Yo, someone take care of that thing!"

A hazmat drone soon rolled up to the intruder, stuck a camera in it's face, and extended a clawed appendage to restrain it's wrists.

As one, Wretchengard's forces burst through the webgates. Infantry, battle tanks, mobile artillery and anti-aircraft platforms, all wasted no time beginning their journey across the Martian landscape. The Imperium's forces were already far ahead, and if the Dread Legions were going to be of any help in this conflict they were going to have to reach the front first. With the Orcish soldiers in front, the forces moved out at double-time, taking the high ground whenever possible.
Time to cut the supply lines....
With one following the Hithlum, one more Wellstone was left guarding the Gorgoroth borderline. A third was called off of the Aelosian border and 3 Starfires broke from engagement with the Ravens, but they would take time to arrive. In the meatime, the Wellstone already present opened spheromak fire on the webgates, moving quickly down the lines, becoming visible as a silhouette for just a split second with each shot and never appearing in the same place twice. Just to be sure, the invisible ship weaved and backtracked, foiling any attempt to predict it's next position.

OOC: Here is where I need some clarification before I can continue. Can the webgates sustain much damage and continue functioning? For if they wouldn't be destroyed in one pass by the ship, my forces would double back to defend them. If not however, they'd continue on.

((OOC: Sorry, I really am new here.))
The orc stood, proud and passive. "I need to talk with your commander," he said in a clipped Oxford accent.

BIG Thread...

Message to Western Might

What the devils going on here old friend!!

Trixian Supreme Commander, Winters

ooc: The only way you would know my SDF fleets and troop transports had moved to near Mars space, is if you were looking for them. If that were so why were you not trusting me?

IC: "Sir is seem HQ is getting a Message from Trixia." a officer who was namming the comm station said a bit of worry in his voice.

"Damn I was hoping they would not spot us. All we can do is wait though."

To Trixia from WM High Command.

Our current forces around the planet of Mars is just a science and research fleet with thier escorts. If things should go bad for the terraforming of mars do to the fighting, there are to profide help in any form they can.

End of message

((We're waiting for Auman before we can proceed, so can we please not take this much further? There's a lot of stuff backed up already.))

One by one, the glaring red rips in the fabric of reality wink out under the bombardment, until each of the dozen palm-sized devices powering the portals has been destroyed.

The response is simply to set up many, many more portals closer to the front, a constellation of wounds in space-time against the seething black-armored dark eldar. It would not be that easy to seal them off.

OOC: Ahh. I suppose if the webgates work like that, there's no desperate need to defend them.

IC: The Dread Legions ignore the attacks behind them on the webgates, and continue to make haste towards the front. They are cautious, however, should the strange cloaked craft return. Anti-air launchers and guns are ready to be crewed should the army come under attack.

With it's current mission complete, the Wellstone Specter set down a sufficient distance away from the enemy. Taking the form of a quicksilver walnut-style shuttle, the forward hull formed into a doorway and allowed the exit of one of the Gosseyn pilots. Hot air kicked up dust as it blew from the back of the machine, carrying waste energy out of the heatsinks. When the liquid nitro stores were half-full again, the craft sealed up and took off, becoming, once more, invisible. The nitro heatsinks would have to finish recharging en-route.

Meanwhile, Phantasm had been racing full-bore for the battle lines, leaving Ghost to finish up herding Vascillians away from Aelosia, while the three detached Starfires flew high over cloud cover back to the Webgates so recently destroyed. Diving down just in front of the gateline, the three fighters pulled up close to the ground, skimming within a few meters of the surface, to take the enemy from behind. Specter and Phantasm did similarly.

OK, here's another lengthy italic post, introducing one of the Empire's best secret agents. (My Empire is HUGE, a multi-dimensional conglomerate covering a LOT of modern fiction, but only a little territory in this universe has been claimed.)

Neocheyenne School for the Gifted
Class of 4X04 Graduation Ceremony
Thousands of students filled the enormous room. The biggest and best school in the entire Section was holding its quadrannial graduation. The students were lined up against the wall, watching the speakers drone on and on and waiting desparately for the party.
"Ladies and gentlemen, Thomas Bolivar!"
Spontaneous applause filled the room. This was something to get their attention...
The man once known as Pax stood at the podium. "Students... of the class of 4X04! Today you are graduating! Today..."
The students turned their attention back to the walls, floor, and ceiling. What interesting posters were on there.
Bolivar suddenly stopped speaking. "I... uh... have to go. You are all dismissed."
Spontaneous applause filled the room.

As he walked out, he seemed to be arguing with someone. Even more so when he got to his car. "I left the Service thirty years ago! And I had that comm unit removed about then!"
"Pax, we own your plastic surgeon. You can't remove it."
"OK, but you can't make me go back. I have a family now."
"Do you?"
"That's not funny!"
He went on arguing until his car wrenched itself from his control and changed course to an empty field. He even attempted to get out when the transport folded out of the sky and plucked him from the ground...

Yeah, it's long and boring, but I like to type.
The enormous doors over the dimensional gate on Roseway opened again. Three huge cargo vessels roared past, along with five Bug fighters in escort. A two-man speedster, tiny in comparison, tagged along until they were past the gates and zoomed past toward the once-Red Planet.
Inside the speedster, two men sat. One was a grizzled Hispanic looking about forty. The other was a very old white man looking like his advanced years had only marred his appearance.
The old man spoke. "So, what have you been up to, Pax?"
"I thought I had my comm removed after I left the service. I got married, got a degree, and raised a family, in that order. I was speaking at my youngest kids' graduation ceremony when I found out they'd bribed my doctor."
"That's what they told you? They told me I had only taken out one and that they had installed more than six in me.
"And why did you leave your family again?"
Pax shook his head. "It's the action," he said. "It's been so long since I went out and took on an army just for the fun of it."
The other man nodded. "I left His Majesty's service but I did not leave the Academy. There was plenty of action there. Also I found that I had not removed my name from the rolls of the Crown's Mercenaries. I built up a huge fortune working for the highest bidder."
"Didn't the Emperor give us about a trillion each after those balors?"
"He did, but you can never give away enough money."
"Give away?"
The man nodded again. "I donated most of the Emperor's money to charity, along with ninety percent of the mercenary proceeds. I have never felt better than the day I gave a five hundred billion credit check to Universal Way."
Pax thought for a second. "That's a good idea. So, Milord, how'd the Emperor get you back?"
The old man chuckled at the old nickname. "Do you know how long it's been since anyone called me that?"
"Do you know how long it's been since someone called me Pax?"
The men spoke in unison. "Thirty years."
The old man spoke. "I was working. Seamore Corporation on Redwall Modern was working on Tiamat power and I had to stop them."
"You worked for free?"
"You know me too much, friend. Corsair Power and Energy paid me."
"Was it hard?"
"Am I a bat? No to both."
"Well, Jason, I have another question for you. I assume you've actually read the briefings, and I just can't stand the suspense."
Milord Jason stretched out and smiled. "Melkor is invading a terraformed Mars. He has a preposterous number of orcs and an army of dark elves on his side. The Emperor, in his colonization efforts, decided that we would be welcomed more if we appeared to be on the side of Peace And Light. Of course, we are always on our own side, but our allies don't need to know that."
"What do we have on Mars so far?"
"Eclipse Infantry 406A and B. Sugla's Merry Snipers under a rather ugly Orc named Sugla and the Kings of Hearts under a snaga named Klep."
"What about those cargo ships?"
"Supplies and 'surprises' on one, Hyperwarg Cavalry on another, and the 47th Tank Brigade on the other. All Eclipse, of course."
"He must be really serious about this. I had thought the 47th was left on Tarsonis."
"He's paying us each three trillion."
Pax gave a low whistle. "Yes, very serious. What kind of toys do we get?"
"Standard. Your lightsaber and blaster, with whatever extra you want, my bladestaff and phase dagger."
"Why isn't Rame here?"
Jason stopped stretching. He slumped slightly and whispered.
"What?" Pax said. "I didn't catch that."
Jason sat up. "I don't know," he said, and that was that.
The speedster doubled its distance from the cargo ships, and doubled it again. The slight soul-lag as it approached lightspeed wasn't even noticed by it's occupants.

The thread was dying
Roseway did not like that much
BUMPage was soon made

Oops I! Double-posted! To yo' ha-ar-ar-art!

OOC:

Sweet mother of god! I take a break and the thread swells to 9 pages...I'll post when I finally read all these damn posts, jesus christ!

OOC:

Sweet mother of god! I take a break and the thread swells to 9 pages...I'll post when I finally read all these damn posts, jesus christ!

((And the thread's been idling for a week, too.))

OOC:
hmmm...Actually I think me and Melkor came to an agreement on Mangala's independent Martian forum, basically he gets Hellespontos and I manage to stay alive a little bit longer.

But it might still be going, I'll talk to Melkor about it...cause I really dont have the time to be fighting any major wars, but if I have to, well, I suppose I could post occassionally, though Im supposed to be retired from the forums :S

So it's over...
That sucks. That really sucks.

It's been over for some time...

Yeah...mostly because of the holidays. Though it seems that a large Nationstates spanning war is on the horizon. Its only a matter of time until the Unholy Pact is attacked by the forces of Order, or vice versa.