NationStates Jolt Archive


Magic, diplomacy, champagne, and death... (FT, Wide open)

Asfaltum
29-12-2008, 16:18
OOC: Since my return to the NS forums, and the FT galaxies in particular, I have only started or participated in a limited amount of threads, mostly in the form of my sometimes a bit arrogant Technoton Clerics. This does not do justice to my nation as a whole, and so I'm seeking to introduce my nation in it's entirety to the FT forums, hopefully giving a glimpse into how I invision it to be, and paving the way for future RPs of a more interesting and in-depth nature. This thread is open to anyone; friend, foe, neutral, good, evil, light, or dark side, as long as you follow the rules: no fleets jumping in and blowing things up, at least not without my explicit permission. This will be a meeting on neutral ground, but since there will be officials from opposing sides present, I'm sure that there will be one or two arguments, and to spice things up, I will allow these disputes to be settled by a challenge/duel, should the tension be unsurpassable. However, aside from this, the thread is mainly a place for people to get to know each other better. So if you have any questions, here is the place to ask...

IC:

The planet's atmosphere was found to be quite breathable for human life, and along with it's unclaimed yet quite central location in the (StarWars-) galaxy, it was decidedly one of the more favourable locations for the festivities to come. The local fauna and flora had been rather limited, but with the arrival of the large stone buildings otherwise known as the "Academy of Magical Arts" that had all changed rather abruptly, at least in the immediate continental vicinity, which was now filled with snowclad mountains, lush forrests, and quite a few rivers and lakes. The academy buildings had not been chosen to fill their current purpose because of their large spires or ancient origins, impressive as they were, but only for the more mundane reason of being one of the very few large building complexes that could be moved between galaxies on such short notice and with relative ease.

The academy was currently a buzz of activity as last minute preparations were underway; a few mages occupied themselves with the task of bringing the gardens to life by utilizing various assorted and extremely purposeful spells, while a large horde of mechanized clockwork goblins enthusiastically went about the task of setting up varioous decorations, under the watchful supervision of their sentient makers (an association of goblin techies commonly referred to as "the Loose Cannons" for various more or less obvious circumstantial reasons).

Above one of the many courtyards where similar scenes were taking place, a greyhaired figure could be seen peering through one of the many trefoil-arched windows. The figure was that of Muriel Winters, Rector Magnificus of the Chancellery of Martial Magic, who was currently surveying the nearly completed preparations. Behind him stood a massive wooden desk, which quite effectively matched the various other furnishings and elaborate carpets that filled his study (not to mention the fireplace) and which gave the room a rather rustic and oldfashioned, if not ancient, touch (a pattern which was in fact shared by the entire academy). The only noise to be heard in the room was the incessant ticking of a watch, along with the scraping sounds of a feather writing on a sheet of parchment, all by itself, as if guided by an invisible hand. The feather paused, the parchment lifted itself into the air and unto a nearby stack of papers, while the feather continued it's furious scribbling on the next sheet.

The old man plucked absentmindedly at his long white beard for a while, before turning to face the desk with a half-expectant glance. First the short ring of a bell sounded, and then the hologram of a rather muscular Satyr appeared in front of the desk, his thick brown furr mostly concealed by the darkgreen body armour, his tail flicking about impatiently. "The commander of the Rogue Legion has arrived sir, along with the royal ambassador and the representative of the Guild of Brewer Monks. Also, the Technoton Omnimaster, Valerius Marshall, wishes to inspect our security... arrangements." Muriel raised an eyebrow, but decided that jurisdiction issues were the last thing he needed right now. "By all means, accommodate his wishes Thad, and thank you for the update." he replied at the vanishing hologram of Thaddeus Thorne, chief of security.

Sitting down, he adjusted his wire-rimmed spectacles, and read through the invitation message which had been spread throughout the galaxy and undoubtedly had found it's way to countless civilizations, new, old, good, evil, near, and far. He was rather sceptic as to how many foreign dignitaries would actually show up, but that remained to be seen... it was about time they started dropping in...

To whom it may concern, greetings and salutations!

The Royal Technocratic Dominion of Asfaltum would hereby like to invite foreign dignitaries, ranking as ambassador or higher, to participate in the annual celebration of magic, held throughout the Asfaltum realm during three consecutive days. This years celebrations will offer an opportunity for new and old aquaintances to re-establish contacts with our realm, after the rather brutal exile that took place so many years ago. It will also be a neutral ground for officials of all possible nationalites to meet each other on, and discuss recent happenings in this galaxy. Due to the fact that our realm no longer extends itself into this galaxy in terms of planets under our control, we have taken the liberty to set up a temporary location for this meeting, at the coordinates that follow this message. We would also like to point out that our neutrality will be thoroughly enforced, and that absolutely anyone is welcome to join. Should there ensue a dispute of honour, we will of course allow this to be resolved in a duel, but apart from such a deplorable incident taking place, we would like to think of this as a peaceful and neutral meeting, and we hope that you decide to join the festivities. Once again, greetings and salutations.
Ventuus
29-12-2008, 20:31
A reply came back that was not entirely cheerful and all-embracing, but came about as close as the reserved Ventish ruling classes usually manage.

Greetings and salutations in the name of Victor IV, by the grace of God King of the United Worlds, Jeshinesh of Ophelia-Kadrin, and Emperor of the Ventish territories beyond the stars.

His Majesty’s government would be honoured if a representative of the Crown be permitted to attend in order to observe the ceremony and engage in diplomatic and social discussions with the Royal Technocratic Dominion of Asfaltum and its guests.

We propose that our representative should be the Hon. Sir William Waverley GCL KCT LC, lately the governor of Frost’s System in the Ventish Periphery and currently coming to the end of a sabbatical period. He would be accompanied by his wife, a diplomatic attaché and an appropriate retinue.

The regards and respects of his Imperial Majesty,

Thomas, Earl Southway
Minister to the Crown for Foreign Affairs
Anarcanis
29-12-2008, 22:18
Of in space no one can hear you scream, neither can they hear you arrive...

One moment the space above the planet was empty in a particular location, then it wasn't. There was an object that simply had not been there before.. Though it was far more than the rectangle it outwardly appeared to be. That is if one could perceive it at all, for it was mostly still stealthed.

http://www.atddm.com/monolith3.jpg

Then it was no longer there, but in the main courtyard of the Academy of Magical Arts, and a dense white fog boiled off of it. Through the wreathing, writhing vapors a trio of figures appeared, wraith like at first then solidifying as they stepped forth into clear view.

Princess Nefertiti Kaffara Aum Horus (http://www.atddm.com/sister.jpg) the youngest sibling of he who held the Obsidian Throne of the Anubian Empire, looked about as interestedly, but far less warily, than her two royal guards did. “Encar, we did send word that we were coming” The young Anubian looked up at the senior of her two bodyguards, a questioning aspect to the tilt of her head and the tone of her voice. He was over a head taller than she and broadly built for the normally slender but muscular Anubians.

“So I was given to understand, Mistress”
Phenixica
30-12-2008, 11:27
A blue portal ripped a giant hole in space itself in the system, appearing like a blue star out of it appeared a Revelation Class cruiser. (Pillar of Autumn from Halo)

The bridge was scanning the area, they had to keep a eye on every signiture in the system to avoid any unwanted hostilities.

"This is Captain Eric Jaw of the IPN:Firestorm. Requesting permission to send down a guest, she is very pleased to have a chance to meet you

A woman walks into the bridge, dressed in jeans and a black shirt all that stood her apart was the piece of armour over her right shoulder and the hooded cape flowing behind her.

"You should be at your location soon your majesty"

"Be sure of it, I feel we will have much to learn. Your job is to keep vigilant...we are in Sith territory"

"What of your protection?"

"I am a trained Soldier and Templar. I can look after myself"
Asfaltum
30-12-2008, 12:38
A reply came back that was not entirely cheerful and all-embracing, but came about as close as the reserved Ventish ruling classes usually manage.

Greetings and salutations in the name of Victor IV, by the grace of God King of the United Worlds, Jeshinesh of Ophelia-Kadrin, and Emperor of the Ventish territories beyond the stars.

His Majesty’s government would be honoured if a representative of the Crown be permitted to attend in order to observe the ceremony and engage in diplomatic and social discussions with the Royal Technocratic Dominion of Asfaltum and its guests.

We propose that our representative should be the Hon. Sir William Waverley GCL KCT LC, lately the governor of Frost’s System in the Ventish Periphery and currently coming to the end of a sabbatical period. He would be accompanied by his wife, a diplomatic attaché and an appropriate retinue.

The regards and respects of his Imperial Majesty,

Thomas, Earl Southway
Minister to the Crown for Foreign Affairs

OOC: just RP your ship arriving and we can take it from there, no need to send a response message.

IC:

A positive reply was sent to the United Worlds, welcoming them to the celebrations to be held at the appointed time, and expressing much anticipation for the future meeting.


Then it was no longer there, but in the main courtyard of the Academy of Magical Arts, and a dense white fog boiled off of it. Through the wreathing, writhing vapors a trio of figures appeared, wraith like at first then solidifying as they stepped forth into clear view.

Princess Nefertiti Kaffara Aum Horus (http://www.atddm.com/sister.jpg) the youngest sibling of he who held the Obsidian Throne of the Anubian Empire, looked about as interestedly, but far less warily, than her two royal guards did. “Encar, we did send word that we were coming” The young Anubian looked up at the senior of her two bodyguards, a questioning aspect to the tilt of her head and the tone of her voice. He was over a head taller than she and broadly built for the normally slender but muscular Anubians.

“So I was given to understand, Mistress”

A short burst of light preceded Thaddeus Thorne, as the Satyr flashed into existance a short distance in front of the new arrivals. His features were mostly human, except maybe for his brownish furr, the lion-like tail, the hoves with which he walked, and of course the slightly catlike face with the two curved horns. His brown furr was mostly covered by a dark-green armour, with various golden embelishments and stylizations. His tail flicked about impatiently as he made a curteous bow and adressed the princess. "Greetings. I apologize for the not-so-pompous reception, in fact, we did not have time to message you the landing coordinates, before your ship rather abruptly vanished, and reappeared down here. But that has been taken care of, the coordinates have been sent, and I trust that your ship will relocate to the designated landing pad just outside the Academy walls. Now, if you please, these gentlemen here..." he pointed at two men in long dark-blue robes who had walked up to them "...will lead you to your quarters, which will be at your disposal for the three days of festivity. You will of course have the possibility to voice whatever desire you may have, concerning furniture, diet requirements, and other things you may have close at heart. You will have a couple of hours to prepare for the banquet to be held this evening, and I'm sure one of our more prominent officials will undoubtedly pass by later on to check on you, and see that all is well. Whatever wish you may have, I'm confident that we will be able to satisfy. Now, if you excuse me, as the acting chief of security, I am much sought after. But, I look forward to a longer conversation this evening... he added with an enigmatic, if not mischievous grin, before disappearing in another flash of light.


A blue portal ripped a giant hole in space itself in the system, appearing like a blue star out of it appeared a Revelation Class cruiser. (Pillar of Autumn from Halo)

The bridge was scanning the area, they had to keep a eye on every signiture in the system to avoid any unwanted hostilities.

"This is Captain Eric Jaw of the IPN:Firestorm. Requesting permission to send down a guest, she is very pleased to have a chance to meet you


Above the planet, three crystal fortresses (http://www.shipschematics.net/yamato/images/darknebula/spacefortress_crystalbase.jpg) dominated the view-field. A return message was sent to the Phenixican ship, expressing much anticipation for the future meeting, and sending landing coordinates that would lead to a landing pad located just outside the Academy walls.

OOC: I'll be inactive on wednesday and thursday, and then during the weekend, meaning I will post replies on Friday, and on Monday next week. I hope that is not a problem, RL is a bit busy right now... besides, it is a great chance to let other participants join in, before I get the feast started...
The Eternal Swarm
30-12-2008, 15:53
OOC: This is, I am assuming some time after our other RP, and after my others. So Irene and Terrence would be...

IC:There was perhaps one entity in the entirety of The Swarm who could be said as being welcome in Asfaltum.

That woman was the Queen of blades, and being married to a citizen of Asfaltum, she felt particularly entitled to show up at a diplomatic function there.

So it was that Hive Fleet Ultimus diverted course, and deposited a single Hive ship at the specified coordinates.

"Is my husband around somewhere? It's been awhile since I've seen him, and I'm SOOOOO lonely for his company again. That of course, is secondary to my real reason for being here, which is of course, your invite to your celebration." Irene said.

She already had a legion of drones assisting her with getting herself prepared for non-swarmling company:

A shape-shift to a human form, brushing her hair, putting on just enough make up to accentuate her natural beauty inherent in her human form, and of course, the most devastating weapon in her entire arsenal, the little black dress. It was being freshly spun from silk. She had a pair of black heels to go with it. Her nails were painted red, to match her hair. Her green eyes sparkled, she was ready for any social occasion, or so she felt.
Anarcanis
30-12-2008, 21:57
Now, if you excuse me, as the acting chief of security, I am much sought after. But, I look forward to a longer conversation this evening...

"Oh my! They are as informal as humans. How refershing" Nefer commented softly, more to herself than any one else as the Satyr disappeared in a flash. She looked at the two blue robed men as behind her the Monolith vanished without a flash to reappear at the requested location.

"Be it made know that the honor" The younger of the Princesses two bodyguards began, but he stilled as she lay a gentle hand on his forearm.

"I am Princess Nefertiti Kaffara Aum Horus, and I am most pleased to be here." With a small gesture she made a quasi bow. "And might I ask the name of your acting chief of security?.. and please, lead on" she nodded with a pleasant, but lips closed smile. The Anubi had learned long ago that the flash of fangs disconcerted most - and every predator know that what humans termed a 'smile' was, among themselves, nothing of the sort.
The Garbage Men
31-12-2008, 01:51
There are very few things that The Garbage Men don't try to involve themselves in some way or another, even at a time where the CEO and owner of the Corporation is getting married, business must go on.

The name Asfaltum had occasionally been appearing on a number of reports most recently an Anti-GE league, some sort of 'leagion'. Now while this wasn't a concern and was theoretically good for business. There was a time where the Corporation was a member of the GE, but only to gain access to their various markets. A strong economy and the vast population made the GE vital markets. However that was a long time ago, the corporation had left the GE once markets had been solidified. That had however been a long time ago, a very long time ago indeed.

Pendle, a member of the Marketing division, Aiden his colleague, and Jamieville who was there for security purposes, flew towards the planet. Having settled down near the large structure that defined their meeting place in the small shuttle. They set out to enjoy themselves, meet new creatures and most importantly create new business contracts.
Phenixica
31-12-2008, 08:24
The Crystal ships were stunning and most of the crewed admired their beauty from a distance as the shuttle made it's way to the Ramp. The Battlecruiser would not leave and a Warpgate was on standby.

The Empress goes down the ramp of the shuttle that just landed, her now orange dress made of the best silk gliding in the air. The long sleeved attire was comfortable but the Empress was not used to getting dressed up. Her dark red hair normally in a ponytail is resting on her shoulders. She wore orange high heels and her fingers painted in Blue it was all symbolic of her position, Orange was the colour of the Phoenix after all and the Bis her fathers tribe colour is blue. She was what could be called a 'classic' beauty with her Monroe body and pale skin, she was the princess of legend yet a Empress. Those Grey eyes like her father showed that still this was all in the name of diplomacy.

The pauldron still rests on her right shoulder as a symbol of her authority over the Empire. Her only guard was 2 Legionary Soldiers on the shuttle. She awaits for somebody to show her where to go, it would be rude to wander around.

This was Nadine Perius Cook, Empress of the Phenixican Empire and it's unified tribes of Bis, Ruid, Grun and Monra
Asfaltum
02-01-2009, 16:07
OOC: post holder for future post on Monday. RL is insanely busy, but next week I should have more time... I'll send a TG to all participants when I respond... until then, this is a great chance for someone else to join in...
Myenya
02-01-2009, 17:31
It was a curiosity.

A message picked up on a routine wander through the stars, a message regarding a species they had never heard of, exiled by a conflict they had never participated in, co-mingling into a meeting they couldn't possibly ever care about. These were the affairs of the brutish and the war-like, the distant and the bitter. What were these affairs to Myenya, it's people more at home in idle exploration and hedonism? What did these matters concern the crew and shipbrain of the DEV Don't Eat Me, You Don't Know Where I've Been?

Regardless.

It was a curiosity. And they were going to investigate it.

They were hardly a galactic power; being an insular, hedonistic, anarchistic, hyper-technological backwater civilisation only recently discovered by the galaxy at large. They were not masters or practitioners of warfare, rather they had a fleeting knowledge of carnal violence. They were, above all else, their own people, their own ideas, their own world-view. Some may have denounced them as naive or foolsih, but in truth they were neither. They were simply optimists.

There was a clamour like thunder as the great ship slid, golden with its own inner luminescence and the reflected light of stars, slid free from hyperspace and let its sensors take in its immediate surroundings, data drifted and flowed into it and through it, information osmosis as it became one with the area about it, redefining the very skein of existence with its presence just as reality altered it.

|Hello all, this is the ship brain of the DEV Don't Eat Me, You Don't Know Where I've Been. We come in peace and with much curiosity. We would like to learn more of your peoples and of this meeting, and of the conflict you allege brought you to this point.

We're rather bored you see, and your tragedy sounded as though it might be interesting to poke