The Codexian Saga LP

[spekkio]

I salute you for this outstanding LP, Black Cat Barbarian-sama...

 

[The Barbarian]

The best hint Conan can provide is that you should realize that the reality of writing 500-700 words daily (or every other day) is not glamorous. If you have a forgiving working environment, it is easier.

If you really want to go through with it, make sure that whatever universe you choose to use is very familiar to you, and that you have a basic outline of where it could all end up.

Otherwise, go for your life, and I look forward to following your effort - the AoW universe is, indeed, very interesting.

spekkio:

The Barbarian extends his thanks.

 

[DarkUnderlord]

Brothers, consider carefully our current predicament. Take stock of our economic situation:

• All this resulted in stagnation. Not only did the post-war economic recovery in Codexian space stall badly, it was further exacerbated by a principled refusal to trade with xenoforms. Tentative private initiatives on the part of Raumeni merchants were strongly rebuffed.
  [...]
  Neither the government/church or the adherents of the faith particularly cared. Economic stagnation was accepted nonchalantly by a population increasingly used to frugality.
  [...]
  Meanwhile, the Commonwealth continued to strengthen.

We are weak, my Brothers. The heathens in the Commonwealth are greedy and strong. If we are to succeed against them and purge this Universe of the non-believers, we must take steps to ensure our safety. No doubt the Commonwealth fear our faith. No doubt they look at what we have and they want it.

Will they not take it, if we are open? Will they not strike us while our defenses our susceptible? I say to you: YES THEY WILL. Our faith is strong but our hands are frail. Let us take stock now and focus on strengthening our position so that we are immune from attack!

• Though the Raumen stayed belligerent and resentful, they had failed to take back their independence twice, already. Their strength had failed.
  [...]
  Even if no conflict seems immediately forthcoming, underlying tensions inevitably drive Marianism into a confrontation with the Commo, at the very least. It is time to make a choice.

A confrontation is coming. Shall we stand weak and frail, only to be beaten down by the heretics? Or shall we focus now on our economic might, so that we may have the funds to build and strengthen our armies later and then be a force to be reckoned with?

We must work our hands brothers! We must shake off the chains of frailty we have succumbed to and stand at full force before the heathen hoarde!

I note many of you have voted B, I urge you to reconsider a vote to A (people who vote C are just doin it rong). Right now the C's pose a dangerous threat and only A or B can save us. A will give us the economic backbone we require short-term, in order to build our armies long-term.

When war breaks, our strong internal economy will be the backbone by which we stand. As the commo heathen bastards rely on trade with alien scum to secure their economy, we will stand on an economy of our doing!

If we don't take this stand now, I fear our economy will collapse. While I acknowledge we have some amongst us who would see our downfall, internal enemies who as we speak plot against us, their numbers are few. Action in this method is merely a ploy meant to deceive us from the real task at hand. A complete economic collapse would only see their numbers strengthen. It is an IMPERATIVE we control our finances, lest all else fail.

A. Frugality is all good and well, but ships don't pay for themselves!

 

[laclongquan]

And the rise of economy will corrupt the AIdamned religion mwahahahahahahahahahahahah.

 

[treave]

AIs are already gone, my brother in Maria. They no longer have a role to play in our God(dess)-fearing society.

 

[The Barbarian]

Just a quick Codex Update:

Codex Entry: The Hin'in

***

'Raumeni, you should not resist the Hin'in. We will give you the freedom of order and the certainty of being. Look at yourselves. You bicker and quarrel endlessly. You battle your own kin. You prey on each other. And to what end? Embrace what we offer you. Criminality will trouble you no more. Disunity will become but a fading dream. Then, your pain will cease. You should not resist the Hin'in.'

- Ha'cua Be'veh, Hin'in Alpha Six, during a meeting with Elders of a Raumen clan.

'The Hin'in, fundamentally, are still recreating the pack behavior of their early social evolution - but on a wider scale. The alpha male is still the 'biggest dog' in the pack, even if becoming that alpha has become a far more intricate process over the eons. He or she still gets the most desirable mates, the greatest wealth and, of course, absolute authority. It is a system difficult to reconcile with our own - but, gosh darn it, it works. Look how long they've maintained it!'

- from conversations with Alberto Bertuzzi, Head of Xeno Studies at Leonid Planetary Higher Education Complex

Physiology:

The Hin'in are bipedal, mammalian creatures descended from carnivorous pack animals. They are generally between three and five feet tall, and their weight tends to range from thirty to seventy kilos. Covered with rough, somewhat mottled gray skin, they are highly mobile and incredibly agile, on average - though noticeably weaker and less 'dense' when compared to humans. They are very well adapted to a natural environment with many vertical features and low visibility. The latter is made evident by their poor vision and highly sensitive echolocation/biosonar organs - which are infinitely more developed than our closest fauna-equivalent cerebrum-based audio cortex (for example, in bats and toothed whales). The extent of this organ cluster is unknown, but it is clearly responsible for Hin'in 'telepathy'. These creatures also possess brilliantly hued eyes (blue, red and purple are prevalent) and very long, sinewy limbs. Tendrils extend from the backs of their heads, the exact purpose of which is unknown.

Hin'in 'Telepathy':

This xenoform exhibits one very unique trait: a well-developed psychic ability. Empathy and telepathy are the only hitherto confirmed aspects thereof. It is widely known that the leadership cadre/caste is particularly powerful, in this regard, and it is not unlikely that said strength plays a major role in their authority over Hin'in with a 'lesser' psychic capacity. Though dissections have not proven as fruitful as hoped for, the echolocation organ cluster is the obvious source of this facet of Hin'in physiology. The way it can function over great distances is of particular concern, given the tactical implications thereof. Telepathy gave the Hin'in unprecedented tactical advantages over Codexian forces in our last war, and understanding it might be of paramount importance in our future dealings with this race. Initial fears as to 'mind control', 'mind reading' and 'telekinesis', however, have been shown to be unfounded.

Society:

The Hin'in inhabit a large interstellar state encompassing dozens of worlds. This state is ruled by a conclave of powerful individuals who may, in fact, be a sort of 'telepathic oligarchy', and who rule by consensus. Generally, they are the most gifted telepaths a particular generation of Hin'in produces. Hin'in society, in a wider sense, is organized along similar lines. Authority is only afforded to the strongest and smartest mature Hin - and only until a stronger and smarter Hin comes along. This 'meritocratic' organization of society is based on the lack of 'familial' units in Hin'in communities. Progeny are raised collectively, and there is little sense of individual loyalty. Competition for primacy is very intense, especially when considering that the only relevant benchmark is one's physical, psychic and mental capacities. Mediocre specimens are relegated to menial labour and base services, while the 'best' are promoted and made to compete against those of similar ability. The Hin'in social experience from birth is one of constant testing and rivalry. The human concepts of 'love' and 'friendship' seem entirely inapplicable.

Though this would suggest that Hin'in society should be fairly fragmented and susceptible to struggles for power, or other internal conflict, the opposite is actually true. Hin'in society is famed for its stability. Whatever conflict does happen is usually resolved quickly, efficiently and with minimal fallout/damage.

Technology:

Hin'in technology is somewhat more advanced than the human state-of-the-art, circa 270AU. That advantage lies primarily in sensor and propulsion technologies - it is strongly believed in the military community that Codexian weaponry is just as effective, if not more so. In fact, various commentators have suggested that, while Hin'in technology is perceptibly more advanced, generally, it is not a strategically significant advantage.

 

[The Barbarian]

Next: State of the Union -> Marianite Religion (just a short exposition) -> Actual update.

 

[Brotherman Bill]

Current tally of the vote, I think (some of you were a bit unclear, and I migh thave misread or miscounted)
Orgasm C
Azira C
Nickless A
Herostratus B
Anus Pounder B
Undead Phoenix C
Saemon A
Luan C
Laclongquan A
back to sportforredneck A
wjw C
Praetor C
Root C
The Brazilian slaughter A
Treave A
Conkrete knight A
Dark Underlord A

C 7
A 8
B 2

 

[juggernaut]

Yay, welcome back Conan!

Option C

 

[treave]

Well, technically I haven't voted. But I'm leaning towards A anyway so leave it at that.

 

[Maria]

A

 

[The Barbarian]

SOTU is half done, and the update is coming tomorrow. This week is not being kind to the Barbarian.

 

[anus_pounder]

Flip Flopped to A

 

[The Barbarian]

State of the Union – 340AU

The State

The Venerable Respublica of Codexia is ruled by a cabal of powerful religious leaders, who have concurrent control over the Marianite Church. The executive branch of government is essentially appointed by this cabal, and answers to it in all administrative and legislative matters. The widely respected scholar and theologian Wise-Earl Neymar is the current head of the executive, and has held the office for well over a decade. The government, as a whole, can be characterized as a ‘revolutionary’ government, and is singularly responsible for a series of atrocities and human rights abuses against perceived domestic enemies and ‘dissidents’. Its authority is firmly established on more than sixty worlds of varying significance. Opposition to the Marianite regime is sporadic and, for the moment, very disorganized.

Society

Codexian society has undergone a planar shift since the second century AU. The Marianite Revolution has brought on numerous changes touching on every facet of social, professional and political life. With religious doctrine now constituting law, the previous conception of a ‘private sphere’ has been shattered. Private and public behaviour is strictly monitored and enforced by the authorities. Old rights, such as the freedom of speech, expression, political activity etc. have been made obsolete. Whereas previously Codexian citizens were bearers of rights enshrined in statute, they are now recipients of very conditional privileges. Government regulation is now far more onerous and pervasive. Though church attendance is not yet compulsory, churchgoers and ‘believers’ are afforded invariably greater opportunities – belief is, therefore, ‘incentivized’. This includes legal rights (esp. with regards to property), employment and socio-economic status.

Economy

Codexia’s economy has also been transformed by the Marianites. The consumer culture of old has been washed away, and in its place is an economy based on the equal distribution of valuable resources and general economic ‘flattening’. That is not to say it is a communistic contraption; rather, Codexia’s religious economy is based on principles drawn from the ‘divine laws’ of the socio-economic sphere. The emphasis is not on material gain and the trappings of luxury, but on religious symbolism and personal discipline. Spartanism is ‘in’. Frugality is now a way of life. Fortuitously, this aspect of the Marianite religion is well harmonized with the material circumstances of the Venerable Respublica. Not only has industrial production slackened, but the economy as a whole has badly contracted since the glory days of the mid second century. Material luxury is at a premium. But, strangely enough, the people are not too bothered. At least, in their minds, relative poverty is the norm. Wise-Earl Neymar, for example, has endeavoured to be a role model for the populace. He lives in a small apartment in Unification City, with few concessions to material needs.

Technology

The technological levels of the Venerable Respublica are very uneven. In the military sector, the high end commercial sector and in specific government institutions, the state of the art is competitive by any comparison. The leadership of the Respublica is not asinine in its rejection of materialism. Technologies with a strong practical basis are maintained and, yes, continue to be researched and developed by the Respublica’s cohort of scientists. Though the AI programme and human modding have both been clamped down on, technological progress as a whole remains slow, but steady. Consumer technologies, however, have experienced a disastrous decline, which has greatly affected the competitiveness of Codexian goods and services on the market.

Military and the Power Relationship

The military of the Venerable Respublica consists of ‘Space’ and ‘Terrestrial’, the two primary branches of the armed forces. Space maintains four fleets and roughly five hundred vessels of all types (larger than a corvette), whilst Terrestrial’s TO&E provides for some seventy combat-ready regiments (primarily mechanized infantry) and a larger reserve force. Both Space and Terrestrial are staffed by a highly motivated corps of officers and enlisted personnel, even if they are not quite as professional as the Armed Forces of the Commonwealth; their nearest potential opponent. This is due to the fact that the latter are, more or less, a reincarnation of the old Republican model, whereas the Respublican forces are modelled on a new line of military thinking (one concerned with ‘elan’ and moral fortitude, in particular). In a material sense, the forces of the Respublica are well equipped, though not quite as well equipped as Republican formations during their heyday. Reforms, modernization and procurement continue to gather steam as the Venerable Respublica pours more funds into defence.

In terms of the balance of power, Respublican Codexia has been labelled a ‘sleeping giant’ by various commentators. Decades of calamity, decline and disrepair have attrited its strength terribly, but it’s nothing a few good years of economic expansion and committed investment could not fix. In fact, the Marianite administration has promised this to the military establishment, and most expect that promise will be kept in the medium term. The nation’s latent industrial potential puts it in a good position to ‘catch up’. The Commonwealth, for its part, now has roughly the same number of military vessels deployed – though a much lesser ground-based military component. The technologies employed by the AFC are very similar to Codexia’s standard. The Hin’in represent the only other truly credible opponent in the immediate term, and at this time they are far more powerful than the Venerable Respublica. In the Raumen occupation zone, alone, they have been reported to field more than a thousand vessels of all types. Their hold over the territory they have taken from the Raumen is near-absolute, and their various Raumeni protectorates put them in direct or indirect control of two thirds of the Raumen Territories.

The status of the Turanei and the Phyr resettling the Dead Zone is unknown. The independent strength of the Raumeni, collectively, remains lesser than that of the Commonwealth.

***

Next on the agenda is the update. THEN a little something on Marianism.

 

[treave]

Decades of calamity, decline and disrepair have attrited its strength terribly, but it’s nothing a few good years of economic expansion and committed investment could not fix. In fact, the Marianite administration has promised this to the military establishment, and most expect that promise will be kept in the medium term.

This seems quite unclear. Have we promised a heavy emphasis on military build-up regardless of economy, or have we promised economic growth which will be used to fuel a military build-up?

At any rate, I'll confirm my vote as A. A Self Sufficient Respublica is a Happy Respublica.

 

[The Barbarian]

This seems quite unclear

If you have a look at the update that first brought about the Religious New Order, you'll note the bit where it says 'military support [for the revolution] was bought with promises as to the future'. Conan is paraphrasing.

Here you go, from the bottom of the update on page 74:

The military almost immediately pledged its loyalty to the new regime, having been guaranteed a steady expansion and increased funding in future.

 

[treave]

Alright. I was a little iffy regarding whether or not the military was in a "SHIPS SHIPS SHIPS NOW!" state of mind.

Now that I reread the updates it seems like they understand the need for economic expansion in order to maintain a greater fleet. Hopefully.

 

[The Barbarian]

The Barbarian is not vicious, friend Treave!

 

[treave]

Vicious, no.

Merciless? Likely.

 

[Radech]

A or B seems obvious, and it seems more like a hen and egg question, do we build factories so we can build more ships, or order ships that require factories to be built...

I'm going to go with B, but ready to flip-flop to A if C catches up, since all we need our production for in this deliciously frugal society is military and churches

 

[treave]

Not if our economy is always a 'war economy', with employment and production geared towards feeding an ever growing war machine while the populace see minimal, if any, increased decadence in their spartan lifestyles. That's what the religion is for. Control. To convince them that it is in their best interests to live frugally. Instead of using our bountiful resources to create consumer goods with which to spoil our citizenry, we transform those into weapons with which to cleanse the devils without.

 

[Nickless]

People who voted B, it doesn't look like you'll succeed. I ask that you add your voices to A, so we don't get royally screwed over by C.

 

[Undead Phoenix]

Not if our economy is always a 'war economy', with employment and production geared towards feeding an ever growing war machine while the populace see minimal, if any, increased decadence in their spartan lifestyles. That's what the religion is for. Control. To convince them that it is in their best interests to live frugally. Instead of using our bountiful resources to create consumer goods with which to spoil our citizenry, we transform those into weapons with which to cleanse the devils without.

If we want a war economy (which I am sure many of us want), than we should vote for B, not A. If A wins then the stoicism which every Codexian citizen has shown over the years will slowly be warn down by the invasion of cheap luxury goods. Do you want that to happen? Do you want us to idolise wealth like the decadent Commonwealth, or the Raumen devils? The Venerable Respublica is built upon the blood of martyrs, the very thought of all of you choosing wealth over faith is an insult to all they lived for and everything Santi Maria teaches.

A vote for A will see Codexia making the same mistakes that almost destroyed it many times over its history.

 

[GarfunkeL]

B.

No need to antagonize the military machine. Also, update the first page please!

 

[praetor]

i flip flop to B (though i'll gladly flip back to C if it catches up to A)