Kaggath Battlegrounds Heats - Empire of Plagues vs Imperial Droid Division

[Aurbere]

They do not even need vibroblades for close quarters, as was referenced earlier. Zombie skull, meet crushing droid hand.

 

It's almost not fair for those poor zombies. OK, maybe it's not 'almost fair'. It's totally not fair.

[Warren-Stride]

So, silly me forgot that the New Essential Guide to Alien Species, which is sitting on my shelf, has two whole pages dedicated to Killiks. I suppose these quotes could be helpful in clearing up some misconceptions.

 

"Killiks are separated into several subspecies, with each group making up a hive or 'nest' of its own kind, though all of the nests are connected through a telepathic link."

 

So yes, telepathic communication between different species of killiks is still a thing. And Wuluw act as long-distance communication relays for this telepathy.

 

"Prior to absorbing the minds of Thul, Plo, and Wlek, the Killiks had been simple creatures. They possessed no inherent drive or need to live, dying and reproducing as a biological urge, not an emotional desire. It was only after these humans became Joiners that Killiks learned to value life and the individual."

 

Killiks do value life with Lomi Plo as a Joiner, and in fact, they appreciate the individual. This solves for both the argument made about minor wounds being fatal (as they would be tended to) and the memory argument, as individual thought would be encouraged (though not to the extent that it interfered with the Hive Mind).

 

"The influence of this subverted hive [the Gorog] spread to the others as an individual would be provoked by his or her unconcious, inducing the Killiks to dominate the galaxy by sucking in as many joiners as they could, colonizing one populated world after another."

 

This disproves the theory that Killiks are against Joining civilians, it was a common tactic for expansion during Lomi Plo's time.

 

"The Unu [a predominate Killik nest] communicated with the outside world and drew other species in as Joiners, making them part of the insect hive mind through the use of membrosia, a highly addictive consumable produced by the Killiks."

 

The membrosia could speed the Joining of Taris civilians. If introduced as a new drug in the Lowercity of Taris, the gangs and other criminals could quickly become Joiners. Additionally, those who do take membrosia will become overjoyed at their Joining, and encourage others to take membrosia as well. Once civilians hear how wonderful the joining is and realize that joining will make them safe from the AiR, many more will voluntarily join.

Edited July 22, 2014 by Warren-Stride

[Silenceo]

Rise of the Lower City

 

Motivating the Populace and Fortifying Positions

 

-Inhabitants need to be convinced of the threat.

-Once identified, it is more likely than many seem to think the Tarisian's will go to war.

-In past civil wars all of the other levels combined could not overcome Upper Cities Defenses.

-Middle City acts as the IDD's base of operations for flexible and quick deployment.

-Due to wanting to defend what is they have worked so hard for, the Middle City inhabitants likely already have means of defending themselves from the Lower City, since the entire culture revolves around advancing into the cities above themselves.

-Many citizens would happily defend their home since mass evacuation is out of the question. Offering to sneak the Elderly and the sick off planet would go a long ways to earn the populaces favor. The IDD can supply the weaponry.

-Possible to inspire those who fight to fight for their homes, their family, and their ways of life.

-Place explosives that are well hidden and can only be detonated by the IDD along places that are at risk of infection, so that they may be detonated should the defenses fail.

 

 

Lower City Precautions

 

-IDD controlled lifts, perhaps coordinated by IG-88 or a copy of him. This would increase the defenses greatly due to the droid having no morals and willing to leave refuges to die to a horde should the possibility of them escaping be too high. An entire network working as such could greatly hamper the EoP's spread and bolster the IDD's efficiency.

-Medical supplies are located near the lifts, easy to get where they are needed as quickly as possible.

-Lower Level gangs are already entrenched. Vulkars = Top Tier Swoop Gang, Beks = Low Tier Swoop Gang. Others tended to be in the middle. This means that nearly every swoop gang would already have some sort of automated defenses in place to defend their members with as well as refuges. This includes blaster turrets, droids, and armed thugs.

-The Exchange were extremely well off, putting even the best swoop gangs to shame. They likely have the highest quality soldiers on the planet apart from the IDD. They often seem to react well to deals, and the IDD could make a good one that would profit them greatly not to mention defend their assets.

 

 

 

Media and Government

 

-Possible to use the Plantery media to spread awareness of the danger, and direct the citizens towards the fortified areas as well as prepare them for what is coming.

-The IDD could use the media to heavily encourage always being heavily armed, which could be supplied from the Local authorities. Jerec is quite persuasive and often is able to do such convincing.

-Help the citizens themselves fortify the areas around the Lifts so they are not out in the open while they are processed to head to the upper levels.

-High possibility of there already being rakghoul contingency plans in place, and Jerec would likely be able to convince the government to hand them over.

 

 

Possibilities to use Vehicles in Lower City

 

-Spider Droids would fit in the swoop tunnels if they can reach them

-Enforcers are slightly too tall most likely to fit, but with the entire planet trying to help them, I am sure that they too could be transported to the Swoop Tunnels so they can act as quick horizontal troop movement.

-Spider Droids could likely peek through the gaps between the Lower City streets and the swoop tunnels, using its laser to scythe down EoP hordes.

-Enforcers could help ensure that the Swoop Tunnels remain in their control with their heavy firepower and armor.

 

 

A few things that I have talked to some people about to hash out some ideas, and I feel that these ideas could very well help the Lower City conflict quickly turn in the IDD's favor. If they contact the swoop gangs as proposed again, it is likely the Black Vulkars would give them the route, which could allow the IDD to end it while they still have many many Dark Troopers and the EoP horde is at its lowest point. The Upper city Defenses are likely strong enough to defend itself from enemy infantry.

Edited July 22, 2014 by Silenceo

[tausra]

In an effort to help settle the Spider Droid debate, I went digging for images. I will be the first to admit, there is nothing that shows the droid climbing sheer surfaces, however, there is some support for the idea of a droid climbing surfaces less than 90 degrees.

 

http://www.freewebs.com/qbanchief/SPider%20droid.JPG

http://img1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb2...nnendroide.png

 

The Images above show a weak point in the droid, however, they also show the range of leg movement. It would seem that the bar which holds the leg can go up, down and side to side, letting it walk. This also indicates that the droid could move its' legs to an extreme angle, allowing the "ball" to assume different positions of firing. It could plant 2 legs against the building, shorten the leg length and then pivot the joints against the ball to fire into tight space, down vertical surfaces, or up at sharp angles. The droid does not have to move all of its' legs at once, which means it can assume a nearly vertical position and then slowly step down to horizontal without issue.

 

http://toysnbricks.com/moc-steampunk-og-9-homing-spider-droid/

The lego image above illustrates how the machine moves, in the simplest terms.

 

 

http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTFOLX3pdzclU-uL1hkC92uEZUPKMD9Gr9Sp8RDxZex6ki7OPiu

http://textures.kaneva.com/5014753/3871449/1723614_ad.jpg

http://www.brickpicker.com/images/set_images/brickpicker_set_75016-1_3.jpg

https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR3qr-gNUoJIXdieckggP6cuKIAn3mqrgeOgNQNTG_FJiXy2knd

 

The links above show the feet of the droid, which all seem to have something suspiciously like clamps, or pincers. If they are clamps, and not some sort of design flaw, this would mean that the droid could anchor a pair of legs, move the other pair, anchor them, and then move the first set. This would enable the droid to climb almost any surface short of a 90 degree incline. They aren't mag-sealed, because the droid is designed to climb a wide variety of surfaces.

Edited July 22, 2014 by tausra

[Beniboybling]

Beks = Low Tier Swoop Gang.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8qJjCyN40yE/TpL4_RS5zII/AAAAAAAAAjA/2rYyRj6zXUY/s1600/PalpatinePuzzled.jpg

 

P.S. The Exchange as a prominent organisation do not exist.

Edited July 22, 2014 by Beniboybling

[Beniboybling]

The only issue I see with the spider droids, is that I am not convinced they can hold their own weight. I am sure that they can move to accommodate for sheer cliff scaling, but is possible they would just fall off.

[karadron]

"Killiks are separated into several subspecies, with each group making up a hive or 'nest' of its own kind, though all of the nests are connected through a telepathic link."

 

So yes, telepathic communication between different species of killiks is still a thing. And Wuluw act as long-distance communication relays for this telepathy.

 

Communication was never in doubt, the thing is that they do not share the same hive mind. And any form of communication can have its own set of problems.

 

 

"Prior to absorbing the minds of Thul, Plo, and Wlek, the Killiks had been simple creatures. They possessed no inherent drive or need to live, dying and reproducing as a biological urge, not an emotional desire. It was only after these humans became Joiners that Killiks learned to value life and the individual."

 

Killiks do value life with Lomi Plo as a Joiner, and in fact, they appreciate the individual. This solves for both the argument made about minor wounds being fatal (as they would be tended to) and the memory argument, as individual thought would be encouraged (though not to the extent that it interfered with the Hive Mind).

 

In this case you are wrong. It was because Raynar Thul was Joined that they valued individual life not Lomi Plo.

 

Since Raynar had been absorbed into the Killik hive mind, his values became their values, especially his value of individual life. When Raynar emerged, he was in control of the Yoggoy nest, and began changing it to better help the Killiks.

 

 

 

"The influence of this subverted hive [the Gorog] spread to the others as an individual would be provoked by his or her unconcious, inducing the Killiks to dominate the galaxy by sucking in as many joiners as they could, colonizing one populated world after another."

 

This disproves the theory that Killiks are against Joining civilians, it was a common tactic for expansion during Lomi Plo's time.

 

True, but with the intentions behind this faction Joiners could very easily end up as Rakghouls. The process in this case might not be worth the effort. When they would serve in almost the same capacity as ghouls.

 

 

"The Unu [a predominate Killik nest] communicated with the outside world and drew other species in as Joiners, making them part of the insect hive mind through the use of membrosia, a highly addictive consumable produced by the Killiks."

 

The membrosia could speed the Joining of Taris civilians. If introduced as a new drug in the Lowercity of Taris, the gangs and other criminals could quickly become Joiners. Additionally, those who do take membrosia will become overjoyed at their Joining, and encourage others to take membrosia as well. Once civilians hear how wonderful the joining is and realize that joining will make them safe from the AiR, many more will voluntarily join.

 

This is not a bad idea. The only thing though is that it requires a certain breed of Killiks to do so, and I would say they would either need to be from a supplier or would be taken from combat troops. As well it would take time too get the addicted, as well as spreading the addiction around. But if the gangs knew the origin of the membrosia I doubt they would want it because of the mind stealing bugs in the Under City.

Edited July 22, 2014 by karadron

[Canino]

I'd just like to ask, do the Black Vulkars exist? Cause they were quite prominent on the planet at this time....

[karadron]

I'd just like to ask, do the Black Vulkars exist? Cause they were quite prominent on the planet at this time....

 

I would say they would, since they are more like a planetary feature than anything else.

[Canino]

I would say they would, since they are more like a planetary feature than anything else.

 

But they are an organization that was relatively prominent in the lower city/under city. Hell, they are even capable of giving the IDD knowledge that not an average citizen would know. On Nar Shaddaa, Black Sun is more like a planetary feature. This is gang with the power to turn the war.

[karadron]

But they are an organization that was relatively prominent in the lower city/under city. Hell, they are even capable of giving the IDD knowledge that not an average citizen would know. On Nar Shaddaa, Black Sun is more like a planetary feature. This is gang with the power to turn the war.

 

The difference is that Black Sun is a galaxy spanning organization while the Black Vulkars are only located on Taris.

[Canino]

The difference is that Black Sun is a galaxy spanning organization while the Black Vulkars are only located on Taris.

True, but the rule bans all prominent organizations, people and other factions, which I believe the Black Vulkars fit into. They are capable of turning the tide of battle completely with one word. That's prominent.

#3 No outside involvement, other powers will not and cannot interrupt or affect the battle, for the purpose of argument they are non-existent. This includes prominent named individuals and any kind of organisation not in the faction makeup or permitted by the rules.

 

EDIT: Then we see this on the wiki:

 

The gang, one of the most well known on that ecumenopolis, was known for the thuggish demeanor of its members.

 

So they are obviously known to the majority of people, making them prominent. And this:

 

This change in leadership brought about a drastic change from the gang's earlier reputation. Through the use of coercion, threats of force, and pure iron will, Brejik molded the group of petty thugs into a group of zealots, mobilizing them for a brutal street war against the Hidden Beks.

What does that mean? That they were a weaponized, militant of the underworld. Or, another faction.

Edited July 22, 2014 by Canino

[Silenceo]

Its been a while, but didn't the Bek's know of the entrance as well? Also as been mentioned, even without the Vulkars it is likely the IDD would be scouring the Gov archives for all entrances into the Undercity, and the blueprints of the Vulkar base just might be come across since they would likely start looking in the immediate area.

[Beniboybling]

True, but the rule bans all prominent organizations, people and other factions, which I believe the Black Vulkars fit into. They are capable of turning the tide of battle completely with one word. That's prominent.

#3 No outside involvement, other powers will not and cannot interrupt or affect the battle, for the purpose of argument they are non-existent. This includes prominent named individuals and any kind of organisation not in the faction makeup or permitted by the rules.

 

EDIT: Then we see this on the wiki:

 

The gang, one of the most well known on that ecumenopolis, was known for the thuggish demeanor of its members.

 

So they are obviously known to the majority of people, making them prominent. And this:

 

This change in leadership brought about a drastic change from the gang's earlier reputation. Through the use of coercion, threats of force, and pure iron will, Brejik molded the group of petty thugs into a group of zealots, mobilizing them for a brutal street war against the Hidden Beks.

What does that mean? That they were a weaponized, militant of the underworld. Or, another faction.

That is a point, I guess I'd have to disallow them.

[Silenceo]

True, but the rule bans all prominent organizations, people and other factions, which I believe the Black Vulkars fit into. They are capable of turning the tide of battle completely with one word. That's prominent.

#3 No outside involvement, other powers will not and cannot interrupt or affect the battle, for the purpose of argument they are non-existent. This includes prominent named individuals and any kind of organisation not in the faction makeup or permitted by the rules.

 

EDIT: Then we see this on the wiki:

 

The gang, one of the most well known on that ecumenopolis, was known for the thuggish demeanor of its members.

 

So they are obviously known to the majority of people, making them prominent. And this:

 

This change in leadership brought about a drastic change from the gang's earlier reputation. Through the use of coercion, threats of force, and pure iron will, Brejik molded the group of petty thugs into a group of zealots, mobilizing them for a brutal street war against the Hidden Beks.

What does that mean? That they were a weaponized, militant of the underworld. Or, another faction.

 

Prominent Definitions: important; famous. projecting from something; protuberant.

 

The Black Vulkars themselves fit none of these terribly well. In the middle city for example they are likely not even know at all. While the information itself could be argued to be "Important" the information would still be found unless you completely removed their base. Like I previously mentioned the entrance would be found when the IDD starts looking for ways into the Undercity that are not already heavily guarded, likely starting in the areas closest to the lifts. With or without the Vulkars the entrance will be found. The only difference they make is the speed at which it is found.

 

The important piece = the information. The information is not only with them however, nor would it disappear with them since the base would still be there. Even then you would have to figure in how reluctant they might be to work with the Authorities. They would likely only share such information when they knew the IDD was looking for a way into the Undercity, and the EoP had made itself known on the Lower City. It wouldn't be theirs instantly.

 

There is nothing "Prominent" specifically about the Black Vulkars. Even if they were gone the entrance would be found. Which calls into question, why ban them then if they are merely a strong street gang?

 

Also, it is good to note that they do not have that leader. They are not allowed named leaders. The gangs of the Lower City basically ARE the Lower city...

Edited July 22, 2014 by Silenceo

[karadron]

Prominent Definitions: important; famous. projecting from something; protuberant.

 

The Black Vulkars themselves fit none of these terribly well. In the middle city for example they are likely not even know at all. While the information itself could be argued to be "Important" the information would still be found unless you completely removed their base. Like I previously mentioned the entrance would be found when the IDD starts looking for ways into the Undercity that are not already heavily guarded, likely starting in the areas closest to the lifts. With or without the Vulkars the entrance will be found. The only difference they make is the speed at which it is found.

 

The important piece = the information. The information is not only with them however, nor would it disappear with them since the base would still be there. Even then you would have to figure in how reluctant they might be to work with the Authorities. They would likely only share such information when they knew the IDD was looking for a way into the Undercity, and the EoP had made itself known on the Lower City. It wouldn't be theirs instantly.

 

There is nothing "Prominent" specifically about the Black Vulkars. Even if they were gone the entrance would be found. Which calls into question, why ban them then if they are merely a strong street gang?

 

IDD forces walk off the lift from the Upper City. A short right later they reach a really big and obvious door.

 

"Hey where does this door lead to?"

 

"I don't know, let's check it out."

[Beniboybling]

Again all organisations by the rulebook should be disallowed, so Canino is correct I really shouldn't allow the Black Vulkars at all. However this does not mean their exists no secret access tunnels to the sewers, clearly there are.

 

But the Black Vulkars themselves cannot be deployed as a ground force.

[Silenceo]

IDD forces walk off the lift from the Upper City. A short right later they reach a really big and obvious door.

 

"Hey where does this door lead to?"

 

"I don't know, let's check it out."

 

*Cue IDD Patrol*

 

DT-1: Hey, look a hatch!

 

DT-2: I will cover you, open it up.

 

*DT-1 Opens it*

 

DT-1: Contact HQ, this leads directly into the sewers!

 

DT-2: Copy that.

 

*Turns and transmits data to command.*

 

Or something like this would happen since it has been stated repeatedly that there will be Dark Trooper patrols searching for hostiles/infected. A big door like that, so close to the lifts, would be one of the first.

[karadron]

*Cue IDD Patrol*

 

DT-1: Hey, look a hatch!

 

DT-2: I will cover you, open it up.

 

*DT-1 Opens it*

 

DT-1: Contact HQ, this leads directly into the sewers!

 

DT-2: Copy that.

 

*Turns and transmits data to command.*

 

Or something like this would happen since it has been stated repeatedly that there will be Dark Trooper patrols searching for hostiles/infected. A big door like that, so close to the lifts, would be one of the first.

 

Then of course follows...

 

DT-3: Activate that lift the boss wants to know where it goes.

 

DT-4: Roger.

 

*lift goes down*

 

DT-3: Hey are these the sewers?

 

DT-4: Contact HQ, they need to know about this.

 

 

EDIT: Dang it I completely read your post wrong. I'll just go cry in the corner now.

Edited July 22, 2014 by karadron

[Silenceo]

EDIT: Dang it I completely read your post wrong. I'll just go cry in the corner now.

 

The IDD thanks you for the new influx of tears, they will be sent to empower the PIII's right away! Remember, serving your Empire is the best thing you can do in your life!

Edited July 22, 2014 by Silenceo

[karadron]

The IDD thanks you for the new influx of tears, they will be sent to empower the PIII's right away! Remember, serving your Empire is the best thing you can do in your life!

 

They will also hang up pictures of Jerec looking like a boss all over the planet. Something like a military leader with droids at his feet and the IDD's flag behind him. Inspiring.

Edited July 22, 2014 by karadron

[Silenceo]

They will also hang up pictures of Jerec looking like a boss all over the planet. Something like a military leader with droids at his feet and the IDD's flag behind him. Inspiring.

 

I imagine Jerec in a pose like this, with dark troopers to either of his sides, with the Vengeance behind him.

 

Of course, at the bottom it would have words like, "Serve The Empire, Achieve Victory." Or something.

Edited July 22, 2014 by Silenceo

[Silenceo]

 

#93 All additional resources in given territories specified in rules #81-87 will be available to the faction. However all privatised companies within the specified territories do exist and are owned by the faction in control of the territory. Private individuals remain independent.

 

#82 Any and all nationalised facilities i.e. those controlled by the government, will be under your faction’s control – this includes the government itself. However any privatised industries i.e. those owned by private companies, will not and for the purposes of the Kaggath do not exist. However anything owned by small groups/markets/individuals can be traded with – it is up to the discretion of the Arbiter to decide what falls under this category.

 

#84 General planetary populations i.e. citizens, do exist and can contribute to the faction in terms of manpower, monetary assets, source of information, commerce, expertise etc.

 

#87 Any and all territories conquered or otherwise claimed from the enemy have the above assets and granted to the faction, and existing planetary rules apply to them.

 

A few rules that point towards the Vulkars possibly being allowed. While these typically are applied to the two chosen planets, since it seems unanimous that the Tarisan government will be aiding the IDD, I thought it would then apply.

[Beniboybling]

 

#93 All additional resources in given territories specified in rules #81-87 will be available to the faction. However all privatised companies within the specified territories do exist and are owned by the faction in control of the territory. Private individuals remain independent.

 

#82 Any and all nationalised facilities i.e. those controlled by the government, will be under your faction’s control – this includes the government itself. However any privatised industries i.e. those owned by private companies, will not and for the purposes of the Kaggath do not exist. However anything owned by small groups/markets/individuals can be traded with – it is up to the discretion of the Arbiter to decide what falls under this category.

 

#84 General planetary populations i.e. citizens, do exist and can contribute to the faction in terms of manpower, monetary assets, source of information, commerce, expertise etc.

 

#87 Any and all territories conquered or otherwise claimed from the enemy have the above assets and granted to the faction, and existing planetary rules apply to them.

 

A few rules that point towards the Vulkars possibly being allowed. While these typically are applied to the two chosen planets, since it seems unanimous that the Tarisan government will be aiding the IDD, I thought it would then apply.

Organisations are not specified however, you can have the govt. and the liason with the general criminal population, but no particular organisations I'm afraid.

[Silenceo]

Organisations are not specified however, you can have the govt. and the liason with the general criminal population, but no particular organisations I'm afraid.

 

Well, I guess we are assuming the Black Vulkars are just dead/moved/vacation, or something then... In that case I still think a patrol finding the base to be quite likely due to how close to the lifts the IDD would be using the base is located.