Tooth and Claw: Speed Among the Stars! [OPEN] - Printable Version
+- alonimi (https://alonimi.net)
+-- Forum: Science Fiction (https://alonimi.net/forumdisplay.php?fid=69)
+--- Forum: Misc Sci Fi (https://alonimi.net/forumdisplay.php?fid=79)
+--- Thread: Tooth and Claw: Speed Among the Stars! [OPEN] (/showthread.php?tid=521)
+- alonimi (https://alonimi.net)
+-- Forum: Science Fiction (https://alonimi.net/forumdisplay.php?fid=69)
+--- Forum: Misc Sci Fi (https://alonimi.net/forumdisplay.php?fid=79)
+--- Thread: Tooth and Claw: Speed Among the Stars! [OPEN] (/showthread.php?tid=521)
Tooth and Claw: Speed Among the Stars! [OPEN] - sir - 11-09-2014
<u style="font-weight:bold;]TOOTH AND CLAW[/u]
SETTING NOTES
Swift Signals
It echoes out in a hundred systems, calibrated for a hundred species. In human colonies, the signal carries a subsonic background; like a heartbeat, racing onward to apoplexy. In Jobari space, it is a pirate broadcast prefaced with algorithmic pops and crackles, a steganographic call to war.
In every language, in every system, the message is the same.
Welcome to the race of a lifetime! Welcome to Tooth and Claw!
The Crimson Line
Tooth and Claw is, quite simply, one of the most popular entertainment ventures in TAF space.
The brainchild of August Reddin I-V, it consists of three phases, each broadcast from a different planetary system. Contestants are ferried between systems in the famed Reddin Enterprises Crimson Line, transports so luxurious as to be more floating palace than cargo hauler.
It’s best, if you’re lucky enough to be a contestant, to enjoy luxury while you can. Each phase of the race consists of a race- sometimes in vacuum, sometimes in atmosphere, sometimes on the ground. And each phase of the race also includes a combat trial, in any of a number of environments.
Each team consists of two participants: an AI-driven ship acting as its own pilot, and a biological mechanic who may also serve as navigator or weapons officer. The ship risks death by drive implosion, structural integrity failure, and core destruction. The mechanic risks death by vacuum, weapons fire, and radiation.
The winning team gains a massive purse in TAF credits and the right to resleeving in whatever form they choose, synthetic or biological. The losing teams gain nothing, and any who are destroyed or killed are resleeved or re-instantiated in generic bodies and hulls, product (and courtesy) of Reddin Enterprises. Without a thick bankroll, they are likely to stay there.
Speed and Stardom
August Reddin- at least, August I, August IV, and August III- preaches a doctrine of independence. Contestants are not allowed to be sponsored, nor can they be the sole product of a given corporation. They can, however, accept donations in good faith, and such donations are sorely needed for repairs, upgrades, and publicity (beyond that provided by the colorful commentary of Tooth and Claw itself).
In short, the race is as much popularity contest as it is navigational endeavor.
This facet of the competition has bred a pageant atmosphere, with every ship seeking to distinguish itself in the eyes of the public with over-the-top personalities, setting themselves up as underdog heroes, charming rogues, or thuggish villains (whom many will bankroll out of perversity). A racer who puts on an impeccable performance, but doesn’t bother playing to the crowd, can find final victory more distant than expected as resupply and repair proves impossible.
RACE RULES
<spoiler>
The rules of the yearly Tooth and Claw Triple Threat race are as follows.
Team Composition
Each team must consist of one biological crew member, and one sapient vessel with a crew complement of one. Vessels may be, at maximum, corvette class or equivalent in size. Biologicals must be singular entities or hive minds with less than 30 component entities.
Team Funds
Teams may not accept formal sponsorship, and may not be employees of a corporation.
Each team is issued a race account, to which fans and informal sponsors may donate. Tooth and Claw LLC will match 50% of all donations. All repair and resupply for the duration of the race is to be purchased using the funds in said donation account.
Selection
The Triple Threat race will accept, at most, 30 contestants. Previous winners have priority, followed by winners of recruiting events held by Reddin Enterprises.
Elimination
Contestants will be eliminated under the following circumstances:
• Mechanical failure resulting in zero mobility
• Mechanical failure resulting in death of guiding intelligence or crew
• Failure to finish in top 50% of contestants in first and second phases
• Noncompliance with race rules.
Race Structure and Victory Conditions
There are three phases overall, each taking place in a new stellar system.
Each phase has one combat section, and one speed-trial section. Order of sections is random.
Victory in combat sections will be determined by a panel of judges. Victory in speed-trial sections will be determined by course completion time. Relative scores in both sections will be averaged to determine final ranking for the phase.
The top three overall contestants will receive resleevings in synthetic or bioform bodies or hulls of their choice.
The overall winner receives an additional 5 million TAF credits.
Vessel Systems
Contestants may mount any form of propulsion, defensive, and communication systems desired. Weapon systems must be Class B or below. There are no further rules as regards vessel systems or configuration.
</spoiler>
HOW THIS THREAD WORKS
<spoiler>
This is an adventure story about spaceship racing guided by you, the readers/posters. I will update it at least once a day, possibly more if volume of suggestions/my sanity allows.
Generally speaking, I will implement any suggestion that has at least four votes. In the absence of a quorum, I will implement the coolest suggested action for that day. I will generally put my own spin on suggestions: this is for your own good. Trust me.
Updates will generally end with <ACTION?>. This is your cue to jump in and vote! Sometimes I may take a more multiple choice approach- usually when the choice is a fairly binary one.
Occasionally, certain things in a post will be in ALL CAPS. This means they are something you can interact with or find out more about. Don’t take them as an exhaustive list, however- there are likely to be many other things you can fiddle with or discover.
When rolling dice is called for, the following system will be used:
Players will roll three six-sided dice, or 3d6. The players must reach a given target number, between 3 and 18, within a given number of rolls, usually four.
Players may accompany their roll with a particular tactic or suggestion, which can result in a bonus or penalty of +/- four points.
If you have any other questions about the format of the thread, or the story itself, feel free to post them! I always welcome discussion and would be very grateful to anyone who chooses to keep the thread active, so more people can see it and vote- that’s what’s necessary to keep the story moving.
</spoiler>
Tooth and Claw: Speed Among the Stars! [OPEN] - sir - 11-09-2014
LATEST POST
<DAY: 01> <IOLANTHE GAMMA | IOLANTHE DOWN>
>Iolanthe down, this is Ondine 1304M <PTA BURST>, come back.
The return transmission is rapid enough to indicate faint distress.
>>Ondine, this is Iolanthe down, <BURST ACKNOWLEDGED>. Be advised we have negative sensor contact.
>>You may proceed under active IFF, repeat, active IFF. <DOCKING PERMISSION>.
Rabbit flicks the transponder to <active broadcast> and fires the torch, a subsonic rumble throughout the hull as ey begin to move.
“I’m not entirely sure they’re not going to shoot us, pal.”
>What’s life without risk, ol’ Buddy?
“I’m not old. My fur is naturally this shade, it’s dignified.”
<<<>>>
Iolanthe down slowly grows in the front view; a scabrous, sprawling agglomeration of rock and cable. In visual it’s a dark Rorschach blot, occluding the sun behind it.
In Rabbit’s near-IR, it glistens. Plumed and spotted with trails of plasma, as the precious is separated from the dross. A flickering nimbus of midges, shuttles and people-movers, breaks up the irregular silhouette.
>Kind of pretty, isn’t it?
Eir monitors display the IR image for Buddy’s benefit.
“It’s a beehive; they’re all horrible rock-rat warrens. Thankfully there’s enough gravel in there I can shit on it and nobody’s likely to notice.”
>I’ll be sure to pass that along.
Buddy’s tails flicker warningly and a telekinetic THUNK shakes his chair.
“Your sense of humor, my dear friend, leaves somewhat to be desired.”
>So you keep saying, and yet, you know you stay for my jokes.
Ey begin the spin-down sequence, slowing. The rocky bulk of the converted asteroid looms above.
>Now…where exactly are we going to pull in?
<OPTION SUMMARY>
<01:Industrial Docks>
This area is mostly for ore scows and transport ships- mostly. It's also the best place to find the less formal kind of gambling house, drinking establishment, or eatery. Rough-and-ready, and the sort of place where nobody asks questions.
<02:Hightown Docks>
Among the first of the asteroids hollowed out and converted for living space- nowadays it's half historical site, half destination for the rich and their hangers-on. They might not let you in, but if they do, bring your best duds. There are rumors of certain establishments catering to 'refined tastes', so whether those duds are cloth or leather is up to you.
<03:Crimson Line Terminal>
Right next to your (hopefully) eventual destination, a looming, massive ship. This tends to be where the racers hang out, so you might get a look at the competition, but they'll also get a look at you. Also, Reddin Industries tends to concentrate their observers here, so don't do anything too...disqualification-y.
Tooth and Claw: Speed Among the Stars! [OPEN] - sir - 11-09-2014
CHARACTER INFORMATION
THE MECHANIC
<spoiler>
[/img]"http://i.imgur.com/aciMEXr.jpg" style="max-width:100%;]
<Name>
Ortala Vidrad, a.e. Buddy
Rights to public use of the ‘Buddy’ identity were disputed by Terralaffs Media until dissolution thereof.
<Species>
Buddy is a native of the N’Noran imperium, recently granted full TA member status.
The N’Noran are sapient quadruped felinoids, visually distinguishable from Terra-native felis cattus by the second tail and telekinetic ability.
<Background>
Born the son of a third-ring trade-aristocrat, Vidrad was not (by the standards of the N’Noran court) a child of privilege. He was accorded good prospects of advancement by marriage, however, and may have eventually achieved the second ring were it not for a childhood accident.
Colloquially known as a ‘blowback’, Ortala lost control of a TK manifestation, which then released its force within his own brain, causing immediate concussion and near-fatal swelling. His survival was due to the fortunate chance of the blowback breaking out a portion of his skull, allowing the pressure to be relieved. The reconstruction left him with slight facial deformities and synthetic bone replacements.
In the image-obsessed court of empress Gurat VII, the result was arguably worse than death. Unable to secure employment and with marriage impossible, the Vidrad heir took advantage of early contacts with the TA to defect to the Terran sphere of influence, initially posing as a ship’s cat. When discovered, he paid his passage with minor maintenance work- his small frame allowing him easy access to what would ordinarily be drone-maintained service ducts.
While drowning his sorrow in a station bar, Ortala was approached by then-vice-president John John Rowland of Gigant Media Ventures (later Terralaffs). Rowland was attempting to secure new talent for a series of adver-comedies focused on more ‘exotic’ species within the Terran Alliance. Ultimately, this push of xeno-programming resulted in Big Wife, a N’sazz romantic comedy, The Expert, a Jobari-focused workplace romp, and Everybuddy’s Buddy, starring Ortala himself.
Everybuddy’s Buddy was set on a small mining station, and focused on two aspects- sexual tension between the young and athletic crewmates, and their interactions with ship’s cat Buddy. Each member of the cast initially believes they are the only one aware Buddy can speak, and hijinks ensue as they attempt to conceal this fact from each other to maintain access to their confidant. At the end of each episode, Buddy delivers a sarcastic moral homily highlighting the crew’s foibles.
The show was critically vilified but a financial success, with the character of Buddy gaining greater centrality as more and more market data indicated he was the linchpin of viewer engagement. Buddy merchandise, in-series advertising contracts, and guest appearances on other programs (often delivering his signature catchphrase “I’m not sure you’ve got a plan”) proved lucrative. Rowland himself, as architect of the Buddy phenomenon, secured the post of president and re-branded the company as Terralaffs, focusing on comedies aimed at the Terran market.
The gravy train left the station and then derailed with the release of Everybuddy’s fourth season, which revealed that Buddy was in fact a manifestation of a galactic hive-mind, and capable of granting wishes. Viewer counts began dropping after just two episodes, and attempts to refocus the show by claiming the beginning scripts were an extended dream sequence only accelerated the decline. The season’s revised final arc (a tense series of stories about a viral outbreak among the crew) was never filmed, and the studio itself was forced to cancel numerous upcoming projects whose funding would have come from ‘buddy money’.
Out of work and faced with a rapidly dwindling bank balance resulting from a combination of poor contract negotiation and excess, Ortala (now living as the Buddy character continually) attempted to find outside work. This resulted in prompt legal action from TerraLaffs, who owned the rights to the character, image, and voice of Buddy. What initially seemed like a simple case was complicated when a member of the defense team argued that, as Vidrad’s natural appearance, voice (via translator module), and behavior were closely reproduced in the character of buddy, ownership of those traits constituted Unlawful Enslavement under Alliance law. The judge concurred, and the damages and legal fees dealt Terralaffs its deathblow.
Since officially achieving independence and personhood, Ortala Vidrad has kept a scrupulously low profile, taking local advertising jobs and maintenance work. He has filed a civil protection order against John John Rowland after several incidents of attempted organic damage, and has been the subject of three extradition requests from the N’Noran imperium to respond to charges of Imperiling Dignity. As the Alliance has no equivalent of this statute and the punishment is death, these requests have heretofore been denied. Persistent rumors that one or both parties (the former Terralaffs president and the Empress) have pursued extralegal avenues of redress cannot be confirmed at this time.
http%3A//soundcloud.com/andreus-gilroy/buddys-catchphrase
</spoiler>
THE AI
<spoiler>
<Background>
The TAF New Weapons Branch is a prestigious assignment. It draws its members from the sharpest assessors of military intelligence, the brightest bulbs of weapons design. Part of its remit, however, is testing- and to test a weapon, you need to shoot someone.
The usual procedure in this regard is known as a snipe hunt.
One participant, the titular snipe, is given the following:
Coordinates to a cataloged, but unexplored, stellar system.
Five days time to prepare.
A new weapon and its manual.
Sleeved in a military-grade drone body, they spend the five days reading a manual written by engineers and researchers on their lunch breaks. Calculating angles of attack, possibilities of ambush. Probabilities of emergence.
At the end of the five days, a small AI flotilla of random composition, conventionally armed, emerges from FTL somewhere in the system. The snipe's assignment is to destroy or disable as many ships as possible.
At the end of the engagement, several AIs awaken in a New Weapons facility, missing five days of memories. How many days are forgotten is a mark of distinction, in the department. It is difficult and dangerous work, with a high volume of transfer requests and counseling hours. But at least you get all the new guns first.
</spoiler>
THE SHIP
<spoiler>
THE ONDINE
TA Registry LT-1304M
Drive Systems: Tadao-Murcheson Locust IX, Spinnaker VI Microrepulsor Array
Hull: Garado Yards Naiad (Modified)
Weapons Systems: Echidna Drone Bay (Emergency Comm Drones), Ursa IV Gravitic Projector Blisters
Additional Systems: Fractaline Hull Coating, Internal Emissions Sink
Registered Pilot: Synthetic Intelligence Registry 675231MC A.E. Lepus, A.E. Lethe, A.E. Rabbit
Registered Crew: N’Noran Ortala Vidrad, A.E. Buddy
Original Registrant: Jovum Garrant, CEO Garrant Mercantile
The majority of spaceships are machines. They transport, they fight, they transmit and record; their shapes and outlines are dictated by optimal placement of fuel tanks, gunnery ports, and thrusters.
The Ondine is a work of art that spits in practicality’s eye; it is designed to lead the eye, ensnare the cupidity of the watcher, and then vanish like the morning dew. The central hull, seen from above, is primarily a classic teardrop shape tapering to the massive drive spike at the stern. The fore, however, has a pointed ‘underbite’, resembling the deck of an ancient seafaring vessel. The cockpit is a needlessly massive expanse of glass, flecked with gold to increase UV protection for the pilot.
On either side of the central hull, two ovoid outriggers flare like fins, housing the grav-projectors and almost nothing else (due to the massively oversized power coils for same).
While the ship’s sleek construction is certainly unusual, its most noticeable feature is the hull, which shimmers like oil over water in shades of cobalt and cerulean. The stealth-enhancing fractal coating is underlain with tessellations of waves, leaping fish, and beckoning water-sprites. The edges of hatches and mounting points are picked out in gold plate.
While the interior presently lacks its opulent furnishing, marble friezes and glassine tile have been left intact; the whole looks as much like a temple to Poseidon as a working starship, and the control systems are a mass of brass and ivory (supplementing the entirely practical computer-controlled nature of the thing).
</spoiler>
Tooth and Claw: Speed Among the Stars! [OPEN] - Tindome - 11-09-2014
Here my votes!
Positive: 04, 06.
Background: 01.
Negative: 02, 03.
Tooth and Claw: Speed Among the Stars! [OPEN] - danixiewrites - 11-09-2014
<span style="font-size:10pt;]Voting voting voting!
</span><span style="font-size:10pt;]Positive: 2, 3, 6
</span><span style="font-size:10pt;]Background: 1
</span><span style="font-size:10pt;]Negative: 1, 2, 3</span>
Tooth and Claw: Speed Among the Stars! [OPEN] - sir - 11-09-2014
<VOTES REGISTERED!>
<Tindome>
Positive: Smooth Operator, Xenophilia
Background: Snake Shoe Specialist
Negative: I'll Procrastinate Later, Drinky Bird
<DanixieWrites>
Positive: In With the New, Everybody's Everyman, Xenophilia
Background: Snake Shoe Specialist
Negative: Hot Under Pressure, I'll Procrastinate Later, Runner
Tooth and Claw: Speed Among the Stars! [OPEN] - jazzhands - 11-10-2014
Politicans always tell me the importance of voting and I didn't realise that until I saw this thread. I'm hoping it's still okay to vote at this point...if not, ignore this!
Positive: 3 & 6
Background: 1
Negative: 3 & 5
Tooth and Claw: Speed Among the Stars! [OPEN] - sir - 11-10-2014
Voting is totally fine until I say it's not! I'll always formally announce that voting is closed for a particular update/thing. Thanks for posting!
<VOTES REGISTERED>
Positive: Everybody's Everyman, Xenophilia
Background: Snake Shoe Specialist
Negative: Runner, Prickly Piggy
Tooth and Claw: Speed Among the Stars! [OPEN] - megs - 11-10-2014
Positive: 02, 04, 06
Background: 04
Negative: 01, 03
Tooth and Claw: Speed Among the Stars! [OPEN] - sir - 11-10-2014
Okay! Just so everybody knows, I'll be leaving voting on the Mechanic open until I get online tomorrow, at which point we'll move on to a new question.
<VOTES REGISTERED>
Positive: In With the New, Smooth Operator, Xenophilia
Background: Need for Speed
Negative: Hot Under Pressure, Runner
Tooth and Claw: Speed Among the Stars! [OPEN] - euphoricvoodoo - 11-10-2014
Positive: 02, 04, 06
Background: 04
Negative: 02, 03
Tooth and Claw: Speed Among the Stars! [OPEN] - sir - 11-10-2014
<VOTES REGISTERED>
Positive: In With the New, Smooth Operator, Xenophilia
Background: Need for Speed
Negative: I'll Procrastinate Later, Runner
Tooth and Claw: Speed Among the Stars! [OPEN] - sir - 11-11-2014
Okay! For those of you who might be persuaded to care, voting is CLOSED on the Mechanic questions.
A new question has been posted (as a poll, since it's much simpler).
<VOTE TABULATION>
Positive Quality Results
x0 <01><05>
x2 <03>
x3 <02> <04>
x5 <06>
The mechanic will be a member of an interesting alien species.
They will be relatively innovative but not very experienced, and fairly quick with a quip or a placating response.
Background Results
x0 <02> <03>
x2 <04>
x3 <01>
The mechanic will have a background in sales, but is also familiar with the racing world. Perhaps that's who they were selling things to?
Negative Quality Results
x1 <05>
x2 <01>
x3 <02>
x5 <03>
The mechanic is on the run from someone- the law, a powerful criminal, or both. They also have a certain tendency to put things off.
Amalgamation of voted traits into a viable character will take place tonight. In the meantime, please consult the top of the thread for the new voting query.
Tooth and Claw: Speed Among the Stars! [OPEN] - sir - 11-12-2014
To my deep and lasting shame, the information for the Mechanic is complete and posted: it's in the third (character information) post, as will be usual going forward.
Also, since we seem to have a pretty clear winner, I'm closing voting on the nature of our guiding intelligence.
Good voting, folks!
<VOTE TABULATION>
x7 AI/Digital Intelligence
x1 Uploaded Human Consciousness
AI/Digital Intelligence wins.
Tooth and Claw: Speed Among the Stars! [OPEN] - Tindome - 11-12-2014
We need to get you a better mic but in the meantime I love him so much