AAR: The Thalian Hive

[Hydro]

I did this as a test run and then decided there was no reason not to post the AAR. So, here you go!

Setup: small galaxy, standard settings; Thalians with a production and growth focus vs Archeans, Krynn, Altarans, Korath, and Drath.

NOTE - the images have been re-sized to 800x600 to improve readability. If they are still a bit fuzzy I'll explore other options...

*~*~*~*

MY 2225

Hive Leader Hithesius’s third and fourth manipulators fastidiously cleaned each other. It was a nervous habit she developed long ago during her first molting and, unlike her pod-mates, she had never been able to shed this juvenile behavior. No one was likely to censure her now, of course, since as Hive Leader such a challenge could prove fatal, or at the very least result in the ritual mutilation of one or more limbs.

Now that hyperdrive had been developed the galaxy seemed a much smaller place. Already the other empires – the ancient Arceans, fanatical Krynn, self righteous Altarans, deadly Korath, and manipulative Drath – were expanding. Enemy ships were moving to take resources from the Hive.

That was not acceptable. Hithesius’s manipulators continued to preen.

Hithesius issued her orders: fast building of five factories, standard construction of three xeno laboratories, morale enhancement for the Drones, and two trading hubs for the Merchant Caste. Colony ships would be finished as quickly as possible, and rushed to completion as funds allowed.

The Hive would not - cannot – suffer threats to its very existence. The Drones must be succored, and The Queen protected at all cost.

Hithesius’s frantic cleaning eased. Once the decision was made the Hive was focused. The Hive would prevail.


IMAGE 1: The galaxy at the start of 2225


Year 2226

The galaxy looked even smaller than ever. The Arceans had beaten the Hive to two research resources! Hithesius’s thorax quivered in agitation. The Hive had captured one for morale, and perhaps one that would improve the Hive’s influence, but that remained to be seen.

Colonization was going well. The Hive had colonized some promising worlds, and a few almost useless worlds had been colonized since the colony ships would take too long to get home, and to deny them to potentially hostile powers. In particular, the Ankian system was rich with three planets that had been or would be colonized soon. Three colony ships were on the way to unexplored sections of the galaxy. The Hive was, Hithesius had to admit, very fortunate since many of the planets did not have extreme environments and since the Hive was in good position to exploit and colonize these worlds.

There as a problem, however: expenses were spiraling out of control. The new colonies cost much more than they produced, and manufacturing was expanding so fast that finances were reaching a critical point.

Hithesius knew what must be done. She must deal with the other races and soil herself. This could be borne; it was necessary. A ritual purging would remove the taint, although several of her appendages might have to be removed if the Priest Caste indicated such was required.

But, who to deal with? Who would not be a long-term threat to the Hive? The answer was clear: those races that were minor entities or were far removed from the Hive. Therefore, the Alkians, Altarans, and Drath would be contacted.

The Akians were pugnacious and unclean, and they did not receive our offers with grace. This will be remembered. They did agree to purchase some Thalian technology at distressingly low prices, giving the Hive a minor but critical boost to its flagging finances. The Drath were even less accommodating. They rejected all offers of mutual trade and research coordination, and only offered insultingly low prices for technology.

The Altarans were much more accommodating. They are technologically and economically advanced, and eagerly accepted our offers of a research and trade treaty! Moreover, they added a financial incentive for both treaties. Hithesius felt a strange and unnatural warmth toward the hideous aliens. These Altarans were all soft flesh, and oddly proportioned. Repulsive. But perhaps they might be friends of the Hive. Perhaps.


Image 2: Diplomatic contact with the Altarans

The Korath, however, are a grave concern. They have seven colonies, the same as the Hive, while other races have either 2 or 3. They are uncouth, but they are also murderous and have made their intentions to exterminate all other races quite clear. The Hive will not suffer such a threat. Research will be redirected toward weaponry to ensure the safety of the Drones and the Hive Queens of each colony. Such is only right and natural.


Image 3: Galaxy map in 1 July 2226

Research through 1 July 2226
Yellow: xeno comm., univ translator, diplo 1
Lt blue: to ion drive
Red: space mil, currently researching space weaponry
Orange: xeno eng, xeno industry, xeno eco
Green: planetary improvement
Blue: xeno research, research center (trade with Altarans), stellar cart, sensor 1

[Hydro]

April 1, 2227

Hithesius felt deflated. Her gamble had failed, and 16 weeks of research had come to nothing. Research on extreme aquatic world colonization was still eight weeks away and the Krynn had beaten them to one of the last high-quality planets left in the galaxy, an aquatic world with a quality index of 12. The fact that the Krynn, who were a small empire that now consisted of 3 worlds, had done this was infuriating. How?

The answer was obvious, and vexing. Based on the last contacts with the other empires it was clear they were trading technology, including valuable extreme colonization technology, but that somehow the Thalians were being excluded. Hithesius’ thorax quivered, a clear indication she was close to rage. Rage was not productive, so she put it aside.

The good news is that the Thalian economy had bottomed out and was improving. Industrial production was up to 42 percent, which was minimally acceptable considering the production capacity of Thalians worlds and the new manufacturing capital at Thalia Prime. Hithesius took some satisfaction that her Drones had twice the economic and industrial power of any empire even when functioning at 42 percent of capacity.

The Thalian Hive now controlled almost half the galaxy, and with 10 planets they were in a reasonable position to ensure the safety of the Hive. There was one obstacle; the Korath. They had 8 worlds and were belligerent. Their military was relatively large, but at least now the Thalians had an average military strength. That would improve with the new laser 4 technology, to be sure. She had had to purse her mandibles and give in to mild extortion to the Korath once, but never again.

Colonization was now over and it was time for a change. Hithesius issued a directive: reorder production to concentrate on research, with social improvements second and military third. The Thalian Hive had to catch up with the other races. Wasting 16 weeks was a blow. But the Thalian Hive would recover.

What other opportunities were there? Clearly the Korath were going to attack their neighbors soon. Each was much smaller than the Korath, and none of them had any military to speak of. Their weakness would be the Thalian’s gain. Research would be directed toward trade and diplomacy. Links would be forged, and an alliance would be created to resist the Korath. Of course, the Thalians would lead this alliance. The Thalians Hive would protect the weaker – and eventually subservient – empires from the ravening beasts, the Korath. The soon-to-be-completed Diplomatic Translators would assist in enforcing an appropriate understanding.

Hithesius chirped a third order harmonic with a double click of agreement. Yes, it would be done.


Image 4: Strategic map as of April 2227

[yin26]

Watching. Learning.

[Hydro]

8 March 2228

Battle lines had been drawn. The Krynn, against all better judgment, had declared war on the powerful Korath. Hithesius looked from her perch to see three Krynn systems arrayed against eight Korath systems, and a wide disparity in military power – none to the Krynn’s advantage.

Hithesius’ gaze strayed toward Drath space. The Drath preached the same illogical mantra of ‘goodness’ as the Altarans, but they were decidedly underhanded; manipulators in the extreme. Was that ‘good’? It hardly made sense to her. Could the Drath be responsible for the irrational act by the Krynn? Surely they would benefit. The Drath were even weaker than the Krynn, and they were also immediate neighbors of the Korath. Getting others to fight and weaken themselves is an ancient practice. Rumors had reached her membranes of their…persuasive ability in such matters.

Still, there was no proof, and as far as Hithesius was concerned none was needed. The Thalian Hive would be ready to benefit from the destruction caused by the war between the Krynn and the Korath. A constructor was already in place in the event that a Krynn starbase harvesting research resources was destroyed. It was in the middle of Korath territory, and therefore a prime target. What was of even more interest, however, was that one of the Thalian survey ship sentinels along the Thalian-Korath border had spotted one of the feared Korath spoor ships. It was heading toward the PQ12 aquatic world the Krynn colonized – upsetting Thalian research plans two years ago. The planet had a large population but was, strangely, undefended. If the spoor ship attacked the planet it would be rendered toxic and lifeless.

Hithesius’ mandibles clattered in excitement. A Thalian colony ship was already nearby and ready to colonize the toxic planet. The Altarans had been more than willing to part with the technology to colonize toxic planets in exchange for host of high-level development-related technologies. From their point of view, why not? There were no more planets to colonize in the galaxy. However, that was not at all true with Korath spoor ships on the prowl for defenseless planets. It looked likely that a swath of planets would be rendered lifeless soon if the Korath had their way.

Where there is opportunity there is danger also. Perimeter defense of Thalian planets near the Korath would have to be improved. The sighted spoor ship was unescorted, but that could not be counted on in the future.

The Korath-Krynn war means that war is starting to pulse across the galaxy. This is not unexpected. Already Thalian medium hull cruisers with plasma weapons are being constructed. They were slow – a mere 3 parsecs a week – but even so they are faster and more powerful than anything fielded by any other race. Their defense was modest, but they were well armed – and very large. One or two such ships could easily defeat a squadron of small pickets and fighers, or so it was hoped.

If the Korath defeated the Krynn then it is likely they will continue their efforts in eradication of other races. Hithesius had no illusions: if the Krynn and other races fell then the Thalian’s time would come. But war can come to the Korath, too, and such might be very advantageous to the Thalian Hive if such a war occurred on Thalian terms.


Image 5: Korath spoor ship about to attack the Krynn planet of Kwilas V

[Hydro]

May 2228

Disaster!

A group calling itself the Jagged Knife has taken control of nine planets, including three from the Thalian Hive!


Image 6: Two of the Thalian planets that defected to the Jagged Knife

Hithesius grieves for the Thalians who are put under such a stain. It is a blot on the honor of all Thalians. Penance must be exacted and body parts shredded to atone for the discrace, but not now. The Thalian Hive must think, and plan. An advantage must be found.

Although the loss is great, of the three planets that were lost one planet was only a PQ1 and the second a PQ4. The damage from losing those planets was not great, but Sander III was a PQ 10 planet and was a prime construction and research center.

Luckily, the Korath were hit much harder than the Thalian Hive. Three of their core planets joined this band of outlaws, that this has gutted their research, production, and economic base. If the available data are to be believed, the Korath economy is imploding. Even so their fleet is expanding: ruin is sure to follow.

Hithesius feels no sympathy for the Korath. Now they’ve mismanaged Kwilas, the planet they captured from the Krynn. It has a population of a mere 28 million and will never attain any sort of significance due to that level of devastation. Of course, it will be easy to invade, if war comes.

What to do? It is clear: retake the worlds lost to the Jagged Knife pirates. In fact, the Thalian Hive could retake all the planets that have revolted and, in doing so, maintain nominally good relations with the major races while adding nine planets to the Thalian Hive.

Already research is completed on advanced ground combat and shock troops. Planetary Defense will give the Hivean troops an additional advantage. Advanced troop transports with two modules and two billion solders have already been constructed and are assembling for the assault.

The Arceans, Krynn, and Altarans each lost one planet, which they could ill afford to lose. Although the Thalian Hive is devastated it is clear the other empires have fared much worse. The Krynn and Korath have signed a peace accord, no doubt so the Korath can deal with the defecting Jagged Knife planets. Even better, the Korath have called and offered tribute to the Thalian Hive – for our peaceful nature. Clearly they are under strain.

Yes, this is an opportunity. But only if it is managed well.

[Hydro]

1 January 2229

Hithesius was pleased. Within a three week period the Thalian Hive declared war on the Jagged Edge and the Akilians. Saren III and Skowbo II were liberated, and the loyal Drones and Hive Queen on those planets were cleansed and returned to their rightful castes. The assembled heavy transports carried 2 billion troops each, and over 6 billion troops took part in each of the three assaults. There were losses, but they were well within acceptable limits. The staging and formation of the ground assault fleets took surprisingly little time since the troop transports are optimized for speed and could travel 9 parsecs a week.


Image 7: Planet Liberation and Conquest

Mobilizing all the troops has put a severe strain on the Thalian economy. Some planets lost one third of their population, and it will take time for them to recover. Many are happier and more productive since population pressures are reduced, but the Thalians are a productive race. The Drones that perished in the assault on the three worlds will be replaced in short order with more loyal Drones.

Some of the economic distress the Thalian Hive experienced during war preparation was alleviated by the fact that Akilians is a PQ17 planet, which is by far the best in the Thalian Hive. The Akilians dutifully built an economic capital, so now there are two within the Thalian Hive. This and the fact that the troops have been temporarily demobilized to repopulate the planets has had a windfall effect on the economic health of the Hive.

As an added bonus, the Krynn planet Skowbo III revolted to join the Hive in the weeks after the liberation of the Thalian two worlds from the Jagged Edge. Moreover, the planet Kwilas V is now close to revolt, too. Hithesius trilled to herself: perhaps the Hive would win the planet without conflict? That certainly would be optimal since war is disruptive and expensive.

Other planets held captive by the Jagged Edge are relatively far away, and it is imperative that the local borders are secure before the few fleet-of-the-line ships and transports are sent to conquer the rest. Moreover, the new ships will need to be fitted with additional support, which was eliminated to allow more space for weapons and armor. So the war against the Jagged Edge is on hiatus.

And, as if to acknowledge our conquests, the leader of the Korath has given the Hive another gift. Such is only right and proper.


Image 8: Korath Clan leader Krindon I’Agohl sucking up to the Thalian Hive

For now, the objective is to secure the recent additions to the Thalian Hive, which now consists of 12 planets – fully twice as big as our biggest rival, the Korath.

[Main_Brain]

Awesome AAR.
I give it the

a double click of agreement

[Hydro]

Main_Brain and yin,

Glad you like it! It is more story than technical AAR, but that's OK. I've saved periodically and will post a more technical recap at the end.

Hydro

[Hydro]

7 January 2229

It seems…inconceivable. Why would the Altarans and Drath, who were friendly for so long with the Thalian Hive, suddenly band together and declare war? Is this what being ‘good’ means?

The situation is altogether perplexing, but not all that threatening. The Altarans and Drath have 2 and 3 planets, respectively. Although their technology is adequate their production base is woefully deficient. And, looking at the situation objectively, there is little way for either power to do any harm to the Thalian Hive. Both powers are on the other side of the galaxy, and both will have to cross Krynn territory to reach the nearest Hive boarder – and even then they will have to travel far into Thalian space directly threaten the Hive.

The biggest loss was five trade routes. Most of them were mature and generating a respectable income and all will have to be replaced. Hithesius issued orders to switch production at Thalia Prime to fast freighters. But where to send them? Hithesius chirped; the answer was obvious. There were already several trade lines to the Acreans and Krynn. The other likely target was the Jessians, who were at the other end of the galaxy, and also the Korath. They were much weakened, but now neutrally disposed toward the Hive. Aiding them and increasing their positive attitude toward the Hive via trade would put more pressure on their immediate neighbors the Drath. Moreover, it would diversify the trade routes. She realized she had been somewhat complacent in thinking that these ‘good’ powers would cooperate toward a mutual goal. Well, if they wouldn’t work with the Hive toward a ‘good’ end then the Hive would work with what they called ‘evil’ to an altogether different end. In a strange way the Drath and Altarans had decided the fate of the galaxy, and the doom of their odd philosophy.

There are advantages, however. There were one or perhaps two galactic resources of the Drath that were within reach of Thalian forces. These could be appropriated and then defended with a few of the new ships-of-the-line, simultaneously weakening the Drath and enhancing the productivity of the Hive. A perfect staging point would be the economic resource that is adjacent to the Korath capital. With that secured the Drath economy would take a blow, the flagging Thalian economy would be strengthened, and it would provide an advance supply base that would allow strikes against both the Drath and Altaran home worlds. In short, it was perfect – and intermediate goal toward a larger end.


Image 9: Plans to invade the Drath and then the Altarans

New ships would have to be designed, too. The Korath favored missiles and Hive ships have defenses against those. The Altarans and Drath, however, used beam technology. A recent trade with the Jessians had conveniently given us Shield III technology, and the updated medium hulled cruisers would now be converted to shield defense. With one support module they can reach the Drath capital, so a strike force would be possible. It must consist of at least three top-line cruisers with three reserve cruisers, six heavy transports, and at least one scout or survey vessel. Most of the transports already exist but are partially demobilized to help repopulate conquered and re-conquered planets, so the cruisers are a priority. It was a long-range plan, but it resonated; yes, it is correct.


Image 10: Thalian cruiser ship-of-the-line

For other goals, the flagging economy must be addressed. Additional investment in trade routes to the Korath and Jessians is a key component. Already banks have been constructed all over the Thalian Hive, and there are two economic capitals. An additional step toward a Democracy would generate additional prosperity, influence, and diplomacy. It would take 8 weeks, but it was worth it. Thalian weaponry and defense were acceptable – for now. The best military technology is useless under the weight of an imploding economy, as the Korath have found to their sorrow.

[Hydro]

8 May 2229

Hithesius mused that the Korath decision to declare war on the Thalian Hive did simplify a few issues. Apparently they objected to the Hive taking the Drath economic resource starbase adjacent to their capital, establishing a Thalian starbase,and using it as a fortified staging area with two squadrons of cruisers and transports.

Well, so be it. Additional transports had been called from the planets in the Akilian system and the Korath capital was taken. This immediately changed the influence of the Thalians, she was pleased to note. That and the rebellion of Kwalis V from the Korath to the Thalians meant that two Korath worlds were now controlled by the Hive.


Image 11: The Korath capital is captured, and Thalian influence expanded

Moreover, the fortified economic resource starbase with its fleets was proving to be a meatgrinder for the Altarans and Drath. Every few weeks a rather pathetic fleet presented itself to be destroyed by the much large and better armed Thalian fleet. Of course, damage was taken, but there were no losses. The ships gained valuable experience, and now they can repair very quickly at the former Korath capital with the microrepair bots also accelerating the process. Reserve ships were available reform the fleets to allow those that were damaged to repair.

So now the Hive had a new target: the Korath. The largest and most populous target had been secured, and what was required now was more transports and one more attack fleet. The economic resource starbase and Korath capital had to be defended the existing forces of five cruisers couldn’t be spared for other purposes. Progress would be slow, even with the re-allocation of the budget to a slight emphasis on shipyard spending.

Hithesius had a feeling of inevitability. The Acreans had gladly allied with the Thalians, and they fully appreciated the neutrality the Hive represented. They had been good friends for many years, and perhaps they would aid in the war against their neighbor the Altarans. If nothing else this would further isolate and remove economic resources from an enemy, and even more importantly technology trades from Thalian enemies.

Even with a large military there was a great deal of territory to defend. It would only take a few Korath or Altaran fighters to do a good deal of damage. Fortunately there were a few small cruiser squadrons spaced within Thalian space to intercept interlopers and deal with the possibility of hostilities with the Krynn. Some planets were defended by hyper-armed Star Furies – relatively cheap but non-mobile defenses.

Of some worry is that Thalian finances continue to deteriorate. The migration to a Democracy simply helped stem the tide of red ink, and the war with the Korath had terminated recently established trade relationships. Second level terraforming had recently been completed, and directives had been given that almost all of the planetary improvement opportunities that resulted from terraformed land would be economic in nature. The Hive could not be defended or expanded if its vaunted production was crippled by a lack of resources.

[Hydro]

1 August 2229

The back of the Korath Empire is broken. In one week four of their core planets – Jessiuns III, Gladstone III, Gladstone IV, and Gladstone V – had been captured. The Korath had made this stunningly easy since all the Gladstone worlds had less than 50 million inhabitants, and a single transport with two billion soldiers made quick work of them. All the planets had a planet quality of 8 to 14, and the remaining Korath worlds range from a PQ of 4 to 5, and most of those were near revolt due to Thalian influence.

The only issue that was perplexing was how the Korath recaptured the Gladstone worlds from the Jagged Knife faction. Regardless, the planets were horribly mismanaged, and it appeared that entire populations had been stripped in a frenzied attempt to have enough soldiers for transports and ground invasion.


Image 12: Captured Korath worlds

The waves of fighters from the Drath and Altarans had largely ceased, although two lone Drath transports were sighted and destroyed near the former Korath capital of Kona. Hithesius considered; perhaps the back of their empires was broken, also? That seemed likely.

If true it meant that the Thalian Hive controlled space. This is critical since the Thalian economy continued to deteriorate. It had been stabilizing with the construction of additional banks, but the new Korath worlds were in deficit.

Hithesius knew there were few options besides scaling back production. Finally she decided to switch war ship production to constructors. The recently captured economy resource could be utilized, and perhaps additional reinforcement of other galactic resources could take the strain off the overall economy. The Thalian Hive was investing in a morale upgrade and facilities since higher morale means more taxes; that might help the problem. Morale cannot drop too low under their democratic system.

It would do little good to control the galaxy and have a prostrate economic base. More work on this topic is certainly needed.

[yin26]

Screens look much better. I can read your red text now. Thanks for this AAR!

[Hydro]

1 Nov 2229

Hive Master Hithesius was satisfied and pleased. The Korath had finally succumbed to an invasion of their last 3 worlds in August. Now the only two Drath worlds had been taken, and all that was needed to secure victory over the Altarans was a few more transports. That would not be a problem due to the recent galactic wormhole that was somehow increasing the fertility of the Drones.


Image 12: Conquest of the Drath

The Thalian Hive economy was finally repaired. The combination of extra constructors to augment the economic resource, new stock markets, and higher morale and possible tax rates had allowed production capacity to be increased from less than 60 percent to over 90 percent. Of course, no new warships (and, therefore, maintenance costs) had been produced in several months, but that was of no matter – there were no powers that could conceivably threaten the Thalian Hive now. No additional warships were needed.

But what to do about the Jagged Edge faction and the Krynn? The Hive must be preserved, so they would have two options: join the Hive in an alliance or cease to be independent powers. It is possible the Krynn would join with the Hive, but not the hostile Jagged Edge. The Jagged Edge could be irrelevant since all their planets were small and lightly defended.

The Thalian Hive was perfectly willing to let others work with the Hive and pursue their own ends, as long as they acknowledged its supremacy. The moment to choose for the remaining independent powers was close at claw.

[Hydro]

January 2230

The Altarians had fallen in December 2229. There was no surrender; only a pointless fight to the bitter end.

Now to the crux of the matter: The Krynn. A diplomatic channel was opened, and an offer made. The Krynn had told the Hive Master in no uncertain terms that they were not interested in an alliance.

Hive Master Hithesius clicked her mandibles. It was so illogical, especially when the Krynn could see the five heavy transports with 10 billion troops and three fleets that were staged in space outside their capital – their only planet.

With only a small twinge of regret the Hive Master ordered the assault. The outcome was a forgone conclusion, even with the 15 billion inhabitants of the Kyrnn capital. After the fall of their capital the Krynn fleets would disperse, and likely have to be hunted down. That was a small matter, almost trivial. Soon enough the Jagged Edge would be brought to heel; there would always be pirates, and they would always have the same fate.

It had taken only four years, but the galaxy was secure for the Thalian Hive and its Arcean allies. The empires that stood for good and evil were vanquished, and only those that selected a middle path and had learned to cooperate had survived. In a way it was a diplomatic victory since the Thalian-Arcean axis was the only alliance that had formed throughout the last tumultuous years. But in reality it was a victory by conquest.

The Hive master was not concerned over methods, just results. And this result was satisfactory.


Image 14: End Game, January 2230

[korn469]

very nice!