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The infrastructure upgrade has highlighted two key points in the area of Life Demand, these are that some worlds have low life multipliers and others have sectors that contribute little or nothing to the demand. Once a starbase achieves maximum stellar output from boosting trade and merchandising, the next step is clearly to improve the planetary environment.
The current issue (as with infrastructure in general) is that the data for Phoenix (pre-Corewards) was generated by hand and in the case of that generated pre-Phoenix, much was generated by people without scientific backgrounds. Some was downright pulp! This means that quite a lot of worlds test the believeability to the breaking point. To try to strike some sort of balance between what is and what should be, some fast and loose application of planetology has been used (whistling nonchalantly and pulling pushing my thesis under a pile of 2000AD's).
The terraforming update package will however require that a world is updated to its calculated terrain. There is already code written for this. All it does at this point is determine average temperature for each latitude and modify sectors based on the predicted temperature. There are two key elements to this code, this is the planetary temperature (which is the equatorial temperature) and the optical depth of the world.
With respect to vegetation sectors, these follow the paths based on temperature:
- Ice > Tundra > Grasslands > Plains > Desert
- Ice > Mud(Marsh) > Swamp > Desert
- Ice > Tundra > Forest > Jungle > Desert
- Ice > Shallows
- Ice > Sea
Optical Depth and Temperatures
Atmospheres range from nebulous to dense as defined by its optical depth (for game purposes and keeping it simple). Denser atmospheres are better at evening out the temperature across the world by insulation of heat back into space and by convection of energy around the world. As such a world with a high optical depth will have smaller divergence between the equatorial and polar temperatures.
A world with a low optical depth will have a greater difference between equatorial and polar temperatures.
Note that optical depth modification was introduced post Corewards as a mechanic to try to allow some of the older worlds to at least stand a vague chance of remaining fairly intact (thinking of one forest world larger than the Earth in particular).
Examples:
Shiloh
Equatorial Temperature:326
Optical Depth:4.32
Shiloh has a very thin atmosphere and as such there should be a rapid fall-off of temperature away from the equator.
Code:
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
SSSSSSSSSSMMSSS
SSSSSSSSSSMMSSS
SSSSSSMMMMMUSSS
SSSSSSMMMMMMSSS
SSSSSSMMMMMMSSS
SSSSSSMMMMMMSSS
Calculated:
IIIIIIIIIIIIIII
IIIIIIIIIIMMIII
SSSSSSSSSSMMSSS
SSSSSSMMMMMUSSS
SSSSSSMMMMMMSSS
IIIIIIMMMMMMIII
IIIIIIMMMMMMIII
The world however does not change vastly, though there is little there anyway.
More alarming however:
Spritzer
Equatorial Temperature:322 (i.e. 49oC at the equator)
Optical Depth:28.22
This world is a crazy mix of forests bordering jungles with random swamps, plains and grasslands. Remembering the old BSE code there were two options, seed a line of terrain of a single type or seed a % of the remaining empty spaces with a terrain type. Clearly somebody used the latter with little forethought.
Code:
PDPGPPDGPGPWPPPPPPGPPPGGPPPPPPFPsPPPGP
PPPPWPGsPPPPGGWssPGsWPPGGGPPPFPPPPsGFP
PPPPJPsPPsPPPWPWsPPWPPGGPsPPGPPPPFPPGP
PJPFPPPWDJPPGPPFPPPPFPPPGPPPPsPWPFFPGs
PGFPGGGPPPPPFGJGGGGPGPJPPJGPPPWPPPWPPP
PJPGWPFPWPPPFPPPPssPWFPsPPUsPPWPPFGPFP
PWPPJGFPPGPPPPPGPPPPGPGJPPGPGWGPPGPPPF
PPGFWFWWJPPFPGWGPPFPUPGPWGPPGJPPPPJPPG
PGWDFFPFPGPGWsPPGPsPUUWWWPGGFPPJFPGPGP
PsPPDFPPPGJsPFPPPPPPPPPWJPPGPsPsWPsPsP
PGGGGssGGPJPGPGFGPsFPPGPFGGGDPPPPPPGWs
FFPFPPPPGWsGFWFPFGsPJGPGWFPsPPPGPsPPPG
PGPGWGPGPPGPGPPPPPGsPJPGPPWGGPsPPGssJP
WWWGPGPFPWGPGJPPPJGFGWPPsFPGGPGPGWGPJP
WGGWPPGPGGPPGWGPPPPWPGGPPFsPPPGGPPFWFF
FPPPWWPsssPGGWWPPWPJPPWPGFFGsssPPPPGGF
PGFPPGPFPPFPFPFsWPPFGGPGPPPWFPWPGJPFGG
PPGWFDPsGPPPPPFPPWGGPFPPGPGGGPGFPFPPPF
FUPPssPPPGGPPPPGGGPPPWWWPsGPGPGPPPFGPP
PPFPGPJWPFsPPPPPGGWFPPPWFFPWPPGPWGWPWP
PPFPPGPGPsWWPPPPPPPPPPPWFGPPGWPGPPPsGW
Calculated:
PDPPPPDPPPPWPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPJPsPPPPP
PPPPWPPsPPPPPPWssPPsWPPPPPPPPJPPPPsPJP
DDDDDDsDDsDDDDDDsDDDDDDDDsDDDDDDDDDDDD
DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDsDDDDDDDs
DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD
DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDssDDDDsDDUsDDDDDDDDDD
DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD
DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDUDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD
DDDDDDDDDDDDDsDDDDsDUUDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD
DsDDDDDDDDDsDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDsDsDDsDsD
DDDDDssDDDDDDDDDDDsDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDs
DDDDDDDDDDsDDDDDDDsDDDDDDDDsDDDDDsDDDD
DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDsDDDDDDDDDDsDDDssDD
DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDsDDDDDDDDDDDDD
DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDsDDDDDDDDDDD
DDDDDDDsssDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDsssDDDDDDD
DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDsDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD
DDDDDDDsDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD
DUDDssDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDsDDDDDDDDDDDD
PPJPPPJWPJsPPPPPPPWJPPPWJJPWPPPPWPWPWP
PPJPPPPPPsWWPPPPPPPPPPPWJPPPPWPPPPPsPW
A direct conversion to calculated values turns the world to arid deserts.
As such some consideration needs to be applied to try to get the calculated world as close as possible to the current situation unless of course the player requesting the conversion is happy to accept the results.
In the case of Spritzer, decreasing the equatorial temperature works reasonably well.
Code:
Equatorial Temperature:305
Optical Depth:28.22
Calculated:
GDGGGGDGGGGmGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGFGsGGGGG
GGGGmGGsGGGGGGmssGGsmGGGGGGGGFGGGGsGFG
GGGGFGsGGsGGGmGmsGGmGGGGGsGGGGGGGFGGGG
GFGFGGGmDFGGGGGFGGGGFGGGGGGGGsGmGFFGGs
GGFGGGGGGGGGFGFGGGGGGGFGGFGGGGmGGGmGGG
GFGGmGFGmGGGFGGGGssGmFGsGGUsGGmGGFGGFG
PWPPJPJPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPJPPPPPWPPPPPPPJ
PPPJWJWWJPPJPPWPPPJPUPPPWPPPPJPPPPJPPP
PPWDJJPJPPPPWsPPPPsPUUWWWPPPJPPJJPPPPP
PsPPDJPPPPJsPJPPPPPPPPPWJPPPPsPsWPsPsP
PPPPPssPPPJPPPPJPPsJPPPPJPPPDPPPPPPPWs
JJPJPPPPPWsPJWJPJPsPJPPPWJPsPPPPPsPPPP
PPPPWPPPPPPPPPPPPPPsPJPPPPWPPPsPPPssJP
WWWPPPPJPWPPPJPPPJPJPWPPsJPPPPPPPWPPJP
WPPWPPPPPPPPPWPPPPPWPPPPPJsPPPPPPPJWJJ
FGGGmmGsssGGGmmGGmGFGGmGGFFGsssGGGGGGF
GGFGGGGFGGFGFGFsmGGFGGGGGGGmFGmGGFGFGG
GGGmFDGsGGGGGGFGGmGGGFGGGGGGGGGFGFGGGF
FUGGssGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGmmmGsGGGGGGGGFGGG
GGFGGGFmGFsGGGGGGGmFGGGmFFGmGGGGmGmGmG
GGFGGGGGGsmmGGGGGGGGGGGmFGGGGmGGGGGsGm
Sector Terraforming
Once the world is in line with its calculated values, it allows for some interesting things. First of all there is the conversion of one sector type to another. As grasslands is the most amicable to colonisation, converting barren rock to these sectors (where the local temperature allows) is a reasonable first step.
The mechanics will be essentially the same as Upgrading Infrastructure. Basically chose a sector and run a terraform analysis. This will reveal what is required to convert it to various sector types. Then start integrating items and when sufficient amounts are present, run a terraform sector order. There will be time functions involved and some may require terraforming to intervening sector types on the way to preferred terrain type.
Atmospheric Terraforming
Modifying the optical depth of a world is clearly useful especially as having an optical depth outside the optimal range increases infrastructure costs. Seeding vines onto an airless rock will both increase the amount of nitrogen and oxygen atmosphere, but also increase its optical depth. The basic premise is that an optical depth of 5 along with suitable amounts of nitrogen and oxygen produces a borderline breathable atmosphere. This is what is achieved after a year using vines. They will continue to increase the optical depth. The mechanics will also include using excess vines to create an atmosphere quicker though of course this will have negative effects - by-products such as unwanted gases and divergence away from the optimal mix of gases.
The mechanic will also the use of other chemicals, plants and items to modify the atmosphere of the world. Some of these can be used to scrub unwanted gases or used where more efficient plants and chemicals cannot be used.
Gravity
Sorry, this will not be alterable through standard terraforming mechanics. While special actions may modify a humble asteroid (not that it would make much difference to the microgravity) or give it a spin to generate an internal centripetal acceleration changing the actual gravity of a world will not be possible. At the time of the introduction of infrastructure many worlds had their gravity modified by the GM to bring them into a reasonable range. Any divergence can be catered for by looking into infrastructure items adapted to a high or low gravity worlds.
Tectonic Activity Terraforming
As with gravity there will be no standard means of modifying tectonic activity. Anomalous seismic activity (as discovered through explorations and investigation - should have been made obvious) may have a suitable cure though this will be handled through special actions. There are infrastructure items designed for worlds with high seismic activity. |
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PayPal.Me/creditKJCaccount
Don't forget to include your account number in the message. |
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*** Inter Galactic News ***
The Falconian Republic (FCN) has declared itself restored under Emperor Scipio Acropolis, ending a period of silence and launching an audit of Acropolis, Falconia, and all related assets, charters, and alliances. The Flagritz Republic (FLZ) says AFT attacks in Tramoss have put it at war with the AFT; it reports about 60 AFT ships destroyed for 20 FLZ losses in the Corewards Periphery, plus an AFT strike on a Halo Periphery platform that remains under FLZ control. The FLZ has also formed a mutual defence alliance with the FET, so an attack on either is treated as an attack on both.
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*** Inter Galactic News ***
DEN forces launched a successful multi-day assault on FEL positions at Harrappa and Elam, destroying numerous FEL warships with minimal losses of their own, seizing significant ground control, and reducing a key base to rubble; hostilities ended with FEL retaining full control of Elam while DEN gained exploration and mining rights on other bodies.
FET has acquired Starbase Aglaea and is taking over the Highgrace system (claim effective Stardate 226.36.2), keeping it open to peaceful trade.
A low-profile war continues between AFT and OPS, marked by ship losses, boardings, a broken blockade, and reports of OPS deploying large pirate-style fleets.
Separately, the DNA hosted talks (and poker) with the Flagritz Republic and GTT, resulting in the DNA acquiring a starbase from the Flagritz.
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*** Inter Galactic News ***
Pirate activity remains high, with reports of a ship taken from OPS in Zewt, plus earlier losses of a GTT 50N explorer and a CIA 40N destroyer.
In DNA Elections 226, independents achieved a major victory, claiming all leadership positions: Foreign Minister Chairman TonTon, Education Minister Qui'Haktey, and Health Minister Dr. Shawna Tanniek Dorrendarger. The Wodenzoon Group’s withdrawal from politics boosted independents to 34% in the National Assembly, with South Road and Trad-Nap groups also gaining.
Results confirm the DNA’s confederate, pragmatic, and mildly traditionalist direction. Foreign policy and business relations are expected to remain stable under the established “Good Neighbour” approach.
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*** Inter Galactic News ***
OPS has aggressively claimed the Nog Kesri system in the Corewards Periphery, purging AFT forces amid a massive multi-faction fleet presence (DTR, DEN, FEL, FET, FLZ, GTT, MOH, OPS, and PIR). Factions are hunting for a rumored hidden MEK base or rift point, but so far only a ship graveyard and one PIR sensor ship have been found. Meanwhile, PIR activity continues with attacks in Kasmer and Teller, while GTT is cracking down hard on small ships in their territory.
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*** Inter Galactic News ***
Kulthean forces struck back against pirates and MRC, destroying a PIR boarding ship in Daggern and capturing three MRC freighters in Brixx, while defending Dryfus from pirate assault.
Meanwhile, Pirate Casio scored a major victory in the Teller system, successfully boarding and capturing two 300 Heavy Hull FEL warships — the Pride of Bannockburn and Pride of Angara — in a single daring raid. Significant prisoners were taken as the pirates withdrew with their prizes.
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***Anonymous Submission***
FLZ claim CIV system in the Coreward Arm and try for Another
The FLZ have undertaken a couple of minor scale operation into Xarze and Assanistra systems in the Coreward Arms, claiming the CIV system of Xarze away from local control and have put in a claim in Assanistra to contest that system. When asked the FLZ replied that the operation started as part of their hunting down Pirates (sic)...and then clammed up. Locals have claimed that it is clearly a power grab and imitation flattery.
All CIV claims in Xarze seem to have been crushed by just enough FLZ to effect the claim. Assanistra is sure to follow. Money is on Violet Gate to be the next to come under the claws of the FLZ. These systems coming under FLZ control sees an increasing push by the FLZ to have a reason to go through Damnation Alley and get attacked by the pirates like all the cool affiliations.
***PIR in Fortoon system***
The PIR this last month have attempted to take control of a FEL outpost on Dryfus in Fortoon, sporadic reports suggest an overwhelming force led by the GTT destroyed the hostile PIR ground parties. Questions have been asked of the DNA ability to defend the planet with a number of affiliations offering support
***Noctollis***
The Noctollis system has been claimed away from the DTR by the FLZ Republic with the FLZ announcing the move is at the request of the resurgent DEN affiliation. The AFT have been advised to avoid the Noctollis stargate.
Per the system charter (in addition to the DEN) the KRT, FET, DTR , MOH, and GTT are welcome to continue moving ships through Noctollis to reach their assets in-system or deeper in the periphery.
All other affiliations are advised to avoid using the stargate
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***********An article from Sin Feine Media.......*************
Don't worry, criminals have your back?!?!
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(Fin Saine media video transmission submitted for Sub-Space-Static publication)
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(Hooshie of the Clockworks' appearance can best be described as a naplian ruffian, gang member, or scruffy pirate, but it appears he is also today's host. He does sport a nice Big Golden Classic digital watch though, but surprisingly on the inside of his wrist. Fine craftsmanship with bulky steampunk motifs, and a barn door style protective cover built right in. You know, the type with two doors and the locking bar across when closed?!?! Hand crafted! Great watch!
In what humans have termed a gruff slavic voice, he begins to speak: )
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*** Inter Galactic News ***
Pirates strike palace fo the Emperor
A fleet of twenty PIR flagged warships have attacked the palace of the Emperor in the human Inner Empire. Armed with heavy weaponry the PIR ships penetrated the shields and caused significant damage. Reports indicate that a third of the palace has been left a smoking ruin. The human affiliations loyal to the Emperor scrambled their fleets to catch the pirates, but when the warships arrived the PIR ships had vanished without a trace.
The GTT has already moved to close the borders of the Inner Empire periphery, an act which seems to have already led to a few AFT trade ships getting blown up by the defensive platforms. The message is simple with the GTT PD stating to us "If you are not running any fixed assets in the Inner Empire then you are not welcome".
So far nobody has been accused of running the pirates by either the CIA or the GTT. But this represents perhaps the most serious attack on the Emperor in modern history. Our reporters have noted serious concerns from the human planets in the Inner Empire periphery about this attack. It's not understood how a previously safe area of space that was hard for PIR shps to access has been penetrated by a fleet of twenty warships without them being spotted.
Corewards Corridor sees renewed pirate activity.
After the FET destroyed a number of PIR boarding ships, it went rather quiet with pirate activity almost halting. However, reports have started to come in over the last week that the Scavenger pirates are back in action.
The AFT have reported attacks in Kaygen and Discordia. The GTT have also reported a failed attack in Kaygen.
Be aware, the pirate threat has not been eliminated and all ship captains should be prepared when undertaking long distance trips where they might be exposed to attack.
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*** Inter Galactic News ***
FET strike back at pirates
Several FET fleets including patrols and specialist operations teams have come together and landed a telling blow against the Scavenger pirate band. The FET received intelligence about the location of a PIR Javelin-R Class boarder in Daggern and immediately responded.
Forces deployed consisted of the 8th Pursuit and 35th Battle clusters, supported by the 12th and 18th Striker Trinaries, as well as the 22nd, 23rd, and 36th Battle Trinaries. This culminated in a huge FET force coming across four PIR ships. The pirates attempted to board four of the first warships to arrive and were then overwhelmed by the supporting fleet. PIR Scavenger (7818), PIR Scavenger (4582), PIR Scavenger (4956), and PIR Scavenger (82576) were all destroyed by the combined fire of the warships deployed.
GTT claim key CIV system in the Orion Spur
The GTT have undertaken a large scale operation into Monument in the Orion Spur, claiming the main CIV system in the area away from local control. When asked the GTT replied that the operation started as part of their hunting down IND positions, due to IND attacks they had been the target of. Locals have claimed that it was clearly a power grab.
GTT transports delivered over a million troops and hundred of thousands of tanks to the CIV system of Monument and both IND bases fell quickly. A small number of IND ships fled the orbit, some were destroyed and some escaped. The local population have maintained their strong local claim but so far GTT forces have deployed enough manpower to maintain control of the system.
The system of Monument coming under GTT control sees an increasing push by GTT forces into Orion Spur.
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