-
We have updated our Community Code of Conduct. Please read through the new rules for the forum that are an integral part of Paradox Interactive’s User Agreement.
Alright, the stage is set! The main line of Hautevilles is still set to rule too, always nice being able to trace your lineage back to world conquerors.
First Jump
Pebble in the Sky
Pebble in the Sky
Meet the Hauteville Empire, led by Chancellor Jean-Francois Leclerc. Ruled over by Empress Emma I de Hauteville. Consisting entirely of humans, now also referenced as Normans. Living on sole inhabitable planet on the Solar system they call home.
Humans are not the strongest. They don’t possess great claws, nor teeth, nor bearlike strength and just soft skin protecting them from harm. Also, they tend to hoard too much stuff and be really bad at packing, so moving is a time-consuming process for them. But they excel at extracting both minerals and credits most efficiently. As for the Hauteville Empire- the Norman militarist outlook to life hasn’t gone anywhere. Add curiosity to the factor- both on discovering new, interesting life in the galaxy and discovering the secrets of the universe.
Here you go, all you ever needed to know about Hauteville Empire
Homeworld of humans, the Earth, has a bit over 7 billion people by 2200. It’s mineral resources are exploited to the limit, but there is still plenty of power around, once some mistakes of the past have been cleared. It is currently producing ample energy, enough food to sustain population growth and enough minerals to get Normans started in space. The latter will need serious improvements though.
This is the homeworld of Humans, the Earth...
Still, the Earth is just a small pebble in the Milky way, a four-armed spiral galaxy, circling over the uninhabitable and untravelable core. Most of galaxy, out of reach. But the Normans are ready to paint the galaxy at their colour.
... and this is is the Hauteville Empire in the vastness of space
One of the first things done by Emma Hauteville was to institute encouragement of free thought, resulting in a bit more better science advancement. Also, she instituted a change to old Norman first contact protocol: shoot first, introduce yourself later. She convinced the public that saying “Hello” first is a nice thing to do. After that, there can be shooting.
First Imperial Edict of the Space Age- and change to First Contact Protocol to "no shooting"
As for research- Solar Panel Networks for orbital stations, to stop the energy drain just a little bit. Powered Exoskeletons, compensating a bit for human squishiness. Of course, most importantly, since the Hauteville Empire can move into other systems now, there is practical need to discover how to colonize different worlds. The logistics involved makes construction of Tokugawa station a child’s play. You have to get people to the new world, you have to give them enough supplies and power and food that they only not survive, but also, become self-sufficient as soon as possible and thrive in an alien environment.
And the Science gets done, and you get a neat gun
To discover the great unknown and to remove dragons from the map, you need a lot of equipment and even more people. The Hauteville solution to this was HTV Caldwell, a destroyer-class vehicle, equipped with wide array of sensors, landing craft and scientists. 50 of them, from different fields- biology, physics, astrophysics, chemistry and well, you get the picture. Plus, crew of 10 to get the scientist safely there and back. Plus, a lab complex so well-equipped and modern that makes earthbound scientists green with envy. No wonder the competition was that high. Led by Paseka Hauteville-Khumalo (PhD in astrophysics and theoretical xenobiology, this was no case of Hauteville nepotism), the newly finished ship was to do a test survey in the Solar system and then, move on to the new worlds.
Initial journey of HTV Caldwell
First Jump
Old Rollo-class corvettes were replaced with something more modern- a Robert Guiscard class corvette. Housing a crew of 20, the main addition was weapons. Three turrets armed with mass drivers now point out from the hull, acknowledging the fact that Normans do not think the space to be a safe spot.
Three of Robert Guiscard class corvettes were ready for service. HTV Hope, HTV Columbus and HTV Spear. Fresh, with a small of new ship still in and some wiring still incomplete- but totally operational and equipped with proper wormhole modules.
It was 16th February of year 2200. Odo Dregnot, aged 51, was sitting in the captain’s chair of HVT Columbus and was leading the small task force from there. He felt really nervous, his sweaty hand gripping the captain’s chair. Gripping hard. They were near the edge of Solar System, where the Oort cloud starts. Tokugawa station was far enough that it wasn’t even visible.
“HVT Columbus,” voice came in through loudspeaker. “This is Tokugawa control. Everything ready?”
Odo, not finding proper words, just rasped “Yes” out of his dry lips, translated to “Tokugawa control, this is HVT Columbus, we are green to go. I repeat, we are green to go” by the communications officer. Though to be fair, her voice was a bit of dry as well.
“Tokugawa control here, opening the worm now,” and as these words were spoken, bright flash appeared below the fleet, illuminating the bridge, making two other corvettes shine with bright light. “Good luck,” was added by the station control.
Opening of the wormhole
Odo Dregnot managed to give what he thought was an encouraging smile to the rest of the crew, took a deep breath and gave the order himself: “Fleet, dive”
All three corvettes moved downwards in unison, entering the center of the wormhole.
Odo was disappointed. He had expected something. A feeling in the gut. A nausea. Some excruciating pain as the ships disintegrated. Nothing. All he got was a sudden change of scenery when the stars shifted... no, when he moved instantly from one place to a place over 4 light years away, as he had to remind himself.
For the first time ever, humanity has broken the shackles of the Sol system. Three corvettes were in the outskirts of the Alpha Centauri system, background hum of the engines the only thing penetrating the silence as the crew took in new sights and were busy realizing that what they have done is the most giant leap for mankind yet.
Then, the intercom crackled in: “HTV Columbus, this is Tokugawa station. Where are you?”
Odo gazed at navigator, who sent the data. Quickly reviewing it, he replied: “Tokugawa station, this is HTV Columbus. We are currently on outskirts of Alpha Centauri. Initial estimates show the drift to be less then 50 meters. All is ok.”
First jump into the unknown. And notice, two habitable planets!
Then, there was cheering and congratulations. And then two weeks of waiting before the station could be charged enough to open the wormhole once again. But by March, they were back. Humanity has reached for the stars. Initial scans showed five planets, with 2 of them in Goldilocks zone and potentially habitable. You have to send in the scientists to be sure though.
Finally, some gameplay. Well, a few month worth of gameplay. At least i got into another system. If i keep up the same pace, we'll be done in five years. Though i doubt i cover rest of the wormhole jumps with such detail.
Thanks a lot!
Hey, thanks!
Yes, and that is the most unrealistic part of the stage, i think. Being in power from 1050-ies to 2200 is something i consider to be impossible the at the highest degree. Or at least, in such a large scale.
Welcome aboard!
Amazing couple of updates! Loved the story about Miyuki, amazingly crafted.
Thanks a lot!
Hey, thanks!
Yes, and that is the most unrealistic part of the stage, i think. Being in power from 1050-ies to 2200 is something i consider to be impossible the at the highest degree. Or at least, in such a large scale.
Welcome aboard!
It's sad that this is teaching me about game mechanics I didn't know about. Here's hoping First Contact is with a friendly, weak, easily-manipulated species.
Here's hoping First Contact is with a friendly, weak, easily-manipulated species.
Subbed!! I greatly enjoy your style of introducing the Hauteville Empire. Keep up the great work!
It's like you are checking off a list of my favorite scifi franchises.
All hail Empress Ivanova! All shall love her and despair!
All hail Empress Ivanova! All shall love her and despair!
Strange Econunters
Minotaurs
Minotaurs
“This...” Captain Odo Dregnot of the HTV Columbus was staring at the screen in disbelief. “This is not possible”.
The crew murmured in agreement. This is definately not possible. Yet, there it was. In the vastness of space, there was something. Something alive. Living in the vacuum of space. Huge, amoeba-like things, right on their viewscreen. Scanners were feeding the data in and got confirmation- they are alive, they are about the size of Norman corvettes and they don’t seem to care about or notice humans at all. They were just minding their business, whatever it was.
It was second Human expedition to nearby systems. This time, Barnard’s Star, the other nearest system to Sol. And already, the Humans stumbled something that was outside of their understanding.
For really, this was not possible. It defied everything Norman (thus far very theoretical) xenobiologists have thought. They were debating about life in other planets, but not life in space- that was considered impossible. The eyes of Chief (and only) science officer on board the small task force were burning with anticipation of Nobel prize, fame and recognition.
At the same time, the space thingies, Minotaurs, as someone referred them- and the name stuck- slowly moved to the edge of the system and disappeared. Soon, human fleet departed back to Sol as well. But this was first encounter with another species the Humans had had. And it was as alien as it could be.
First encounter non-human life.
Houries
It was third human expedition, to Sirius system. The system was empty, with a nice earth-like colonizable planet, but the fleet managed to capture something from the nearby Craxima system. An energy reading that was definitely not natural- it was another of the space-faring species. Dubbed Houries by the expedition.
The readings were sensational enough to stop all other research and concentrate on them alone. With non-manned probes launched to Craxima system, the results were shocking: they were crystal-like. Most likely silicon-based lifeform, totally different from how Humans came to be. They seem to have their own limited society, they are dangerous and best to be steered clear. At least for a moment.
Just in the scanner range- the Houries
Void Clouds
“Captain! Something is moving towards us! The energy readings are off the scale!” A worried voice of navigation officer was the first thing heard when Norman task force arrived in Burtios System, a system still enclosed within Norman space.
“Cut the dramatics, Lieutenant” Odo replied with dry voice, “We have digital displays. Situation report?”
“Sir,” the navigation officer was corrected herself, “We have something strange moving towards us, sublight speed, and the energy emitted by it is increasing. Currently, is 10 times the output of our fleet and it’s increasing.”
The initial form of the energy being or something like that
“Prepare to jump... and keep watch,” Odo was certain that while the entity is dangerous, it was still far away enough to not pose any danger to the Normans. The energy cloud was still coming, single-minded, towards them while Norman scanners were gathering as much data as possible and Tokugawa station was on standby to get them away from there.
Three days later, the displays lighted up once again.
“Sir, the cloud has burst,” the Science Officer burst out himself, “And it’s increasing speed. And it’s energy readings are increasing even more.”
Odo clicked the communicator: “Tokugawa Control, this is HTV Columbus. Open the worm,”
Few minutes later, when the portal had been opened, he gave the order to the fleet: “Dive”.
With that, Normans left the Burtios System. The Void Clouds, as they were later named, turned out to be something ancient. One of the earliest life forms in the galaxy. And they turned out to be totally killable. Eventually.
Void cloud bursting. And info about them
Meanwhile, in the Sol System
As the expedition of Paseka Hauteville-Khumato begun the test run of science ship in the Sol system, the results were much bigger then anticipated. First thing they did was to discover a new deposit of minerals in Mercury. It was exploited almost as soon as it was discovered and in July 2200, the Normans had finished their first mining station, orbiting Mercury.
First mining station of the Hauteville Empire, right next to the Sol
Finally completed in June 2201, the results of the survey were following: total 9 deposits of minerals, in Mercury, Venus, Ganymede and in 2 Pallas, one of the larger asteroids in asteroid belt. By the time the survey was complete, three of them were already exploited and final was on the way. Also, Uranus has considerable energy deposits that will get exploited soon.
Exploration of the Sol is complete. Surprisingly rich.
Paseka Hauteville-Khumato moved on to Sirius system, to start exploration of the first star system then Sol.
The most importantly though, alien life was even more common then thought before. Paseka Hauteville-Khumato discovered two instances of alien life in Earth. One life form in the ocean of Europa and other one in 3 Juno, another bigger asteroid in the asteroid belt. Both deferred to be investigated later, after the surveys of Sirius and Alfa Centaury.
Not one, but two anomalies on Sol?
The Galaxy was a much more populated place then thought before. And populated in more weird ways then Normans could even think of. And the Norman adventure was still just beginning.
Initial discoveries of both Sol and systems around me bring quite interesting result, i'd say. And it seems that the space is really populated! Sol as well. IThe number of minerals is quite high and well, two anomalies! I feel especially lucky now.
Well, glad to be of assistance. And Minotaurs count as friendly and weak at least.
Welcome aboard and thanks! I'll try to keep up the style.
Awww, thanks for posting that video. Now, i have uncontrollable urge to re-watch Babylon 5- and aint nobody got time for that! And hail Ivanova!
Thanks! Welcome aboard!
It's sad that this is teaching me about game mechanics I didn't know about.
Well, glad to be of assistance. And Minotaurs count as friendly and weak at least.
Welcome aboard and thanks! I'll try to keep up the style.
Awww, thanks for posting that video. Now, i have uncontrollable urge to re-watch Babylon 5- and aint nobody got time for that! And hail Ivanova!
Thanks! Welcome aboard!
So many contacts! None of them can really be interacted with properly, but it's still good news for the Hauteville Empire, promising more aliens being out there to find.
I should've known the latest release being a space game wouldn't stop the Normans from heading into orbit...
Good to see you writing, I look forward to the Norman Space Invasion. The Minotaurs, Void Clouds and Anomalies have no idea what's coming for them...
Good to see you writing, I look forward to the Norman Space Invasion. The Minotaurs, Void Clouds and Anomalies have no idea what's coming for them...
First Contact
Entry to Juss System
Entry to Juss System
It was in June 2202 when Norman Task Force arrived in the Juss system. The very instant, the scanners went crazy. Different kind of crazy though then usual. From the moon orbiting one of the gas giants in the system, the scanners picked up energy surges, communication and something that appeared to be a bad sitcom. The actors were not human. Further scans revealed an orbital station around the same moon. Even further scans showed a fleet orbiting the said station- and outnumbering Normans to 3 to 1.
Hauteville Empire stumbling upon homeworld of another civilization
Captain Odo Dregnot ordered immediate retreat, recording as much of the communication as possible while the wormhole opened and Normans made a quick retreat. It was about time too- for they had been discovered for sure. Chatter from communications directed towards them was filling the screens. Unintelligible chatter, for sure, but the annoyance of the “Frogs”, as they were dubbed for some reason, was evident. Also, their fleet left the orbit and started heading towards human fleet. Luckily, the wormhole was opened way before the Frogs got anywhere near the humans.
After that, Humans took deciphering the language of Frogs as their top priority. Que ahead half a year of deciphering their language, understanding their culture, their government system and then, tries of humans to successfully to establish the communications with them. The picture was not pretty. Jusstkan Galactic Coalition, as they called themselves. Deeply xenophobic, hating all aliens. Oligarchic government, where the wealthy elite oppresses everyone else. And even worse, they consider them to be rightful rulers of the galaxy.
As the First Contacts go, this one is not the most friendly one
On top of that, the Jusstkan arrived a bit earlier to space. They had already colonized a second planet, their fleet was superior to Humans, they were more technologically advanced and they posed a clear threat- though to be fair, combined power of Hauteville Fleet and the space station in Earth would still be enough to stop them. Hopefully.
Another interesting topic though- there appears to be no wormhole stations in Jusstkan space. Meaning, the pigs have another means of travel, totally different from Hauteville one.
As from evolutionary standpoint, the Jusstkan resemble the Earth’s boars more then anything. Though, as humans painfully found out, even mentioning something of resemblance really gets under Jusstkan fur. Coming from desert world of Juss, Jusstkan were the utmost predators of the planet, capable of fighting for the scarce water sources. Moving in packs, they have still retained their collectivistic nature and are actually very good farmers, both allowing population growth way beyond human standards.
At the same time, Jusstkans spent doing what the Humans were- researching us. And the conclusion- humans are disgusting species. Dangerously free government. Weird habits. Of course, stinking aliens on top of that. In short, they really-really didn’t like Humans. It sort of ended up like your typical dislike-hate relationship.
Hauteville and Jusstkan space. And they don't seem to like us much....
Overall, Jusstkans are just the species you don’t want living next door...
Sassodem dol'Trhad, Jusstkan Ambassador
Sassodem dol’Thrad, ambassador of the Executive Geslith cur’Yuhal and younger son of one of the oligarchic families in the Jusstkan Galactic Coalition, looked like he was walking on a field littered with cow shit and he was walking carefully not to step on any of it. Only the field was Hauteville Palace, serene place in Palermo, cut off from city traffic and noise.
His tusks were showing the extreme displeasure or pretty much everything. Thus far, the list had included: his assignment, his travel here, the honorary military escort, the layout of Solar system, the entry into Earth's atmosphere, the condition of Palermo spaceport, the mind winter of Sicily, the overall humidity of Earth, lack of “proper” respect from average citizens (no bowing or better, getting to their knees), the sea, the color of the sea, the smell of the sea, the waves on the sea, the human architecture, the human clothing style- civilian and military, the layout of Hauteville Palace, the green grass of the Hauteville Palace garden, the trees, the bees, the Empress, the reception, the manners of the Empress, the clothing of the Empress, the fact that the palace was next to sea, the slight gust of rain and pretty much everything else as well. There was one thing he liked much though- complaining about the things he disliked. As much as Humans could determine, Sassodem had been a really-really bad piggie in their homeworld, and was given a choice of firing squad, or ambassador’ status on Earth.
Inviting the Jusstkan over to Earth
Still, he was the ambassador, though he demanded that the embassy should be opened in Kalahari desert, in the middle of nowhere and no-fly zone of 50km to be established on the perimeter and that there are no human staff, only his own; for the lack of correct term in Human language: slaves-servants-serfs, should be allowed there and so on and so on. Well, the Hautevilles agreed of course.
Thus, the diplomatic relations were established between two Empires in space. Though no human was allowed to set foot on Juss. And the Hautevilles had to refrain from serving pork in official dinners. At least when the “Angry miss Piggy”, as Sassodem was called when he was not around, was attending. Luckily, he seemed more happy in Kalahari desert, his snout deep in the sand and his liver full of alcohol. Oh yes, one thing he liked about the Earth- booze!
Jusstkans were still something you’d call a very bad start for the Hautevilles, just taking first steps into the great unknown. As a deterrent, Normans started construction of another corvette. Not much, but every bit helps
Uncovering Sirius
Sirius system was something of a wonder. The most visible star from Earth. Class A star, recently formed (in galactic terms). Still, it has a planet in the Goldilocks zone. Teeming with primitive life, fertile, rich, slightly larger then Earth. It had oceans, it had continents, it had fertile soil. Also, some wild beasts, one huge volcano and lot of poisonous kelp. In short, it was a perfect world for colonization. After finishing the survey, Paseka Hauteville-Khumato set sail to Alpha Centauri system, to investigate the system and another potential habitable world there.
Sirius III, the future first Human colony
In July 2204, the Hauteville construction ship jumped through the wormhole for the first time. It’s target- Sirius II, a barren world orbiting the star. It also had some rich mineral resouces. It was the first extrasolar construction undertaken by the Hauteville Empire, though soon, there will be plenty to follow.
HTV Volga moving towards Sirius II to begin construction of a first extrasolar mining station
As far as first contacts go, this one is meh. A bit more advanced Empire, right next to our doorstep. And a Fanatic Xenophile to boot... But i'm quite confident that despite that, there will be no hostilities yet. Though i really better start building deterrents.
As you can see, this promise is worth pretty much nothing. Some aliens, you don't want to find.
Rather, it lures the Normans to the orbit. Impossible to keep 'em out! And thanks! Well, and just some Normans are coming. No biggie.
Hey, Bzyantines themselves elected Empress Adelise as their Empress. There might have been some stabbing involved, but still, Normans are the rightful rulers of Byzantium!
And thanks!
Oy, this is not the Blorg! I'm a bit more careful!
As you can see, this promise is worth pretty much nothing. Some aliens, you don't want to find.
Rather, it lures the Normans to the orbit. Impossible to keep 'em out! And thanks!
Well, and just some Normans are coming. No biggie. Hey, Bzyantines themselves elected Empress Adelise as their Empress. There might have been some stabbing involved, but still, Normans are the rightful rulers of Byzantium!
And thanks!
30% failure rate. Bah, details! Go for it, it's less than 50%.
Oy, this is not the Blorg!
I'm a bit more careful!
Nice too have colonized another world. Sirius III seems like a perfect home away from home.
As for the Jusstkans, it could have been worse but that's a bad sign of what the galaxy might be like. Still, no need to make them enemies... for now.
As for the Jusstkans, it could have been worse but that's a bad sign of what the galaxy might be like. Still, no need to make them enemies... for now.