+++ Overview +++
The Hive Fleet currently consists of the following:
In orbit over prey-world in D-System:
- 1 recovering Hive Ship harbouring Norn Queen, few broods of zoanthropes, several tervigons, several trygon primes and mawlocs, various lesser strains (warrior/gauntii/genestealer/subterranean/toxic node/fexii/artillery) in moderate numbers.
- 1 mutated Ramsmiter kraken armed with grasping claws/tendrils, harbouring several broods of hyper-adrenalized hormagaunt and genestealer strains.
- 1 stalker droneship with functional spore cysts, harbouring several broods of hyper-adrenalized carnifex and hormagaunt strains.
- 1 narvhal.
In orbit over Oceanic prey-world in A-System (psychic contact lost due to warp interference):
- 1 vanguard drone ship harbouring vanguard organisms (lictors/genestealers/gaunt strains)
Invasion of prey-world I (Deathworld, Jungle Biome) Day 77:
38.2% of landmass has been stripped by feeder organisms
~55% of watermass has been infested with tyrannic algae
Hive Ship within upper atmosphere, suckling from capillary towers, unable to escape planetary orbit until the atmosphere has been drained, carapace regeneration is nearly complete.
>Previous thread memory imprint::: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/38707081/
+++ Conflict Overview +++
Engaged in escalated struggle with metallic non-prey entities on western desert/jungle biome merge.
Non-prey originating from two sites, pin-pointed via scouting ravener/genestealer brood packs.
Primary combined arms forces engaging at front consist of infantry and heavy infantry backed up by varieties of skimmers.
Hive Fleet forces consisting of:
- Backbone of Carnifexii strains, selected for resiliency, ease of gestation and anti-infantry killing power
- Rearguard of Hive Guard strains bearing adaped bio-electric impaler symbiotes, providing ranged cover fire and anti-air support
- Mobile response broods of Mawlocs directed by Lictor infiltration packs, proving highly effective but numbers dwindling
- Concealed stealth counter-assault broods of genestealers with broodlord integration, serving as second-line defense and synaptic support, massing wherever opposition forces interlope into jungle territory
- Shrike broods with Gargoyle fodder screens acting as primary synaptic nodes
- Hive Crones as primary anti-air and secondary anti-infantry response organisms
Evening Gestalt. Preservation synapse connected to synaptic communion.
We will start by listing current issues, as we understand them.
Issues that require our attention:
- #1; Ravener scouts have located remaining oppositional strongholds in western wasteland.
- current solution; Large broods of trygons and massed genestealer forces are being prepared for targeted search-and-destroy missions against these complexes.
- #2; enemy 'deathmark' strains are targeting our synapse creatures.
- current solution; All lictor and mawloc operations have been refocused on the location and elimination of these units, addtionally we are gestating ravener 'alpha' units to evade the sight lines of deathmark strains.
- #3; A massed force of enemy infantry is moving towards the border of our territory, initial intel suggests these forces are completely without air support, air superiority still remains firmly in our grasp. Enemy command strain is suspected to be among these forces.
- current solution; Massed carnifex forces WILL arrive at territory border in time to intercept. Specialised 'Challenger' tyranid prime strain is being gestated for the explicit purpose of preying on the 'honour' of enemy command strain to lure it into an ambush.
Currently employing the following behavioural stratagems:
- Second generation Trygon clutch has been birthed, preparing for subterranean strike on non-prey origin sites followed by overwhelming second wave of genestealers through emergence tunnels
- Currently gestating modified 'Challenger Strain' Warrior Prime organism bearing ostentatious display of colouration patterns and superfluous carapace ridges to lure non-prey leader entities into "selective combat" trap.
Two current considerations awaiting synaptic deferral:
- Prioritize incoming biomass between terrestrial assault organisms and reinforcing space-borne organisms once Hive Ship ablative carapace restoration is completed.
- Determine ratio of Trygon attacks between northwestern/southwestern non-prey origin sites. Northern serves as primary launch location for aerial entities, southern as primary beachhead for infantry forces.
>>38835422
Bolstered aerial forces have proven competent in maintaining air superiority. Suggest focusing strikes on northwestern site until all oppositional activity has ceased, then moving to southwestern origin point.
>>38835292
Accurate synopsis, time-frame has however accelerated slightly during cerebral stasis.
Initial engagements between carnifexii swarm//non-prey infantry has already commenced.
Ravener 'Alpha' strain is still undergoing Norn Queen genetic readjustment, to be deployed in following waves.
>>38835507
>Suggest focusing strikes on northwestern site until all oppositional activity has ceased, then moving to southwestern origin point.
Noted, suggesting focus on aerial entity launch location.
Awaiting further synaptic contact and deliberation.
>>38835422
Southwestern origin point will be larger loss of biomass if allowed to continue operation. current defense against air attacks proving adept, while ground war will be grinder for troops. removing said infantry from deployment would almost certainly prove wisest.
Synapse connection established. Receiving gestalt memory presently.
>>38835531
Initial battle reports?
update on challenger strain?
>>38835589
>>38835602
evening fellow synapses.
>>38835613
Welcome back to the hive mind.
>>38835579
wish to inquire into possible investment of incoming biomass into space borne and terrestrial assault organisms.
>>38835589
>>38835579
Have initial reports touches enemy defenses?
Perhaps removing aerial launch site is appropriate if it proves to be a much easier prey.
>>38835589
>>38835707
Agreement with Hunter Synapse. Defenses are likely the same as previous defenses with Trygons.
Suggest gestating Mawlocs to replace fallen bioforms and retain response capability.
Prioritize terrestrial organisms for the time being; we have more than two-thirds of this world left to consume, and this enemy must be dealt with before we can turn our attention back towards space; then, we can recycle what was used on the ground to reinforce our void based organisms.
>>38835789
this is a reasonable response.
we are still awaiting initial battle reports on Initial engagements between carnifexii swarm//non-prey infantry.
>>38835422
Prioritize Northern site: once threat of enemy air power has been removed, our air power can be turned on enemy infantry.
Suggestion: Once enemy leader strains identified and engaged deploy Mucolid Spore pods and Sporcyst drop pods if possible to establish a perimeter. Likely behavior in response to ambush is either escape or to seek re-enforcements; spore pods will help prevent either from being effective.
Welcome back to all. The Hive Mind grows stronger.
>>38835613
>Initial battle reports?
Lines holding against infantry waves, long-range enemy artillery proving more difficult to deal with. Hive Guard lack effective range to trade with them beyond jungle obscuration lines, Carnifexes slightly outmatched as a result.
Potential responses:
- Adjust Carnifex composition to include more venom cannon strains, less anti-light infantry adaptations. May make holding against primary non-prey force composition more tenuous.
- Redeployment of Ravener broods with rending claw armament to hit artillery from rear-flanks. Will reduce scouting information from the deeper desert areas.
- Redirect Hive Crone vectors towards artillery. May afford the enemy a window to regain air superiority in some localized combat fronts.
- Other recommendations?
>update on challenger strain?
Deployment imminent.
>>38835648
>wish to inquire into possible investment of incoming biomass into space borne and terrestrial assault organisms.
- Calving immature Hive Ship, will increase gestation efficiency and synaptic coverage of void composition, will use most of current biomass.
- Spawning numerous clutches of drone ships. Will allow more tactical flexibility for potential void battles, or greatly improve vanguard scouting efficiency for next system.
- Focus on recouping complex synaptic strains (Hive Tyrant, etc) for future terrestrial engagements.
- Focus on massing simpler terrestrial strains for overwhelming first wave invasion assault of future prey-worlds, will speed up tyrannoformation process with such heavy saturation.
>>38835918
we suggest holding off on dedicating the biomass until our current threat has been squashed completely.
Redployment of raveners an acceptable solution, primary oppositional origin points believed to have already been found.
>>38835918
Raveners will prove a twofold use. will allow us to destroy artillery, and allow us to support challenger prime in case of need. Support deploying Raveners to battle.
As to space modifications, suggest waiting until current enemy is defeated. perhaps production of one or two drone ships in case of enemy space borne arrival?
>>38835589
>>38835789
>Agreement with Hunter Synapse. Defenses are likely the same as previous defenses with Trygons.
Two synapses support southern origin site assault priority.
>>38835507
>>38835894
Two suggest prioritization of northern origin site.
>>38835789
>Suggest gestating Mawlocs to replace fallen bioforms and retain response capability.
Will cut into either Carnifex reinforcement or Haruspex gestation and slow consumption rates. Synaptic consensus on which is more acceptable?
>Prioritize terrestrial organisms for the time being; we have more than two-thirds of this world left to consume, and this enemy must be dealt with before we can turn our attention back towards space; then, we can recycle what was used on the ground to reinforce our void based organisms.
>>38835856
>this is a reasonable response
Noted.
>>38835918
Likely consequences of holding pattern until strike on northern prey disembarkation point? Total application of air power made possible by loss of non-Prey air base may cause collapse of enemy formations in their entirety.
Additional Query: Biovore status? Use for counter-battery fire to stiffen lines/deployment of spore mine clusters will also impede enemy advances.
Too many unknowns to determine long term disposition of biomass; success of ongoing strategies will determine appropriate course of action.
>>38836047
>Raveners will prove a twofold use. will allow us to destroy artillery, and allow us to support challenger prime in case of need. Support deploying Raveners to battle.
>>38836014
>Redployment of raveners an acceptable solution, primary oppositional origin points believed to have already been found.
Noted, Shrike broods mobilized for synaptic redirection of roaming Ravener broods.
>>38835918
Suggest adjusting Carnifex composition to include more venom cannon strains, coupled with slightly increased use of anti-infantry Gaunt strains and/or use of Warriors with appropriate anti-infantry weapons.
Uncertain as to best use of large scale biomass. Suggest focus be placed on spawning drone ships, then mass strains, then immature Hive Ship, then recouping complex strains, as we gain additional biomass, once the current conflict has been dealt with.
>>38836014
>>38836047
Ravener re-distribution understood, but counterpoint; enemy has repeatedly produced new non-prey types. Raveners will allow us to see and respond to such non-prey types in turn.
Request update on artillery strain status.
Requesting information regarding feasibility of genesplice of ravener and gaunt to create tunneling gaunt.
>>38836075
Note: Hunter Synapse changed support to northern assault; this synapse is not truly opposed to northern assault, either.
Suggest reducing both slightly, rather than one significantly.
Requesting update on Ravener Alpha strain status.
>>38836075
We have reconsidered. Destroy enemy airbase.
Should the strike force take minimal casualties, we can move it in behind enemy infantry waves in a pincer, cut them off then push to the infantry stronghold in a united front.
>>38836100
>Likely consequences of holding pattern until strike on northern prey disembarkation point? Total application of air power made possible by loss of non-Prey air base may cause collapse of enemy formations in their entirety.
If current non-prey strategic and tactical behavioural patterns remain unchanged, current losses are acceptable and will sufficiently slow further advances into Hive Fleet planetary territory for new responses to be devised before meaningful damage is incurred.
>>38836100
>Additional Query: Biovore status? Use for counter-battery fire to stiffen lines/deployment of spore mine clusters will also impede enemy advances.
Biovore brood nests were primarily given over to Hive Guard gestation. Readjust?
>>38836231
Oppose readjusting Hive Guard brood nests. Biovores unnecessary at this point; spore mines less useful than Exocrine gestation, if gestation must be changed.
>>38836231
Based on emerging synaptic consensus, hold current strategy until strike on not-Prey air base. If Air base destroyed, mass redeployment of air to target enemy artillery, followed by assaults on enemy infantry formations.
Current force composition sufficient for dealing with infantry once enemy artillery removed.
Should Air base assault fail suggest re-adjustment to Ciovore production to engage enemy artillery and lay down minefields to disrupt infantry until outcome of assassination of not-Prey synapse entities is clear.
>>38836172
>Uncertain as to best use of large scale biomass. Suggest focus be placed on spawning drone ships, then mass strains, then immature Hive Ship, then recouping complex strains, as we gain additional biomass, once the current conflict has been dealt with.
Synaptic consensus seems to lean towards conservative production of drone-ships without committing towards any particular option. Will begin gestating small drone-ship clutch, while retaining biomass for ground-reinforcement.
>Requesting information regarding feasibility of genesplice of ravener and gaunt to create tunneling gaunt.
Norn Queen suggests it would be redundant - larger bioforms are more efficient in terms of mobility, given ratio of musculature to particulate density in soils.
>Note: Hunter Synapse changed support to northern assault; this synapse is not truly opposed to northern assault, either.
>>38836224
>We have reconsidered. Destroy enemy airbase.
Noted. Northern origin site selected. Trygon mobilization underway.
>>38836409
Norn Queen has excellent point. However, queries must be made as to ambush Gaunts, bursting from the ground to attack enemies at ideal engagement range. Which is to say, melee.
We also need to decide on a course of action, should the 'challenger' strain prove succesfull.
>>38836409
Understood. Keep us updated gestalt.
>>38836487
Gaunts could simply use ravener tunnels, and operate in tandem with them as strike teams.
>>38836409
Thank you for supplying that information Gestalt. I do agree with switch to northern airbase.
>>38836487
This behavioural stratagem is typically enabled by Trygon organisms integrated into swarm composition. Does not require adaptation on the part of gaunt genome.
+++ Conflict Developments +++
Invasion of prey-world I (Deathworld, Jungle Biome) Day 81:
44% of landmass has been stripped by feeder organisms
~67% of watermass has been infested with tyrannic algae
Second wave broods arrived to Western front, incorporating 'challenger' strain Primes and 'alpha' strain Raveners. Rear-flank Raveners assaults in tandem obliterated enemy artillery during initial assault. Leader strains effectively baited into 'selective combat' traps using challenger strains, eliminated by concentrated Lictor/Carnifex convergence. Losses high on both sides, but non-prey driven back on all fronts!
Trygon strikes into northern origin site proving effective once more. Bio-electric attacks extremely efficient, genestealer reinforcement allowing for precision removal of non-prey infantry.
Only two areas of concern:
- Energy spike detected in previously subdued eastern front.
- Final wave of non-prey mobilized from southern origin site. Reconnaissance scarce on composition due to Ravener re-routing.
>>38836790
This is great news.
What scouting options do we have on the eastern front?
>>38836790
Divert any air power freed from maintaining superiority by strike against northern site to attack non-prey wave from southern site. Priorities: Scouting, Destruction of enemy artillery, general destruction.
Scouting eastern site high priority. Inference: Energy spike may mean heavy vehicles. Need confirmation.
>>38836892
Scouting possibilities:
- Mobilize Shrike broods. Covering a large area will require deploying enough to substantially thin synaptic coverage of the main swarm body, however.
- Re-route Raveners under direction of new Ravener Alpha arrivals. Will be slightly slower than Shrikes.
- Re-deploy Lictor/Genestealer vanguard. May leave main body susceptible to guerilla pattern tactics without stealth organism counter-response.
>>38836790
voicing concern over eastern flank. possible deployment of shrike broods to investigate? Attack from rear on undefended towers and feeding broods would be disastrous.
>>38836790
Seed spore mines in eastern front area heavily.
We have Ravener Alphas to assist in synaptic coverage of main swam body. Mobilize Shrike Broods, but no need for large area; systematic sweeps until non-prey located should suffice.
Suggest use of Ravener Broods to discern new non-prey wave; this synapse fears what it may turn out to be...
>>38836964
>>38837003
Perhaps if our Kraken drone is idle anyway it can begin preparations for another orbital ballistic strike in the eastern front.
>>38837010
This close to complete subjugation of western front, this synapse is hesitant to extend the use of vital synapse creatures. Perhaps staying the course is the safest strategy, for now.
>>38837010
Pertinent to mention that feeding broods are capable of light combat duties and capillary clusters are not entirely undefended.
However, caution is still advisable and commended.
>>38837003
Second option preferable. Reconnaissance in force allows for gauging of enemy strength, possible opportunistic attack. Does not weaken synaptic net or leave synapse vulnerable.
>>38835918
Suggestion: Reconstitute Hive Tyrant strains; synapse net has failed during this engagement against an enemy employing mass fire and maneuver tactics. Enemies capable of greater flexibility and adaptation may cause collapse of synaptic control if net is not strengthened.
>>38837093
understood. suggest deployment of Raveners then, with Ravener Alphas. Lower deployment time may be worth it, if only to hold western front.
>>38837140
The second option does leave our main swarm much weaker to enemy artillery strains.
>>38837082
This is reasonable, this synapse can support mild use of shrikes should ravener alphas be ready to cover for them in the main swarm.
>>38836964
>Divert any air power freed from maintaining superiority by strike against northern site to attack non-prey wave from southern site. Priorities: Scouting, Destruction of enemy artillery, general destruction.
Supported by additional synapses?
>>38837082
>Seed spore mines in eastern front area heavily.
Efficient, low-effort response. Underway.
>Mobilize Shrike Broods, but no need for large area; systematic sweeps until non-prey located should suffice.
>Suggest use of Ravener Broods to discern new non-prey wave; this synapse fears what it may turn out to be...
Supported?
>>38837086
>Perhaps if our Kraken drone is idle anyway it can begin preparations for another orbital ballistic strike in the eastern front.
Beginning preparations, awaiting bombardment impulse after due synaptic consensus.
>>38837200
Supported supported and supported.
>>38837200
agreed with redeployment of airforce, support deployment of ravener broods with Shrike support.
>>38837200
This synapse supports all these strategic suggestions.
This synapse is verdant that orbtial bombardment should be made ready, at the very least, after further intel has been aquired, the hive mind can reconvene on whether or not to deploy.
Gestalt requires clarification on which scouting compositions are recommended for which fronts.
Mark Western front as W, Eastern front as E.
Undergoing brief low-activity period, will return to full alertness shortly. In the mean time, please ponder the following:
>Query: How is a raven like a writing desk?
>>38837405
Both can be consumed for biomass. an interesting riddle, Gestalt.
Recommend small number of Shrikes from Western Front along with Raveners from Western Front be deployed to Eastern Front.
>>38837200
Suggest delay bombardment until affter Ravener or other scouting of eastern site. Orbital bombardment has been met with energy screens. Orbital bombardment against facility may be ineffective; orbital bombardment against whatever comes out, may be worthwhile.
>>38837405
As far as this synapse understood it, Shrikes will be deployed to the previously subjugated eastern front and lead smaller ravener packs.
All remaining airforces will join up with main force and outflank their last wave, priority still being vulnrable artillery.
>>38837467
Agreed.
>>38837405
W: Redeployment of air-power. Primary mission: Scout composition of force. Secondary Mission: Destruction of enemy vehicles, particular focus on artillery. Tertiary Mission: Find non-Prey; kill non-Prey.
E: Deploy Raveners to scout power spike in eastern sector. Have Kraken prepare orbital bombardment. Raveners to engage opportunistically if weak targets present, otherwise stay out of range.
Inference: Forces in the east likely represent those forces slowest to mobilize and most valuable to non-Prey. Of the non-Prey types observed by the Hive mind; several have not been observed on this battlefield. All are extreme threats.
Reiterate: Regeneration of Hive Tyrants. Suggest additional Tyrant Guard, Zoanthropes may also be required if we face Obelisks or C'Tan.
Gestalt returned to full consciousness.
>>38837456
>>38837523
>>38837666
Noted. Deployment underway.
>>38837666
>Reiterate: Regeneration of Hive Tyrants.
Supported?
And finally...
>Query: How is a raven like a writing desk?
>Most suitable answer: Aerial fauna and construct composed of lignified matter from photosynthetic flora are both suitable biomatter for consumption by the Hive Fleet.
Hunter synapse was accurate in its assessment. Well done.
>>38837666
>We don't know what we're facing yet
>We don't actually know what Necrons are in our memory
>We do not have memory of Necrons in our synapses
>>38837666
The hivemind posseses no information hinting at the prescense of the beings you mention, let alone if such things exist at all.
>>38837794
Hive tyrants must be gestated at some point, if the norn queen believes now to be an oppertune moment, then this synapse will not argue with her.
>>38837794
suggest low investment of regeneration of Hive Tyrants. at this time, while building for future conflict is understandable, current conflict takes precedent.
Hunter synapse will now take .45 units of time to enjoy pleasure of correction understanding of riddle.
>>38837876
a well earned release of endorphine fellow synapse. you earned those point .45 units of general time.
>>38837876
>>38837904
synapse is now in recovery after release of endorphins. notes that the pleasure seemed unhelpful in larger battle, and that in time spent enjoying self we did not gain any significant advances. Now regret allowing pleasure to occur.
>I had fun once, it was awful.
+++ Scouting Report +++
Western Front: Flying organisms encountered massive phalanx composed of multi-limbed walkers escorting a super-heavy skimmer bearing significant anti-air weaponry. High casualties inflicted on Hive Crones.
Eastern Front: Large, slow-moving skimmers with spatial distortion capability materialized for a flank attack, apparently serve as exit nodes for non-prey infantry forces which are now massing for a strike on our lightly defended flank. Ravener broods unable to find opportunistic openings for strikes.
>>38837995
are the forces in the eastern front all above-ground?
if so, now may be a good time to withdraw scout forces, and initiate orbital bombardment.
>>38837995
Request status on current Trygon Prime and Mawloc numbers, as well as store of strains onboard hive ship.
>>38838112
Numbers are low, but fieldable. Mawlocs have been reproducing independently, currently unknown how many are lurking below ground out of synapse range.
Additional Trygon Primes are in hibernation aboard the Hive Ship, mycetic deployment is a possibility.
>>38838103
Yes. They are preparing for an attack on our brood nests and capillary clusters.
>>38838182
Bombard eastern front now.
Bombard their large slow-moving skimmers without warning. Preferably after/before an attack that ensures they are not phased.
Retreat Hive Crones, remain ready for anti-air primarily. Use Mawlocs and Raveners to disrupt enemy walkers.
>>38838182
might be necessary to deploy hibernating Trygon Primes, secure independent Mawlocs, and make attack on super heavy skimmer.
>>38838182
initiate bombardment, recall forces immidiately and sustain defensive perimiter.
requesting visual imprint of
>super-heavy skimmer bearing significant anti-air weaponry
and
>Large, slow-moving skimmers with spatial distortion capability
>>38838192
>>38838223
Initiating immediate bombardment.
>>38838223
>Retreat Hive Crones, remain ready for anti-air primarily. Use Mawlocs and Raveners to disrupt enemy walkers.
Noted. Mobilizing subterranean strike tendril.
>>38837825
>>38837801
> OOC: Sorry about that. I will try not to get carried away in future.
>>38837995
E: Have Raveners flee, launch orbital bombardment.
W: Have air power fall back. Launch assault using Carnifexes, Hive Guard, and Warrior Alphas on walker formation. Forces cannot be allowed to combine or launch pincer. Use orbital bombardment/air power/and Malwoc Trygon to hold Eastern forces in place until main body can be turned on them.
>>38838244
Super-heavy visual imprint.
>>38837200
Go for all of those,may we get a description of what enemy strains we are fighting on the eastern front once we make contact?
>>38838333
Holy shit I am slow forgot to reload the page, genius
>>38838244
Eastern force composition visual imprint.
>>38838311
>W: Have air power fall back. Launch assault using Carnifexes, Hive Guard, and Warrior Alphas on walker formation. Forces cannot be allowed to combine or launch pincer. Use orbital bombardment/air power/and Malwoc Trygon to hold Eastern forces in place until main body can be turned on them.
Eastern and Western fronts are separated by days of travel. Will need to deploy additional Trygon Primes via Tyrannocyte if we wish to utilize subterranean forces on the Eastern front.
+++ Conflict Overview +++
Kraken meteoric orbital bombardment effected. Instinctual estimate of damage inflicted amounts to ~80% of opposing forces. Heavy skimmers remain in small numbers, but still reinforcing with infantry at a steady rate.
Previously unencountered non-prey pylon batteries at southwestern origin point fired upon Kraken organism. Heavy injuries sustained. Retreat required to the prey-world's night side.
>>38838355
keeping track of the fronts is getting a little bit confusing now, but if this synapse is following, we pull back airforces from western front, and let our subterranean forces prey on 'obelisk' non-prey organisms.
>>38838487
Our redeployed air forces should make short work of oppositional remnants in the eastern wasteland, correct?
>>38838355
>>38838487
Suggestion: Have Kraken retreat. Deploy Trygon Primes, via Tyrannocyte and redeploy remaining air power to the east. If follow-on attack can be prosecuted vigorously and quickly, we may be able to negate this threat.
>>38838552
That seems to be the Hive Mind's idea.
Eastern front does seem to be lacking for anti-air power, indeed.
Trygons move to Southwest and begin demolishing pylon batteries once northern origin point is fully decimated.
Begin gestation of Harpies, some portion aerial units relocate to eastern front and begin bombing/destroying enemy batteries.
Utilize Tyrannocytes to deploy Trygon Primes in East.
This synapse only hopes we can finish off this threat, some way or another.
>>38838599
support Preservation Synapse's suggestion on all fronts.
Time-frame accelerating.
+++ CONFLICT COMPLETE +++
Invasion of prey-world I (Deathworld, Jungle Biome) Day 89:
57% of landmass has been stripped by feeder organisms
~94% of watermass has been infested with tyrannic algae
Subdual of non-Prey complete.
Trygon Primes deployed to Eastern front orchestrated the slow and methodical elimination of opposition forces.
On the Western front, fierce fighting and a pincer reinforcement with the swarm which destroyed the northern origin point eventually overwhelmed the final wave of resistance, dismantled the orbital defense pylons and opened the battlefield up to a third and final orbital bombardment.
Macro-digestion pools have begun coalescing for planetary-scale terrestrial organism reconstitution.
The Hive Ship feeds well. Determine our biomass allocation!
- Calving immature Hive Ship, will increase gestation efficiency and synaptic coverage of void composition, will use most of current biomass.
- Spawning numerous clutches of drone ships. Will allow more tactical flexibility for potential void battles, or greatly improve vanguard scouting efficiency for next system.
- Focus on recouping complex synaptic strains (Hive Tyrant, etc) for future terrestrial engagements.
- Focus on massing simpler terrestrial strains for overwhelming first wave invasion assault of future prey-worlds, will speed up tyrannoformation process with such heavy saturation.
>>38838853
>- Calving immature Hive Ship, will increase gestation efficiency and synaptic coverage of void composition, will use most of current biomass.
our current single hive ship is a liability.
>>38838853
Point of note, once this world has been fully consumed, we can easily support two immature Hive Ships and still have enough to focus on another option.
>>38838853
Support Calving immature Hive Ship. We will need additional synapse vessels, to allow survival even in the face of losses.
>>38838853
Congratulations on a job well done fellow synapses.
it is time to multiply, calf a new hive ship.
i suggest we also start recouping hive tyrant strain.
if all goes as we have planned it, the oceanic world in A system should already be ripe and ready for us to feed upon it.
>>38838853
Support Calving, gestation efficiency will allow us to bring more force to bear, and increase resiliency of our void force.
>>38838853
Support Numerous Drone Ships. Knowing is half the battle, and if we can actually fight above the Ocean World and in the system it's in, we can be assured of our next conquest.
After that, spawn an immature Hive Ship.
Then, focus on massing simpler terrestrial strains; we have been able to cope thus far without a Hive Tyrant, we can cope a bit further.
>>38839006
We will have enough biomatter to easily spawn two immature hive ships. we should be able to spawn one now, initate gestation of drone forces, AND premptive spawning of mass terrestrial forces.
>>38838853
This synapse recommends the development of small terrestrial strains. The rapid deployment of such organisms at the beginning of a conflict could prove a decisive, simple tactic.
>>38839094
Thought; if A-system oceanic world is in indeed to be our next target, maybe we should hold off on terrestrial forces, as many of these are useless in large masses of water. If we are to face resistance, this synapse belives it will either be in the form of non-organic void vessels like those that initially shattered our fleet at ichar IV or....something less corporeal, whatever is causing the disturbance which has prevented communication in A system.
ergo; if we face resistance, it will likely be in the vaccuum of space. Conclusion; focus on drone gestation over terrestrial forces, for now.
>>38838884
>>38838913
>>38838965
Confirmed. Gestation underway. This will take the Hive Ships entire attention until it is birthed.
Now is a good time to go over the armaments available to Hive Ships. We may also consider metamorphosing our current Queen Ship. Void battles are likely to occur in the future, as most prey-worlds are defended.
Queen Ship armaments:
- Prow hullborer cysts (release space-faring transport worms which bore into the hulls of prey-vessels and release boarding organisms).
- Ripper tentacles (effective melee weaponry against smaller-sized class prey-vessels)
- Broadside thorax pyro-acid batteries (long-range artillery, effective against slow-moving prey-vessels, useless against smaller faster craft)
- Thorax spore cysts (generate mucolid mine clouds to act as anti-fighter/bomber and shielding)
Our offspring ship will be considered a light cruiser class vessel for its first invasion. It can support one primary armament and two secondary (secondary weapons are identical in usage, but weaker):
- Ripper tentacles (see above)
- Crushing claws (Melee weapon effective against equal-larger sized vessels)
- Bio-plasma spit (close-range high-damage attack, ineffective against shielding but very strong against unshielded prey-vessels)
- Bio-plasma discharge (close-range AoE attack, as above but weaker with better ability to hit small, fast craft)
- Prow pyro-acid battery (see above)
- Prow hullborer cysts (see above)
>>38839195
agree on focus towards drone gestation, rather than terrestrial deployment.
Question. if we attack system A, will we simply attempt to take Oceanic world or would we attempt to consume other world in system meeting demonic influence as well?
>>38839259
Support adaptation of Prow hullborer cysts as primary weapon, with Thorax Spore cysts and Ripper tentacles as secondary weapons. she'll close in quickly, board the ship, and tear apart any support ships that try to interfere.
>>38839195
This synapse suppourts this desicion. Void-organisms can be reabsorbed as neccesary after use.
Note: Bombardmemt proved an effective tactic in non-prey conflict. Perhaps our void-organisms can be modified to bear heavy foreward weaponry for this purpose, possibly powered through photosynthetic means.
>>38839195
Suggestion: Spawn drone ships; advance scouting will hopefully allow us to choose our battles. If possible, maintain remainder in reserve to allow for flexibility when we reach our next target.
>>38839195
We could produce aquatic forces, since we know our next target, in order to consume it as quickly as possible.
Norn Queen and Gestalt, query as to potential for repurposing genetic code to enable Tyrannoformation to occur in water first, before moving onto land.
>>38839259
Suggest Bio plasma discharge primary, Prow pyro-acid battery and Crushing claws secondary.
>>38839259
Primary prow pyro-acid batteries, secondaru bio-plasma discharge, and secondary crushing claws
>>38839269
>>38839195
>>38839006
Spawning of droneships confirmed for secondary behavioural imperative after the first young Hive Ship is calved.
>>38839311
apologies. Meant Crushing claws, not Thorax Spore cysts.
>>38839350
>>38839333
>>38839330
Okay, so far consensus has determined secondary crushing claws as a definite. Hive Mind is uncertain on best primary armament.
>>38839259
>Queen Ship armaments:
recommendation to focus on artillery and control of space
>- Prow hullborer cysts
>- Broadside thorax pyro-acid batteries
>- Thorax spore cysts
>Our offspring ship
recommendation to focus on close range support and defense of the queen ship
Pri
>- Bio-plasma discharge (close-range AoE attack, as above but weaker with better ability to hit small, fast craft)
Sec
>- Bio-plasma spit
>- Ripper tentacles
>>38839259
>- Prow hullborer cysts (release space-faring transport worms which bore into the hulls of prey-vessels and release boarding organisms).
This pleases my synaptic senses on a very deep level.
>>38839269
If we arrive and the other world appears full of ingestible biomass? and lightly defend after the infighting of lesser prey organisms? i see no reason not to devour it.
>>38839330
We already seeded the oceanic world with self-sustaining aquatic forces, if everything has gone as planned, it should be about ready for consumption already.
>>38839426
Agree with Preservation Synapse on use of Prow Hullborer cysts.
query to Gestalt. Can new Hive ship grow with ingestion of more biomass?
>>38839330
Tyrannoformation begins wherever primary mycetic impact sites are. Water was last on the current prey-world because we started on the mainland in the heart of the jungle. There won't be a problem.
>>38839399
Also query as to possibility of development of organic lenses on larger scale than those used in optic organs combined with photosynthesis providing energy to light producing biomass and reflective carapaces to create a laser.
Suggestion for all: Whenever possible, begin infestation in deep water. Sentient prey rarely keep watch or notice such areas being disturbed. Will also allow for subterranean infestation followed by rapid overtaking of surface.
>>38839423
Should clarify - the Queen Ship armaments are what she already has. They can be modified if desired - additional options are those in the list for the offspring ship.
>>38839511
Beyond current genetic pool capabilities.
Bio-plasma tends to have the same damage potential as thermal laser weaponry, but with a lower range.
>>38839451
>query to Gestalt. Can new Hive ship grow with ingestion of more biomass?
Yes.
Instead of allowing solely the Queen Ship to feed on the current prey-world, we may instead split the biomass between the two to increase our offspring ship to a larger size. Alternatively we could spawn a second one but they would both remain smaller.
>>38839547
Is bio-plasma capable of being utilized to initiate planetary bombardments?
Additionally, suggest that on trip we recoup rare genetic strains such as Hive Tyrant and gargantuan bioforms, as well as prepare unique ones in preparation for aquatic environments.
>Hive Fleet Nautilus fuck yeah
>>38839588
For Hive Ships, Quality is more important than quality, at the moment. Let's keep our Queen Ship the largest, for the moment.
>>38839588
We should probably stick to a single secondary ship. grow it after our next conquest, and then spawn a tertiary hive ship.
We should probably also decide on the composition of our drone forces soon.
>>38839614
>Is bio-plasma capable of being utilized to initiate planetary bombardments?
No. Spore Cysts can allow for heavier spore mine bombardment during mycetic orbital drops though, but they aren't available on the offspring ship at its current size.
This is our current vote tally for offspring Hive Ship (hence OHS):
PRIMARY
- Ripper tentacles
- Crushing claws
- Bio-plasma spit
- Bio-plasma discharge: II
- Prow pyro-acid battery: I
- Prow hullborer cysts: II
SECONDARY
- Ripper tentacles: II
- Crushing claws: III
- Bio-plasma spit: I
- Bio-plasma discharge: I
- Prow pyro-acid battery: I
- Prow hullborer cysts
Primary weapon is a toss-up between bio-plasmic discharge and hullborers.
Secondary armaments seem solidly in the melee category.
>>38839614
we have previously utilised special strains of kraken drones equipped with gaint hooks, unique to our splinter fleet, and nearby space debris for orbital bombardment, not organic or natural weapons.
>>38839747
We voice our support for prow hullborrers for primary, and bio-plasma for secondary.
>>38839747
a consideration for other synapses. Prow Hullborer cysts will allow our new vessel the ability to hunt and consume spaceborne prey much more easily. This will allow us to consume targets that would previously just be a drain on biomass normally. Alleviating out losses from the prey instead their metal tombs would be quite helpful.
>>38839747
>hullborers
has my vote
Also, clarification on other bioship armaments in the fleet:
Ramsmiter Kraken (medium escort vessel)
- Ramming prow beak (heavy front armour, effective melee/boarding adaptation against equal-larger class vessels)
- Grasping claws and tendrils (function like weaker crushing claws and ripper tentacles, but they are rear-facing rather than at the fore, allowing it to drag grappled objects behind)
- Other notable adaptations: Kraken are the fastest ships in the Hive Fleet.
Stalker Drone-Ship (light escort vessel)
- Primary Crushing claws
- Secondary prow bio-plasma spit
- Drone spore cysts (spores produced by these are too small to do damage but function as concealment/shielding)
>>38839779
>>38839798
>>38839800
Confirming hullborers as primary armament for the OHS.
Crushing claws confirmed as one of the secondaries.
Final weapon adaptation?
>>38839890
How many immature drones are we currently gestating?
>>38839934
bio-plasma discharge
>>38839935
Hmm. A relevant query.
Five seems to be an appropriate number.
>>38839779
Whilst true, this synapse would like to see, perhaps, a form of mycetic spore designed to hold more powerful bio-morphs or discharge plasma on impact, for an option that does not result in such extreme collateral damage.
>>38839798
We have Prow Hullborer Cysts on the Queen Ship, Hunter Synapse. We do not have very many options for dealing with smaller prey vessels, however. Once it grows, it can grow Prow Hullborer Cysts, perhaps. In the meantime, we must have options available.
>>38839954
This synapse suggests something along the lines of say: one additional kraken with our unique debris hooks, an addtional 3 stalker drones to compensate for our lack of intercepter options as>>38839961 agression synapse points out.
last drone suggestions?
>>38839945
>>38839779
Confirmed.
So, we have our Offspring Hive Ship!
+ Hullborer Cysts
- Crushing Claws
- Bio-plasmic discharge
ALSO IMPORTANT NOTE: The gestalt was previously mistaken, bio-plasma is *effective* against shields, not ineffective. This is good news for us.
Now that weapons are determined, we can grant it one additional biomorph:
- Reinforced carapace (defensive option)
- Extended solar vanes (better speed)
- Adrenaline sacs (allows for single large burst of speed during a battle, and enhanced melee strength
- Enhanced regeneration
>>38840090
>- Reinforced carapace (defensive option)
its currently equvilent to a light cruiser, they are already fast but are quite squishy
>>38840028
This synapse suggests a form of escort drone designed for long-range bombardment and soaking up damage that would otherwise harm vulnerable fleet ships. Slow and with little capability of damaging agile prey ships, however.
Suggest enhanced regeneration for offspring.
>>38840028
Clarification that Kraken, whilst subject to instinctive behaviour, are not considered "drone-ships" and use approximately twice as much biomass.
They also come in various types. If this is an additional layer of complexity in fleet composition the synaptic network would like to pursue at this time, I can outline these as well.
>>38840090
Suggest enhanced regeneration. Observation: We face unknown and presumably varied threats. The ability to overcome and regenerate from injury is the most generally applicable of the options.
>>38840028
Concur. Orbital bombardment proved effective, in our last engagement and greater capability to fight in the void is welcome.
greetings fellows
>>38840185
a quick outline please
>>38840185
that might be too complex at this time. we should agree first on current hive ship.
>>38840090
I support enhanced regeneration. Keeping our hive ship alive after investing so much in it is paramount, and it being able to recover from damage is extremely helpful.
>>38840090
Since our armerments supports a long ranged waiting-game while our smaller forces tear enemy void vessels apart from the inside out, reinforced carapace or enhanced regeneration are probably preferable.
>>38840185
that would probably be good
>>38840185
Please do, our thanks, Gestalt.
However, we would like to suggest focusing on drone ships, rather than attempting to create a second Kraken at this time.
>>38840211
>>38840225
>>38840237
The brief version, then.
Ramsmiter Kraken: Armed with prow ramming beak, fast boarding assault craft with strong front armour.
Doomripper Kraken: Armed with massive maw and ripper tentacles, faster and lighter than the Ramsmiter and effective against ships of any size rather than only equal-larger size like the Ramsmiter. Once grappled onto a target it will not release unless killed. Effective even outside of synapse due to their single-mindedness.
Hellblaster Kraken: Extremely heavy front armour, make contact with the enemy and then unleash acid gouts to dissolve them. Good against ships that are a little too large for the Ramsmiter to tackle.
Deathburner Kraken: Long-range heavy pyro-acid battery. Sniper-artillery strain.
>>38840456
if we want to produce drones to efficiently aid our current strategy of sitting back and launching hullborers and such, what drones are we looking at?
>>38840456
>>38840502
This Synapse suggests looking at a previous suggestion: >>38839961 as additional bombardment vessels until more hive ships can be created would be advantageous.
>>38840502
Stalker drones are the primary combat drone-ships. They come with crushing claws or pyro-acid as primary and bio-plasma spit, hullborers or reinforced carapace as secondary.
>>38840585
then as initially suggested>>38840028
except we need a replacement for the kraken. Perhaps an additional stalker.
alternatively we still go with three stalkers and use the last two for another kraken.
thoughts?
One last note - additional genotype codes for other space-faring organisms are somewhere in the genetic memory banks, but the Norn Queen suggests the synapses become familiar with behavioural command of current spawn before diversifying further.
>>38840654
suggest instead 2 more vanguard drones, to scout out other systems. Knowing where to go after System A will be very useful.
>>38840654
Perhaps three Stalkers and two Vanguards; We will need vanguards, and they are quite swift, and capable of latching onto enemy ships quickly. Alternatively, a Doomripper Kraken would fulfill a similar purpose.
>>38840680
This is a reasonable course of action aswell. though we could probably gestate vanguards while feeding on oceanic world.
we suspect though that we should scout, B system further, if our memory serves us right.
in case things are worse in A system than we think. Communication has been out for a while now.
>>38840729
Refresher on previously encountered systems:
A - Contains a warm sun, moderate in size, several planetoids in tow but no large planets. Strange interference, unknown cause.
+++ UPDATED INFO +++
One oceanic world, seeded by vanguard drone.
One warp-world, infested by immaterial competing predators, massive conflict underway during last psychic contact, warp storm interference rendered further contact with the drone in this system impossible.
B - Contains a small, cold sun, less likely to have abundant biomass. Several large planets, possibly gas giants. They seem to have moons. These might be worth checking, but will take the droneships longer to scout.
C - A binary system, two massive suns and many planets. At least one artificial orbital object of notable size. Definitely settled by prey-things, likely fortified.
D - +++CURRENT LOCATION+++
Finally, from D system, it may be possible to reach other systems now. We will be able to incite the narvhal to undergo gravimetric scan as soon as we leave atmosphere.
>>38840818
More information is always advantagous. As soon as we leave atmosphere, commence gravimetric scans.
>>38840818
with this information, support 2 vanguard drones most strongly. Being able to scout both system B and any other systems in reach would be massively helpful, even if it would take some time to scout system B.
Hopefully our combat-forms are proving successful against the metallic non-prey creatures.
This Synapse suggests System B as an alternative next step for the fleet. Speaking of which, have we considered a name for the hivefleet?
>>38840924
in time perhaps, not sure if genetic diversity is great enough from kraken motherfleet to warrant reclassification yet. (then again, what the lesser prey organisms call us is hardly of our buisiness, they will all know us by one name in the end.DOOM
>>38840924
>Speaking of which, have we considered a name for the hivefleet?
......................
An important consideration!
Additional query: Are the synapses sufficiently prepared for a second thread tonight, or should the collective initiate hibernation and prepare for tomorrow?
>>38841021
Its very late here gestalt. we would definetly prefer another thread tommorow, as mental faculties are already noticeably affected.
>>38840924
Hive Fleet Aboleth?
>>38841021
Count me in I shall be awake the rest of the night
>>38840917
Support this action.
Support sending one Vanguard Drone to System B once birthed.
>>38840924
Oppose. We have already won against the non-prey, and System A has already been seeded by a vanguard drone; that is our next likely target. We must hope that by this point, the immaterial predators have worn themselves out enough that we can eliminate the competition swiftly.
We are the Hive Fleet. Names are inconsequential.
>Hive Fleet Jormungand?
This synapse's bodyis ready.
>>38841021
This synapse still retains sufficient potential for a 2nd thread.
>>38841021
This synapse can continue to next thread, if so desired.
>>38841046
jorgmungand is already a taken designation.
hive fleet goliath perhaps?
>>38841042
>>38841043
>>38841046
Difficult. Preservation synapse has demonstrated themselves a dedicated entity of the Hive Mind collective, and the gestalt is also unlikely to remain completely focussed much longer.
Perhaps hibernation is indeed called for.
>>38841021
Name suggestion: Sisiutl
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sisiutl
>>38841046
Immaterial predators suggests lack of biomass, and contact with the vanguard drone has been lost. The hivefleet should not engage in such risky gambles yet. Our actions should be, for the time being, to maintain our strength and to acquire biomass from worlds that offer us the greatest advantages.
>>38841043
>Aboleth
This Synapse suggests Hydra. Our goal should be to move quickly and press our advantage.
As prey-creatures say, 'Speed is they key'.
>>38841135
That is a wonderful name. I agree with Hunter's suggestion for hive fleets name.
>>38841098
If not Jormungand, then this synapse suggests Nautilus.
>>38841101
If the gestalt feels it necessary. This synapse will enter hibernation if needed, but feels that hibernation could be postponed until travel to System A.
>>38841162
Hydra is also already used. System B is far more of a gamble than system A, as it is already seeded. The ocean world itself will not be infested with immaterial predators. We can deal with those separately.
>>38841162
Hydra is also a taken designation.
Aboleth and Sisiutl are current contenders. The Norn Queen supports the former.
We will commence tomorrow's thread with the determination. The gestalt will initiate neural archiving as of now.
