The Cartel Mod Update

[wdboyd]

Warthog DD conversion for 5.0.1 complete.

[Tophat1815]

Battleship,that will be a true challenge to try and take down with only CA's,DD's and Fighters to work with.Are you going to have a battlecruiser as well?

[wdboyd]

I already have a potent Cruiser. I'll not be adding a battlecruiser. The game actually doesn't support that specific class.. I think. [8D]

I want to create a "Sink The Bismark" type scenario for my static campaign somewhere down the road. [;)]

I have a LOT of schemes and plans but less time and talent to impliment things. [:D]

[Tophat1815]

ORIGINAL: wdboyd

I already have a potent Cruiser. I'll not be adding a battlecruiser. The game actually doesn't support that specific class.. I think. [8D]

I want to create a "Sink The Bismark" type scenario for my static campaign somewhere down the road. [;)]

I have a LOT of schemes and plans but less time and talent to impliment things. [:D]

You seem fairly talented so far.Mod l;ooks good indeed. Did you make a Galactic map to go with it? What do your solar systems look like?

[wdboyd]

Thanks.
 
Negative on a original Galactic map. I haven't gotten into that area of modding yet.
 
I set my "Raider Redux" static campaign in the original Starshatter Galaxy, with the current conflict as a backdrop for my conglomerates activities versus The Brotherhood Of Iron. Agents of the Brotherhood kidnapped a neice and nephew of a Cartel executive. Big mistake. [:-]

[Tophat1815]

Well its probably better to expand the action within the already existing framework. That way you already have established space navies. Though i'd think all the powers in the region would be a wee-tad annoyed at the fellows building a Battleship and starting a Naval Arms Race.

[wdboyd]

The powers that be, have their hands full contending with one another in the current conflict.

Some history: The Cartel is decidedly neutral. The conglomerate has been a major supplier of mililtary equipment and technology to all sides in the Galaxy. That's why it is so rich. The current conflict is proving expensive and the Cartels normal customers can't afford their new equipment.

The Cartel is centered in the independent systems. Although it has slightly better relations with the Alliance forces.

Into the developing power vacuum arises the Cartel Space Fleet. Although it has actually been growing for many years.

[Tophat1815]

 I like your backstory for that faction,conglomerate,political entity..yes Cartel does seem to be an appropriate term.The backstory or more importantly for me the context the conflict takes place in is important,more or less sets the mood.

[Zanthras]

Based on this my read is that the Cartel has been in control of things more than one could have known. Having economic control over a greater portion of the galaxy would likely place them as the 'silent' top dog.
 
If they have, in fact, been waiting for the dust to settle after the Alliance/Markaran war the potential threat to the victor could be catastrophic. As for the loser...let's just say the galaxy has a greater supply of space dust now...
 
As I once said in another post, should the Cartel want complete military control over the known galaxy it could easily be thiers.
 
As for Thadeaus Tween...
As rumor has it, he was believed dead.  These new reports coming in from the outer clusters would seem to prove rumor wrong. The designs being seen could only be his work.
 
Another rumor said the Alliance sought him many years ago to design ships for them, but political involvement was not Thadeaus' cup of tea.
 
Others believed he was designing WMDs, a planet killer, so to speak.
 
and still others that knew him say Thadeaus was (is?) a peaceful man with the desire to bring peace and stablity to the galaxy once and for all.
 
of course, these are only rumors...
 
in light of this I would not be surprised to see the Alliance take a closer look at what might be going on out there on the fringe...

[wdboyd]

Official Factual Data:



Although humanoid, Professor Thadeaus Tween in not human. He is 5' 2" tall and is reportedly over 130 years old and remains very affable. [:'(]

Thadeaus Tween is happiest doing research and teaching. He currently has several very promising students in his charge. One of his earliest students was Eric Suter, who left Cartel service under less than friendly terms. Suter went on to develope the X-Wing fighter Reaper and the destroyer Pillager for the Brotherhood Of Iron.

Thadeaus basically has a blank check to fund his research and development projects. His every need and desire is met by the Cartel. All past reported attempts to draw him away from the Cartel fold have failed. He is apparently very content and remains of his own free will.

The location of Professor Tweens research facilities are closely guarded secrets. They are the most heavily defended facilities extant. Even if their location were comprimised, it would be suicide to attack them. [:D]

[wdboyd]

Dateline 2310:

Proposed Cartel Corporate Emblem/Flag.

[Tophat1815]

 Nice Emblem! What direction does your cartel campaign take? Are they taking possession of planetary systems for non-payment on military equitment debt?

[wdboyd]

Tophat,

Negative. They are in things for the money and the power it brings to influence others.

Actually, they don't really like the current escalation in hostilites but they have information about outside forces that may threaten their widespread corporate profits. In thier leaders minds, why be in political power when they can greatly influence policy makers through sheer financial power.

Besides, the Cartel has been careful to be beneficial to all societies that they have interacted with. Although one of the current combatants have elements in their midst that will offend and confront Cartel forces. I wonder if they will regret it. [:'(]

Hint... who was really behind the decision for the kidnapping episode? Was it actually the Brotherhood? Inquiring minds want to know. [:D]

Still, its leaders have foreseen possible problems for the independent sectors. That is where they are headquarted and most prevalent. Their fleet insures their property and continued existence.

[wdboyd]

The Cartels CA Hornet is now cruising in the 5.0.1 galaxy. This monster packs quite a punch.

[Kuokkanen]

ORIGINAL: wdboyd

Their fleet insures their property and continued existence.

If one company can have such security measures, I'm afraid to know about nation armies [X(]

...unless that company is nation itself, like ComStar. Is it?

[wdboyd]

The Cartel in not ONE company. It is a conglomerate of enterprises with their power base in the independent sectors.

Their ships have been under devlopement and creation for many years. Most were kept in drydock until the outbreak of the current conflict. The ensuing martial chaos compelled the Cartel Board of Directors to bring their assets to bear.

The kidnapping of a board members neice and nephew put the entire force on alert.

These designs were meant for sale but were considered to be too radical design changes and overly expensive by the Alliance and Hegamony governments. Even so, Cartel outlets re-supply munitions and equipment to the Alliance and Hegamony.

The Cartel is officially neutral but won't fail to defend the independent sectors for unjustified incursions or attacks upon its ships or other material interest. This is generally common knowledge to all concerned.

And yes, they are powerful and wealthy. They are the Cartel. A great ally and a imposing enemy.

[Zanthras]

wdboyd,
You got quite the storyline going, sounds pretty indepth. Should you decide to do a campaign with all this it would likely rival milo's creation, but most certainly enhance it.
 
Have you written this in full storyline or addlibbing as you go?
 
just curious...

[Tophat1815]

He's certainly caught my interest with his outline.

[wdboyd]

Hi,

I formulated most of the information from the beginning. Data about the Cartel was included in my 4.5.0 mods Commanders Checklist document which came with the mod. Those that have the original can attest to this. [:'(]

I've fleshed out some of the details as questions have arisen. I have a fertile imagination and am a frustrated game maker and writer. Some combination huh?

I'd like to be able to create a dynamic campaign using my storyline but I'll concentrate on finishing a static campaign version first. [;)]

Even that will take time. I like to present a quality mod with well tested challenging missions. That takes attention to detail and time. Always time.

I've setup some of the missions to be played from BOTH sides. Those that have a dark side and want to play for the scum covered, dispicable, heathen Brotherhood, will have the opportunity to take on the self-righteous arrogant units of the Cartel. [:D]

[Kuokkanen]

So what's this brotherhood then? Something like Brotherhood of Nod or something else?