White Whale: Difference between revisions

The White Whale is an elusive megafauna first discovered in Hex 1211 pursued by [[Aguamala Syndicate]] and [[Tahora Whai]].

The Whale is fairly reclusive, and avoids conflict with others out in space. Observations idicate that it will attempt to slip away from a conflict and camouflage itself in empty space.

However, if cornered and without a means to escape, the White Whale has been known to retaliate violently. Utilizing available space debris and mighty tail slams it will attack its foes.

==Sector Perception==

===Aguamala Syndicate===

===Tahora Whai===

Sector-west's Tahora Whai have a different relationship to dangerous megafauna. The Whai tend see these creatures as great beings deserving respect or even fellow travelers of the void. While the Whai do indeed hunt megafauna similar to this novel whale, it is driven by necessity not sport. The White Whale is thus not a trophy to prove one's honor and fortitude, but an equal that deserves understanding and appreciation. The natural beauty and power of a unique megafauna, such as the White Whale, must be protected and cherished. Dutiful study of this rare specimen is of paramount importance to the Whai as they navigate the stars.

===ORCA===

'''The Organization for Rare Colossus Advocates''' (ORCA) is an interstellar coalition of xenobiologists, ecologists, and conservationists dedicated to the preservation of rare void-borne species. They are unified in their commitment to direct action and, if need be, violence against those that would seek to harm or profit from this lonely creature.

The extreme measures of these activists are not without controversy. Advocates from various factions have condemned the zealotry as “unhinged attacks on [their] culture and lifeblood.” A decade ago, ORCA ships were targeted by these factions and decimated under superior firepower. Reduced to a fringe cult, the remnants of ORCA fled to the [[Commonwealth]] and persisted as a laughing stock.

Recent discovery of the “White Whale” as many across the sector are calling it has however led to a massive influx of support and manpower to the organization. ORCA moved operational headquarters from [[Idarast]] to Telas and the Center system to better coordinate their diverse coalition and to rally support from the interstellar community against the inhumane practices of the White Whale’s pursuers. ORCA as resurfaced in the media following protests on Telas against businesses suspected of supplying megafauna hunters.

They are loosely associated with other groups such as ''The School of the Great Wanderer'' and ''Anti-Hunting Association of Beacon Space (AHABS)''

::(ORCA is represented by the White Whale's Zealot located on Telas)

News and rumor of the White Whale first surfaced among the ports of Nueva Cuauhtémoc. The Agualaman Syndicate soon after launched a great hunt for the Whale with a patriotic hunting song.

Whai whale tenders were aggravated by Aguamala's declaration. The Tahora whai sent missions to intercept the hunters and escort the Whale to a sanctuary in the [[Kikorangi o te Tahora Whai]]

==='''Turn 18'''===

An uneasy stalemate emerged in the hex of 1211, the rumored location of the Whale. Aguamalan Lodges and Whai Fleets scanned the area for any signs of the Whale. The two sides exchanged cold acknowledgement of each other, quietly assessing one another's strength. Using their estensive drone fleets and scanners Aguamala were the first to uncover the Whale.

''La Casa de Fieras'', designed to exploit the weakness of void-creatures, began the first attack from Aguamala. A major salvo landed by Aguamala's prime fleet pierced through the thick hide of the creatures.

Witnessing the attack, the ''Vaeringi Vipers'' sped across the empty space to defend the whale and caught ''La Lanza'' before they managed to take a pass on the Whale. The Whai disrupted the hunters but retreated before becoming embroiled in a lengthy exchange.

''Lepides Pagu'', now aware of the Whai response, moved out to meet the slow gunboats of ''The Black Ghorāb''. The hunters picked off the uncoordinated ships one by one, driving the vessels off before reengaging with the Whale. The disturbed White Whale swiped its tail through the void sending debris and asteroids at ''Lepides Pagu''. The fleet’s scouting drones took the brunt of the damage screening the vessels from the onslaught.

==='''Turn 19'''===

====''Phase A''====

Shattered by ''Lepides Pagu'' last turn, the remnants of the Black Ghorāb fled the scene, narrowly escaping the battlefield and making a hasty jump out of the hex.

The ''Væringi Vipers'', noticing the Whale in an aggravated state, switched target and harried La Casa de Fieras. The Vipers’ strikes crippled the hunters severely.

At the far edge of the hex, a new Whai fleet, ''Kaipahua Waimārie'', emerged and moved out to strike at ''Lepides Pagu's'' back lines preventing the hunters from reorganizing after the Whale’s tail slam. They unloaded their batteries into the hunters vessels, disabling their targets completely.

====''Phase B''====

Despite the added defense from the Whai, The White Whale had taken serious damage in the initial exchange with the Aguamalan Hunting Lodges. The hunters all pressed on, each hoping to land the fated killing blow. However, the Whai ships were ready, ''Lepides Pagu'' had been knocked out for the count and two fleets remained guarding the Whale.

Turning to their harassers, ''La Casa de Fieras'' responded with a Trident maneuver. Understrength, the attack did not deal a decisive blow to the Dynaean veterans who saw through the web of drones.

''La Lanza'' continued its run against the Whale, but was once again blocked by a Whai fleet. Fresh from the fighting with ''Lepides Pagu'', the ''Kaipahua Waimārie'' landed several lucky shots and intercepted many of the Aguamalan harpoons. ''La Lanza's'' ships scattered in all directions, its crews bickering on their next course of action.

Disagreeing with the errant fire and mess of the battle, the White Whale left the mess of 1211 for the quiet of 1012 flanked by a pair of Whai shepherds.

====''Phase C''====

A handful of ships of ''The Black Ghorāb'' fleeing the fight arrived over [[Nueva Cuauhtémoc]] in the [[Mentta]] system. The sight of the Aguamalan homeworld further insensed the debilitated vessels against the White Whale's attackers and they launched a desperate attack. Advanced Armored Personnel Carriers from the planet neutralized the weakened gunboats' senseless attack.

==='''Turn 20'''===

TBD

==Aftermath==

TBD