Inspired by Shape of the Nightmare to Come, a 50K fanfic


New covenant: Arbiter of Order

As our psionics reach out to the presence, they are abruptly trapped in a prison of indescribable will. For several agonizing seconds their minds are laid bare, scrutinized to the tiniest detail. Finally the pressure relents, revealing itself as the $YArbiter of Order$!.

Although no words are exchanged, our psychics feel a surge of revulsion from the being, an utter disgust with the chaos and disorder of the galaxy. It offers us a solution, a promise;

$YIf we will submit to our rightful authority.$!


It is done. We have signed a covenant with the $YArbiter of Order$!. Within minutes, magistrates and administrators throughout the nation report a dramatic decrease in crime and disorder, as even the lowliest citizens newly delight in submitting to law and authority. All that is left is to hope that we have set our nation on the right course.


Benefits: massive bonus to stability, decrease in crime, reduced max piracy, no Recently Conquered modifier on conquest, increased unity

Events:
Arbiter of Order: $YJudgment$!
Our leader [leader] was found dead in his/her office today. Responding security personnel reported that they were briefly frozen in place and a message engraved into their minds. "This individual harbored secret thoughts of sedition. Punishment has been rendered. Profit from his/her example. The $YArbiter of Order$! watches all."
Randomly selected leader is killed
Arbiter of Order: $YStagnation$!
Our covenant with the $YArbiter of Order$! has wrought profound changes on the minds and hearts of all of our citizens, pruning wild and disobedient thoughts while granting renewed focus and discipline. Unfortunately, our scientists frequently find themselves bereft of inspiration, unable to think outside of the box.
10-year malus to research speed, available research options, and rare technology appearance chance
Arbiter of Order: $ROBEY$!
A strange phenomenon has suddenly come to encompass large areas of [planet]. Streets and buildings are crystallizing, while glowing paths course through the former cities and countrysides. Citizens are compelled to march along designated paths until they expire, with any who deviate from these perfectly straight lines are, for lack of a better description, 'assimilated' into the Shroud. Those who are overtaken hear a single, all-consuming word: $ROBEY$!.
Lose 80% of pops, add unremovable tile blocker

Inspired by the Worm web series.

New covenant: Scion of Infinity

Our psionics catch a fleeting glimpse of an infinite-dimensional entity of unfathomable size and frightful complexity. Extending a proverbial tentacle in the direction of our psionics, the entity introduces itself as the $YScion of Infinity$!. It has studied our species for eons, from the moment our oldest ancestors showed the slimmest glimmer of sapience.

It has found us lacking.

The entity offers a solution. Open the brains of our citizens to its very self, and our species shall be perfected.

$YIf we will only embrace our potential.$!



It is done. As soon as we agree to the terms of the $YScion of Infinity$!, the entity appears to fragment into innumerable 'shards' which begin to seek out and bind to citizens under extreme duress. Already the initial reports of what could only be termed 'superpowers' are arriving, feats beyond even the most powerful psychics. But we cannot help but ask ourselves; what changes shall be writ large on our society, our fundamental selves?

Benefits: random psionic pops (several per year up to 25% of population) frequently receive one of several free and unremovable traits (or permanent modifier to avoid cluttering Species menu). Also future leaders have a chance to benefit.
Brute: 15% increase in Worker job production
Shaker: 15% increase in Specialist job production
Master: 15% increase in Ruler job production
Blaster: 25% increase in Army Damage
Striker: 40% increase in Army Defense
Thinker: 25% increase in Unity
Tinker: 25% increase in Research Output
Stranger: 50% decrease in Consumer Goods utilization
Other possible traits: Trump, Changer, Mover, Breaker

Events:
Scion of Infinity: $YEndbringer$!
First time: Planetary defenses on [planet] report an unknown entity rapidly approaching orbit. Our psionics detect a familiar mind-glow emanating from the entity, almost a 'reflection' of the $YScion of Infinity$!. Unfortunately, this entity, code-named (Leviathian, Behemoth, Simurgh, Khonsu, Khepri), is attacking on sight!
Subsequent times (if same name rolled): (Endbringer name) has been detected once again approaching [planet], laying waste to everything and everyone in its path. Sensors register increased energy levels compared to our previous encounter!
Spawns a monster (possibly Dimensional Horror or Psionic Avatar art) in orbit of the selected planet. Combat strength scaling with game year.
Unlike other Shroud events, this occurs at fixed intervals rather than randomly. An alert player could notice this and take steps to mitigate it, for instance pulling back fleets when an Endbringer is due.
Scion of Infinity: $YConflict$!
Citizens touched by the $YScion of Infinity$! have been known to exhibit increased propensity for conflict and violence. Although in most cases powered heroes have risen up to keep villians under control, so-called 'cape fights' have spiraled out of control on [planet], with super-powered gang warfare spilling into the streets. Swift military intervention will be required to prevent the total collapse of [planet]'s society.
5-year massive increase in crime and decrease in stability. Starts a Special Project, which if not completed in time leads to depopulation of the world (success does not remove the crime/stability malus).
Scion of Infinity: $RReaping$!
In a single moment, all beings empowered by $YScion of Infinity$! across the surface of [planet] have spontaneously exploded. Even more ominously, the energy released was rapidly sucked into the Shroud, but not before inflicting substantial devastation throughout [planet]'s infrastructure.\n\nThe truth of the $YScion of Infinity$! has now become apparent; its granting of powers merely a means to fatten our citizens like livestock, in preparation for the slaughter.
All pops on selected planet with any power modifiers are killed. 75% Devastation inflicted on planet.

Originally posted by dcr981:

Inspired by the Worm web series.

New covenant: Scion of Infinity

Our psionics catch a fleeting glimpse of an infinite-dimensional entity of unfathomable size and frightful complexity. Extending a proverbial tentacle in the direction of our psionics, the entity introduces itself as the $YScion of Infinity$!. It has studied our species for eons, from the moment our oldest ancestors showed the slimmest glimmer of sapience.

It has found us lacking.

The entity offers a solution. Open the brains of our citizens to its very self, and our species shall be perfected.

$YIf we will only embrace our potential.$!



It is done. As soon as we agree to the terms of the $YScion of Infinity$!, the entity appears to fragment into innumerable 'shards' which begin to seek out and bind to citizens under extreme duress. Already the initial reports of what could only be termed 'superpowers' are arriving, feats beyond even the most powerful psychics. But we cannot help but ask ourselves; what changes shall be writ large on our society, our fundamental selves?

Benefits: random psionic pops (several per year up to 25% of population) frequently receive one of several free and unremovable traits (or permanent modifier to avoid cluttering Species menu). Also future leaders have a chance to benefit.
Brute: 15% increase in Worker job production
Shaker: 15% increase in Specialist job production
Master: 15% increase in Ruler job production
Blaster: 25% increase in Army Damage
Striker: 40% increase in Army Defense
Thinker: 25% increase in Unity
Tinker: 25% increase in Research Output
Stranger: 50% decrease in Consumer Goods utilization
Other possible traits: Trump, Changer, Mover, Breaker

Events:
Scion of Infinity: $YEndbringer$!
First time: Planetary defenses on [planet] report an unknown entity rapidly approaching orbit. Our psionics detect a familiar mind-glow emanating from the entity, almost a 'reflection' of the $YScion of Infinity$!. Unfortunately, this entity, code-named (Leviathian, Behemoth, Simurgh, Khonsu, Khepri), is attacking on sight!
Subsequent times (if same name rolled): (Endbringer name) has been detected once again approaching [planet], laying waste to everything and everyone in its path. Sensors register increased energy levels compared to our previous encounter!
Spawns a monster (possibly Dimensional Horror or Psionic Avatar art) in orbit of the selected planet. Combat strength scaling with game year.
Scion of Infinity: $YConflict$!
Citizens touched by the $YScion of Infinity$! have been known to exhibit increased propensity for conflict and violence. Although in most cases powered heroes have risen up to keep villians under control, so-called 'cape fights' have spiraled out of control on [planet], with super-powered gang warfare spilling into the streets. Swift military intervention will be required to prevent the total collapse of [planet]'s society.
5-year massive increase in crime and decrease in stability. Starts a Special Project, which if not completed in time leads to depopulation of the world (success does not remove the crime/stability malus).
Scion of Infinity: $RReaping$!
In a single moment, all beings empowered by $YScion of Infinity$! across the surface of [planet] have spontaneously exploded. Even more ominously, the energy released was rapidly sucked into the Shroud, but not before inflicting substantial devastation throughout [planet]'s infrastructure.\n\nThe truth of the $YScion of Infinity$! has now become apparent; its granting of powers merely a means to fatten our citizens like livestock, in preparation for the slaughter.
All pops on selected planet with any power modifiers are killed. 75% Devastation inflicted on planet.

both of them are very interesting, would surely consider adding those in the future

Perhaps prevent a patron from being offered more than once, can even add a token penalty for declining a covenant.

Decline Whispers of the Void: lose ~50 influence
"Angered by your refusal, the Whispers recede from the minds of your psionics. But not before scrambling their most recent memories, temporarily reducing the majority of the choir to gibbering maniacs."
Composer of Strands: Temporary -10 years leader lifespan, or maybe a -10 lifespan modifier applied to a handful of leaders
"A profound sense of disappointment settles over your psionics as the Composer of Strands departs from their awareness. Unfortunately, the encounter has impacted their physical health."
Eater of Worlds: Lose a few random pops
"The Eater of Worlds departs in a rage. But not before devouring a major city on [planet]."
Instrument of Desire: Lose a leader, preferably the least experienced
"As one, your psionics declare their rejection of the covenant offered by the Instrument of Desire. All but [leader]. Seduced by its fearful beauty, he/she dives mind, body and soul into the Shroud and is never seen again."
Anchor of Disaster: Spawn removable tile blocker
"Your psionics cast out the metaphysical hooks of the Anchor of Disaster and safely exit the Shroud. However officials on [planet] simultaneously report a large earthquake."

End of the Cycle: no refusal penalty
"Your psionics flee the Shroud with haste, chased by an overpowering aura of pure, absolute evil. Although shaken by the experience, they emerge unscathed. All forevermore refuse to speak of the encounter."

Originally posted by dcr981:

Perhaps prevent a patron from being offered more than once, can even add a token penalty for declining a covenant.

Decline Whispers of the Void: lose ~50 influence
"Angered by your refusal, the Whispers recede from the minds of your psionics. But not before scrambling their most recent memories, temporarily reducing the majority of the choir to gibbering maniacs."
Composer of Strands: Temporary -10 years leader lifespan
"A profound sense of disappointment settles over your psionics as the Composer of Strands departs from their awareness. Unfortunately, the encounter has impacted their physical health."
Eater of Worlds: Lose a few random pops
"The Eater of Worlds departs in a rage. But not before devouring a major city on [planet]."
Instrument of Desire: Lose a leader
"As one, your psionics declare their rejection of the covenant offered by the Instrument of Desire. All but [leader]. Seduced by its fearful beauty, he/she dives mind, body and soul into the Shroud and is never seen again."
Anchor of Disaster: Spawn removable tile blocker
"Your psionics cast out the metaphysical hooks of the Anchor of Disaster and safely exit the Shroud. However officials on [planet] simultaneously report a large earthquake."

End of the Cycle: no refusal penalty
"Your psionics flee the Shroud with haste, chased by an overpowering aura of pure, absolute evil. Although shaken by the experience, they emerge unscathed. All forevermore refuse to speak of the encounter."

LoL, i am not sure if players would enjoy that, but surely it's a pretty cool idea, and I am considering some similar features within

Originally posted by Darrien:

I find that the Weaver of Empyrean doesn't really have any penalties like the vanilla patrons. I count the negative consequences of the Anchor of Disaster a penalty if you have terrible RNG luck. Perhaps a penalty that cuts the bonus from that tech in half.

Weaver will ask you for help later, and that would cost a lot, pretty enough to be considered as "penalty"
In addition, it is, perhaps, your only reliable friend in Shroud :/

Makes sense

Those niche boons are a bit irritating. Pure RNG without a counter is bad. Why not add an option to spend some Yin+Zro+Energy to reject current roll and make another expedition?

Originally posted by glee8e:

Those niche boons are a bit irritating. Pure RNG without a counter is bad. Why not add an option to spend some Yin+Zro+Energy to reject current roll and make another expedition?

excellent idea, will immediately implement it after finishing current update on Kaolon

maybe add the possibility to assist an unimaginably powerful psionic who survived the death of the universe in which the ether drakes originated in rebuilding his world and reviving his species?

New Colossus weapon: Metaphysical Displacer
Changes a target planet into a Shrouded World, with a physics deposit.

I threw together a mod that adds civics that let you start the game with a shroud covenant, and someone suggested that I should collaborate with you.

I don't have any experience with this kind of thing but I figured I'd pass on the idea.

A way to improve your chances of finding a successful way to expand your shroud outpost, or at least lower the time limit, it's frustrating beyond belief when you do 3 attempted expansions and none of em work.

EDIT: Also maybe a way to make it so the Eater of Worlds wont live up to it's name and leave your worlds alone (pops are one thing, worlds are another) maybe a Decision on the planet that adds a 'Rare Resource' for a device that keeps the Eater feeling full when near that world so it wont eat it, using Yin and Zro to build it

Your mod is awesome aand i have few ideas about shroud expansion. I know it can be difficult and this more like draft ideas or brainstorms
-Shroud Portal facility - sort of attempt to penetrate shroud "on foot" - built on planet. Produce plenty of research and cost lots of energy credits and dark matter. Backfire? Can provoke invasion of "shroud demons" (aka ground combat) so better have some platoon of brave space marines on land to fight demonic atrocities
-Shroud Shipyard - i saw how Your mod work with Gigastructural engineering and sometime ago GS added some "equatorial shipyard". I have sort of idea of "combo" - shroud siphon + system on starbase named "Shroud fabricator" or "Summon portal". Can produce cool shroud-psionic ships. Maybe "for free" Maybe some ships should look more like "DooM-esque" ships (made of bones, horns, flesh and surrounded by infernal fires) anyway you can't "order" Specific ship - it just produce one of ships from event-list and only one yet kind of powerful ship. Backfire? there some chance that siphon "tear" apart facility and for 10 years there will be portal that will spawn hordes of demonic ships and you can't close portal yourself so be prepared for 10 years onslaught and other races woun't be happy that your race caused some havoc (minus to reputation for next 10 years)
some ideas for "hell-shroud" ships
-Hellswarm - not a single entity but one "swarm" of small spectre-like ships-interceptors. Cheapy yet numerous
-SpineSpitter - a "flying glasscannon" ship with single huge Titan like weapon.
It's just sort of ideas sparked in my mind when i played Stellaris with Your mod. And yeah - thank you for this awesome work.

Another idea sparked my mind when i was reading my previous post
the whole premise is simple - who or what will control "shroud ships"? I have idea - a Psi-cortex technology.
As much as race progress through shroud and psi-tech, they may have need more powerful psionics. So there a way - a psi-cortex. A person freed from restraints of physical body, like a flying brain with x100 psi power. Production of such resource demand lot of food, energy and maybe exotic materials - there should be some sort of building that slowly produce 1 single cortex in half of year (choosing carefully through canditates - decreasing pop-grow because of intense psi-tests, and demanding lots of energy, food and some raw-exotic resources)
Cortex (aka person freed from body and revealing it's full psi potential) can be used to build some unique stuff - maybe sort of buildings or ship modules also psi-cortex should be implanted into "Shroud ships" as their mainframe control
As some random event can be sort of proposal to use one of leaders as psi-cortex candidate, or some madness struck on pouplation because of overuse of psi testing
As backfire of that technology - some degree of rejection of robotic workers or maybe "cold-minded" trait because we allow to experiment on our own kin and our intellect owerflow emotions.