Okay, the names have been added to the list. All unranked at the moment... hm, ought to talk to Roy about ranking some time soon. In any case, it's good to see our numbers increase.
I am in, in case my PM didn't go through. Do we have a list of topics, etc.?
Not at the moment, but we could create one. We're all on a level playing field for now - I don't have any great secrets, so I'm open to any ideas.
I would like to suggest a section/topic on Xenos Relations. In the fluff, Iyanden is one of the more hospitable Craftworlds (i.e. they may not kill non-Eldar on sight), and indeed, at least one inquisitor [Czevak? see Codex Eldar 3rd ed.] has been a guest for an extended period of time. In any case, we should probably have a brief rundown on how each Xenos race [humanity] and subrace [space marine] is viewed by our "community". This might be best edited by people that are familiar with Black Library books, but obviously would be open to anyone in the community.
From memory, I don't think there are any BL books that deal with Iyanden specifically. Ulthwé seems very popular for writers, but not us. Can't imagine why.
In addition to Czevak, Ieldan Soecr springs to mind as the only other human to have gone to Iyanden. (For those not in the know, there are a few extracts from a book by Soecr called
How I Visited Craftworld Iyanden and Lived in the 3rd edition codices.) He mentions that he lived among the Eldar for months, learning their culture, and though his guides didn't much like answering questions, they did do so. The attitude seems to be more a veiled contempt for humans than the outright scorn of some others. There is a piece of 2nd edition fiction from the perspective of Farseer Kelmon of Iyanden that mentions the Craftworld travelling to a human world for purposes of trade, and Yriel, of course, was not averse to working for or with humans during his time as a pirate, and is noted for not indulging in the sort of slaughter other Pirate Princes did, indicating that he has at least some respect for human life. I agree, from the evidence it seems that Iyanden is a relatively tolerant Craftworld, as indeed it must be given its rather desperate circumstances.
Anyway, that's an interesting idea. What sort of thing do you mean more specifically? A community article? That sort of thing would best be done on the project board, but we can discuss it here. My initial thoughts on the various groups you mention...
Humanity (general)
There are still overtones of racial superiority, but the Eldar of Iyanden seem more inclined to deal with humans, instead of kill or manipulate them. Trade, military alliance, even letting humans reside on the Craftworld itself for extended periods... I think there is a respect for humanity there. Perhaps the battle against the Tyranids would make Iyanden more inclined to respect humans for their valiant efforts fighting against that same foe. The enemy of my enemy and all that.
space marines (all branches)
Space Marines aren't renowned as the most reasonable of Imperial factions. I think Iyanden would give the more militantly anti-xenos parts of the Imperium a wide berth while encouraging interaction with moderates. Space Marines are more likely to fall into the former category, I'd think.
sisters/witch-hunters
Probably not all that good again, the Adepta Sororitas being as fanatical as the Astartes. That, and I can't think what business Iyanden would have with them.
imperial guard and navy
It would depend on regiment and world in question, of course, but on the whole relations with these groups would likely be better. Not all of the Guard is averse to cooperating with xenos if it should become necessary, so they could become allies, albeit uncomfortable ones, against a greater foe such as the Tyranids or Chaos.
The Navy, on the other hand... the Navy doesn't seem too bothered about the prospect of working with Eldar (e.g. Gothic War), and various Pirate Princes have had profitable dealings with the Navy in the past. Yriel is a good bridge between the Craftworld and the various Imperial factions he dealt with during his exile.
inquisitors
It all depends on the individual, doesn't it? They were happy to spend some time with Czevak, and other inquisitors (e.g. Gideon Ravenor, Jena Orechiel) have interacted with Eldar quite peacefully before. Still, Monodominants and their ilk definitely would not be getting along with Iyanden.
Tau
Pretty friendly, I'd think. The Tau have no aversion to trading or working with aliens, and that's exactly what Iyanden needs at the moment. Any friends will do, and since conveniently Iyanden is in the Eastern Fringe, relatively near to the Tau Empire, they should get along wonderfully.
Kroot
I hardly think Iyanden is going to be averse to mercenaries! They need all the help they can get, so provided the Kroot curb their more cannibalistic tendencies when it comes to dead Eldar, Iyanden could be a reliable employer.
Eldar (general, by craftworld)
Perhaps some bitterness at the other Craftworlds for not coming to their aid, do you think? A sort of sense that they've gone and fought and bled for their right to survive, and that consequently the other Craftworlds don't have much right to come making demands or acting superior. In specifics, I don't think they'd much approve of the aggressive xenophobia that characterises Biel-Tan, the puritanism of Alaitoc, or the brash pride of Saim-Hann, viewing those things as foolish, but relations with, say, Ulthwé should be better.
Dark Eldar
Craftworld Eldar aren't renowned for their good relations with the Dark Kin... I'd imagine a fairly orthodox sort of attitude towards the Dark Eldar; that is to say, unrelenting hatred.
Orcs (general):
waaagh! fleets:
pirates:
Erm... how much does anyone like Orks? I'm not so sure they can restrain their destructive urges enough to have peaceful dealings with Iyanden, aave the occasional Blood Axe mercenary group.
Others (Hrud, Squats, etc.)
The Demiurg might make fine allies for Iyanden. They're willing to work as mercenaries, are fairly peaceful, and quite amenable to trade. Their strong sense of honour should help as well. Still, for minor xenos races it really depends on the race in question.
