Total War: Broken City, Book 2

[puppyavenger]

On The Celestial Network

The Network is a Holy Incarnation, a miraculous creation made possible by the will of the Divine. To shut it down would be sacrilege of the highest order and greatly disturb our efforts to Perfect the City. Although we are willing to work with out friends in the Technists Guild in order to improve the safety of the Network, We are never going to shut it down, and if anyone else intends to we will be forced to take preemptive action in order to stop them.

Ruffians

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In terms of spoils, I'd like to claim the Gear for ourselves, and a large chunk of the guilds Wealth, as we can get more use out of it then the rest of you thanks to our relationship with the Divine (read, Technoreligious trait).

Oh, and we will also be able to provide 3 Magic for the assault.

[ForzaFiori]

Ram Revolution (D ESP 9)

Ruffians of S.A. (PM)

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The Revolution would take the caravanserai, if possible. The poor workers there are the exact people whom are message takes root in easily.

[Nyrt]

ESGE

Council/orcs

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I fully support any resident of the city being considered a citizen, but I don't believe the orcs in question actually live within city limits. It would be rather strange, I think, to consider a person who does not live in a place to be a citizen. Now, should the city limits be expanded to include neighboring towns, perhaps it is reasonable.

[puppyavenger]

R.S.A.

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And I suppose the Wardens will ideally be taking the Turnaround to maintain land connection with his holdings?

[ForzaFiori]

Ram Revolution:

RSA (PM)

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That leaves Stockyard's Deep and Traveler's Quarter for the Wren and Blackfist, if they're agreeable to the plan. Each of us will eventually gain one territory, once we crush the guild.

Where exactly would the attack be taking place, by the way? We must march either through James' territory, or House Laurier, neither of which I see as being sympathetic to our cause, or most of our members.

On another note, I would like to suggest a collaboration between our collective police and detection agencies. Basically, an agreement to extradite people wanted for crimes in each others territory, as well as lend assistance if any large scale criminals - such as Redeye - ever attempt to set up in the areas. Since we are all neighbors, it would be extremely beneficial, and make a larger part of the city calm.

[Thelonius]

ESBA [7]

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Is Celestial Network protected by law as Ram claims? I find it hard to believe that anything that harms citizens of the city would be afforded such protection. As legal experts, can you make a public ruling?

Dr. Melissa Blaine, Chief Doctor of Bloodhaven Hospital

Church of Neposh [7]

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The Gear’s Chosen claim, that the Celestial Network is a will of the Divine. Is it truly such? I admit I find it hard to believe Gear’s claims, as certainly no miracles of the Divine would injure innocent people. As the shepherds of faith, I hope you can make a public statement to tell people, whether it’s indeed a miracle or just a work of mortal sorcery.

Dr. Melissa Blaine, Chief Doctor of the Bloodhaven Hospital.

[Imperial Psycho]

Yhe Order of the Wren [8]

RSA [PM]

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"We will be going through the Kings lands. Do not worry. The Wren is on good terms with the King, and it will be arranged so that he can take his men through. "

"Their lands will be almost empty regardless, as all their military forces are busy in the Shattered lands, and will remain there."

"As for territory, I expect the Wardens will want the Bridge more than anything else. Regardless, petty things like that can be decided when our enemies have fallen before us."

[Eldan]

The Blackfist

"Alcohol harms the people, and yet, there are bars throughout the city. The people can choose for themselves whether they want heat and light or not, and at what cost. So we are truly grateful to Doctor Vasari for revealing this."

[Thelonius]

The Unpattern Corridor

''Lord Wallen, I have just received information, that a dangerous cultists of the Blood-in-Black-Water. I have heard you have contacts all around the world. Would you know anybody, who would know anything of the Elsinier Skinwalkers? Or said Cult?''

House Laurier [7]

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''Greetings. I’m Liche Whitecrane of the White-Stripe Mages Daimot. I have received information of a highly dangerous individual, who may present a supernatural danger to the entire city. Would you be able to assist me? I require Tome V of Tyrone Desloke, as it may contain certain vital information to help apprehend the criminal. His books are quite popular in Merchant's Water.''

Blackspell Watch [6]

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''I’m Liche Whitecrane, serving in the place of Dr. Vassari on the Board of Founders of the Watch. The recent donation drive was a success, as your fatter salary purses at the end of the month may attest to. If you demonstrate now, that those coins didn’t go to waste, the support and prestige of the Blackspell Watch will continue to grow.''

''I have information on an individual, who presents danger to the entire city. Magical danger. You are the most equipped to pursue and stop him. His name is Hael Redreuq. You would have information on him from the [Prison Records] in the Daimot Library. He is a worshipper of the Blood-in-Black Water, a demonic entity of great danger. Redreuq arrived to the city, posing as an ambassador for Elsinier. I will arrange with the Ambassadorial Guard, for the search of the embassy.''

Ambassadorial Guard [7]

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''I believe Mr. Hael Redreuq was involved in something unsavoury, hence the reason for his disappearance. As such it would be prudent to search the embassy. Would it present a problem?''

Zemalac [PM]

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Is Warden Exarn of Gatehouse Prison now a Warden’s VIP or a semi-independent one?

[Grimsage Matt]

To the wardens

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We'd be intrested in buying the mines, but have you considered taking the SGA as a partner in this? In anycase, what will you want for them?

[Murska]

Wardens to Technists

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Well, that depends on the amount of mines you wish to acquire. We want p. Wealth for them, of course. We'll discuss the specifics once you've surveyed what you need and we've discussed the matter further with the Orcs.

[razovor]

The Champions of Sovereignty:

On the Network

If Doctor Vassari's report is correct, then alcohol is not a good analogy for electricity. Alcohol harms those that consume it, electricity harms any within vicinity of it.

A man can turn off his own lights, but he can't turn off his neighbours lights, the street lights, lights in the town hall, or at the local shops.

If it is harmful, the network must be turned off entirely, for the sake of those who do not want their neighbourhood flooded with harmful emissions.

[puppyavenger]

Gear's Chosen (8)


RSA (PM)

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Excellent, and agreed.

So, shall we grant someone overall command, or just work out strategy communally here? (That is, should I just grant someone command of my troops for the month, or will we just attack as a coalition?)

To the Temples of the Mendicant Fields (Internal)

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Feelers are sent to all the major militant orders that are cooperating with me to determine the answers to two things

a. What is there opinion of the Opium Dens and Brothels of the Untima

and

b. Would they amenable to destroying them, and establishing a more virtuous regime over the district.

Wardens

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Regarding the mines, we are extremely interested in securing a reliable supply of local copper, and would be willing to fund the construction of mines to exploit such a supply entirely by ourselves.

[HerbieRAI]

Church of Neposh

On the Network
- You have stated that the network is divine. Are you saying it is a god itself?

To Bloodhaven

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ooc: The church is more atheist. We believe that all gods are manipulating, evil, and should be destroyed. Neposh himself was the human who realized this and killed a few of their number. Therefore he is the only god worthy of worship.

With the empty Blood Gang removed our military will jump at the chance for a crusade. If you can give us the location, we will work to secure it.

To Militia Order of Justice

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We thank you for your help with the empty Blood gang, their removal shows what we can achieve through cooperation. We would like to begin preaching in your territory. Will you allow it and not move against us?

[Imperial Psycho]

Order of the Wren

RSA [PM]

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"Well, the Wren will be present to direct forces at the battle itself. Field commanders should be appraised of the situation before they move out, but if all here agree, The Wren can take operational command when we move out. "

[puppyavenger]

On the Network:

Church of Neposh:
Of course the network itself is not a god, it is a sacred working and an Incarnation of the Divine Will, but the division between the Material and the Divine is absolute. It is folly to claim anything can truly partake of both essences.

In General:
Indeed comparing the Network to alcohol is rather fallacious, although if the symptoms are as severe as the Good Doctor claims then a comparison to some of the other things he peddles might be warranted. But unlike the debased substances our citizens can choose to partake of, the Network provides benefits. It allows the city to built higher and greater, it heats the hearths of those who would otherwise freeze. If you would demand that the poor of the city render themselves destitute buying firewood and oil, you're welcome to do so in person.

RSA (PM)

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Certainly, the Gilded Pyramid will provide a spearhead and serve as a command hub for our forces. Although I'm afraid I may have to reduce my commitment in case Vasari can incite the Church of Neposh to anything. Even in the worst-cast scenario we should still be able to provide the Pyramid, 5 Mil and 3 Mag however.

[Eldan]

RSA [PM]

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"The Middle Finger is in fact preparing a plan to strike Vasari from an unexpected direction. He was very helpful and friendly in the past, but it seems he got what he wanted from us, and he's getting arrogant and demanding.

The first part of the plan? The Blackfist and the Wren will accuse the Peacocks in court. We hope that a jury will decide that their opium dens and other illegal activities should be persecuted. This will either bring the law down on Vasari's pet military, or it will demand his attention, while we only send one man who would not directly contribute much to the fighting. Call it a diversion.

Wasn't the Church of Neposh on relatively friendly terms with the Ram? There should be an opportunity for diplomacy there. Talk a little less of Divine Incarnation with them, though, they are fanatic about it. Talk of the practical benefits, not the religious aspects."

[puppyavenger]

RSA (PM)

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That would work. We have a fair amount of influence with the more conventional churches of the city from our role in the Mendicant Fields, and we could probably arrange a denunciation of the Peacocks if you would like. Although, what time frame are you thinking of doing this in? I'd imagine the sooner the better.

Also, something that came to mind, the Mercantile Guild currently controls Little Zachnar. I could see if my friends in the Dreumont could make an attack, but they're likely to require some support.

[Eldan]

RSA (PM)

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"The Wren and I talked about saving Little Zanchar as a diversion. It is a very obvious target, surrounded by our forces as it is. But I think we can leave it for l ater. It was the Wren's opinion that all false intelligence should point towards the Sausage Guild, not the Mercantile guild at all.

Another thing we need to talk about. Public Relations. Whta official reason do we claim for this attack?"

[Imperial Psycho]

The Order of the Wren

RSA [PM]

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"Indeed. Though, if these... Dreumont can stage a diversionary attack there, that might be of use. Chaos and confusion are our friends. They should not risk their lives overmuch though, since they are presumably a small force. Just a feint would do."

[puppyavenger]

RSA (PM)

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That depends on how much of fig leaf we want I suppose. Inciting riots should prove simple enough for your combined covert abilities and aid us in the assault, but it would be an extremely thin justification. Find or fabricate some proof of cooperation with warlords, and we would seem like we were overreacting at the very least. I'm not sure we can come p with an excuse that's more then paper-thin, really.

[Murska]

Wardens to Gear's Chosen:

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If you wish to send surveyors to the area we can accommodate them. We're willing to sell you rights to enough of the current copper mines to sate your current demand as well as to any new claims you make, provided they do produce copper, in exchange for 1 p.Wealth. We will also handle the guarding of the mines and the transport of the goods into the City free of charge.

[oblivion6]

Mercantile's Guild

SGA[PM]

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If no one objects, I plan to invite the UAL here to the hall once again. If the Wardens do come then I will need aid to fend them off and the UAL could be of great use for such a situation.

Also, I fear they may try some more covert attacks against me...Could I ask that those of you with spare agents, send them over to help cover me?

To GM[PM]

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So how much MIL/ESP do my other neighbourhoods have guarding them? namely the Hosts-watch, Little Zancher and the carriage houses. plus whatever the Drovers can muster in the way of guards...

Also, how much would it cost to hire some Laheim mercs on a permanent contract? hopefully their job wouldnt be too much work, just guarding my neighbourhoods.

[Grimsage Matt]

To the Orcs

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We would like to extend the offer of opening a school in Tregon. We'd need a bit of help building it, but we can supply the teachers and school related meterials.

[Rafinius]

To the Technists [5]

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A school for our people to learn basic reading and writing and other stuff would be great. But I do not know if we can build it this month.

GM:

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What effect would a school have on my faction, taking into consideration that Orcs are slow, but also that the Gregorian Orcs have probably much more they could learn than city Orcs after being enslaved?

How many teachers and what for other stuff does morale represent and how many rooms do I need per Morale?

Does a better quality building have any positive effects?

Seeing that I may soon have a clinic, a school and an EBSA field office in my village, each one with Humans taking the main positions in it, and that Tregon is a fair distance away from Sav Altulas, is there anything I should take into consideration? Would housing have any tangible positive effect?

[ForzaFiori]

Ram Revolution (D ESP 9):

Church of Neposh (PM)

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Constantine approached the headquarters of the Church, and took a deep breath before knocking on the door. When it opens, he speaks bluntly. "I'm the Ram. I'm here to speak to the highest Church official who can see me immediately."

RSA (PM)

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I will sound out the Church, and see if I can convince them to stay their hand, at least for now. Our relations haven't been great recently however - territorial disputes in Annosus differences of opinion on the Council may have driven a wedge in.

For the false information I'm hoping to give the Mercantile Guild, what should it say?

I'm afraid the Wren may be right. It's doubtful we'll be able to find anything to even come close to justifying an outright attack, unless we can make it seem like they attacked first...

General Krodok will be present at the attack as well, leading the Revolutionary Army. Will James allow the army to go through his territory, even if it's not under the command of the Wren, or should we join with you for the march across his territory? Finally, when we get there, where should everyone attack? James' territory boarders 3 of the Guild's territories: The Gear, Traveler's Quarter, and Stockyard's Deep. We could each (Gears, Ram, and Wren) hit one, or concentrate our efforts on one to be sure.

Orc Uprising

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We apologize, but General Krodok will not be able to come and meet with you, do to pressing matters. However, we would like to caution you to be wary of James and his cronies once again. And to try to keep your eyes and mind open. Monarchies and oligarchies of the rich have failed the people again and again. Why shouldn't we try something new?

[razovor]

The Champions of Sovereignty:

To the Orcs of Tregon [5]

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From: Ambrose
To: Krien Roadhand

I invited the Gregorian ambassador to set up an embassy here, that we might talk. I hope after this recent shaking of the foundations of their society, that they might rethink the way they govern themselves, and become a more moderate, liberal nation. It's a longshot, but I'll see what progress I can make. If successful, we could open trade, sign a few pacts, generally strengthen both our nations.

I'll walk down to Tregon now.

To House Wallen: [PM]

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You have representation in the SGA. You can see all their private conversations. I would like access to those conversations.

[Imperial Psycho]

The Order of the Wren


RSA[PM]

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"The King will allow all of our forces through. Either way, he won't have men to stop us, with them being in the Shattered Lands. Of this, I am certain."

"As for a vector of attack, I suggest we concentrate our forces and sweep through, aiming for military forces and wealth. The aim is not take territory, but to damage the Mercantile Guilds ability to fight back."

"Once they are crippled, dealing with their territory will be simple enough."

[Thelonius]

Unpattern Corridor

''The White-Stripe Mages are about hierarchy and discipline. We provide a structured, supportive environment for our members to grow and develop their abilities. We prize skill, but also such qualities as integrity, loyalty and ambition.''

''I’m curious. Your education – won’t it affect your political career? Sometimes a lot more things can be changed by a skilled orator and politician, then an Archmage.''


Bloodhaven to Tregon Orks [5]

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You need to wait for the Doctors to arrive of course. Hopefully it won’t take long.
[Okay, I’ll mark it in my EoT]

[Zemalac]

Gregorian Ambassador to Wardens (6)

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Of course. I'll have my aide set up an appointment to speak with you.

Carriage Houses/Host's Watch to Mercantile's Guild (4)

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We'll see what we can do.

Market Guard to Mercantile's Guild (4)

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I think that unlikely, but we will keep an eye on the streets just in case.

oblivion6 (PM)

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Neilson was in the city last turn, passing through. He is no longer around.

Church of Neposh/Militia/Bloodhaven (PM)

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Nearest standing stones are the ones directly to the east of the city, within the forest there. However, that forest is known to be inhabited by the Upside Circle, who do not take kindly to intruders. The second closest standing stones are to the south, quite a bit further away, just off the Mercantile's Guild caravan route to the Empire.

Artists to Viche Whitecrane (0)

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It's been a thousand years and more since then! No one knows any of the Talidor songs any more, not really, and the borders may as well be cloud for all their strength.

??? to Mercantile's Guild (4)

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Cautus cim vestris calamum, mercatori. Scientes nimium of vestri melioribus 'opus aliquod potest esse dira quidem. *

* Translated from the Royal Trade Tongue: Careful with your pen, merchant. Knowing too much of your betters' work can be dire indeed.

Artists to ESGE (0)

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Of course, my lord!

House Laurier to Bloodhaven (7)

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An easy enough thing to acquire. We will have a copy delivered as soon as the passes clear.

Blackspell Watch to Bloodhaven (7)

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We'll see what we can do, sir.

Ambassadorial Guard to Sausage Guild (12)

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One Mr. Liche Whitecrane has asked something of us that we thought we ought to clear with you first.

''I believe Mr. Hael Redreuq was involved in something unsavoury, hence the reason for his disappearance. As such it would be prudent to search the embassy. Would it present a problem?''

Mr. Redreuq was the ambassador from Elsinier who was here a year or two ago.

Thelonius (PM)

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Malcolm Exarn is a Warden VIP. He wasn't at first, but they've taken pains to gain his loyalty.

Of course, any VIP can potentially be persuaded to change sides...

Temples to Gear's Chosen (PM)

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Vile and sinful lot. Burn them all.

Militia of Order and Justice to Church of Neposh (6)

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I see no harm in it.

Rafinius (PM)

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1. Having a school and an educated populace allows you to grow certain stats faster, particularly MAG and WEL.

2. I don't track those numbers. It's more abstract than anything.

3. Better quality buildings reduce seasonal penalties (cold weather, storms, etc).

4. I feel like that would be giving away too much.