Total War: Broken City, Book 2

[Murska]

The Bizarre Aggregate (PM)

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"Answer to in what sense? The judges decide who deserves to be imprisoned and for how long, and he makes sure they are.

As for the attack, the Prison is a rather strong fortress. Malcolm Exarn knows it better than anyone, of course, so he would be advising whoever was put in charge of the attack, but I'm not committing my men before I have a clear word from you and your allies on how much you'd be sending in and it would have to be enough for me to deem the attack workable."

He turns to the Trader.

"We've noticed your forts and the lack of garrisoning. I believe that while our patrols can keep raiders at check for now, it would be better for the general defensive strategy of the region if said forts were officially granted to the Wardens to use as bases and strongholds. Two of them border our mining region, which would make for a great way to transport the goods, and the largest, central fort is next to some of our worst foes in the region. In addition, we've often cooperated with Illarym patrols that operate in the region near your final fort. Of course your travellers and troops would also be given the right to use the forts as safe locations to rest at and regroup if needed."

Wardens to Imperial Contacts

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There's a Traitor Legion camped near Sav Altulas. We intend to destroy them soon, but would like to hear if any assistance couldn't be given to our troops for the task.

In addition, we are in need of professional surveyors to make better use of the mining region we've secured, as well as fortification experts to help us construct defenses to keep the raiders at bay. In addition, we need something to fight armoured warmachines with, if you have any expertise on the matter. Our financial situation has slightly improved in the interim, and we may be able to offer reasonable payment for services rendered soon.

Wardens to Verdan Contacts

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We're in need of anti-air and anti-armour weaponry - airships being the target for the former and armoured warmachines for the latter. From what we know, a suitably modified version of Dragon Guns would do the trick in both cases, though if you know of something better then we'd be interested in hearing about it. However, our financial situation is steadily improving as of late and we should be able to settle a payment if reasonable terms are found.

Wardens to Arun Contacts

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We would like to know, how does one put down a Skinwalker for good?

[razovor]

The Champions of Sovereignty:

To the SGA/EBSA [PM]

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"The champions can provide ten divisions of informants to help against the blackfist."

"Moving against the Elfbeen sounds good. Vassari, the Market-Guard and the Champions should have enough forces to face them, if Wallen wants to use his forces elsewhere."

[Thelonius]

Merchant, Soldier, Lady, Noble[PM]

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''The reconstruction of the Walls of the city would create a lot of jobs for the people in the Runner’s City. I believe the Masons Guild can manage the project, while UAL could organize the work teams. If we promise people work in the factories and work in rebuilding the walls, the public support for RSA would crumble.''

''Well, if there is any issue in the Prison, I believe ESBA could be trusted to conduct an inspection. If they find something that warrants action, then the Council could vote on the course of action. Would such arrangement be acceptable?''

''As for the raid on Prison – if you decide to conduct it, wouldn’t Warden Exarn be a more natural choice? I understand Prison is like a fortress, so a man who knows all of its ins and outs would need to be in charge.''

''Do you believe that the blood sport games that were previously conducted in the prison should be restored?''

Forts: It’s of course up to the Trade to decide. I think if Wardens pledge to raise no tariffs or other collections, don’t interfere with the flow of trade, make certain the forts are used to protect the trade and give preference to the Mercantile Guild’s caravans in need of lodgings and protection, I believe a deal can be made.

SGA [PM]

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On Elfbeens: ''I'm a little concerned, that RSA will defend the Elfbeens.''

Peacocks [PM]

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[Can I do internal PMs with allied factions in my territory? Or will I need to spend stats/VIP?]

''The fanatics of the Temples have been driven off for now, but the real instigator for their actions were Gear’s Chosen. They have been steadily expanding in the Triphage Untima and by breaking your power, there’d be nothing to stop them from taking control of the rest of the district.''

''With Vasari absent, I run Bloodhaven and I want to protect it from the Gear’s Chosen and their allies. SGA plans to root out agents of the Ruffians and break public’s support for them. There might be a military action against Elfbeens, who attacked Little Zanchar. Do you plan to act?''

[Zemalac]

House Laurier to Gear's Chosen (8)

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I am sorry, but no. We tend to trust Doctor Vassari's judgement over that of the Guild. I am sure you will understand. Perhaps another time.

Imperial Contacts to Wardens (7)

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If you could give us a more precise location for this "Traitor Legion," we will see what we can do to help. Bear in mind that you will not see Imperial legions assisting you, however; if we were willing to stretch the might of Illarym that far into the Shattered Lands, Sav Altulas would already be under our control.

Of surveyors, we have plenty, most specifically in the form of the Grey Legion Rangers, who perform similar duties on a regular basis. The Legions' fortification experts are currently dearly needed in the east, however, and we are more accustomed to using armored war-machines than trying to destroy them. If they are being built by some warlord, I have no doubt that you will be able to take them apart easily enough without our assistance.

Verdan Contacts to Wardens (7)

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Dragon-guns will certainly be effective anti-armor weapons: such guns can take out all but the most heavily-enchanted of knights with but a single shot. Air defense is trickier. If your target is not able to gain much height, dragon guns might work, but a well-built airship will be able to fly above anything that you might throw at it. Many solutions to this problem have been offered by the tinkers of Veras, with the most common being to get some air power of your own--griffens, airships, or even just trained birds with incendiaries strapped to them.

If you are not anticipating having to bring down a high-fly courier or some such thing, however, dragon guns might work. Just please be aware that we cannot guarantee their effectiveness in all situations.

Arun Contacts to Wardens (7)

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Which skin-walkers? In the land I come from, we call the things that most northerners name skin-walkers by a different title, and skin-walkers are those who travel between bodies like ghosts. You bring white ash for one, salt for the other.

Peacocks to Bloodhaven (PM)

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Aye, we plan to do what we usually do when something like this comes up--make people disappear.

[Murska]

Wardens to Imperial Contacts

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A precise location for the Traitor Legion camps is given. We reaffirm that overt Imperial military assistance is not something the Wardens expect - we're here for that sort of thing, the kind of problems we generally want or need help with is small-scale but high-value specialist things such as surveying, assassination and other such matters.

Wardens to Verdan Contacts

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Well, how much?

Wardens to Arun Contacts

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Thank you for the advice.

Wardens to Orcs, Neposh, Champions

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My Arunite contacts have given me some information that might help with the Upside Circle. (OOC: Feel free to read the above spoiler from Arun Contacts to Wardens)

[oblivion6]

SGA/King/EBSA[PM]

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So, just to confirm we have the following projects and contributions?

Blackfist Raid:
7 ESP and VIP from me
Lord Wallen
King James
Bloodhaven
EBSA?
Silversmiths Guild?

Prison Raid:
MAYBE 1 MIL from me.
Lord Wallen
King James?
Wardens???

Elfbeen:
Market-Guard/potential VIP and 1 MIL from me
Silversmiths Guild
Helauduit Court?
Peacocks???

Factories/Mines/Mills/ etc.
8 WEL or so from me.
Craftsmans Guild/Lord Wallen
UAL
Bloodhaven REP/WEL
Silversmiths?
Helauduit Court?
EBSA?
King James?

Merchant, Soldier, Lady, Noble[PM]

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In regards to the Prison issue: I am no soldier, but, I agree that the fortress is quite imposing and seems like an ideal place for the RSA to mount any defensive campaign, and as such, should be taken as soon as possible. I am not too worried about any new offsensive against the Guilds this turn, so I will see about sending a company of guardsmen to protect the flanks of the attacking force, and maybe a couple squadrons of intelligence operatives to help out. [1 MIL/2-3 ESP]

As long as this does not hinder my own operations in any way, I am not against turning control of the forts over to you.

Turning to the soldier sitting across from him, the Trader frowned and said, Tell me Commander...Have you ever given any thought to moving against those abandoned cities that lie in the heart of the Shattered-lands? They were quite prominent once, judging from their size, and I have been considering an operation to rebuild the cities as 'colonies' of Sav Altulas. It is my belief that this could potentially increase the flow of trade into and out of the region, which is of course good for me. I would of course be willing to split any profits with you...

[Murska]

...walked into a bar. Ouch. (PM)

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"We don't gather tolls, no. It'd simply be a matter of efficiency.

The abandoned cities. Well, they're not particularly 'abandoned' anymore, as things stand. First, we'd have to take out whatever's taken up residence, and more importantly they wouldn't produce anything until there was a viable economic base to begin with, with raw material extraction and processing industry. But for those, we would also have to secure a fair swathe of the neighbouring region, and in addition we'd need to find people to live there and work there when our current initiatives seem to be aimed at expanding the exact same kind of work back here in the relative safety of Sav Altulas.

I'm sure you are capable of planning an economic revival operation that would renew the region, but I have to say that actually taking control and keeping something so large that's so far from our position is militarily difficult to say the least.

Closer to us, there's an old Talidorian dead city called Av'Dulas that we might be able to liberate more easily, but it is close enough to never be a true colony. It could be a satellite city and an outpost, or even a Citadel for our military, if rebuild properly. But there's not much in that direction for us to project control over, so as things stand I've left that place be and concentrated on securing regions of immediate benefit or potential threat."

[Ragnar Lodbroke]

SGA/King/EBSA

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"Quick question. since most of the enemy will focus on the Prison, wouldn't it be safe to assume that most of the raid against their ESP will be focused there?"

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Blackfist Raid:
7 ESP and VIP from me
Lord Wallen
King James
Bloodhaven
EBSA?
Silversmiths Guild?

Prison Raid:
MAYBE 1 MIL from me.
Lord Wallen 5 MIL, 3 ESP, VIP, Secret Weapon
King James?
Wardens???

Elfbeen:
Market-Guard/potential VIP and 1 MIL from merchants
Silversmiths Guild
Helauduit Court?
Peacocks???

Factories/Mines/Mills/ etc.
8 WEL or so from merchants
Craftsmans Guild/Lord Wallen: Craftsmen Guild, 9 Wealth
UAL
Bloodhaven REP/WEL
Silversmiths?
Helauduit Court?
EBSA?
King James?

[Thelonius]

Families of Overseers [7?]

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''The situation in the Runner’s City and Smokeyards grows worse, as the industrial heart of the city remains in the hands of criminals. Can you recommend to those knowledgeable of industry to visit SGA to discuss the situation?''

[Counting on the old goodwill between us.]]

SGA/Zemalac [PM]

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[If Families of Overseers respond, then I guess we’ll see guys who sponsored riots in Fat Tippest visit Commerce Hall]

''The SGA plans to revive industrial heart of the city and drive away the criminals holding the factories. Would you be able to provide us with assistance?''

Mercantile Guild: ''You confirmed with Little Zanchar, they'll be going after Elfbeens?''

Sausage Guild: Can Sav Altulus Metro be used to transport resources to Triphage Untima BH, and then through Technist Guild territory to factories?

Resources:

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Blackfist Raid
[2 ESP]: Assist in capture of Blackfist Gang Agents

Factories & Mines
[8 REP]: Convince Workers to kick Blackfists & Gears out*
[4 WEL]: Improve Mines & Buy Output
[4 MAG, Healing Supplies]

Healing Wounded
[4-6 MAG]

Elfbeens
[2 MIL]

[Eldan]

Public:

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[Thelonius]

Public

''I don’t know who this RSA, who brought food, houses, heat, light and safety to the Smokeyards and Runner’s City are, but they are clearly not Blackfists.''

''The situation in the Fat Tippest was mostly resolved by the Bloodhaven, though Blackfists have being taking credit for the coin and support that we provided, while no doubt lining their pockets. Let’s just say there are discrepancies between how much gold was spent, and how much of it reached the people in need.''

''The wages Smokeyard workers are receiving right now come from Technist Guild, Gear’s Chosen and Ram Revolution. Not Blackfists. Why, I wouldn’t be surprised, if they have been pocketing part of your wages.. And you know – there are new factories being constructed in the Pews, and forges being built in the Gear. That’s because nobody trusts factories, run by the crazy Blackfists Gang.''

''Making you safe? Blackfist Gang is keeping the ESBA lawmen out. The criminals are fleeing into the Blackfist territory. And why fear ESBA? That’s because they’ll find the scams you’ve been running, fleecing the people under your care, without them realizing it?''

''And you must have noticed all the barricades and electrical wiring in your neighbourhoods. That must be pretty inconvenient. You realize it means, Blackfist intend to bring fighting to your streets - fighting they are provoking.''

''Public of Sav Altulus. Blackfists have been scamming you out of coin, endangering your lives, fostering crime and provoking fighting. Whatever improvement you’ve seen in your lives, was due to work of other factions, that Blackfists took credit for and in most of the cases, they scammed half of the assistance that should have reached you. When Blackfists speak, they are lying. Just remember that truth.''

[Copper8642]

The Heladuit Court

D. Esp: 6

To Gear's Chosen[PM]:

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I've been told that you, Van Ryan, are the man to speak to if I desire an education in the workings of the Celestial Network. It seems to be a worthy topic of academic study, and I will be willing to reimburse you somehow for your time, if you desire.

-Markus Heladuit

SGA:

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Javier had been quiet for most of the recent meetings, having very little to say, but he spoke up to ensure everyone that he was, in fact, there.

"The Heladuit Court has little interest in the industry and product of mines. If our money are needed, we might be convinced to spare a small sum of money, but we would prefer to stay out of that endeavor.

The prisons, however. The prison situation we can likely agree to dispatch our house guards to help. I know I have mentioned not wanting to cross the Gears, however. What do you feel the odds are that that would happen, were we to involve ourselves?"

Alscot Lascelles and Meredia Heladuit
A Contest of Poetry and Prose

Both parties will prepare a short narration, which can be either poetry, prose, or a mixture of the two, and attempt to entertain an audience. The audience will decide who wins. You will have no other beings on the stage with you, and this is not a play, so keep the set pieces to a minimum.

As for your suit, I'd be happy to oblige you. You might die of shame when this is over, and we'll need something to bury you in.

-Markus Heladuit

[Thelonius]

SGA [PM]

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''Mr. Javier,''

''You might not be interested in metals and stone, but certainly you’d want more wool and cotton to expand your production. Invest in establishing new sheep farms in the territories protected by Wardens or Orks. Perhaps there is place for them near Tregon. If we manage to wrest the Factories from Blackfists, then the wool and cotton would go to the textile factories there, and you’ll use their product to make your clothing. If we fail to sway the hearts of workers, then you’ll simply use the textile factories in the Pews. Whatever happens you’ll be able to expand your production and I believe the city will need more of it quite soon.''

Wardens/Mercantile/Zemalac [PM]

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Would there be places near the city, where sheep farms could be established?
[I’d say it’s a question to Zemalac]

Alscot Lascelles and Meredia Heladuit
A Contest of Poetry and Prose

''I accept your terms. Let us hold the Duel in the hallowed halls of the Opera, where the acustics would carry our words like thunder of heavens.''

[ragingrage]

The Silversmith's Guild

SGA and Others Present[PM]

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"To confirm our contributions: [4] Esp to the raid on the Blackfists, hopefully to damage their own espionage capabilities. We will not be contributing to the raid on the prison itself. We will contribute [6] WEL to the economic project, along with [1] Rep. We will contribute [4] mil of our guards to eliminating the Elfbeens, as requested by Bloodhaven."

[razovor]

The Champions of Sovereignty:

To the SGA/EBSA: [PM]

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"The champions are still unsure what we will be doing with our military forces. We can promise [10 esp] to capture the blackfists agents, and [7 rep, 4 wealth] to improve the factories north and south."

[Copper8642]

The Heladuit Court

D Esp: 6

SGA [PM]:

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The city is always in further need of what my family makes, that's why I have so much business to keep track of. In those interests, I will be sure to invest at least [+++++] WEL.

[oblivion6]

Public
The RSA working to keep you safe and improve your living conditons? They say the rich plan to bring war to your doorsteps? They neglect to mention that they are in fact the ones that brought war to my doorstep in the first place, attacking the stocks without warning or reason? In an attempt to justify this attack, taking advantage of the poorest minority in the city, they set out to incite riots in the streets of the Caravansei. Does that sound like a group working to protect you from the rich?

-the Trader

SGA[PM]

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Market-Guard: Yes, I believe the Market-Guard of Little Zanchar is moving against Elfbeen. Will confirm this right now.

[I think GM missed my last messages]

Market-Guard[Internal PM]

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The Silversmiths Guild, Bloodhaven, Peacocks and some of my forces will be going after the Elfbeen gangs within Druemont. Interested in rooting them out?

UAL[PM?]

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[Not sure if this is a PM or not, but they do have offices in the stocks so technically I suppose it could be an internal message...]

Greetings. Interested in organizing some experienced workers and overseers to help increase production of the stone quarry's outside the city?

[Ragnar Lodbroke]

Public

"The Blackfist fails to mention that they released all the prisoners, including murderers and worst, to the City.

Very interesting."

[Eldan]

Blackfist Brotherhood

"That was never denied. We admitted it, and we are proud of it. We saved many people from this city's arbitrary "justice" that day.
But we did not release any murderers into the city. We released the political prisoners, the anarchists, the activists, the democrats, the unionists. We released the poor, the beggars, the prostitutes, the thieves. Not hte murderers.
The murderers and rapists were given a choice. Leave the city, forever, or stay in prison. And we kept to that."

[razovor]

The Champions of Sovereignty:

To the Blackfist:

"You have told enough lies that we would fools to believe a word you say, but no matter, the lies you've told are bad enough on their own."

"You released murderers and rapists. Yes, outside the city, but all that means is they went on to murder and rape people outside the city. Not only that, but you released dozens of lesser criminals into the city, men who while not as bad as the worst, have gone on to cause untold suffering to the people you pretend to care about."

[ForzaFiori]

Ram Revolution:

With the exception of thieves, I see no one on the list of people the blackfists released that would cause harm... Unless you are finally admitting that you want to lock up all the people with different ideological views than you, James.

[Thelonius]

Zemalac [PM-OOC]

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Can I verify with prison records in the Library, what sort of men got released into the city? Political activists or murderers?

P.S. Let's say I check the Prison Records and the Ram prisoners we've captured. Do I find there people from the Records?

Edit:

On Ram & James

''Its public knowledge, that Ram employs thieves and robbers, so their defense of the Blackfists, who released said criminals is understandable.''

[Ragnar Lodbroke]

Public
"Then the Blackfist are either irresponsible fools who shouldn't be in charge of anything, or warmongering criminals who prey on the poor."

(A caricature goes around town.

A man with a left black fist is sitting down. his fist is inside his mouth, as well as his right foot.


Epigraph: "Where do you think that foot SHOULD go?")

[Eldan]

Blackfist

"We have some suggestions where that foot could go, but they are not really suited to "polite" society."
The man grins, as he holds up the carricature.
"Ladies and Gentlemen!", he then calls out, louder than before.
"I stand before you as a criminal! But then, you know that, because you are criminals too. Listen to what James and his pet doctor say, and you will finally learn that not only are we criminals, so are our spouses, our children, our parents, our friends. Every man, woman and child in Runner's City is a criminal!
We commited this one, most unthinkable of crimes: we lifted our heads above the crows, for a moment, and saw the whips behind our backs, and the chains around our ankles, and we wanted to do something about it.
Some see that situation, and they step on the shoulders of their fellow workers, so that they may sit at the heels of their overseers, and pretend to be like them. They would have you believe that the Blackfist is like that, deluding you, making a profit from your rage and suffering.
Isn't that the stupidest argument you've heard in years? What, exactly, has the Blackfist earned here? We have not made a copper in this that we did not invest back doubly into Tippest, with the work of our own backs, and our own wages. And we did more than that. We did put is in the firing line of the boy James and the merchants and the nobles, who pull at his strings like two teams of puppeteers trying to run two different shows.
My brothers died for you. And they would gladly do so. Not for food, for women, for gold. Because someone had to.
Perhaps we can not win this. Perhaps, if some of the many stand up to the few, they are doomed from the start. But I swear by the blood and the sweat of all my brothers: we will try. Because it is right.
Because someone has to remind them that there are lines that can not be crossed. That someone will always stand up, plant their feet and square their shoulders and look into the eyes of their soldiers and say "No. No more. Not today.""
He nodded his head, his face grim, and then just walked away.

[Imperial Psycho]

The Order of the Wren

RSA [PM]

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"Well, then gentlemen. I will summarise the dispositions I believe best. If you have any modifications, please feel free to suggest them. "

The Prison: Some-Most of Ram Forces, Half of Gears
Blackfist, Ram, Wren, and Gear territory guarded by remaining military respectively. In event of an attack on the Prison, all (sans Gears) should harrass besieging forces from the Rear.

I will also use my spare resources to fortify the prison in any way I can. Perhaps the Gears can assist with shock traps?

Espionage pooled and used for guerilla warfare against any invaders.

"As you can see, I strongly expect an attack on the Prison. It also here that we have the best chance to bleed them."

"Given the current size and the talks occurring, I also expect the possibility of miscommunication, and possibily undercommitment. Everyone will expect everyone else to take up the slack. We can use that."

"Do not lose heart, and if you do, do not show it. We are far from done with them."

[ForzaFiori]

RSA:

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How many forces is everyone capable of providing this turn? I want to make sure that we aren't neglecting having the streets covered to cover the prison, or vice versa.

The Revolution will contribute 2 MIL to the prison defense, and 6 ESP to the area around it.

[Copper8642]

The Heladuit Court

D. Esp: 6

Bloodhaven Hospital:

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If Alscot's suit is going to be anything worthy of sharing a stage with Meredia Heladuit, it's going to cost you [+] WEL. Quality does not come cheap.

[Thelonius]

Heladuit Court [6]

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''Naturally you'll be paid.''

[ArcaneStomper]

Sausage Guild

To the SGA (PM)

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The Metro is designed to transport goods. We created it to allow the faster transportation of goods by creating another way for them to get to markets and workshops off of the congested streets of Sav Altulas.

We reiterate our belief that attacking the prison militarily is foolish. However we will provide [4 esp] to the efforts to destroy the Blackfist's agents, and we will provide [10 Wel] to the industrialization project.

We encourage other members to increase their own contributions to the industrialization project. We need to ensure complete success before the RSA has time to come up with a counter.

[ragingrage]

The Silversmith's Guild

SGA [PM]

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"I would like to echo the Sausage Guild's sentiments that an attack on the Prison is foolish. It would damage our reputation and likely cost us too many lives."

To Captain Zanch, of the Millford Standing Guard

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Greetings from the Silversmith's Guild. We would inquire as to if you are available for a meeting with Narar Rafin, head of the guild. Would that be possible, Noble Captain?