Sorry guys, I think I cannot continue to run this game. I'm very busy right now, and will remain quite busy for the coming weeks. I hate to disappoint, but other things have higher priority.
I thank you for your participation. It's been a pleasure.
Monday, 27 October 2014
Monday, 20 October 2014
YEAR11
Slevadovia
Junior Advisor Franka: "Sir, the woman alchemist has gone into
hiding. I've heard rumours that some Zalfirians are trying to kill
her, and apparently she heard the rumours too. Because of this
problem, the body-altering work cannot continue. The alchemist is the
only one who knows the details of the research. We should station
more guards in the capital, and especially the government buildings.
And we should also check all of the houses in the capital for
anything suspicious. And set up a curfew, to limit activity at night.
We must protect our people from those grass eating devils."
Advisor Hussime: "That boy is suffering from paranoia. I'm sure
she's just lost her time in one of Huesimakor's fine shops. Even in
these times we must uphold the advantage of being Slavadovian: to
enjoy great freedom. Do you know how much income will be lost if
businesses cannot continue their work at night, and if our capital's logistics is
slowed down by extra regulations?"
Advisor Augustus: "That ugly woman is a traitor. She must have
returned to Zalfir, spilling all your secrets and plans. Or perhaps she is
still here, thwarting your schemes. The witch. Why have you ever
trusted her? Perhaps you should put a bounty on her head. Let the
street scum take care of her."
Zalfir
Advisor Aleras: "The Cyprium coils in one of my labs
have started to behave strangely. Preliminary research shows that the
effect is not limited to that lab, but that it's something bigger. I
expect that the anomaly is caused by some celestial body. This could be an
event that affects the entirety of Jotnjordh. All I ask you is to
provide some resources, so that we can research this properly."
Junior Alchemyst Frulir: "You know, the way the coils currently
behave make them awfully powerful. And our enemies do not have proper
technology to counter raw amber-power. Let's put cyprium coils on the
back of the spiders, instead of the prisms. It'll be much more
effective. Let's disintegrate those slevvies. Rah! Zap! Zap! BOOM! ..... Haha. Fun stuff."
Advisor Avaron: "I say disassemble those coils. No coils, no
anomaly. Let's get back to the real matters at hand. I say put some more pressure on our laborers. We need enough resources if we want to win this war."
Equestria
Advisor Glimnir: "Hail Tobion. Hail Dash. Your Ladyship was
informed about some strange tunnels through our Fyridium mines, quite
a while ago. We now have good reason to believe that those tunnels
were made by worms, who also happened to have become scarce of late.
Not that we minded of course. Blast them. Pain in the arse they were.
Anyway, we know that those tunnels move from a point in the south, to
multiple points in the north. So we presume that either the worms
moved from the central point outward, or gathered at the central
point. Personally I think this is of interest. If you provide some
bags o' gold for the expenses of the herpetologists, we will solve
this conundrum for you. And we will also make you some nice gloves."
Advisor Gudrun: "Who cares about the ABSENCE of bloodthirsty
reptiles, when our beautiful nation is crumbling? We have lost most
of our cities. Lovecrafts are behind bars. Show your people that you
haven't surrendered us all to that awful Merisik. Arrest all people
talking Slevadovian in the capital, or in Love. Use king Merisik as a
bad example in our schools. Build some more statues dedicated to
the holy Friendship. Do whatever it takes to make people feel good
about being Equestrian."
Advisor Feyte: "Why do people care for a nation so much? Values
must be defended, and values transcend nations. One value we treasure
is love. Let us show that. Love the Slevadovians like you would the
Equestrians."
Khemri
Anonymous advisor 1: "A small band of Khemrians in the south has
captured a few of those flying horses. We could use these to
supplement our army. Perhaps we can breed them to be more obedient.
Just give me some claws and your permission to go ahead with the
plan."
Anonymous advisor 2: "Do you know how large the Equestrian
Kingdom is? Do you know what problems we will get ourselves into if
we treat their citizens in such a way? We should capture that band of
fiends and punish them. Show the Equestrians we are OK. Maybe we
could even trade with them."
Anonymous advisor 3: "Let those fiends do what they want. But no
breeding program. To do so would be unwise in these times. But I
would not support the punishment of our fiends because some stupid
ponies got hurt."
Kingdom
of Rok
Advisor Zirt: "I have just heard this. Two bashers named Kroddy
and Nyrk have been assaulting other men for a while. Normally I would
not bother you with this, but it is the nature of the assaults that
make it truly despicable. They are <ahem> raping <ahem>
other men. Blerghh, can someone give me some mead to wash my mouth?
Anyway, these abominations must be destroyed. Order the attacks, I
beg you. Men rape women, it shouldn't be any different."
Advisor Bork: "Those men are strong. The have proven themselves.
I thought that was what Rok is all about?"
Advisor Firenz: "This is only the tip of the iceberg. All kinds
of assaults and other crimes happen daily. We must create laws that
protect the individual, and strong guards that enforce them."
Lienzo Republic
Minister Cayu: "The festival we had on the first year of the
second age really showed how great Lienzo's cuisine truly is. How
great the potential is, I should say. Most people do not have much
choice in food, it's mostly black pudding and lard-covered bread.
Other things are only consumed as exceptional treat. Therefore I
propose we pump some money into local restaurants, so that poor
people can afford great food too. Everybody should be able to have
fine steak, cheese and wine every day."
Minister Hierro: "You realize we have spent a lot on health
recently? I suggest we use this ongoing food-craze to fill our
coffers a bit. Let's increase the tax on prize-winning food. It's
only rich people buying it anyway, they'll still be able to afford
it."
Minister Senagh: "I remember how it was before all these
foreigners came here. All was better. I know we cannot evict them,
that would go against our fundamental principles. But what if we
increased the general tax for non-vampires? That way you don't force
them to leave, but do give a push in the right direction. And the
extra money can be spent on local restaurants, just as minister Cayu
explained. So that every vampire can get a proper meal every day."
Sunday, 19 October 2014
Sunday, 12 October 2014
YEAR 10
Announcement: the Austrian nation has ceased to exist, since Equestria has captured Berlin.
Zalfir
Archaeologist Thalla: "Honorable twins, when constructing one of
our many cities, construction workers have discovered artefacts of a
lost civilization. The artwork shows that they were elves, but their
culture was very different from ours. They were worshipping some kind
of giant, and regularly sacrificed people in his name. We have found
all kinds of tools and jewellery made of crimson glass, associated
with the sacrificial ceremony. And most importantly, we have found
hieroglyphic texts, waiting to be translated. We have good evidence
that there's a lot more still beneath the ground. I suggest we
unearth the rest, clean everything, translate and reconstruct the
texts, and display everything in a nice museum. Our people will love
the outlandish stories."
Advisor Avaron: "The stories might be interesting, but is it
really a good idea to show people this? Before you know people like
these stories a bit too much, and associate themselves with these
brutes, for that they were. They might have resembled us, but were
more like people of the Rok in spirit. At least prevent access to the
texts, so that people cannot be inspired by those diabolical
picture-words."
Advisor Jawahir: "Great as those things might be, decent
archaeology does not come without a price. I suggest we ask the
public what they think, and whether they are willing to pay for it."
Slevadovia
Senior
Alchemist Thanwe stands before you, showing a very muscular, though
irregularly shaped body through her green robes. Ugly tumours cover
half of her face, and one growth has developed into a small, third
eye. She speaks with a heavy accent: "I have led the science
team to 'deal' with the ugly curse. And as you can see, it has been successful. We have started manipulating the curse in such a way that
the growths are no longer completely random, but actually directed. I
ask you now, invest in me, and you will get back your investments in
ways you cannot imagine. I only need some gold and healthy
volunteers."
Advisor
Augustus: "Who is this hag? She might not look it, but she definitely sounds elvish. I say throw her out of the court for
speaking in this court. Who has admitted her in the first place?
Anyway, I want to address another severe problem. If the SIRO,
disease, and addiction problems weren't enough, we have another
plague on our hands. I have done some enquires over the last couple
of years, and it seems that more and more men have become mentally
disturbed. They admit they prefer other men over women. There are
even reports of sexual activities between men. Need I continue? I
hope not, because talking about it makes me sick. We are a free
nation, but not so free I hope. We should not let our good values
erode away. We need something to hold on to. Throw these poofters
into a deep dungeon, before this mental illness can spread."
Advisor
Hussime: "Illness? Plague? Curse? Why are we always so
pessimistic? And who says it's contagious? Yes, I have seen these
reports too. But I think people are just becoming more outspoken.
Whatever they want in their personal lives, is their personal
business. To me, this is not even an issue.
And the
alchemist - her medical research looks a bit dangerous. But I agree
as long as the volunteers really volunteered for the job. And they
are getting paid, right?"
Equestria
Advisor Glimnir: "When will you give the order for the
deportation of the Austrians? By law, everyone that is not part of a
pegasus - dwarf union is not allowed to be a permanent resident of
Equestria. We need to either remove the Austrians, or change the
law."
Advisor Feyte: "I think our fine substitute leader is allowed to
stretch our laws a bit, like the Dash did. That said, I do think we
need to make many changes before Berlin can be a true part of our
Kingdom. The Austrians must conform to our ways. They are far to
focused on hunting and warfare. And pray to a myth. Those that do not
conform can be deported anyway."
Advisor Broogr: "Have sympathy for these people. Their previous
ruler was a warmonger who claimed to be divine. The nation was in a
state of disorder since Kaiser Alexander took ill five years ago. The
Austrians have enough problems as it is. Let them keep their
heritage, and let them continue their hunting business. Perhaps we
could even build a small monument to Fortuna in our capital, to show
them that they are accepted."
Khemri
Anonymous advisor 1: "A small band of Khemrians in the south has
captured a few of those flying horses. We could use these to
supplement our army. Perhaps we can breed them to be more obedient.
Just give me some claws and your permission to go ahead with the
plan."
Anonymous advisor 2: "Do you know how large the Equestrian
Kingdom is? Do you know what problems we will get ourselves into if
we treat their citizens in such a way? We should capture that band of
fiends and punish them. Show the Equestrians we are OK. Maybe we
could even trade with them."
Anonymous
advisor 3: "Let those fiends do what they want. But no breeding
program. To do so would be unwise in these times. But I would not
support the punishment of our fiends because some stupid ponies got
hurt."
Kingdom
of Rok
Advisor Zirt: "I have just heard this. Two bashers named Kroddy
and Nyrk have been assaulting other men for a while. Normally I would
not bother you with this, but it is the nature of the assaults that
make it truly despicable. They are <ahem> raping <ahem>
other men. Blerghh, can someone give me some mead to wash my mouth?
Anyway, these abominations must be destroyed. Order the attacks, I
beg you. Men rape women, it shouldn't be any different."
Advisor Bork: "Those men are strong. The have proven themselves.
I thought that was what Rok is all about?"
Advisor Firenz: "This is only the tip of the iceberg. All kinds
of assaults and other crimes happen daily. We must create laws that
protect the individual, and strong guards that enforce them."
Lienzo Republic
Minister Cayu: "The festival we had on the first year of the
second age really showed how great Lienzo's cuisine truly is. How
great the potential is, I should say. Most people do not have much
choice in food, it's mostly black pudding and lard-covered bread.
Other things are only consumed as exceptional treat. Therefore I
propose we pump some money into local restaurants, so that poor
people can afford great food too. Everybody should be able to have
fine steak, cheese and wine every day."
Minister Hierro: "You realize we have spent a lot on health
recently? I suggest we use this ongoing food-craze to fill our
coffers a bit. Let's increase the tax on prize-winning food. It's
only rich people buying it anyway, they'll still be able to afford
it."
Minister Senagh: "I remember how it was before all these
foreigners came here. All was better. I know we cannot evict them,
that would go against our fundamental principles. But what if we
increased the general tax for non-vampires? That way you don't force
them to leave, but do give a push in the right direction. And the
extra money can be spent on local restaurants, just as minister Cayu
explained. So that every vampire can get a proper meal every day."
Sunday, 5 October 2014
YEAR 9
Kingdom
of Rok
Advisor Zirt: "I have just heard this. Two bashers named Kroddy
and Nyrk have been assaulting other men for a while. Normally I would
not bother you with this, but it is the nature of the assaults that
make it truly despicable. They are <ahem> raping <ahem>
other men. Blerghh, can someone give me some mead to wash my mouth?
Anyway, these abominations must be destroyed. Order the attacks, I
beg you. Men rape women, it shouldn't be any different."
Advisor Bork: "Those men are strong. They have proven themselves.
I thought that was what Rok is all about?"
Advisor Firenz: "This is only the tip of the iceberg. All kinds
of assaults and other crimes happen daily. We must create laws that
protect the individual, and strong guards that enforce them."
Slevadovia
Advisor
Stojan: "The cancer curse from the north has spread to
our people. It causes all kinds of ugly deformations, though it isn't
lethal. Mainly users of the euphoria inducing mushrooms are affected.
We must lock down the capital. Protect the wealthy and influential.
You will have to stop with the mushrooms for a while. Why don't you
try the Corian Mead?"
Anonymous
advisor, entirely wrapped in green cloth, and speaking with a strong
accent: "We might harness this gift, after proper research. If
we can steer the cancers, we might control the change, and become the
designers of our own bodies. You only need to give me the funds, and
I will do the magic. Just say the word."
Advisor
Julio: "Use this curse as an opportunity to deal with your
opponents, those SIRO folks for instance. People will think you
removed those people to save others. And in a way, this is true."
Zalfir
Advisor Thepoath: "We have a problem of aesthetic nature. Various
industries produce waste that is not taken care of. The workers in
those industries have other things to do than dispose of waste, and
upper-class citizens are not involved in industries at all. The
solution is simple: create a government-funded team of environment cleaners, and
we have this done in no time."
Advisor Jawahir: "We could, but I don't think it's fair to let
people pay to clear the rubbish other people leave behind. Those
workers have to do it themselves. Just station some guards near
places that are collecting waste, and give those polluters a fine for
their littering."
Advisor Nabendu "Nobody is to blame. And cleaning squads cost
resources. We need to teach people that they shouldn't think about
themselves all the time. Our nation, and the continent, would be a
much better place if we did things for each other now and then, just
out of the kindness of our hearts."
Equestria
Advisor Kvikke: "Slackers. Lazy bastards. Hippies. People do not
get their food in time, causing malnutrition. Building materials do
not arrive in time on their destinations. Payments are delayed.
Everything is delayed. We must create overseers that poke the
dreamers with a pointed stick every now and then. Or limit mushroom
usage. Otherwise we *will* go down."
Advisor Moath: "Who is this thunderbug? You are in the nation of
LOVE, don't you know? We only care about LOVE. We don't care about no
work. We don't care about no houses. We don't care about no food.
LOVE is every thing. Let the people do what they want."
Advisor Fruss: "I don't know who you are, but you are the
problem, not the slackers. The slackers are the best people around.
They know how to not do things properly. If you ever want something
not done, call them. Anyway, I think we need to make funshrooms
mandatory. It'll change those thunderbugs into butterflies, and
everthing is LOVE again. Hey, I have an idea. Make funshrooms
mandatory. That'll be good."
Advisor Moath: "Hey! You already said that before, just now.
Again."
Advisor Fruss: "No I didn't say nothing. .... Hey I have an
idea, what if everybody had to use funshrooms if they want to stay here... in
Equescha I mean. Equesch treea. Equesch. ... Schlopp. Schlopp. Schloppity Schlopp. Hehe. Where am I? Oh yeah. Hehe."
Khemri
Advisor
Marakugh:"Milady, some of our wraiths have gone rogue. We don't
know exactly who they are, and they might even be here in the palace.
This is a security threat level critical. Any day now you might be
the target of an assassination; we must act! I gather that the people
are less than impressed by the result of the tournament of the silver
sword. People think you are losing your grip. Perhaps you should show
them what the true results were of that tournament, I'm sure people
will regain your trust. And threaten to send them to Equestria or
Zalfir, I'm sure they will back down with their violence against your
Ladyship."
Anonymous
advisor: "What results are you talking about? I know only of the
deaths of a few wraiths, and the humiliation of another. You must
show your people your strength. Let the wraiths catch some crooks,
and then you can tease those nobodies a bit before you eat their
testicles and ovaries, all in public. And provide the audiance with
free black pudding and bloodwine while you are performing. Make it a
good show, and your people will support you."
Anonymous
advisor: "Who says it is your fault? Clearly others are to
blame. Clearly the Equestrians had the unfair advantage of flight.
And who says the Zalfirians did not poison the wax on Malekith's body
to make him weaker? To slow him down? And perhaps Zalfir made a deal
with Equestria to let Sunglow win. Clearly the Equestrians were
informed beforehand of their staged loss, otherwise they would have
brought proper weapons. And that a small group of wraiths died in
Zalfir is just Elvish propaganda. They are on a very secret mission
somewhere."
Lienzo Republic
Minister Cayu: "The festival we had on the first year of the
second age really showed how great Lienzo's cuisine truly is. How
great the potential is, I should say. Most people do not have much
choice in food, it's mostly black pudding and lard-covered bread.
Other things are only consumed as exceptional treat. Therefore I
propose we pump some money into local restaurants, so that poor
people can afford great food too. Everybody should be able to have
fine steak, cheese and wine every day."
Minister Hierro: "You realize we have spent a lot on health
recently? I suggest we use this ongoing food-craze to fill our
coffers a bit. Let's increase the tax on prize-winning food. It's
only rich people buying it anyway, they'll still be able to afford
it."
Minister Senagh: "I remember how it was before all these
foreigners came here. All was better. I know we cannot evict them,
that would go against our fundamental principles. But what if we
increased the general tax for non-vampires? That way you don't force
them to leave, but do give a push in the right direction. And the
extra money can be spent on local restaurants, just as minister Cayu
explained. So that every vampire can get a proper meal every day."
Austria
Minister Henricus: "Our nice city of Berlin is troubled by
thieves. People are afraid, and business is bad. You just cannot step
outside without thinking about these unlucky low-lives. Perhaps you
can let soldiers patrol the streets. Authorised to use lethal force.
That'll keep them in check."
Minister Gregorius: "These persons should not be killed. For
Fortuna might have some purpose for them still. Bring them to the
Abbey, my colleagues and I will turn them into exemplars, priests of
the lot.
Minister Innocentius: "You are the upholder of our laws. Any
crime against a citizen of Austria, is a crime against you. And as
you are the high priest, any crime equals heresy. Execution is not
the appropriate response. Not immediately anyway. They know damn well
that they are not allowed to steal or to kill. And yet they act in a
wicked manner nonetheless. Our goddess demands sacrifices. Demands
pay back. We shall torture them using geomantic devices to choose the
appropriate tool, and after each session choose whether to continue,
or to end their unlucky lives."
Sunday, 28 September 2014
YEAR 8
Kingdom
of Rok
Advisor Razr: "Sir, the great warrior Groz has assembled a war
party. He is rallying more men to join his cause. He wants to be independent of your rule ... and so do many others. People think you
care more about yourself than about them. Foolish, of course. Still,
I think it's good if you now show that you do care. Perhaps by
building some homes for those without? Giving people rewards for
doing jobs that benefit all? Or perhaps something else?"
Advisor Bork: "If they want to leave, they're allowed. But they
must know that they cannot come back. Let's tell them that. Most of
them will back down, and only the biggest troublemakers will leave.
Good riddance."
Advisor Ter: "If you allow some people to leave, other people
will follow. That's the nature of man. You should kill all those that
dare to question your authority, your power. Kill them, and put their
heads on poles for everybody to see. People will not follow the
dead."
Slevadovia
Advisor
Julio: "Sir, you know the mushrooms we imported from Equestria, they are
being farmed and sold without authorization. I do not know whether
that was your intention or not, but I do know that we lose money this
way. We could build a few farms that the government will own, and
sell these mushrooms for a ridiculous price. And punish all others
that grow and sell these. Our people will become addicted to the
government. A leader cannot ask for more."
Advisor
Stojan: "Are you a true Slevadovian, Julio? In the Slevadovia I
know the government would never meddle with trade. Business freedom is
the foundation on which this nation is built. All trades should be
unrestricted, including various fungi."
Advisor
Hussime: "We should restrict the sale of this substance. No, ban
it completely. Why? It is harmful to our people. It makes them weak.
The people that use this mushroom are not motivated to do work, even
after using any number of threats. When the effects wear off, they
are motivated to do anything that provides them with the drug. Good,
but when you do give them the drug - and you have to, otherwise they
will revolt - they become as weak as newborns. We cannot allow
weakness. Not in this time. Not in Slevadovia."
Zalfir
Advisor Aleras: "I'm sorry to tell you that Zalfir is troubled
by another plague. This time it's a curse, one of boils, warts and
tumors. The afflicted are weakened, and become repulsive creatures.
Strangely enough, the disease is not very lethal. Preliminary
research showed that an elixir containing lumnetite and fiend marrow may halt the
disease. Unfortunately, it does not restore the person's appearance.
Surgery might be helpful in some cases, but will leave scars, and is
quite dangerous. Anyway, give me the signal, and I'll set up a mass
production of this elixir, so that it can reach people as soon as
possible. And perhaps you could tell people to stay home. To limit
touching each other."
Advisor Maezdat: "This disfiguration curse is extremely
troubling. Luckily it hasn't reached the capital yet. We can stop
this if we restrict all access to the capital. And let prismatic
guardsmen escort all afflicted ones to a place far away, outside
Zalfir territory. And we should allow only the most necessary traffic
on the streets, perhaps with a permit system. We must isolate this!"
Senior Alchemist Thanwe, completely covered with green cloth: "You can
call it a curse. I call it a research opportunity. I have good reason
to believe we might - after lots of experimentation - harness it to
change the shape of the people on your command. You might want to
grow extra arms, or horns, or an eye in your back. I think it can be
done. Just send all those poor buggers to me. And a score of junior alchemists."
Equestria
Advisor Kvikke: "A nasty curse has come to Equestria. It gives
pegasi and dwarves all kinds of bumps and warts. The ugly curse I
call it. We should isolate all the uglies, and send them to some
dark, desolated mine. Out of sight, out of mind. We must do it fast,
or else you see these hideous creatures everywhere."
Advisor Moath: "I think the curse only targets those who had it
coming. My neighbour Elisia humiliated me the other day, and now
she's covered in warts. A coincidence? I don't think so. It's a
punishment. From mother earth! We don't have to do anything about it.
In fact, we ought not."
Advisor Gretel: "No this is a blessing from mother earth. And I
know. For I have seen what it can do. Marilou and Mulch from
Helensburgh both had it, and were fused together by ulcerous tumors
on the belly, and on the back, respectively. They became inseparable,
literally! Accept it together with your friend, and become one!"
Khemri
Advisor
Marakugh:"Milady, some of our wraiths have gone rogue. We don't
know exactly who they are, and they might even be here in the palace.
This is a security threat level critical. Any day now you might be
the target of an assassination; we must act! I gather that the people
are less than impressed by the result of the tournament of the silver
sword. People think you are losing your grip. Perhaps you should show
them what the true results were of that tournament, I'm sure you will regain the trust of your people. And threaten to send them to Equestria or
Zalfir, I'm sure that will stop their violence against your
Ladyship."
Anonymous
advisor: "What results are you talking about? I know only of the
deaths of a few wraiths, and the humiliation of another. You must
show your people your strength. Let the wraiths catch some crooks,
and then you can tease those nobodies a bit before you eat their
testicles and ovaries, all in public. And provide the audience with
free black pudding and bloodwine while you are performing. Make it a
good show, and your people will support you."
Anonymous
advisor: "Who says it is your fault? Clearly others are to
blame. Clearly the Equestrians had the unfair advantage of flight.
And who says the Zalfirians did not poison the wax on Malekith's body
to make him weaker? To slow him down? And perhaps Zalfir made a deal
with Equestria to let Sunglow win. Clearly the Equestrians were
informed beforehand of their staged loss, otherwise they would have
brought proper weapons. And that a small group of wraiths died in
Zalfir is just Elvish propaganda. They are on a very secret mission
somewhere."
Lienzo Republic
Minister Cayu: "The festival we had on the first year of the
second age really showed how great Lienzo's cuisine truly is. How
great the potential is, I should say. Most people do not have much
choice in food, it's mostly black pudding and lard-covered bread.
Other things are only consumed as exceptional treat. Therefore I
propose we pump some money into local restaurants, so that poor
people can afford great food too. Everybody should be able to have
fine steak, cheese and wine every day."
Minister Hierro: "You realize we have spent a lot on health
recently? I suggest we use this ongoing food-craze to fill our
coffers a bit. Let's increase the tax on prize-winning food. It's
only rich people buying it anyway, they'll still be able to afford
it."
Minister Senagh: "I remember how it was before all these
foreigners came here. All was better. I know we cannot evict them,
that would go against our fundamental principles. But what if we
increased the general tax for non-vampires? That way you don't force
them to leave, but do give a push in the right direction. And the
extra money can be spent on local restaurants, just as minister Cayu
explained. So that every vampire can get a proper meal every day."
Austria
Minister Henricus: "Our nice city of Berlin is troubled by
thieves. People are afraid, and business is bad. You just cannot step
outside without thinking about these unlucky low-lives. Perhaps you
can let soldiers patrol the streets. Authorised to use lethal force.
That'll keep them in check."
Minister Gregorius: "These persons should not be killed. For
Fortuna might have some purpose for them still. Bring them to the
Abbey, my colleagues and I will turn them into exemplars, priests of
the lot.
Minister Innocentius: "You are the upholder of our laws. Any
crime against a citizen of Austria, is a crime against you. And as
you are the high priest, any crime equals heresy. Execution is not
the appropriate response. Not immediately anyway. They know damn well
that they are not allowed to steal or to kill. And yet they act in a
wicked manner nonetheless. Our goddess demands sacrifices. Demands
pay back. We shall torture them using geomantic devices to choose the
appropriate tool, and after each session choose whether to continue,
or to end their unlucky lives."
Sunday, 21 September 2014
YEAR 7
Kingdom of Rok
Advisor
Ter: "Many of our warriors are taking each other's things, and
fighting each other when they find out. This disorder is not
beneficial for our nation. Better create some kind of guard that can
take the difficult parties before you, and then you can decide who's
right and who gets sent to the Ettin mountains."
Advisor
Bork: "Nargh. Let them just fight each other. The one that wins
is clearly the one that deserves the other's possessions."
Anonymous
Priest: "We advise using lightning rods, so that our Lord can
help you punish those that disobey law. The rod on each home will
draw his divine power, and destroy the infidels."
Slevadovia
Priest
Grzthgrk: "You have chosen visely, Merizik Rehorn. I vill azk
you now to pay tribute to our ghod. Every moon you zhall zacrifize
your veak, and rezeive Urzgtharh's favor."
Advisor Julio: "Making
our weak people strong is good. But killing our weak people is not.
They cannot help being weak, and neither can the person's they love.
The gods should be punished for making people weak, not rewarded. Who
is to say that Urz... what's his name - even gave us this blessing?
Why would an Ettin god help us? I was probably Fortuna helping us out
to combat the monsters."
Advisor Stojan: "By
accepting the gift we have created a problem with maintaining order. I
propose we let soldiers patrol the streets, and immediately deal
with any trouble makers. We can deal with the ettin later."
Zalfir
(Only
Equestria paid the entry fee for the tournament, so shall I determine
who of you both will be the winner?)
Advisor
Aleras: "A sudden wave of giant vitreous locusts has recently
plagues our farms and cities. These creatures are eating ornamentals
and food crops. If we do not strike back with an effective solution,
people will starve. And we will be quite embarrassed when the
Equestrians come for the tournament. Luckily, I have an effective
solution. I have a 'medicine' that can cure all plants of all insect
pests, without harming the plants or us (when we eat these plants).
This will stop the current plague, and prevent future plagues.
Additionally it will help against the nasty mosquitos and flies that
bug me when I'm doing my research."
Advisor
Nabendu: "That solution is appalling. The real problem is that
the natural balance has been disturbed. It's a problem of all growing
nations. The solution is to tame the natural enemies of the locusts,
and use these to protect our flora. The natural enemies are the giant
crystal spiders, which have become a bit scarce in this part of the
world."
Advisor
Cindal: "I have experimented in the past with all kinds of food,
including these locusts. They might destroy our crops, but might not
bring starvation unto our people ... if we would eat them. I have
noticed that the locusts are easy prey in big swarms, and a lot of
them even die on the lands because of their blind gluttony. If we
grind these bugs to meal, and bake them, we might create very
acceptable food for our people."
Equestria
Advisor
Kvikke: "A lot of people are running around in their birthday
suits in the warm months. Perhaps resulting from excessive use of
love shrooms, or perhaps because they think everything is allowed in
our nation. Do you want to see every wrinkly, unwashed underling? And
how will our children react to that? Clothes are invented for a
reason."
Advisor
Snaeri: "For the sake of equality and for nature most pure, we
should demand naturalism. Clothes are a restriction. Clothes
suffocate. Clothes hide our true identities. We should get rid of all
clothes. Love to you all!"
Advisor
Feyte: "This is a personal matter. Not or business. If you don't
like what you see, just look away. I don't get why this is a big
deal."
Lienzo
Republic
Minister
Cayu: "The festival we had on the first year of the second age
really showed how great Lienzo's cuisine truly is. How great the
potential is, I should say. Most people do not have much choice in
food, it's mostly black pudding and lard-covered bread. Other things
are only consumed as exceptional treat. Therefore I propose we pump
some money into local restaurants, so that poor people can afford
great food too. Everybody should be able to have fine steak, cheese
and wine every day."
Minister
Hierro: "You realize we have spent a lot on health recently? I
suggest we use this ongoing food-craze to fill our coffers a bit.
Let's increase the tax on prize-winning food. It's only rich people
buying it anyway, they'll still be able to afford it."
Minister
Senagh: "I remember how it was before all these foreigners came
here. All was better. I know we cannot evict them, that would go
against our fundamental principles. But what if we increased the
general tax for non-vampires? That way you don't force them to leave,
but do give a push in the right direction. And the extra money can be
spent on local restaurants, just as minister Cayu explained. So that
every vampire can get a proper meal every day."
Austria
Minister
Henricus: "Our nice city of Berlin is troubled by thieves.
People are afraid, and business is bad. You just cannot step outside
without thinking about these unlucky low-lives. Perhaps you can let
soldiers patrol the streets. Authorised to use lethal force. That'll
keep them in check."
Minister
Gregorius: "These persons should not be killed. For Fortuna
might have some purpose for them still. Bring them to the Abbey, my
colleagues and I will turn them into exemplars, priests of the lot.
Minister
Innocentius: "You are the upholder of our laws. Any crime
against a citizen of Austria, is a crime against you. And as you are
the high priest, any crime equals heresy. Execution is not the
appropriate response. Not immediately anyway. They know damn well
that they are not allowed to steal or to kill. And yet they act in a
wicked manner nonetheless. Our goddess demands sacrifices. Demands
pay back. We shall torture them using geomantic devices to choose the
appropriate tool, and after each session choose whether to continue,
or to end their unlucky lives."
Khemri
Advisor
Chrimr: "Recently some middle-class Khemrians have died after
the consumption of spoiled blood. We need laws to prohibit the sale
of spoiled food, and allow the wraiths to enforce them."
Advisor
Tanatei: "That's good and all, but we need to fix the real
problem. We just do not have enough fresh blood to go around. What we
need is blood farms. We can tie the elves or nords to the spot, and
slowly drain the blood from them. If we don't drain them too fast, we
can use them for quite some time."
Advisor Mawet: "In this world we have to consider other people's
feelings. I don't want to sound too sentimental, but we cannot ignore
that other nations are not going to like this. Let blood be an
expensive commodity, fine. I'd rather have unhappy peasants than no
peasants at all."
Sunday, 14 September 2014
YEAR 6
Slevadovia
(I have placed the city you wanted on M22 on another square (L23), because at the beginning of your turn M22 was not adjacent to a city of yours.)
Advisor
Hussime: "Two moons ago, on the west of the Pale-man's Cove,
priests of Urzgtharh have performed some very dark rituals. I don't
know the exact details, but it involved cannibalism. This ritual has
brought some dark power to our nation. A curse has been placed on our
people. First only a few were afflicted, but soon we realised the
curse spreads to all who touch the accursed.
First
the accursed becomes feverish, sickly. But after a week or so they
regain their strength, nay, gain greater strength than they had
before. The terrible drawback of this curse is the bloodthirstiness
that courses through the afflicted's veins. A previously gentle person might suddenly be found to pick fights on the street. People that couldn't hurt a fly are now capable of murder.
We
need to make sure that this curse cannot spread. Otherwise our fine
Slevadovian people will be turned into Rok-like savages. We could set
up some sanatoriums were ill people can suffer their illness in
isolation. Whatever the affliction."
Advisor
Augustus: "This evil must not only be isolated - it must be
destroyed. Annihilated. If we truly want to get rid of this infernal
darkness we must use the bright cleansing power of the naked flame.
And burn them alive, because this curse only befalls those who are
evil-inclined. I can't imagine that truly good people can become bloodthirsty. It must be something already present, slumbering
perhaps, but already present and condemnable. Let the wicked burn!"
Advisor
Julio: "Is this a curse, or a blessing? You can curb
bloodthirstiness with laws, but you cannot increase our people's
strength so easily. We are to become a great warrior nation. It would
only be natural to accept this gift of strength. Perhaps we could
even thank the powers that have brought us this gift, for they might
grant us some more?"
Zalfir
Advisor
Jawahir: "What do we value most? Imaginative stories, stunning
architecture, exciting gameplay; all products of the mind. Some minds
are not capable of producing anything valuable, though they serve to
control the bodies that do valuable work. Food production, logistics, and so on. Still other
minds are not capable of doing either of these things. These people
are functionless. Without function they cannot repay the gifts they
receive from society. They are a burden to all of us, they are
parasites. Luckily we can spot the unwanted conditions - the retardation -
even as the child is in the womb. With a special tea we can abort the
pregnancy. Should the baby emerge alive even after treatment, because
it was fairly mature already, we could choose to give it a large dose
of Xilior juice to end its life fairly painlessly. Without this
burden, our nation can reach even greater heights."
Advisor
Nabendu: "All life is valuable to us, no matter how it appears.
Some people are really good at doing things themselves, and others
require assistance. It's just the way it is. Life should be more
important to us than *products*. It is the one thing that
distinguishes us - elves - from the other more lowly races. To regard life
as a fantastic, divine phenomenon. It should not be divided into
parts by the rational mind. Life is not about usefulness. Not about
function. It's about curiosity, and love."
Advisor
Aleras: "Life is not *that* important. We also kill certain
plants for food, do we not? Think about seeds, they can be regarded
as vegetable babies. What's important is minds. Our minds are
everything. We must serve the minds of our fellow-elves. When an elf
has literally lost her mind, perhaps through some construction
accident, that life has lost its value. But when certain
characteristics of the mind are altered, it does not become so clear.
We could investigate how useful each measurable characteristic is,
and translate this into a certain usefulness value for the person.
And as characteristics are passed on to the progeny, this means that
certain parents should not get children. Well, they might adopt
children, or help with raising other people's children, but they
shouldn't get babies of their own flesh and blood. We could enforce
this in two different ways. We could either punish those that get
children without permission, or we could prevent it by a harmless
sterilization procedure. The most important, of course, will be to
inform the people about how useful this is for society."
Equestria
Advisor
Kvikke: "Certain Equestrians are becoming rather *liberal* with
regards to their mating activities. We have tolerated
more-than-amical behaviour between the parts of an equestrian pair -
all for better bonding, right? But now we have dwarves and pegasi
make love with cousins, or even brothers or sisters. This cannot be
allowed, it is unnatural. It's a disruption of the divine order. A
broken horseshoe, if you will."
Advisor
Snaeri: "What are you complaining about? Our nation is great
that it allows such freedom of love. If all participants consent, how
can there be a problem? Who cares about social position, age, race,
and so on? The only truly important thing is LOVE, and we should not
restrict it."
Advisor
Feyte: "I agree, love is really important. But we must also be
rational about it. In some cases this behaviour might lead to the
birth of inbreds. And it could also increase the spread of certain
illnesses. To deal with these potential consequences, we should
create sanatoriums with properly trained herbalists. We are lacking
good medical facilities anyway."
Kingdom of Rok
Priest Zirt: "The
time has come that you all bow down before the real master of
Jotnjordh: DONAR! God of the roaring thunder! God of war! If you bow
down now, Donar will grant you victory. Pleasing my Lord is easy:
kill and destroy as much as you can. And he will protect you from
death."
Advisor Bork: "I've
seen no such God. And I know for a fact that thunder and lightning
originate on the mountains to the north. It's the home of the Ettin
god Urzgtharh. He accepts human sacrifices from fellow human eaters,
and rewards them with great power. It makes more sense to worship
him."
Advisor Ter: "Our
master is Gagnorok! His roar is law! Everybody that thinks otherwise
should be killed and eaten!"
Lienzo
Republic
Minister
Cayu: "The festival we had on the first year of the second age
really showed how great Lienzo's cuisine truly is. How great the
potential is, I should say. Most people do not have much choice in
food, it's mostly black pudding and lard-covered bread. Other things
are only consumed as exceptional treat. Therefore I propose we pump
some money into local restaurants, so that poor people can afford
great food too. Everybody should be able to have fine steak, cheese
and wine every day."
Minister
Hierro: "You realize we have spent a lot on health recently? I
suggest we use this ongoing food-craze to fill our coffers a bit.
Let's increase the tax on prize-winning food. It's only rich people
buying it anyway, they'll still be able to afford it."
Minister
Senagh: "I remember how it was before all these foreigners came
here. All was better. I know we cannot evict them, that would go
against our fundamental principles. But what if we increased the
general tax for non-vampires? That way you don't force them to leave,
but do give a push in the right direction. And the extra money can be
spent on local restaurants, just as minister Cayu explained. So that
every vampire can get a proper meal every day."
Austria
Minister
Henricus: "Our nice city of Berlin is troubled by thieves.
People are afraid, and business is bad. You just cannot step outside
without thinking about these unlucky low-lives. Perhaps you can let
soldiers patrol the streets. Authorised to use lethal force. That'll
keep them in check."
Minister
Gregorius: "These persons should not be killed. For Fortuna
might have some purpose for them still. Bring them to the Abbey, my
colleagues and I will turn them into exemplars, priests of the lot.
Minister
Innocentius: "You are the upholder of our laws. Any crime
against a citizen of Austria, is a crime against you. And as you are
the high priest, any crime equals heresy. Execution is not the
appropriate response. Not immediately anyway. They know damn well
that they are not allowed to steal or to kill. And yet they act in a
wicked manner nonetheless. Our goddess demands sacrifices. Demands
pay back. We shall torture them using geomantic devices to choose the
appropriate tool, and after each session choose whether to continue,
or to end their unlucky lives."
Khemri
Advisor
Chrimr: "Recently some middle-class Khemrians have died after
the consumption of spoiled blood. We need laws to prohibit the sale
of spoiled food, and allow the wraiths to enforce them."
Advisor
Tanatei: "That's good and all, but we need to fix the real
problem. We just do not have enough fresh blood to go around. What
we need is blood farms. We can tie the elves or nords to the spot,
and slowly drain the blood from them. If we don't drain them too
fast, we can use them for quite some time."
Advisor Mawet: "In this world we have to consider other people's
feelings. I don't want to sound too sentimental, but we cannot ignore
that other nations are not going to like this. Let blood be an
expensive commodity, fine. I'd rather have unhappy peasants than no
peasants at all."
Sunday, 7 September 2014
YEAR 5
Kingdom of Rok
Priest Zirt: "The
time has come that you all bow down before the real master of
Jotnjordh: DONAR! God of the roaring thunder! God of war! If you bow
down now, Donar will grant you victory. Pleasing my Lord is easy:
kill and destroy as much as you can. And he will protect you from
death."
Advisor Bork: "I've
seen no such God. And I know for a fact that thunder and lightning
originate on the mountains to the north. It's the home of the Ettin
god Urzgtharh. He accepts human sacrifices from fellow human eaters,
and rewards them with great power. It makes more sense to worship
him."
Advisor Ter: "Our
master is Gagnorok! His roar is law! Everybody that thinks otherwise
should be killed and eaten!"
Lienzo
Republic
Minister
Cayu: "The festival we had on the first year of the second age
really showed how great Lienzo's cuisine truly is. How great the
potential is, I should say. Most people do not have much choice in
food, it's mostly black pudding and lard-covered bread. Other things
are only consumed as exceptional treat. Therefore I propose we pump
some money into local restaurants, so that poor people can afford
great food too. Everybody should be able to have fine steak, cheese
and wine every day."
Minister
Hierro: "You realize we have spent a lot on health recently? I
suggest we use this ongoing food-craze to fill our coffers a bit.
Let's increase the tax on prize-winning food. It's only rich people
buying it anyway, they'll still be able to afford it."
Minister
Senagh: "I remember how it was before all these foreigners came
here. All was better. I know we cannot evict them, that would go
against our fundamental principles. But what if we increased the
general tax for non-vampires? That way you don't force them to leave,
but do give a push in the right direction. And the extra money can be
spent on local restaurants, just as minister Cayu explained. So that
every vampire can get a proper meal every day."
Slevadovia
Advisor Hussime: "I've
heard many rumors about poor working conditions. These people dare
not speak out themselves, because they are afraid of getting fired. I
think we ought to set up some rules to protect our workers. Random
checks and fines should enforce these rules."
Advisor Stojan: "The
employers will not allow their workers to truly suffer, as this will
hurt the working power of the staff. Additional restrictions will
only lead to a reduced economic growth. That'll harm everybody."
Advisor August:
"Indeed, it's not the poor, lazy workers that suffer here, it's
the hard working gentility. Most gentlemen want to be exempted from
the rule that prohibits unemployment. Wealth is a reward for hard
work, but it's only useful if you have the spare time to spend it.
What about giving people some sort of title when they reach a certain
amount of wealth? And just allow those with the title to evade some
rules that are clearly designed to keep the scum in line, not to
punish the worthy?"
Austria
Minister
Henricus: "Our nice city of Berlin is troubled by thieves.
People are afraid, and business is bad. You just cannot step outside
without thinking about these unlucky low-lives. Perhaps you can let
soldiers patrol the streets. Authorised to use lethal force. That'll
keep them in check."
Minister
Gregorius: "These persons should not be killed. For Fortuna
might have some purpose for them still. Bring them to the Abbey, my
colleagues and I will turn them into exemplars, priests of the lot.
Minister
Innocentius: "You are the upholder of our laws. Any crime
against a citizen of Austria, is a crime against you. And as you are
the high priest, any crime equals heresy. Execution is not the
appropriate response. Not immediately anyway. They know damn well
that they are not allowed to steal or to kill. And yet they act in a
wicked manner nonetheless. Our goddess demands sacrifices. Demands
pay back. We shall torture them using geomantic devices to choose the
appropriate tool, and after each session choose whether to continue,
or to end their unlucky lives."
Khemri
Advisor
Chrimr: "Recently some middle-class Khemrians have died after
the consumption of spoiled blood. We need laws to prohibit the sale
of spoiled food, and allow the wraiths to enforce them."
Advisor
Tanatei: "That's good and all, but we need to fix the real
problem. We just do not have enough fresh blood to go around. What
we need is blood farms. We can tie the elves or nords to the spot,
and slowly drain the blood from them. If we don't drain them too
fast, we can use them for quite some time."
Advisor
Mawet: "In this world we have to consider other people's
feelings. I don't want to sound too sentimental, but we cannot ignore
that other nations are not going to like this. Let blood be an
expensive commodity, fine. I'd rather have unhappy peasants than no
peasants at all."
Zalfir
Advisor Thepoath: "In
our society reputation is very important. If you have a good name,
your stories are worth more. Some people in our society acquire good
stories from unknown people for a low price, essentially thriving
without doing the hard work. Therefore we need some law that
prohibits this practice: a copyright law. To enforce it, we need an
agency that compares all stories from the same author, and checks for
consistency. If any inconsistencies are detected, we take further
steps like secretely monitoring his daily activities. Eventually
perhaps punishing through temporary excommunication."
Advisor Jawahir: "I
do not agree with these monitoring activities. Where's good faith
gone? Can't we just trust the other people to do the right thing?"
Solorya of the broken
eye: "Trust. I would like to trust everybody, but the fact is
that some just cannot be trusted. Some people lie. Period.
Honorable twins, you
remember that you asked me to watch the scientist and his
apprentices? I have discovered that they are developing something
that could be redesigned into some kind of lie-detector. We could use
this technology as a standard measure to determine the authorship of
stories. With your permission we could use it for other law
enforcement and intelligence business too."
Equestria
Advisor Snaeri: "Some
of the dwarves have discovered a subterranean mushroom with very
special properties. When consumed, all negative feelings are gone.
You just feel great, and see flowers and rainbows everywhere. I
propose we get some of our dwarves to grow these in farms, so that
everybody can access these magical fungi. Think of all the happiness
it can bring to our nation!"
Advisor Mentha: "I
don't agree. Negative feelings have a function. They prohibit certain
dangerous or unwanted behaviour. Otherwise we have Equestrians
jumping in fires, push each other off mountains, all with a smile on
their faces. I suggest we destroy all of these mushrooms, so that
nobody can touch this mind poison."
Advior Feyte: "Let's
not do anything rash just yet. Let's collect and store those we can
find, and perhaps we can use them in the future. If we ever go into
war we might want to give it to our soldiers, to increase their
morale."
Sunday, 31 August 2014
YEAR 4
Kingdom of Rok
Advisor Razr: "Great
Gagnorok, through your guidance we have had many victories on the
battlefield. I would not easily admit being afraid, but I do fear
some other nations on the continent. Not because they have strong
warriors; nobody can match our guys. No, I fear their cancerous
growth. Perhaps we ought to expand too. If you decide to expand, I
suggest we get some sustainable method of producing food. I know you
are not keen on using slaves, so perhaps we can use some spare women
to keep some pigs? It's not that hard. Pigs'll eat anything. Even
shit."
Advisor Rokan: "I
think that's a good idea. However, we also shouldn't waste good meat.
Whenever some weakling amongst us dies, we burn their corpses out of
respect. All I see is a terrible waste. If you can't fight, what
better purpose is there than to serve as food for those that do
fight?"
Advisor Bork: "I
have heard from a hermit priest that when you eat a weakling, you get
their weaknesses. And when you eat a strong person, you gain their
strengths. So, for example, if you want to be good at shouting, you
eat the tongue of someone that can shout. If you eat big balls, you
become extra potent. What I'm saying, is that we shouldn't eat just
everybody. Or every part. Only people that look like they were
powerful. And parts that seem to contain power. That makes sense,
doesn't it?"
Slevadovia
Advisor August: "Our
nice cities are littered with stray people. Vermin, if you ask me. I
don't want to see or smell those pathetic pests that are too lazy to
work. These people either bother customers by begging endlessly with
teethless mouths, or scare them away because of their general
repulsiveness. Can't you just make them go away? Get some soldiers to
throw them in a dungeon? I'd say out of sight, out of mind, but the
stench will remain for a while."
Advisor Hussime: "You
cannot do that. They did not choose to become homeless.
Possessionless. They were made so by society. We should give them
some means to get started again. An investment, to create a better
future for all."
Advisor Stojan: "I
like where this is going. We invest in these people, and if they do
not pay back the money they borrowed (plus some interest) within the
agreed timeframe, they have to give up their sole possession: their
life. Yes. I am talking about slavery. Think about it. It's a way to
get them off the streets, to get them to work, and to provide food,
all in one! I'll be the first to invest in these people!"
Austria
Minister Henricus: "Our
nice city of Berlin is troubled by thieves. People are afraid, and
business is bad. You just cannot step outside without thinking about
these unlucky low-lives. Perhaps you can let soldiers patrol the
streets. Authorised to use lethal force. That'll keep them in check."
Minister Gregorius:
"These persons should not be killed. For Fortuna might have some
purpose for them still. Bring them to the Abbey, my colleagues and I
will turn them into exemplars, priests of the lot.
Minister Innocentius:
"You are the upholder of our laws. Any crime against a citizen
of Austria, is a crime against you. And as you are the high priest,
any crime equals heresy. Execution is not the appropriate response.
Not immediately anyway. They know damn well that they are not allowed
to steal or to kill. And yet they act in a wicked manner nonetheless.
Our goddess demands sacrifices. Demands pay back. We shall torture
them using geomantic devices to choose the appropriate tool, and
after each session choose whether to continue, or to end their
unlucky lives."
Khemri
Advisor Marakugh: "I've
learned something that might be of interest to you. Some of our
citizens are disobeying the natural order. Brothers mate with
sisters. Parents mate with children. Inbreeding, that leads to
degeneration of the body and of the mind, I fear. We must do
something about it. Perhaps we can expand the wraith organization,
and have them secretly check what people are doing in their homes on
regular basis. If they disobey the law, we will throw them in the
dungeon. It's infringement of their privacy, yes. But what does it
matter if they do not know? Well, until they misbehave of course."
Advisor Mawet: "We
should prohibit sexual activities until the age of twelve. And make
the parents enforce it. If any girls below that age get pregnant we
will question her to reveal the identity of her sexual partner. And
we do not incarcerate them, but their parents. As those parents were
apparently too lazy or unfit to teach their offspring how to behave."
Advisor Zeeth-es: "Laws
that repress sexuality are against the natural order. Do you want to
create even more civil disorder, disobedience? I say let people fuck
whoever they please. Let them fuck elves, or even pigs. And if we do
get some degenerates we just dispose of them, right? Why throw fit
people in jail for feeling horny? It's our nature. We should not deny
who we are."
Zalfir
Advisor Aleras:
"Honorable lady and lord, I have found another way of reducing
the threat that is black metal. We can create cyprium coils in the
ground before city gates, hooked to amber-power mills. This will
create an invisible field within black metal becomes significantly
heavier, to the point where the enemy cannot fight properly with
their weapons.
However, I still think
reforging the armor and weapons is a better plant. These coils cannot
be carried across the battlefield, because they do not work without
the mills, and are pretty heavy themselves. This static solution is
also more expensive."
Junior alchemist
Frulir: "What if we modify the coils a bit to store the
amber-power in a ....? If we then release the energy, a great
destructive power will exit the top of the coil, and 'desires' to go
to the cyprium plate on the ground. Only it does not want to travel
through air, but rather through black metal. Any person carrying an
armor made of black metal will be roasted before they can enter our
towns. You don't even need guards! .. Oh, of course there is a
countdown before the coils can fire again. But I'm sure that nobody
will enter a gate that has just turned their friends to ash."
Advisor Aleras: "You
are not allowed to speak here! ... hmm. Well I suppose it is
possible. If we ... we could incorporate the mills and coils on siege
towers, we can move them around. We could use saudhs to pull them.
That way we can move our defence system to the hypothetical front
line."
Advisor Jawahir: "I would suggest not to go ahead with this, but you are planning on hiring out our soldiers. In that case we need to increase tax. Let each citizen of zalfir write one extra shortstory each week."
Equestria
Advisor Bulbe: "Your
ladyship, I bring alarming information. The loch Lomond contains a
strange danger, though not of the dragon kind. We have spotted
humanoids coming out of the lake at night. At day they hide in the
water, they are apparently able to breathe under water, and are
presumably harmless. But at night they come out. They have already
assaulted a number of our people, and there's even one case of
abduction and drowning. Horrible. I say we place a good number of
guards in the town near the lake to protect the people. Kill anything
that comes out of the lake and or tries to enter the town at night.
We cannot take any more chances."
Advisor Feyte: "That
will be a constant battle between equestrian and lake-monster. I
propose we send a specially trained team adept at holding their
breath, and find the under water nests or wherever these beasts
spawn, and exterminate them. That's the only way we will get some
rest around here."
Advisor Moath: "You
can't do that! Think about the environment, about nature. About the
magic of this place. If we are going to destroy these creatures then
the next thing is fish that bite, or itchy weeds. Or irritating
birds. We cannot turn the whole world into a perfectly ordered city.
Or we can, but I don't want it. It takes all the fun out of the
world. It makes everything so dull. And you cannot reverse this. You
cannot bring back species from extinction."
Unaddressed issue
from year 2:
Lienzo
Republic
Minister
Cayu: "The festival we had on the first year of the second age
really showed how great Lienzo's cuisine truly is. How great the
potential is, I should say. Most people do not have much choice in
food, it's mostly black pudding and lard-covered bread. Other things
are only consumed as exceptional treat. Therefore I propose we pump
some money into local restaurants, so that poor people can afford
great food too. Everybody should be able to have fine steak, cheese
and wine every day."
Minister
Hierro: "You realize we have spent a lot on health recently? I
suggest we use this ongoing food-craze to fill our coffers a bit.
Let's increase the tax on prize-winning food. It's only rich people
buying it anyway, they'll still be able to afford it."
Minister
Senagh: "I remember how it was before all these foreigners came
here. All was better. I know we cannot evict them, that would go
against our fundamental principles. But what if we increased the
general tax for non-vampires? That way you don't force them to leave,
but do give a push in the right direction. And the extra money can be
spent on local restaurants, just as minister Cayu explained. So that
every vampire can get a proper meal every day."
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