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You pause momentarily, caught off guard by the King’s blunt question. Clearing your throat, you speak carefully. “The Shogun is a very busy man, and he has precious little time to spend in Europe at all.” You pause, considering your words. “With the current situation in Japan, the Shogun cannot visit every country in Europe personally, and therefore must focus on going to see our closest allies himself.”

“I see,” Leopold says flatly.

You continue. “Of course, we are his most trusted men. General Keisuke and myself are the top military advisors to the Shogun, and Keisuke is the head of the foreign ministry.”

“Yes, you mentioned that.” Leopold turns to Keisuke as he speaks. “It is true, a ruler’s time can be quite limited, and it does put rather unpleasant constraints on activities…” Finally, after an almost excruciatingly long pause, Leopold extends a hand and shakes yours. “It is rare to meet a diplomat that speaks so frankly. I was prepared to be given some pitiful excuse about why the Japanese Shogun could not meet me.”

“I make it a point to speak frankly, Your Highness.” You nod as your shake his hand. “I find it works far better than the half-truths and flattery most politicians give.”

“A very American thing to say, General.” For the first time, Leopold cracks a smile, barely visible to you. “Say, America has quite the tracts of wilderness, does it not?”

“It does,” you reply.

“Are you a hunter?” Leopold raises an eyebrow.

>”Well, my cape is made from a bear I shot.”
>”Not particularly, I find being a soldier has rather dampened any joy to be had in hunting game.”
>”Of course. It’s some of the most effective target practice there is.”
>Write-in.

>”Well, my cape is made from a bear I shot.”
this and add that we do enjoy hunting from time to time, but we have been rather busy with our work in japan.

>>4485289
>”Well, my cape is made from a bear I shot.”

>>4485289

>”Well, my cape is made from a bear I shot.”

HE LIVES!

>>4485289
>”Well, my cape is made from a bear I shot.”

>>4485289
>”Well, my cape is made from a bear I shot.”

“Well,” you begin. “My cape here is made from the hide of a bear I shot.”

At this, Leopold’s eyebrows rise, and he leans in to inspect the cape in question. “Really? Quite outstanding, General.”

Keisuke also raises an eyebrow. “You had never mentioned that your cape was made from a beast you took down yourself.” He nods approvingly. “Certainly a good reason to wear furs over your uniform.”

You turn to Keisuke. “Now that you mention it, I have never seen a Japanese military uniform incorporating fur.”

He nods. “Certainly, some of the more austere Japanese might see it as barbaric, but given it was a bear you took down yourself, it is quite impressive.”

Leopold chimes in, having run a hand across the bear fur to inspect it himself. “It is exquisite, General. The bears in Japan have quite nice furs.”

“I assume you are a hunter, then?” You turn to Leopold.

“As much as any other member of European nobility.” He crosses his arms. “A good hunting trip can do wonders for refreshing the mind and body.”

You nod. “I can imagine it does.” Clearing your throat, you return to business. “Though, I’m sure you are a busy man, your Highness. Shall we talk matters of diplomacy?”

Leopold doesn’t skip a beat. “We shall properly discuss diplomacy over a fox hunt. Say, tomorrow morning?”

You grimace. By tomorrow, you’d hoped to be leaving the city by dusk. With the necessary officiating of treaties and agreements, plus Keisuke’s insistence of visiting the cathedral, adding in a fox hunt could push back your plans to depart for Antwerp by a whole day.

>”Of course.” (agree)
>”We really have a tight schedule to keep, Your Highness.” (decline)
>Write-in.

>>4485503
>”Of course.” (agree)
I really don't think its wise to annoy this man

>”Of course.” (agree)
>>4485506
i also very much agree with this

>>4485503
>”Of course.” (agree)

>>4485519
Dunno about you guys but I like our hands intact.

>>4485503
>”Of course.” (agree)

>>4485503
>”Of course.” (agree)

Ah yes, The Hand taker.

“Of course,” you say with a smile. Something about Leopold’s demeanor tells you it was never a request to begin with. Turning to Keisuke and the others, you speak again. “So how many of you have been on a fox hunt before?”

-

The next morning is cold and rainy. You all sit atop horses, dressed in thick coats and oiled canvas rain-cloaks. You adjust the slouch hat atop your head, listening to the hunting dogs bay in the distance. A break-action rifle sits open in the crook of your arm.

“It would seem they’ve caught one.” Leopold chuckles, puffing on a rather colossal (and garish) meerschaum pipe. “Let us ride out to see!” He takes off, followed quickly by his hunting retainers and diplomats. You and your men, the Majors and Keisuke that is, hurriedly ride out to catch up.

“This seems less like hunting and more like a show of who has the fanciest rain-clothes,” Nakajima says bitterly from atop her horse. She wears a tweed overcoat and deer-stalker hat purchased last night at the advice of Charles Rogier. You grimace as your cigarillo is snuffed out by the rain.

“Agreed. Had I known this was what the King planned on doing,” you spit the ruined cigarillo out of your mouth. “I might have suggested skipping the whole affair and going straight to Antwerp!”

“Now, now.” Keisuke says from atop his steed. “I find it quite exhilarating!” The statesman wears at least three frocks of increasing size beneath his rain-smock. Atop his head is a cloth and fur cap with long ear-flaps and a fixed fur flap in the front for decoration. “Perhaps we should import this sort of sporting to Japan, the nobility would love it!”

You grimace, blinking away November rain from your eyes. At least someone is having fun. Sato speaks up next. “At the very least, I see some benefit of this.”

You turn to Sato, who wears a fur-lined greatcoat with the collar turned up and buttoned closed beneath his nose. Like you, he wears a slouch hat, though you note he has decorated it with the unofficial insignia of your unit: the Aizu crest with a sunburst around the border of the crest. “How so, Major?” You raise an eyebrow incredulously.

“It is practice for maneuvering in adverse terrain, particularly under adverse conditions.” He puts up a finger to make his point. “As well as practice for military reconnaissance and tracking.”

You nod slowly. He’s made a rather astute observation. “Indeed,” you reply.

“Anyhow, Gents,” Keisuke speaks again. “What shall be our intentions for the Belgian government?”

>”Full diplomatic recognition, embassy and all.” (optimistic)
>”Trade rights and general goodwill. I imagine full recognition is a bit of a long shot.” (pragmatic)
>”A military alliance.” (bold)
>”To avoid hypothermia, ideally.” (sarcastic)
>Write-in.

>>4485582
>”Trade rights and general goodwill. I imagine full recognition is a bit of a long shot.” (pragmatic)

>>4485582
>>”Trade rights and general goodwill. I imagine full recognition is a bit of a long shot.” (pragmatic)

>>4485582
How have you been Zap? its been ages my dude.

>>4485643
I’ve been alright, work has continued with six-day weeks for the last few months so it’s been hard to get anything done. All that extra money has been nice though, I bought a few new guns and a 73 El Camino with it.

Also I have to be up early tomorrow so that’s it for tonight’s posts. Will be back posting before work tomorrow and probably after I get home too. Hopefully I can keep up on regular sessions to get our plucky crew back to Japan before the end of this year. We’re past the midway-point of the quest, as I’ve got it planned. Return to Japan will be the start of the Third Act.

>>4485653
Ya I know that struggle, Glad shits working out at this place. Man its been fucking forever since this quest has started.

What if I don't want us to go home, We have our yellow fever wife. Maybe Prussia will be our new home?

>>4485653
Just the fact that you plan on finishing the quest as apposed to just running till you ghost made my day a little brighter.

>>4485582
>”Trade rights and general goodwill. I imagine full recognition is a bit of a long shot.” (pragmatic)

>>4485582
>”Trade rights and general goodwill. I imagine full recognition is a bit of a long shot.”
Had Leopold I still been alive, I'd have pushed for full recognition, but the son isn't quite the man the father was.

>>4485582
>”Trade rights and general goodwill. I imagine full recognition is a bit of a long shot.” (pragmatic)
Woohoo, you're back!

>>4485663
Yeah. Leopold I was a beast of a diplomat.

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>>4485661
Well I have experience with running a quest that has no pre-planned endpoint. It didn't go well. Plus after I finish this quest I'm thinking about taking a break from QMing to try and tackle a book project. I've weitten a shitload as a hobby, why not try to make some money out of it?

Anyway, I don't work today actually, so session will go live in two hours.

>>4486058
Fuck ya.

“Trade rights and general goodwill,” you reply. “I doubt we could get much more than that.”

“Right,” Keisuke nods. “And after we are done here, we will visit the cathedral and head for Antwerp?”

“That’s the plan,” you say. A rather thick squall of rain slaps across you, spooking your horse. As it rears up, you struggle to get the beast back under control. Belgian horses are quite a bit larger than their American counterparts, clearly raised more for draught work than speed. “Damned nag,” you say under your breath as the animal calms back down.

You all catch up to the King’s group, which has cornered a pair of foxes in a small tree. As you ride up, Leopold shoulders his rifle and fires, sending one crashing to the ground. One of his men fires at the other, then dismounts his horse to pick up both carcasses. “A shame you were not here when we treed them.” Leopold turns to you. “You could have made the killing shot.”

“Hardly a problem, Your Highness.” You fumble in your pocket for a dry cigarillo, finding all of them soaked when your clammy fingers finally find them. “Shall we discuss matters of business?”

“Very well,” Leopold replies. “What precisely is your intention in seeking diplomatic audience with myself and Minister Rogier?”

“We wish to open up general trade relations, as well as extend a gesture of goodwill.” You adjust your hat to try and keep some rain out of your face, only for it to begin running down the back of your neck.

“Trade, you say?” The King raises an eyebrow. “And what trade goods does Japan possess?”

“Silk and tea, among other fineries.” Keisuke speaks this time. He is keenly aware of the tastes of European palates, and how the products of Japan fit into them.

“Silk, you say?” Leopold leans forward, rubbing his chin as he thinks. “I would be willing to open up highly-advantageous, and lucrative, trade routes in exchange for an agreement to exclusive rights to purchase Japanese silk. Belgian traders would be compelled to offer a fair price, of course.”

>”I’m afraid an exclusivity deal is out of the question.” (decline flatly)
>”I could agree to supply Belgium with fifty-one percent of national silk exports.” (agree to a majority deal)
>”Very well, Your Highness.” (agree to the deal)
>Write-in.

>>4486142
>>”I could agree to supply Belgium with fifty-one percent of national silk exports.” (agree to a majority deal)
new poster here
but lets dont put all eggs in one nest

>>4486142
>”I’m afraid an exclusivity deal is out of the question.” (decline flatly)

>>4486142
>”I could agree to supply Belgium with fifty-one percent of national silk exports.” (agree to a majority deal)

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>>4486142
>”I could agree to supply Belgium with fifty-one percent of national silk exports.” (agree to a majority deal)
This could be good, we could also buy up some Silk
I’ll be honest, I’ll be sad to see this quest go, I like it a lot
Yellow Fever Tomboy waifu is Best Girl
I can’t wait to give Johnny Reb what for

>>4486058
Do you have a twitter or some way to find out about the book if you do end up writing it?

>>4486142
>”I could agree to supply Belgium with fifty-one percent of national silk exports.” (agree to a majority deal)

>>4486282
I'll probably open up another twitter account for that when the time comes and link it in the last thread of the quest or something. I think I should keep my QM twitter separate for when I inevitably return to running quests.

Had to get dinner and make a long phone call. Will post the next update shortly.

>>4486325
>Sad music plays

“I could agree to give exclusive purchasing to Belgian traders for only fifty-one percent of the national silk surplus.” You frown a bit as you speak. “But we can’t allow a single buyer to control the entire export, and thus the selling price, of such a prized commodity.”

“You believe our merchants would force you to sell low because they could?” Leopold frowns deeply. “I assure you our traders are more upstanding than that.”

“They’re out to make a profit, same as any other merchants.” You cross your arms. “And anyone in the business of making money will try to maximize their profits, it’s only natural, even if it means conspiring with their peers to keep prices in their favor.”

The King regards you with a keen expression, his cold eyes studying your face. “Perhaps so, General. Perhaps so.” He reaches out and shakes your hand. “Deal.”

The remainder of the fox hunt goes quite smoothly, though you get the distinct impression that your presence is no longer welcome within the hunting party. Soon, the hunt is over, and you all enter the city proper to visit the cathedral.

Your carriage arrives, and Rogier is already there to greet you. He and the archbishop are good hosts, describing the history and architectural significance of the building as they guide you through it. Keisuke seems rather fascinated by everything, which you suppose is a good thing. He carries a little notebook, and you notice that he is sketching specific architectural features like arches and buttresses.

“Absolutely astounding,” Keisuke says to himself as you all ascend a stone spiral staircase. “The stonework of this place is breathtaking.”

“It’s like an old castle from a book,” you reply.

He raises an eyebrow. “European castles sound quite impressive. Surely we could visit one at some point?”

You shrug. “I’m sure there are some in Switzerland or Germany we could take a look at.”

Once your group exits the cathedral, you glance down at your pocket watch. You have two hours before you need to be at the station to depart for Antwerp. The rain has stopped, thankfully, but the temperature keeps dropping. You estimate it might snow tonight. “Well,” you regard your colleagues. “We’ve actually got some spare time before we leave town. Any ideas on how to spend it?”

“We could visit the local shops,” Sato says. “Surely we can learn about the locals from the curiosities they sell.”

Nakajima makes a different proposal. “I saw an advertisement in the newspaper this morning. There is something called a ‘steam engine show’ happening today.”

Keisuke shrugs. “Personally, I think we should retire to our hotel and await the train being prepared.” He crosses his arms. “That being said, I received an open invitation from Mr. Rogier to tour the city’s army post. It could provide some valuable information on small European armies.”

>”We’ll head back to the hotel then.” (return home and rest)
>”Going to tour the barracks does sound like a valuable experience.” (visit the local garrison)
>”Steam engine show? I’m intrigued.” (steam engine exposition)
>”At the very least, we can get some souvenirs while we’re here.” (visit the shops)
>Write-in.

>>4486465
>”Going to tour the barracks does sound like a valuable experience.” (visit the local garrison)

>>4486465
>”Steam engine show? I’m intrigued.” (steam engine exposition)

>>4486465
>>”Steam engine show? I’m intrigued.” (steam engine exposition)
Choo Choo
I’d love to visit Switzerland maybe get a nice private bank account
Also
building a Euro style castle on our own private island for our Lady Love when?

“Steam engine show?” You raise an eyebrow. “I’m intrigued.”

As it would turn out, the show is actually quite close to your current location. In a public square, various steam-driven contraptions are set up for demonstration purposes. You enter the square and the acrid smell of coal smoke hits your nose. Looking around, you see various inventors showcasing their work. “Incredible,” Nakajima says as you walk among the machines. “Truly, we live in an age of wonders.”

First, you notice a rather small steam-powered crane, clearly a scale model of a large device. Though it is small for a crane, it is taller than a man, with a boiler the size of a wood-burning stove. Upon closer inspection, you see that it is indeed a repurposed stove, likely done by an amateur engineer as opposed to a proper manufacturing concern. The engine itself is hooked up to a set of gears that can be moved onto and off of the flywheel to change the direction of the crane’s rotation, as well as to raise and lower the cable. Truly ingenious.

Another device that catches your attention is what looks at first like a small steam locomotive with colossal, wide rear wheels. Upon closer inspection, it appears to be some sort of agricultural implement, and when you read the information plaque your suspicions are confirmed. Written in both German and English, the machine is described as a mechanized farm engine, capable of plowing as much arable land as six horses in the same amount of time. There appears to be a chain running from a wheel up on the control platform, down to the front wheels to steer the beast. Thinking back to your time on the farm, this would have been worth its weight in gold, assuming it could work reliably and be easy to repair. You examine up close the various controls and attachments, but as the inventor is busy talking to another crowd in German, you cannot be sure of what exactly you are looking at. Perhaps you’ll ask later.

Another device, one that doesn’t initially capture your attention, is pointed out by Sato. It is labeled as a ‘safety-pattern steam generator’ guaranteed not to explode under conditions of over-temperature operation. You’ve never seen a steam explosion, but have heard the horror stories of how bad they can be. If this technology is truly as safe as it claims, it could be the future.

The last machine to draw your attention is a peculiar one. At first glance, it is a horse-drawn wagon with a large stove in the middle, sitting halfway beneath the floorboards. Upon closer inspection, you note something quite novel: it is a steam-driven road vehicle. The plaque gives little description in English, with most being written in French. It is described as ‘the next stage in the development of Trevithick’s Self-Propelled Carriage.’

“Ah, hello sirs!” A red-haired gentleman with a Boston accent approaches you. “My name is Lloyd Bixby, at your service.” He removes his bowler hat, doing a small bow. “I am the organizer of this steam exposition, as well as a bit of an engineer myself.” He gestures to the various machines and devices. “Though I am not the inventor of most things here, I would be happy to tell you more about anything, should your curiosity be piqued.”

>”What things here ARE your inventions?”
>”This steam cart here seems quite fascinating. What is its intended purpose?”
>”The safety-pattern generator seems too good to be true. Could you explain how that is supposed to work?”
>”What can you tell me of that little steam crane over there?”
>”That mechanized farm engine seems like quite the useful contraption.”
>Write-in.

>”That mechanized farm engine seems like quite the useful contraption.” +
>”The safety-pattern generator seems too good to be true. Could you explain how that is supposed to work?”
both of these seem interesting to me and good for future use and development

>>4486757
>”That mechanized farm engine seems like quite the useful contraption.”

>>4486757
>”The safety-pattern generator seems too good to be true. Could you explain how that is supposed to work?”
>”What can you tell me of that little steam crane over there?”
That tractor won't be any good for rice cultivation, I think.

>>4486757
>”That mechanized farm engine seems like quite the useful contraption.”

>>4486757
>>”That mechanized farm engine seems like quite the useful contraption.”

>>4486757
>”That mechanized farm engine seems like quite the useful contraption.”

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“That mechanized farm engine seems like quite the contraption,” you say. “What can you tell me about it?”

“Ah, the steam farm engine,” Bixby crosses his arms, looking toward said machine. “It was developed by a Swiss-German duo actually. It is my understanding that the mechanism is simple enough to be learned in a day by a farmer and his hand.” The showman walks toward the farm engine with you all in tow. “If I may ask, from where do you fellows come? China perhaps?” He nods toward your compatriots.

“Japan, actually.” Sato speaks first, adjusting his cap. “We are representatives from the Shogun’s government, traveling through Europe on a diplomatic mission.”

“Ah, Japan.” Bixby trails off. “Is that a rather agrarian nation?”

“Rice farming is our primary agriculture,” Keisuke replies. “Though, with such large and heavy wheels, I wonder how useful this machine would be…”

“Well,” Bixby begins. “The machine is not just for cultivation, but can also be used as a general utility engine.” He walks over to the machine, looking around before getting the attention of two men. “In fact, allow me to introduce the designers. Philippe Lauper and Karl Bauer.”

The two engineers step out from behind their contraption, turning to see your party. One is a rather short, miniscule man with a mustache and large eyes; you get the feeling he sleeps little. The other is a colossal mountain of a man, bald with a blond handlebar mustache; he reminds you more of a champion boxer than an engineer. “Hallo,” the larger man says simply. He wears a very polite expression, and surprisingly he bows upon seeing the Japanese members of your party.

“These fine gentlemen are from Japan, and they were curious about your machine.” Bixby smiles brightly as he mediates your first meeting.

“Karl Bauer,” the large man shakes everyone’s hand. He speaks with a surprising softness for such a mountain of a person.

“Philippe Lauper,” the smaller man does the same. He has a pronounced French accent, and you notice a small pin of the Swiss canton upon his lapel. “What would you like to know about our farm engine?”

>”What sort of performance does it have on muddy and flooded terrain, say such as would be used for cultivating rice?”
>”Bixby said your engine has other purposes beyond cultivation. Could you explain?”
>”If you’d be so inclined, I’d like a demonstration of how to operate it.”
>”This seems a colossal piece of engineering. What is the cost per unit?”
>Write-in.

>>4492558
>>”What sort of performance does it have on muddy and flooded terrain, say such as would be used for cultivating rice?”

>>4492558
>”What sort of performance does it have on muddy and flooded terrain, say such as would be used for cultivating rice?”
The problem also is that a big chunk of labor in wet rice cultivation is spent on planting rice saplings. A tractor won't help with this.
>”Bixby said your engine has other purposes beyond cultivation. Could you explain?”

>>4492558
>”What sort of performance does it have on muddy and flooded terrain, say such as would be used for cultivating rice?”
>”Bixby said your engine has other purposes beyond cultivation. Could you explain?”

>>4492558
>”What sort of performance does it have on muddy and flooded terrain, say such as would be used for cultivating rice?”
>”Bixby said your engine has other purposes beyond cultivation. Could you explain?”

>>4492558
>”What sort of performance does it have on muddy and flooded terrain, say such as would be used for cultivating rice?”
>>”Bixby said your engine has other purposes beyond cultivation. Could you explain?”

>>4492577
Honestly just getting trains into japan early could bee really big

>>4492558
>”Bixby said your engine has other purposes beyond cultivation. Could you explain?”

“What sort of performance does it have on muddy or flooded terrain?” You gesture towards the machine. “Much of Japan’s agriculture is dedicated to rice cultivation.”

The larger man, Bauer, is the first to speak. “The machine has little trouble moving through mud, particularly with iron studs fixed to the rear wheels.” He rubs his chin. “Though, for a crop as delicate as rice, that might be a problem.”

You nod once. Understandably, rice cultivation is out of the picture; still, basedbeans and other grains are also grown in Japan. “And what of non-cultivation uses?”

Bauer crosses his arms. “The mechanism can be used to power small mills, threshing equipment, and all manner of machinery you might want to automate.”

“Yes,” Lauper speaks next. “And it can pull several carts behind it, like a train that does not need tracks.”

“Incredible,” Keisuke mutters. Looking over, you see that he and Sato both appear quite interested in the farm engine. Sato steps forward, shaking Bauer’s hand again.

“Would such a machine as this be able to tow artillery and supply wagons for an army?” He regards the machine with a serious expression. “And if so, at what speed?”

Bauer smiles. “The engine can tow the same load as six horses or more. Easily enough to pull several heavy guns or a train of supply wagons at a marching speed.” He puts a massive hand on the iron drive wheel. “And it can use anything flammable as fuel, including brush and small trees that might be found along the side of a road.” He looks to you. “You gentlemen are soldiers, then?”

You nod. “I am a general with the Shogun’s army, and these are my top officers.”

Sato leans toward you, whispering in your ear. “The advantages such a machine could bring are worth whatever price these inventors might ask. I suggest bringing some back to Japan with us.”


>”If you’d be so inclined, I’d like a demonstration of how to operate it.”
>”This seems a colossal piece of engineering. What is the cost per unit?”
>”Do you gentlemen have a factory to produce these farm engines en-masse?”
>”Thank you for your time, gentlemen.” (look at another invention)
>Write-in.

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>basedbeans
>mfw I forget onions gets turned into based

>>4497008
>”This seems a colossal piece of engineering. What is the cost per unit?”
>Ask about licensing and technical help to get these produced in a facility in Japan.

>>4497027
Second
>>4497017
>basedbeans
>mfw I forget onions gets turned into based
wait why are O-nions word banned?

>>4497008
>”This seems a colossal piece of engineering. What is the cost per unit?”
>”Do you gentlemen have a factory to produce these farm engines en-masse?”

An interesting investment opportunity for the Japanese but if nothing else, these are two expert steam engineers (given the concept of a mobile, self-propelled and road-based work-engine was first made in 1859 and they've developed a proper design) which would be useful to have on-board for expertise even if this product isn't suitable.

Having them to help develop the industry for steam ships, trains and all the infrastructure they need would be very useful, especially since they've got to have at least some manufacturing and design experience.

>>4497132
Because of the bois Anon. Those terrible terrible bois.

>>4497008
>”This seems a colossal piece of engineering. What is the cost per unit?”
>”Do you gentlemen have a factory to produce these farm engines en-masse?”

>>4497008
>”If you’d be so inclined, I’d like a demonstration of how to operate it.”
>”Do you gentlemen have a factory to produce these farm engines en-masse?”

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“This seems a colossal piece of engineering,” you say. “What would be the price per unit?”

“The price of construction, plus labor, is a bit considerable,” Lauper begins. “To make a profit and continue producing these engines, we would need to get two thousand and five hundred dollars per unit.”

Keisuke coughs in surprise, then turns to whisper in your ear. “That is the price of ten carriages, plus their horses!” True, but potentially worth it given the highly-utilitarian nature of the machines.

Bauer interjects, arms crossed as he stands calmly. “This price would drop considerably as more units were built and production techniques were streamlined, of course. At present, these are hand-made pieces, using components from rail engines where possible.”

“I see,” you say. At that price, there’s no way they could sell to farmers. It would seem your suspicions are correct; these men have maybe a few working prototypes and are looking for investors to back them. “And do you have a factory or workshop of your own? What is your current production capacity?”

Bauer sighs heavily, not moving from where he leans against the drive wheel. “Presently, we are building these with a team of five men, including ourselves, in a converted horse barn outside of Frankfurt. Perhaps two can be completer per month, working full-time.”

“And how many do you have operational?” Sato speaks next, inquisitively looking over the machine’s running gear.

“This,” Bauer trails off momentarily. “Is the only functional example. Three others are nearing completion.”

>”If you were supplied with a factory and workers, would you be willing to relocate?” (offer to set them up in Japan)
>”What sort of investment would it take to get you men a proper factory in Germany?” (offer to invest in their venture)
>”I’d like to order a dozen. The ones you have yet to complete, this one, plus the next eight you build.” (take a gamble on their venture)
>”Can you give me a demonstration of this one running?”
>Write-in.

>>4499051
>”If you were supplied with a factory and workers, would you be willing to relocate?” (offer to set them up in Japan)

SNIP THE STEAM ENGINE.

>>4499051
>”If you were supplied with a factory and workers, would you be willing to relocate?” (offer to set them up in Japan)

Also I impulse bought a repro 1858 Remington today so expect to see them featured in upcoming installments. My god the cylinder swap is so smooth. I feel like the Pale Rider.

>>4499051
>”If you were supplied with a factory and workers, would you be willing to relocate?” (offer to set them up in Japan)
Westernize before the western world does

>>4499071
Why are you like this Zap?

show.

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>>4499107
It was like 120 bucks at a local pawn shop so I had to get it.

>>4499116
I can't even be mad then, Who the fuck just pawns those off.

“If you were supplied with a factory and workforce,” you begin. “Would you gentlemen be willing to relocate?”

“To Japan?” Bauer raises an eyebrow.

You nod. “To Japan, yes. I believe your farm engine, as well as your overall industrial expertise, could prove highly useful to the Japanese military and economy.”

Bauer turns to Lauper, and they begin speaking in German to one-another. You note Lauper’s German has a distinctly different sound to Bauer’s. As they speak, Keisuke turns to you. “You wish for the government to sponsor their endeavor?”

“More like subsidize it, really,” you reply. “We can have that British architect build a factory on the outskirts of Edo and entice local craftsmen and peasants to work there with better wages than what they make now.”

“What of raw materials?” Sato speaks next. “Japan has little coal, and the iron industry is far too small to supply a whole factory.”

“We import what can’t be supplied by Japan itself.” You cross your arms. “Herr Zorn will be more than happy to help us in that respect.”

“I see,” Keisuke nods finally. “Then I will stand by your decision.”

As you turn back to Bauer, he appears to finish his conversation with Lauper. “I believe we can come to an agreement, Herr…”

“Stockton,” you reply a bit sheepishly. You realize you hadn’t properly introduced yourselves. “Daniel Stockton.”

“Ah, Herr Stockton.” Bauer nods. “If you can supply us with a factory and workers in Japan, we have only one additional condition.” He reaches out a hand preparing to shake yours. “The Japanese government will guarantee to purchase the first fifty farm engines at full price. Being so far away from other potential customers, we will need to insure that we can actually profit from this venture.”

>”Deal.”
>”We’ll buy the first twenty-five at full price. After that, it will be up to you to sell more.”
>”We’ll buy fifty, at a ten percent discount.”
>”The Japanese government will buy as many as it needs, and no more.”
>Write-in.

>>4499185
>”We’ll buy the first 30 at full price, After that, it will be up to you to sell more.”

I think 30 would cover the cost as we're actually building the factory/ect

>>4499185
>”We’ll buy fifty, at a ten percent discount.”

>>4499185
>”We’ll buy fifty, at a ten percent discount.”

>>4499142
It is a repro
>>4499204
Second this

>>4499185
>”We’ll buy fifty, at a ten percent discount.”

Each of these sells for 2500 dollars. This means 50 should sell for 125,000 dollars and with a 10% discount, the total comes to 112,500 dollars.

That is to say we're confirming with absolute certainty that we're going to give them a 8th of a million dollars in purchases as well as a entire production facility. I can't reasonably see this as a unreasonable deal in any real sense unless they're seriously failing to markup their product's price.


In terms of moving power by the way, a single draft horse can move roughly 8,000 pounds. Each of these is apparently capable of moving as much as six horses. Even if we assume that they're only capable of two thirds of the promise, that is still 32,000 pounds that each of these can move.

For comparison, the most common field artillery of the US Civil War was the 3 inch ordinance rifle which weighed 820 pounds meaning that each of these traction engines could move multiple batteries of light artillery by themselves.

>>4499620
I've never heard of a horse moving 10 field guns at once, so there's probably an unaccounted variable in your calculations.

>>4499634
Oh almost certainly, I'm just going off what a quick google search tells me. Chances are the figure is for a horse on a perfectly level modern road or something. The point stands that these have excellent potential as heavy-movers for military use however given them equalling six horses supposedly.

A little more research and it seems the 8000 pounds statistic is only for a short distance but a horse can manage 1.5 times its own body weight for a 8 hour work day. Assuming it has a cart (e,g has wheels and therefore isn't dragging across the ground horribly).

Given a draft horse weighs 1400 to 2000 pounds, we can therefore assume that we're working with a single horse moving anywhere from 2100 to 3000 pounds. Recalculating for these values, we can see that each of these engines is moving somewhere in the region of 12,600 to 18,000 pounds (assuming the equal to 6 horses figure is taken seriously) and 8,400 to 12,000 pounds under my "66%" assumption.

This means even under a fairly pessimistic reading of these engines, they are still enough to drag 10 3-inch guns about with a little weight to spare or 8 guns with a lot to spare (for ammo, fuel, water, spare parts and so on).

This would mean a total movement capacity of 50 x 10 to 8 guns of this size. That is to say somewhere in the region of 500 to 400 guns to say nothing of what it can do if they are genuinely as strong as 6 horses.

>>4499671
I think that's an optimistic reading for the horses.

>>4499676
Hey man, I honestly agree this seems bullshit but if google tells me that this is true, I don't exactly have a degree in horse-ology to say it ain't.

This is part of the reason why I'm assuming the engines are only 2/3 as powerful as they supposedly are. Since that should compensate for any inaccuracies that might give an over estimate to at least some degree.

A concern would be be getting the required amounts of coal needed for all the engines to function.

>>4499185
>”We’ll buy fifty, at a ten percent discount.

You cross your arms. “Considering the Japanese government is granting you a factory, I believe buying the first fifty at a ten percent discount would be more reasonable.”

Bauer turns to Lauper, and the two begin speaking in French. Lauper seems rather heated, but it seems that Bauer’s point of view wins. He turns to you, shaking your hand. “The first fifty, at a ten percent discount.”

You arrange for the prototype from the show to be transported to the Great Eastern, as well as for Bauer and Lauper to return with you at the conclusion of the mission. Later in the day, you order a telegram sent to Edo explaining the situation, and ordering the construction of a factory per Bauer’s specifications. With the new undersea telegraph cables laid by the British earlier this year, you are told the message should arrive in Japan within two to four weeks, meaning the factory should be nearly complete by the time you return.

After getting the engineers settled in to their quarters aboard the train to Antwerp, you meet with your officers over dinner. “You think that farm engine will really be of use to us?” Nakajima raises an eyebrow as she speaks to Sato.

“Its agricultural uses will be limited,” he acknowledges. “But as an engine for light industrial and military use, it has potential.” He shrugs. “Besides, the Shogun can afford to invest in modern technology, right sir?” He looks to you.

You nod. “The alternative is potentially letting the enemy get ahold of it. Particularly if they’ve sent their own outreach mission to Europe as well.”

“Indeed,” Keisuke says upon finishing a piece of steak. “There was a Choshu officer in New York, so we should assume they have sent agents to Europe as well. All the more reason to aggressively pursue beneficial diplomatic and business contacts.”

“This escalation…” Nakajima trails off. “It feels like Japan is being turned into two different worlds.” She frowns. “Unless something happens to defuse the tension between the Shogun and the southern Daimyos, I fear for the unity of the realm.”

Keisuke turns his attention to Nakajima. “Escalation?” He turns to you now. “General, as one with experience regarding civil wars, what is your opinion on the state of affairs in Japan?”

Grimacing, you think of the parallels. “Well, the further two sides get from common ground, from unity, the more acceptable they might view a civil war as being.” You rub your chin. “We can only hope to bring them to heel with the weight of modernity, as of now. I still think we have a long way to go before we reach a precipice of that sort, though.”

Keisuke nods slowly. “We can only hope, General. We can only hope.” You feel a slight shudder as the train takes off. Glancing out through the windows, a light dusting of snow has begun to fall. Here, on the opposite side of the world, you can’t help but worry about what is developing in Japan as you speak.

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That's going to be all for now. Next session will likely be this Sunday, opening with our party arriving in Antwerp. Until then, feel free to ask any questions. Thanks for playing!

>>4503808
Thanks for the run Zap!

>>4503808
Thanks for playing!

How many people have already guessed we're fucking Nakajima?
How many of them guessed Naka's a girl?

>>4503805
We could elaborate that the while the issue of slavery was the catalist the stated reason for civil war was the federal government forcing laws on the states, the southern ones in particular.
Legally speaking the south was I the right, morally the north. Thus the inevitable clash. There were people running for president who tried to do a compromise but they could not rally enough votes to matter with people already having chosen sides and thinking themselves in the right.

Japan is not a democracy however but feudal in essence and if the shogun and the southern lords can come to a compromise the civil war could be awerted since it is just a handful of people that need convincing not millions. Especially if one side is overwhelming and at the same time relatively gracefull smart lords might take a deal, and even if not most of them. Without enough numbers then its nota civil war just a localized rebellion, right?

>>4504227
Most of the Japanese staff you roll with are aware of Nakajima's true identity. And there are certainly rumors going around regarding the nature of your relationship. As far as non-Japanese, most of them haven't paid enough attention to tell Nakajima isn't a man.

>>4504615
>Without enough numbers then its nota civil war just a localized rebellion, right?
That's the idea behind the Shogun's strategy of modernizing and expanding his military. There's certainly a fine line to walk between modernizing and alienating the remaining loyal daimyos, though.

>>4504729
How is Japan doing in terms of foreign investment prior to this outreach mission? Any stand-out cases from our limited time in America where they managed to secure industrial investment we've not heard about?

Also, are we still receiving our pay while onboard the ship or is it being held for our return to japan? I ask solely because this trip is a few months in length and thus on return we could potentially have a admittedly small amount of money to invest in Japan even if we burn everything we've "currently" got.

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>>4505062
Some foreign investment and outreach has been done, mostly on a very small scale though. The largest scale example is a European-designed fortress in Ezo named Goryokaku. As far as Stockton's pay, he is currently being paid his normal rate during the mission.

Also, session will go live in two hours.

>>4507771
Fuck ya

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You breathe into your gloved hands, looking out toward the city of Antwerp as your train gets closer. You stand on the rear platform of your private car, wearing a heavy topcoat over your uniform. It has gotten rather cold, and you are forced to admit that autumn is gone and winter has now arrived. It will make traveling through Switzerland particularly unpleasant, you imagine.

Even from a distance, Antwerp is impressive. The buildings look much the same as those in Brussels, but somehow the skyline seems imposing, standing in stark contrast to the empty fields and little farming villages surrounding it. Having had enough of the cold wind, you return to the warmth of the railcar.

“Good morning, General,” Keisuke is standing in the living area of the car when you arrive. On your table is a small tray with some breakfast food and steaming coffee, and in the statesman’s hand is a folded paper. “I’ve received a telegram from Edo.”

You raise an eyebrow. “Good or bad?”

Keisuke sighs. “It would appear the Tosa Domain has announced their formal support of the Satsuma coalition.” Grimacing, he hands you the telegram itself. “They are calling for the Shogun to step down and allow the Emperor to govern.”

“Isn’t the Emperor like fourteen?” You take the telegram, looking at Keisuke with an incredulous expression.

His expression mirrors yours. “I believe he is being manipulated by the Satsuma and former-Choshu lords. They seem to be getting ideas far above their station…”

Glancing over the content of the telegram, you nod slowly. “This was originally sent about a month ago, right?”

Keisuke nods. “Four and a half weeks ago. That new undersea telegraph line is a marvel.”

You sigh. “Let’s hope the situation doesn’t deteriorate any further. Has the Shogun been made aware of this?”

“Not yet,” Keisuke says. “Matsudaira Katamori specified that the telegram should reach you first. Shall I send a messenger when we arrive in Antwerp?”

>”No. The Shogun won’t take the news well. We don’t need him making any hasty decisions.”
>”Of course. He’s the boss, after all.”
>”Doctor the message a bit. Make things sound less severe, maybe take out the part about the Satsuma calling for him to step down.”
>Write-in.

>>4507906
>Ask the rest of our loyal officers on the matter, They are still more informed about the various factions back home then us.
>Go with the majority of them.

>>4507906
How many other locations are we due to visit? Or how long more is our mission and the shogun's supposed to take.

>>4508113
The mission of which you're a part is due to visit: Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Italy, Sweden, and Norway. It is scheduled to take about 2 months. During that time, the Shogun's mission will be conducting business and diplomacy in France.

>>4508126
So dragging out his receiving this message till such a point at which our mission is returning home is not likely to be feasible... hmm...

>>4507906
>>”Of course. He’s the boss, after all.”
>>Write-in.
Pen a second message affirming that the shogunal forces will defend his rule, that the mewling of weakened dogs should not overly concern him and suggest writing a reply reaffirming his role as defender of the Emperor in the face of all threats, be they foreign and domestic.

I want him to see this letter in all its harshness. He needs to see that he needs us or he will be deposed anyways. He needs us more than we need him. We should also send a message instructing that the shogun be informed of these messages when he is alone at night, away from the foreign diplomats so that he does not make a scene. Furthermore, any reply he sends should be routed through to us first before we send it on.

>>4507906
>”Of course. He’s the boss, after all.”

>>4507906
>”Of course. He’s the boss, after all.”

>>4507906
>”Of course. He’s the boss, after all.”