Europe arc has had me suspenseful about when we finally return to japan

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The morning air greets you briskly as you turn your collar up. The sun is almost blinding against the deep snow that has fallen around Schloss Tegel. Your breath turns to steam in the cold as you squint, feeling the back of your eyes start to burn.

“Incredible.” Nakajima stands next to you, thoroughly bundled in a topcoat and scarf. “I’ve never seen this much snow.”

“It was certainly a blizzard,” you nod. It isn’t the most you’ve seen, though. A couple feet of powdery snow lay across the ground as far as the eye can see. Back in New York, a blizzard that would put this to shame would happen at least three times during winter. Typically once at the very beginning of the season, perhaps even in late October, another midwinter in the teens of December, and typically the worst one sometime in late January.

“I am glad that Japan has a milder climate,” Keisuke rubs his bare hands together, trudging toward the waiting carriage. You nod in agreement, following with your officers. Zorn follows close behind, puffing on his ornate pipe.

Sato, you notice, has been rather quiet since last night. He’s contemplating a lot of things, you can tell. You can only hope that you didn’t instill any dangerous ambitions in the man; that’s the last thing you need right now.

You all pile into the carriage, closing the doors and brushing snow off of your trousers and boots. With a call from the driver, the coach begins to trundle through the snow, wheels finding themselves homes in troughs left by other carts and carriages that came and went throughout the morning. You’re headed to Spandau, a key arsenal in the German Confederacy.

Your intentions today are simple: buy weapons and supplies. That being said, there are certainly intricacies to such dealings. How many units of each item will you order? How many rifles will you need to supply a proper army? Is there a possibility of producing rifles or cannons under license, or even making a production order for Spandau itself? And that’s not even considering uniforms and other kit, much of which is currently surplussed and up for sale. Truly, it is enough to boggle the mind.

“Are you excited, General?” Zorn smirks, raising an eyebrow. “We’re back to our old tricks, Dreyse Rifles were the very thing that got us involved with the Shogun in the first place.”

Keisuke raises an eyebrow this time. “I wasn’t aware that you had entered the Shogun’s sphere through the sale of weapons.”

>”Yep. Through weapons.” (decline to elaborate)
>”Well, it was a bit complicated…” (bashful)
>”I was a bodyguard for Herr Zorn at first, and we were actually selling to the Shogun’s enemies when we got caught by the Shinsengumi. I was able to talk my way out of execution and into his service from there.” (tell the full story)
>Write-in.

Also sorry all for the lack of recent updates, I picked the worst possible time of the year to go into retail management. Practically married to the store at the moment.

>>5073039
>”I was a bodyguard for Herr Zorn at first, and we were actually selling to the Shogun’s enemies when we got caught by the Shinsengumi. I was able to talk my way out of execution and into his service from there.” (tell the full story)

>>5073039
>”I was a bodyguard for Herr Zorn at first, and we were actually selling to the Shogun’s enemies when we got caught by the Shinsengumi. I was able to talk my way out of execution and into his service from there.” (tell the full story)

>>5073039
>>”I was a bodyguard for Herr Zorn at first, and we were actually selling to the Shogun’s enemies when we got caught by the Shinsengumi. I was able to talk my way out of execution and into his service from there.” (tell the full story)

>>5073039
>”Well, it was a bit complicated…” (bashful)

>>5073039
>”I was a bodyguard for Herr Zorn at first, and we were actually selling to the Shogun’s enemies when we got caught by the Shinsengumi. I was able to talk my way out of execution and into his service from there.” (tell the full story)

>>5073039
>”I was a bodyguard for Herr Zorn at first, and we were actually selling to the Shogun’s enemies when we got caught by the Shinsengumi. I was able to talk my way out of execution and into his service from there.” (tell the full story)


>>5073043
Don't worry about it Zap, I'm just glad that you're running in the first place.

>>5073039
>>”Well, it was a bit complicated…” (bashful)

>>5073043
Also welcome to the rice fields at this point now Zap me boy, glad your back eitherway.

Also Merry Christmas and new years if you die randomly.

You shrug, mirroring Zorn’s smirk. “Well, when I first arrived in Japan, I worked as a bodyguard for hire.” Gesturing to the Prussian, you continue. “I was working for Zorn, and he was selling Needle Rifles to a group of gentlemen who turned out to be rebels.”

Keisuke raises an eyebrow, leaning forward a bit. “I see, intriguing.”

You lean back in the seat, rubbing the bridge of your nose. The first of the city’s buildings begin passing by as you get closer to Spandau. “Anyhow, the Shinsengumi intercepted the deal, and we were able to bargain ourselves out of certain execution.”

“And into the Shogun’s army, no less.” Zorn chuckles, looking out at the passing buildings. “It was Herr Stockton’s idea to offer his expertise to the Shogun.”

“I see.” Keisuke repeats himself. “So that’s how we got the Dreyse guns that our first rifle brigade used.”

“Indeed,” you nod. “They were indispensable in getting our forces ready for combat.”

“Hopefully we can get some more,” Sato muses. He sits with his arms crossed, observing pedestrians as the carriage trundles over cobblestone streets. “They were fine weapons, if a bit troublesome in wet and muddy conditions.”

“Oh we can at least get some rifles, I’m sure.” Zorn smiles, then points over your shoulder. “There it is, Spandau Arsenal.”

You turn and crane your neck, looking to see a stoutly-built brick wall with a large entryway. The carriage passes under the vaulted arch, and you pull into a courtyard containing the main production and office building. As the carriage comes to a halt, you all exit to a reception of several men in dark suits and tophats. “Guten Tag,” Zorn calls out to one of the men, leading you to him. “Stockton, this is Klaus Witter, the Armory Director.”

Witter, a short man with a round face and thick mustache, shakes your hand vigorously. “I have been expecting you, Herr General.” He leads you and your cadre through a large door, and into what appears to be the main production floor. Dozens of lathes and mills, powered by overhead belts, whir dutifully. Technicians meticulously craft new parts and pieces of different weapons. Admittedly, you see more machines unmanned and silent than you do running. “Welcome to the Spandau Arsenal.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Director.” You nod, looking around. “This is a truly impressive facility.”

“I thank you, sir.” Witter nods proudly. “Our workmen are the pride of the Confederation.” He then motions for you to follow him. “Now please, let us go to my office. I understand you want to discuss business matters?”

>”I would like to purchase surplus Needle Rifles, sir.”
>”What can you tell me about your inventories of artillery and support equipment?”
>”Does the armory stock uniforms and kit, as well as weapons?”
>”I don’t suppose Spandau would be interested in taking on a production contract for the Japanese military, would you?”
>”I noticed a number of inactive machines. Would you be interested in selling off some unused tooling?”
>Write-in.

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>>5073394
>>5073836
Thanks guys, I appreciate the kind words.

>>5074117
>”I noticed a number of inactive machines. Would you be interested in selling off some unused tooling?”

>>5074117
>”I noticed a number of inactive machines. Would you be interested in selling off some unused tooling?”

>>5074122
No need, We're friendo's boss man.

>>5074117
>”I noticed a number of inactive machines. Would you be interested in selling off some unused tooling?”

>>5074117
>”I noticed a number of inactive machines. Would you be interested in selling off some unused tooling?”

I think it rather unlikely they'll sell us too much tooling, but honestly even a single lathe for our resident firearms expert / tinkerer to work with would be a huge help in developing and maintaining advanced weapons. In terms of priorities for equipment - Rifles and Light Artillery are arguably of greatest importance to us. We're not facing star forts so heavy guns are wasted (and more expensive to run, difficult to use / transport) and we need as many good rifles as we can get to explode our light infantry force / modernise the Japanese army.

Speaking of our tinkerer friend, land mines. Land mines were a item used by the Confederacy in the US Civil War to compensate for manpower / material deficiencies and were decently effective even when ad-hoc. It wouldn't be impossible to establish some sort of consistent production of them to fortify locations or for field
use.

>>5074117
>>”Does the armory stock uniforms and kit, as well as weapons?”
>>”I noticed a number of inactive machines. Would you be interested in selling off some unused tooling?”

>>5074116
>”I noticed a number of inactive machines. Would you be interested in selling off some unused tooling?”

>>5074117
>>”I would like to purchase surplus Needle Rifles, sir.”
>>”What can you tell me about your inventories of artillery and support equipment?”
>>”I noticed a number of inactive machines. Would you be interested in selling off some unused tooling?”

Tooling alone might not be paletable to them. That is their means of making money and production. No, it should not be the first thing we ask for.

We should ask to purchase guns and artillery, then move to purchasing surplus tooling. Say due to the distances, we will need some organic method of maintaining our equipment and producing a limited quantity of spare parts.

A package deal is one that is more likely to succeed.

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Soon, you are up in the main office of the armory, a room with a large desk made of heavy oak, with a walnut burl top and a green felt pad in the middle. There are several large, comfortable chairs and a deeply-padded sofa. As you and your cadre seat yourselves, Director Witter leans against his desk and straightens his tie. For some reason, you get the impression that this man is cut from a wholly different cloth than most of the Germans here in Berlin. He has a more relaxed demeanor, almost casual, and he smiles more.

Clearing your throat, you begin speaking. “Herr Director, I noticed some inactive machines downstairs.” You gesture toward the door through which you just entered. “I don’t suppose any of those would be up for sale, would they?”

Zorn looks over at you, and for the first time since you’ve met the man, he gives a look of utter surprise. Soon, it changes to a look of wry approval. You turn your attention back to Witter, who raises an eyebrow and smirks playfully. “So you’ve taken notice.” Nodding slightly, he continues. “Yes, with the end of hostilities and our largest production contracts filled, there is a lack of demand for our products. I’m ashamed to admit it, but we’ve even had to cut staff in the wake of peace with Austria.” He leans forward slightly, rubbing his chin as he regards you. “Suppose I did sell some tooling to you, does Japan have the necessary raw materials and skilled labor to support a small factory?”

Keisuke looks at you, seeming to wordlessly ask permission before speaking. You nod almost unnoticeably. The diplomat, sensing your gesture, speaks. “Japan has been making swords from steel for hundreds of years,” he begins. “Though we have little in the way of a large iron and steel industry, we could certainly scale up the output of the facilities that we do have.” He leans back, resting one leg atop his knee. “And mobilizing and training workmen for the sake of running such machines would be well within the scope of our current abilities. We could certainly support a small factory for the production of military arms.”

Witter nods slowly as he listens. “I see. Japan’s industry is young, and still developing from the sound of things.” He looks over to you again. “Indeed such a nation would benefit greatly from a handful of machine tools, not only for making weapons but also other machines.” He pauses, rubbing his chin again. “Such an advantage would be useless without steam power to operate the tooling, though.”

You nod once. “We have access to steam engines. I have seen fit to recruit a pair of Swiss engineers to our cause, and they have a revolutionary piece of technology that they are bringing to Japan with them.”

Witter smiles slightly. “Ah, the Swiss. No finer craftsmen exist in Europe, to be sure.” He finally steps toward you, arms crossed. “And if I were inclined to sell some surplus machinery, how much of it would you intend to buy?”

>”As much as you can reasonably sell me. An army can’t fight with only a handful of rifles.” (ambitious)
>”A modest amount, enough to start a small arms manufactory.” (reasonable)
>”Enough to equip a medium-sized workshop for the sake of prototyping weapons and building new machine tools.” (careful)
>Write-in.

>>5082361

>”A modest amount, enough to start a small arms manufactory.” (reasonable)

>>5082361
>”As much as you can reasonably sell me. An army can’t fight with only a handful of rifles.” (ambitious)

Industrial independence is the future of Japan. Military dominance is the survival of the Shogun. Economic utility is to the benefit of Us. Further, the purchase of these should reduce the cost-per-unit of other purchases we bundle into the deal.

Fact is we want the ability to equip every soldier with a modern rifle - and that we've made investments in developing our own better equipment by acquiring a experimenting gunsmith. To really achieve these two goals we need the production capacity both for existing and future designs, as well as to then support them in the field with spare parts and modifications to the design as issues arise.

Similarly, we have to consider what we will do longer term - not just in this war but the next one - and for that the ability to produce machine tools and industrial equipment using these machines is highly valuable. Even beyond the point of the military use, they are a potential source of revenue for the state by selling surplus machine-time to companies that need spare parts or selling machines wholesale as we produce more (or if we design a better machine tool, selling the old ones as we replace them).

>>5082358
>”As much as you can reasonably sell me. An army can’t fight with only a handful of rifles.” (ambitious)
Gotta go for broke.

>>5082361
>”As much as you can reasonably sell me. An army can’t fight with only a handful of rifles.” (ambitious)

>>5082361
>”A modest amount, enough to start a small arms manufactory.” (reasonable)

>>5082361
>”As much as you can reasonably sell me. An army can’t fight with only a handful of rifles.” (ambitious)
Remember natural resources, remember that IRL Japan's industrialization was first driven by mines (which btw need upgrading. We should visit some miners on the tour)

>>5082361
>”As much as you can reasonably sell me. An army can’t fight with only a handful of rifles.” (ambitious)
The faster the industry grows the better.

>>5082361
>>”A modest amount, enough to start a small arms manufactory.” (reasonable)

>>5082358
>”As much as you can reasonably sell me. An army can’t fight with only a handful of rifles.” (ambitious)

>>5082361
Merry Christmas Zap, Hope your staying safe

>>5097011
Thanks, merry Christmas to you and all the rest of my players as well. Session will hopefully resume on the 28th depending on my work schedule.

So my ops manager caught covid, meaning I have to go in this evening. Will still try to post a story update when I get home tonight.

“I will need as many machines as you can reasonably sell me,” you begin. Leaning, forward, you continue. “An army needs rifles, and we intend to make an army to overwhelm any enemy we might need to face.”

Keisuke raises an eyebrow, seemingly surprised at your ambition. Sato glances in your direction, nodding once. Witter, perhaps taken aback by your blunt statement, rubs his chin thoughtfully. “I see. It is true that we are in a position to sell off a substantial amount of surplus tooling…” He trails off. “But, can you afford such a purchase?”

Keisuke turns to you, switching to Japanese. “A large purchase such as this will require extensive capital. While we do have our supply of gold from the national treasury, and the diamonds obtained from our adventure in Belgium…” He frowns. “I worry that such a large expenditure could limit our options in other nations.”

Nakajima nods once in agreement. “Not to mention that we need rifles now, and not weeks or months after we return to Japan.” She looks over at you. “Buying tooling en masse may exclude us from acquiring the number of already-made rifles and munitions that we will need.”

Sato frowns. “Indeed, it would be a choice between the present and the future. Still, to ensure that our nation has access to a modern arms manufactory would prove vital in securing our military interests abroad, once the disloyal realms are brought to heel.”

Japan’s interests abroad? You frown. That’s some very long-term thinking. While you can’t help but understand his mindset, you also understand Nakajima and Keisuke’s thoughts. Your army will need rifles immediately, if it is to properly contend for national dominance.

Zorn, not being able to speak a lick of Japanese, stares on in mock-understanding, nodding every now and then as if to pretend he’s in on the conversation. As you finish hearing Sato’s side of things, the Prussian speaks. “This is a rare opportunity, General.” He speaks in English. “I cannot think of a better way to get an advantage compared to Japan’s neighbors.”

>”How much would it cost us to buy as much as you can sell?” (inquire further)
>”I believe we should take a more balanced approach, actually. We would like to purchase surplus weapons and equipment as well.” (scale back)
>”We can afford it. Let’s move forward into discussing the price and means of shipping.” (stay the course)
>”I believe the Shogun should be consulted regarding this. Can we send a telegram?” (defer to higher authority)
>Write-in.

>>5100808
>”How much would it cost us to buy as much as you can sell?” (inquire further)
>”I believe the Shogun should be consulted regarding this. Can we send a telegram?” (defer to higher authority)

I feel like we'd need too inquire further to properly send a telegram TOO the shogun, So its not half assed.

Also, Rad we got an update

>>5100808
>>5100817

>>5100808
>”I believe we should take a more balanced approach, actually. We would like to purchase surplus weapons and equipment as well.” (scale back)

>>5100808
>>”How much would it cost us to buy as much as you can sell?” (inquire further)
Lets find out all we can, then we send a message to the Shogun.

>>5100817
Thirding this

>>5100817
Support

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Hey players, sorry for the radio silence on my end, things at work have been hectic as we've switched from Christmas to Valentine's at the store. Assuming the thread is still here tomorrow, we'll have a session here. If not, I'll start a new thread for the session.

>>5117710
Thanks Boss