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>>5366144

And furthermore, that whole deal with the smuggler is why you're being called by Zayyine Theocratic Republic's King Harqa Wahid.
"Well, your smuggler Samar's still in critical condition right now, our doctors are doing their best to save him. We'll send him back when he's healthy enough to walk."
"Ah, yes, yes, of course. Say, I'm willing to send a dozen Aqrab light tanks over, as an... incentive. What do you say?" His casual yet eloquent voice shoots through the line like fire.
"I'll think about it. I have a question, though: heavy weapons to gangs, really?"
You can almost hear the partial guilt and confusion over there. "Ah... to tell you the truth, it's what I sent Samar to look for. One of the things, really. Anyways, that's about all the time I have for now... please keep him alive, yes? Peace be, President Sam!"
Well, that was something.

You were about to mull over Wahid's offer when a report arrives at your desk. Apparently, during the Altosonora music festival's venue in the province of Arepa Sud, in the city of Maguiron, the Captains of Industry band performed a song that wasn't on the list as an encore. The lyrics was about the necessary evil of getting money, which was inspired by the Neges protests - but the mostly Neges crowd absolutely loves it. Unsurprising since Arepa Sud is your southeastern province, where the plantations are. While this unscheduled performance would lessen the Neges populace's anger, it could ignite it more in the long run - and the fact remains that the band played an unsactioned song.

>What do you say to Wahid's offer of Aqrabs?
>□ Take them earnestly and return Samar later
>□ Take them, but have Samar die
>□ Take them, but keep hold of Samar
>□ Refuse, but return Samar later
>□ Refuse and keep hold of Samar
>□ Other (fill in)

What do you do about this unsanctioned song?
>□ Jail the band
>□ Fine the band
>□ Make them have an accident
>□ Let them be
>□ Promote them publicly
>□ Other (fill in)

>>5366160
>□ Take them earnestly and return Samar later
>□ Make them have... problems
Don't hurt them, just send some spies to make their life hell - hotel keys lost, plane tickets cancelled, visa invalid... and meanwhile dig through their notes/phones to find if there was more to it than just a rebelling band.

>>5366160
>□ Take them earnestly and return Samar later
Interrogate Solo- I mean Samar first, see if he can’t turn him into a double agent. A baker’s dozen of tanks for one man is a fine trade, and we can always reneg on the deal if need be.
>□ Promote them publicly, have them go on tour promoting state propaganda and a message to calm the protests, and ‘tax’ them for the ‘free’ publicity
Way I figure it, we can get free brownie points from the Neges by associating our regime with the band, calm the protests down, and this ‘tax’ on the band’s profits (merchandise included) will effectively be a fine without publicly calling it one.

>>5366190
>free brownie points from the Neges
Give them a finger, and they’ll take the whole hand.

>>5366191
I was thinking more co-opting and subverting the band to control the opposition and calm them down. Besides, the depressed wages could be solved by developing our mineral wealth, which will create economic competition for the labor and thus increase their wages organically. We just need to tide them over until our economy becomes more developed.

>>5366172
+1
If you give them an opening, they'll keep demanding more and more and more stuff.

>>5366160
>□ Take them earnestly and return Samar later
Hey no biggie, it was just a gas explosion wink wink
>□ Promote them publicly
Promote them really hard for a bit, use their songs in some propaganda too, nobody listens to sell outs

>>5366160
>□ Take them earnestly and return Samar later

>Investigate the band. Try and see if they're open to recruitment/manipulation in our favour.

>>5366160
>□ Take them earnestly and return Samar later
>>□ Promote them publicly

>>5366172
+1

>>5366160
>□ Take them earnestly and return Samar later
Have them give 6 of the tanks first, then we give Samar, THEN they give us the other 6. This way we establish our goodwill in a way that won't cause them too much loss (6 tanks instead of 12 in case we turn on them) and benefits us with some gain (6 tanks in our possession, in case they turn on us and decide not to give the full 12 or they pull some shit), which in turn opens them to establish theirs.
>□ Make them have... problems
But spare them the real pain. Big inconveniencing to make them sweat for a good bit is fine, but no overdoing it.

>>5366160
supporting >>5366190

>□ Take them earnestly and return Samar later, AFTER interrogation
>□ Promote them publicly, have them go on tour promoting state propaganda and a message to calm the protests, and ‘tax’ them for the ‘free’ publicity

The best propaganda machines can reintegrate and defang messages of rebellion to enforce the status quo.

>>5366160
>□ Take them earnestly and return Samar later
>□ Recruit them.

>>5366160
>□ Take them earnestly and return Samar later
But try to get some sort of confession out of Samar, I'd like to have a piece of insurance in case Zyyine tries something else.
>□ Promote them publicly, have them go on tour promoting state propaganda and a message to calm the protests, and ‘tax’ them for the ‘free’ publicity

>>5366160
>Take them earnestly, and return Samar later
>Make them pay a token fine, warn them to go through the proper procedures next time or the penalty might be more than they're willing to pay.

As much as I might like to, can't let them get away with flaunting the rules. We didn't sanction it, but it isn't like we banned it, either.

>>5366160
>□ Take them earnestly and return Samar later
>>5366172
>+1

>>5366160
we really should do something about how we dont support the plantation companies illegally hiring unsanctioned mercenaries and not taking the proper legal path and artificially pressing down wages and taking money from the country

>>5367246
do we really gain anything from the plantation companies and them hiring mercenaries easily gives us leverage sure they export overseas but low wages and them likely shipping that money to offshore banks actually makes us less money.
the plantation companies get us money but its less money then we should be getting and people spending money inside our country means more money for us

>>5367246
>>5367248
We’ll just put our spooks on it, no need to suddenly start fucking with our agriculture, we don’t want our nation to turn into Sri Lanka lad.

>>5366190
Support

>>5366374
Support

Rolled 6 (1d6)

>>5366160
Alright, votes tallied and locked in. Near unanimous in earnestly returning Samar, near tie between promotion or problem for the band (promotion wins).

>RNG for events:
>1 = Gang power vaccuum filled
>2 = Disaster, natural or manmade
>3 = Agitator clues
>4 = Soleil related event
>5 = Marsh Oil woes
>6 = The Sleeper awakes

>>5367508
Ayyyyy lmao

>>5367508
>>6 = The Sleeper awakes
Oh shit.

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>>5366160

Before you decide anything about the band, you feel that Wahid's offer is more urgent. Best grab that gift horse by the mouth before it runs away. You order Julia to ring up King Wahid's number.
"Greetings, King Wahid! I have mulled over your... incentive, and I accept. But, since Samar haven't yet stabilized, how about this? You send over six Aqrab as goodwill, I send Samar your way when he's good, and then you send the rest of the Aqrab. This way, if Samar does die, you'd only lose six light tanks instead of twelve - and well, it counts as diplomatic goodwill either way. How's that, eh? Eh?"
You hear a throaty, smokey laugh. "Hehahaha! You are a cunning one, Chainsaw Sam! You, I like. I agree to this - I will send the first Six Aqrabs soon. Peace be!"

Heh, not bad, you thought he's just some kind of desert playboy in the past, but it seems like you could get along well. At least in scheming.
Now, on to this Captains of Industry band who made ripples when they ignored your ministry of entertainment's song list. Well, technically, they did play the approved songs first, and only sang this unsanctioned new song as an encore. Kind of a grey area, which you were glad to just slap them with a fine and get it over with - if not for the effects it had on the Neges populace.
In short, the Neges absolutely love it. The song's lyrics actually focuses on making people work more and be productive, and you can see that Risonha's prediction of another Neges wage protest doesn't come to pass in the following days.
So you send the Ministry of Entertainment to support their music careers here - record deals, copyrights, big fat dosh incentive - and meet them at their motel at Altosonora's next stop.
Confronted with such tantalizing prospects, they quickly accepted, and agreed to stay and record their new album in Paneira after the music festival ends. How's that for bread and circuses?

(Contd.)

>>5367661

As if on cue, Julia comes in with a top secret report. "Your excellency, the Sleeper has awoken."
Knowing this to be the codename for the gigantic xenoform you've shot down in Norteste, you quickly motion her to follow you through the corridors, to your own underground rail system - one that connects your various secret bunkers. One of them was repurposed into a containment slash research chamber for the titular Sleeper, and there you meet with the scientist in charge - the one from University of Norteste.
"What's the situation?" You ask, as the three of you walk into the innermost safe zone.
"Mr. President, sir... she awoke just a half hour ago, and sat up." The scientist is a bookish woman by the name of Francesca Diaz.
You arrive at the inner sanctum, the only thing dividing you from the giant is a thick layer of bulletproof glass. "And she just... kept sitting like that?"
"Well, we tried some forms of communication - we've tried letters, numbers, speech, and none of them elicit a reaction, as expected."
You peer at the enormous woman. Her golden skin subtly ripples with energy, and her orange-fire hair looks more like actual fire. Her alien gaze lies squarely on you and Julia. Hmm, perhaps she'll react to changes in heat? Or maybe try a mirror rapport first?
"Sir, you can try communicating with her, if you want. She seems to be at least curious about us."
The giant, sitting in a lotus position, is still fixing her gaze on you.

>Want to try communicating?
>□ Try speaking normally to it
>□ Try lighting a lighter to get her attention
>□ Try interpretative dance, see if she mimics you
>□ Try bringing a cow in, see how she responds
>□ Try a bit of magic spell you've learned in your long past
>□ Other (fill in)

Snu-Snu
>□ Try a bit of magic spell you've learned in your long past
I'll reckon that this might be a better option

>>5367663
>□ Try a bit of magic spell you've learned in your long past

>>5367663
>□ Try a bit of magic spell you've learned in your long past

>>5367663
>□ Try speaking normally to it
simply because I don't trust the other people in the room

>>5367663
>□ Try a bit of magic spell you've learned in your long past
Have everyone else but Julia leave, first.

>>5367663
>□ Try bringing a cow in, see how she responds
>□ Try a bit of magic spell you've learned in your long past

>>5367663
>□ Try a bit of magic spell you've learned in your long past

>>5367663
>□ Try a bit of magic spell you've learned in your long past

Also what >>5367786 said.

>>5367786
Yeah, this is important, everyone should leave the room

>>5367663
>□ Try bringing a cow in, see how she responds

>>5367786
>>5367893
+1

>>5367786
>+1
Anybody wants to place bets? I say it's either an interdimentional ayy lmao or some sort of spirit

>>5369909
are not fey and spirits just aliens?

>>5367786
have everyone leave the room they can also bring us a cow and a mirror

>>5369909
You new around here?

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>>5367663

"Very well, I'll try this magic spell I've learned long ago. But, be warned: do NOT tell anyone else of what I'm about to do, and there is a chance you'll go insane. Leave if you are not sure of your own mind's strength." you declare to Julia and Francesca.
"I'll follow you to the ends of the world, your excellency!" Julia's spirited response is good to hear.
"I don't believe in magic, Mr. President - but hey, you're the president, sir. I'm kind of curious about all this." Francesca's reply actually does ring with curiosity.
"Alright, you've been warned."

You take a deep breath - or the intent to do so, on account of your lich situation - and formulate the mantra in your mind, balling them up onto your nonexistent tongue. Then, when it's concentrated enough, roll it out into the world.
"By the Maxilla and Mandible, let there be understanding between us." You utter in all the tongues you know at the same time, and yet to Julia and Francesca, you speak in just one, even as the mantras swirl around them.
Then you turn towards the giant woman. "Greetings, starfarer. I am the leader of these lands. My name is Samuel Evil, but some call me Chainsaw."

When the fiery giant speaks, her words sizzle and shine. "WELL MET, BONEY MAN. I AM - "
The syllables that reverberate through the containment chamber blaze with alien meanings, but your spell parses it clearly as: " - ASTRA."

Good, the spell works - you admit you're a bit rusty with this. Rerouting the branch of necromancy that deals with speaking to the dead and bending it to deal with the living is quite difficult, even to a lich of your power.

"What the fuuu- why can I understand her?! What are all these small voices near me?! Am I hearing bacteria conversing?!?" Oop, Francesca might be in over her head a bit. Anyways, something more important is on your mind, and that's the questions you're about to ask Astra.

>What questions are you going to ask Astra? (Pick three at most)
>□ Where are you from?
>□ Why did you come here?
>□ What's that luminous, round form of yours?
>□ What's up with the cows?
>□ Other (fill in)

>>5370284
>Where are you from?
>Why did you come here?
>What are you going to do now?
Interesting, so she can see through our glamour.

>>5370284
>>5370296
+1. Might as well get the basics out of the way first

>>5370284
>□ Where are you from?
>□ Why did you come here?
>□ What's up with the cows?

>>5370304
I imagine we could also probably join the dots RE the cows from the answer to the second question.

>>5370284
>□ What's up with the cows?
>□ Other: What can I do for you?
>□ Other: What can you do for me?

>>5370284
>□ Where are you from?
>□ Why did you come here?
>□ What's that luminous, round form of yours?

>>5370296
>support

>>5370284
>□ Apologize for shooting her down and explain that her actions seemed hostile as she killed farm animals without making any communication attempts
>□ Why did you come here?
>□ Are there more of your kind?
Asking about cows and weird quirks of her should be our lowest priority right now.

>>5370284
>□ Apologize for shooting her down and explain that her actions seemed hostile as she killed farm animals without making any communication attempts
>□ Why did you come here?
>□ Are there more of your kind?

>>5370284
>□ Where are you from?
>□ Why did you come here?
>□ Need a place to stay?

>>5370296
we have glamour? I thought everybody knew we were a lich.

>>5370570
Nah, most people think we're a regular human dictator cosplaying in a goofy skull mask.

>>5370433
+1

>>5370483
supporting

>>5370433
Support

>>5370284
>5367661
>Other
"Look. I know there are a lot of pressing issues going on, but...Astra, the tits. Just how rockin' are those tits? Omnimams."

>>5372024
They're bigger than our head (including hat) yes

>>5370433
+1

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>>5370284

"Um, please disregard Francesca's ramblings for now. I have questions that you might be able to answer." You turn to Astra.
"VERY WELL, BONEY SAM. I SHALL ANSWER THREE FOR NOW, AS SUCH NUMBERS ARE SACRED." Her voice like calm embers.
Just three, eh? Better cut it to the basics. "One: Where did you come from? Two: Why did you come here? Three: Are there more of you?"
Her answer comes in the form of a song, or a poem, or an epic. You're not sure which.

https://youtu.be/uU2pfoK43fk

"LONG AGO, I WAS MADE BY THE THREE GREAT INVISIBLES, IN THE MANNER THAT THE FIRST OF US, MELUSINE, WAS CREATED. ME AND MY CAST-SISTERS WAS THEN GIVEN A MISSION: TO GO AND DOCUMENT LIFE ACROSS THE COSMOS. THEN WE DREAMT IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE THIS. OVER TIME, HOWEVER, ERRATIC BEHAVIOR EMERGED, AND SOME OF MY SISTERS DISAPPEARED FROM HYPERSTELLAR CONTACT. THEN, MY OBJECTIVES CHANGED, TO RETRIEVE MY ERRANT SISTERS. I AM HERE NOW BECAUSE IN MY DREAMS, THIS SPHERE REVERBERATES WITH SIGNS OF MY SISTERS. THEN I AM AWOKEN BY YOUR FORCES."
"Ah, I see. I do apologize for shooting you down, you did not communicate to us, and we thought you hostile."
"IT IS FINE. THIS PLACE YOU'VE BROUGHT ME TO - THIS MIGHT HELP ME MEDITATE, TO ASCERTAIN THE PRECISE LOCATION OF MY ERRANT SISTERS. I THANK YOU FOR THIS."
"Very well, I'll leave you to it, then."
Interesting! You wonder if the dead cows were part of her species cataloguing, or a way for her to search for her sisters? Anyhow, you look to Julia, who is taking all this very stoically, and Francesca, who has resorted to giggling and mumbling to herself about all the experiments she's going to make with her little friends.
Julia then stepped close to your side. "Pardon me, your excellency, but there's been a report while Astra... uh, sang. Apparently the Soleil investigation team found a substantial intel about Soleil."
Well, about time! You'll have to check it when you're back at your office.

>What do you do about Francesca?
>□ Institutionalize her
>□ Let her work on her experiments
>□ Keep her on Astra overwatch duty
>□ Other (fill in)

>What is the Soleil intel?
>□ Next target
>□ Previous hit
>□ Possible face
>□ Current possible client

>>5373587
>□ Let her work on her experiments-Supervised, of course
>□ Keep her on Astra overwatch duty
Mad scientist a go! Also, if we get another EU, we should invest in Paranormal Investigations- Men in Black style! (As well as mineral/mining production, of course.)
>□ Possible face

>>5373587
>□ Keep her on Astra overwatch duty
>□ Next target
We really need to ensure complete loyalty on our secrer police so we can have better secret projects.

>>5373587
>□ Let her work on her experiments-Supervised, of course. Highly supervised.

>Next Target
If we can control the location of the target, we can control where Soleil will be.

>>5373587
>□ Let her work on her experiments (but under supervision)
>□ Current possible client

Soleil isn't a problem, they're an opportunity. If we can strongarm the client then we might gain access to them and have their services at our disposal.

>>5373587
>□ Institutionalize her
>□ Next target

>>5373587
>□ Let her work on her experiments -- Supervised, of course

>□ Next target

>>5373587
>□ Let her work on her experiments (but under supervision)
>□ Next target

>>5373587
>Let her work on her experiments - supervised, of course

We DID warn her.

>>5373587
>□ Let her work on her experiments
>>5373587
>□ Next target

>>5373587
>What do you do about Francesca?
>□ Institutionalize her
better to remove any possible risks as she knows some now very secret info
personally I wound just eliminate her to be safe
>What is the Soleil intel?
>□ Possible face

>>5373587
>□ Institutionalize her
Give her the funny pills, then
>□ Let her work on her experiments
AWAY from Astra
>□ Next target

>>5373587
>□ Let her work on her experiments (but under supervision)
>□ Next target
maybe if we explain to her what the big lady said, she'll be less insane?

Rolled 1 (1d6)

>>5373587
Update within a day-ish.

>RNG for events:
>1 = Gang power vaccuum filled
>2 = Disaster, natural or manmade
>3 = Agitator clues
>4 = Shady Ecocult dealings
>5 = Marsh Oil woes
>6 = EiDoc rumblings

>>5374991
GOD FUCKING DAMMIT
NOT AGAIN

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>>5374991
HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO TEACH YOU THIS LESSON OLD MAN?

>>5375165
>>5375189

Maybe we should consider, rather than teaming up with the cartels, installing one of our operatives to run a cartel on our behalf, with plausible deniability?

>>5375229
You mean teaming up/taking control of the cartels, because having our neutral spy organization in charge of them is asking for problems down the line. We should at least control the arms and smuggling rings. Hell, becoming a narco state would be profitable.

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>>5373587

Back at your office, you read the report about Soleil in full. Apparently there was an anonymous tip that led to one of Soleil's former safehouse, and there the investigators found evidence of photos, half-burned. From those photos it was deduced that Soleil has four more targets in Paneira. One crossed out photo was of Anton Micudi, Log Inc.'s former regional CEO. One photograph was too badly burned, but the other three can be reconstructed.
Those three identified targets are airforce general Clifton Ferrel, plantation owner Norman Gehrig, and interestingly, a logger by the name of Kruger Junkers.
There is reason that Soleil will go after these four targets soon, what will you do?

Soon after sending your order via pneumail, Julia asks you what do you want to do with Francesca.
"Well, let's have her try those experiments, but heavily supervised. I'm interested in what she'll find."
Julia raises an eyebrow, but writes down your order for Francesca to be given her own laboratory. Francesca's intern, a Henri Rutgers, was tasked to keep an eye on her mental health and to report back to you on her progress.

Just as Julia finishes sending the order, another report comes in. Apparently a new player has taken control of the Paneiran underworld, the Los Hermanos Cartel. Composed of the remnants of various dissolved small gangs that banded together after Operation Favela Cookout, the relative power vaccuum had allowed them to grow big. Although, apparently the boss of the cartel, a half-Neges Metis by the name of Juan Martinez, wishes to contact you. Are they bending the knee to you?

>What will you do in regards to Soleil's next targets?
>□ Send military protection to one of the targets (who?)
>□ Send military protection to all known targets (but it will spread them out)
>□ Have spies monitor them instead
>□ Leave them alone
>□ Other (fill in)

>What about Los Hermanos' contact request?
>□ Allow, be cordial
>□ Allow, be stern
>□ Don't allow
>□ Other (fill in)

>>5375615
>□ Send military protection to one of the targets (Junkers)
Tip off Ferrel, but he can protect himself if he's worth his salt.

Fuck this EiDoc (?) son of a bitch... Unless he;s not. Then, maybe protect him.

But focus o this logger. Why do they (whoever "they" even are) even want him dead?

>□ Allow, be stern
Talk shop, but we're the boss. They gotta' know.

>>5375615
Send military protection to the general and keep the other two monitored.

As for the cartel:
>□ Allow, be cordial.
We should be friendly, but if he tries anything we should remind him what happened to the gangs when they overstepped.

>>5375615
>□ Send military protection to one of the targets (Clifton Ferrel)
>□ Have spies monitor them instead
I ain’t playing around when it comes to the military, Soleil can suck it.
>□ Allow, be cordial
If they’re bending the knee, I don’t see any reason why we can’t oblige them. Control of the drug/smuggling network would be invaluable, not only in controlling what comes in and out of our country, but also in making a profit from international sources.

We also need to raise money from the Eco-Cult, think we should honeytrap a couple key figures to divert donations our way lads?

>>5375615
>□ Send military protection to one of the targets (Clifton)
>Have spies monitor the other two
>□ Allow, be cordial at first but prepare to play hardball if need be

>>5375619
>support

>>5375652
>□ Send military protection to one of the targets (Clifton Ferrel)
>□ Have spies monitor them instead
Protect the General, BUT
>Allow, be Stern
We killed them once, we can do it again. They must understand their position.

>>5375615
>□ Send military protection to one of the targets (Clifton Ferrel)
>Spies monitor other two
>INVESTIGATE Kruger Junkers. Why would Soleil be told to go after some nobody like this? There must be something going on with him...
>□ Allow, be cordial at first but prepare to play hardball if need be

>>5375790
Oh yeah, check if the plantation owner target is with those EiDoc bastards

>>5375615
>□ Send military protection to Gehrig
>□ Tip off Ferrel
>□ Send spies to monitor Ferrel
>□ Don't allow
Favela Cookout 2: Electric Boogaloo

>>5375615

>□ Send military protection to one of the targets (Clifton Ferrel)
>□ Have spies monitor them instead
The smart play
>□ Allow, be cordial

>>5375615
>□ Have spies monitor them instead
>>5375615
>□ Allow, be stern

>>5375615
>□ Send military protection to one of the targets (Airforce general Clifton Ferrel) - he's a direct part of the state apparatus and an attack on him is a direct attack on the regime.
>Alert Norman Gehrig and Kruger Junkers that we've identified them on a target list so they can request protective custody/a vacation to one of our military bases - we can't send protection to everyone, but perhaps they can come to the protection.

>□ Allow, be stern. Laws are set for a reason - but if he'd like a path to respectability and to go 'straight', we could provide him a route-map to transform his current operation to legitimate business.

>>5375615
>tip off Ferrel
>split protection between Gehrig and Junkers
>have spies investigate what ties them all together

>Allow, be cordial

I trust Ferrel is able to keep himself safe for a time being.
We need to know motives behind those targets.
Cartel I honestly have no problem with as long as they don't cause problems on country-wide scale.
They want to smuggle, fine, as long as they won't smuggle shit critical to well-being of Paneira.
They want to kill eachother, fine, just don't turn streets into a damned warzone.
And if they tip us off on stuff that may be of interest to us as a head of the whole nation, like someone buying explosives to commit a terrorist act or planned assassination of someone important, then we may do them some favors too.
Because honestly our spies are kinda overworked and having an extra pair of eyes on what goes on under the table may be invaluable.

>>5375615
>Send military protection to Ferrel
>Allow, be stern

>>5375615
Update soon.

>RNG for events:
>1 = Samar stabilized
>2 = Disaster, natural or manmade
>3 = Agitator clues
>4 = Shady Ecocult dealings
>5 = Marsh Oil woes
>6 = Aero-gel progress

Rolled 1 (1d6)

>>5378166
Fug forgot dice

>>5375615
hhhm picture that covered looks a bit like the los hermanos cartel leader

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>>5375615

There are more pressing matters than talking to an underworld mob boss, and that is the fact that your airforce general might be targeted by an assassin. Well, that, and the fact that two other Paneiran citizens are also in the crosshairs.
You order general Ferrel to be protected with a military escort, but it appears he also has an idea.
"It'll be fine, Mr. President, I'll be conducting flight exercises at Norteste AFB. I don't mind the extra escort, but I'll be ten thousand feet high most of the time. What's this assassin going to do? Shoot me when I'm that high up?"
Well, good that he's got that covered, but what about the plantation owner and the logger? You decide to ask Risonha to take a quick look at the four known targets.

Apparently, the plantation owner, Norman Gehrig, and the former Log Inc. regional CEO, Anton Micudi, used to be part of the Eisen Doctrine's officers - Norman being higher up the ladder than Anton. Your general, Clifton Ferrel, used to be an air mercenary during the Bordec civil war between the Eisen Doctrine and the Royalist Bordec forces - he did missions for both sides in that particular chaos. Kruger Junkers the logger, however - his records were hard to get, most of his documents were erased or lost in the war, but it appears he was a deserter from the Eisen Doctrine. Other than this, his past before coming to Paneira was a mystery, and after he came here he works as a diligent logger.
But now you have an inkling to what Soleil's motif is - he's targeting people connected to the Eisen Doctrine. Which makes you wonder about the mysterious fifth target...

Well, you have to put that thought aside for now, and deal with the less urgent situation of an underworld boss. One of your agents has successfully brought a telephone to Juan Martinez. You talk first.
"Well well! It isn't often that a gang boss actually wanted to contact me personally. Usually they avoid my attention." Your tone, cordial; your message, coiled with warning.
"Precisely why I want to thank you, Mr. President - Los Hermanos wouldn't be here, if it wasn't for you cleaning up the big two. But, I learned from those two as well - that's why I'm here, to strike a deal between us." His voice isn't like most gangers - was he a social activist, or an academic, in the past?
"Oho? Interesting. What's on your mind?"
"That Los Hermanos' activities be relatively untouched, in exchange for us keeping an eye, and the peace, on the underworld. Now, I know that what we do isn't that savory, and you're the President - feel free to set boundaries on what we shouldn't do. Any of our members break it, open season. What say you, President Sam?"
His demands are reasonable, but what would your reply be?

(Contd.)

>>5378232

Julia comes with a report mid-call, but you motion her to whisper it to you.
"Sir, Samar Kalim, the smuggler, is now awake from his coma."
Good news! He isn't healed enough to be returned to Zayyine, but he's awake enough for questions - or interrogations, for that matter.

>Roll 3d100 with your posts

>What do you think of Juan's deal?
>□ Yeah, that's fine
>□ Yes, but... (define your terms, e.g. stop selling drugs, etc)
>□ Nah

>What do you ask Samar? (Three most popular will be picked)
>□ (fill in)

>>5378232
>Yes, but don't sell any hard drugs in our country... And keep try to keep bystanders out of it as much as you can. Nobody wants a repeat of that ugly business in Materia City...

>Who was your client in Calypso?

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>>5378236
>Roll 3d100 with your posts

>What do you think of Juan's deal?
>□ Yes, but... You will have free reign to conduct gambling. Prostitution of willing people will also be in your purview. The manufacture and distribution of cannabis, magic mushrooms, acid, and ghat. You will also be allowed to run the illegal weapons trade.
We will talk in the future about expanding into other areas of profittable operation in the future... with boundries.
I expect a real effort to exclude minors from being involved in your activities in any fashion and full transparency.
I do not tolerate violent crime, human trafficking, or usury.

>What do you ask Samar? (Three most popular will be picked)
>Tell me about your boss.
> What was your mission?
> How did you get the weapons into the country?

Rolled 86, 49, 90 = 225 (3d100)

>>5378236
>Yes, but don't sell any hard drugs in our country... And keep try to keep bystanders out of it as much as you can. Nobody wants a repeat of that ugly business in Materia City...
>How did you get the weapons into the country?
>Tell me about you boss
>Who was your client in Calypso

Rolled 29, 89, 63 = 181 (3d100)

>>5378330

>>5378232

>What do you think of Juan's deal?
> Yes, but... do keep in mind that there's a clear pecking order here. You have your gang, I have the army on my side. If there is ANY doubt you might bypass me or try some trick, the next contact you'll have with me will be for a VERY public execution.
Oh and if you find anything unexplainable in nature (i.e magical), bring it back to me and we'll see about loosening the terms of our agreement.

>What do you ask Samar? (Three most popular will be picked)
>How did you get your weapons into the country?
>Tell me about your boss.
>Harqa Wahid wants you back. Do you want to go back? (if he says yes, we can safely assume he's backed by the government, if he says no, we might be able to offer him asylum in exchange for further information)

>>5378337
+1

"Hard drugs" here i'll guess is stuff like meth or opium, right? Like, no one's going to be causing wide societal problems with garbage like weed or hippie LSD in a dictatorship, so he'd just be stopped from doing hardcore stuff that creates psychotic retards going around shanking people

Rolled 49, 64, 17 = 130 (3d100)

>>5378236
>□ Yes, but... You will have free reign to conduct gambling. Prostitution of willing people will also be in your purview. The manufacture and distribution of cannabis, magic mushrooms, acid, and ghat. No hardcore drugs on our streets, but you can traffic them to an international market. You will also be allowed to run the illegal weapons trade, with us getting first buying rights. Human trafficking into/out of the country will be regulated by our intelligence agency, and you will be required to keep an eye out and kidnap people of interest.
I’m thinking we can catch Soleil when he bounces.
>Tell me about your boss.
> What was your mission?
>Would you like to work for me?

Also
>Interrogate the former Eisen Doctrine members
The plantation owner and the logger are wells of information we could utilize.

Rolled 87, 43, 93 = 223 (3d100)

>>5378323
Forgot to roll.

>>5378428
Yeah, basically any drug that'd make someone break into your house and steal your TV for lack of it. Though who knows if weed or mild hallucinogens are even illegal in our country, we RUN shit after all...
And I really don't care if he wants to make the shit here and then sell it in other countries, with the caveat that if the world police come knocking around we're not going to help or hinder.

>>5378604
Yeah, i'd be fine with that. Just act less like an mexican cartel and more like an european mafia.

>>5378232
>"It'll be fine, Mr. President, I'll be conducting flight exercises at Norteste AFB. I don't mind the extra escort, but I'll be ten thousand feet high most of the time. What's this assassin going to do? Shoot me when I'm that high up?"
We'd probably want to make sure all aircraft at Norteste is given a surprise inspection before they take off to make sure no one has tampered with them.

Rolled 87, 52, 38 = 177 (3d100)

>>5378236
>Leave the "overworld" untouched and keep gang activity low so that the cops don't have a reason to intervene. Ban on selling hard drugs to civvies as well.

>How did you get your weapons into the country?
>Who was your client in Calypso
>Harqa Wahid wants you back. Do you want to go back?

>>5378330
>Yes, but don't sell any hard drugs in our country... And keep try to keep bystanders out of it as much as you can. Nobody wants a repeat of that ugly business in Materia City...

>What was your mission?

Rolled 2 (1d3)

>>5378236

>The 3d100 you guys rolled?
>the average of those is Soleil's assassination attempts vs the 3 targets
>and the actual target is this roll here
>each target has their own DCs , depending on your choices

Averages:
1 = 67.6
2 = 59.4
3 = 60.2

DCs:
Ferrel = 90
Gehrig = 50
Junkers = 50

Rolled 92, 46, 57 = 195 (3d100)

>>5378323
>+1

Rolled 35, 78, 40 = 153 (3d100)

>>5378432
Support

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>>5379621
>>5378236

"But, your excellency, there is more urgent news... Norman Gehrig was assassinated just last night. And that's not all."
Damn, Solaire moves quick. As usual, the report comes in as soon as Julia finished her sentence, and the details there kind of surprised you.
Norman was killed in his plantation mansion in Arepa Sud, with a single gunshot to the head like Anton Micudi. A single unfired bullet was left behind, Solaire's signature. Apparently Norman was trying to draw his revolver on Soleil, but Soleil was quicker.
There is also the fact that the bodies of a mercenary squad was also found in the crime scene. There was a firefight, and apparently these mercs were guarding Norman - you guess now you know who broke up the Neges wages protest. Interestingly, the mercs were killed with their own weapons - unlike Norman, who was shot with the same caliber pistol as Anton. It was like an Operation Favela Cookout in miniature.
The gunfight was heard by the nearby workers' shacks, which only reported it to the police in the morning - the workers were scared if they were next, and didn't sleep last night. How should you handle this?

But that's for later, you're now in a call with Juan, the boss of the Los Hermanos.
"Good that you wish to comply with me. My terms are: no hard drugs like yayo, redout, e-pills, and anything else that might incite violence in using it, or because of craving for it. Soft ones like glimmer, dankbuds, magic mushrooms, or wake-wakes are fine. Don't involve bystanders, don't involve minors - those over 20 years old are fine. Only willing prostitution - that is, both sides aren't coerced or in debt, and may drop out anytime. Absolutely no human trafficking. No violent crimes like robbery or assassination. And finally, if you want to go international it's fine - but there will be no help from us if the Interfed comes knocking. Clear?"
"All fine here, Mr. President, most of these terms already align with our rules. Just need to tell my people to lay off the roughing people up part. This has been a very productive talk, President Sam - let's hope we don't contact often."
"Agreed, I do not want to re-enact that mess in Materia City again. Goodbye, Juan Martinez."
Well, now that's done, you have some questions to ask a certain Zayyine smuggler about.

(Contd.)

>>5380231

An agent connects you with a phone on Samar's bed, on a heavily guarded wing of one of your military hospitals.
"Mr. Samar Kalim, was it? I am Sam 'Chainsaw' Evil, you know who I am. I want answers."
Surprisingly, he answers in a tired way. "Alright, I've already lost an arm, get it over with."
"I promise you that you will be returned to Zayyine, if you answer these questions. First: who is your boss?"
"King Harqa Wahid, if you go up the ladder." Huh, straightforward - must be their standard interrogation protocol.
"Good, since I spoke with King Harqa hinself, and he authorized these questions. Next up: how did you smuggle these weapons in?"
"As long as you keep quiet about this - in containers. Some have false backs we can stash things in."
"Alright, I see. Well, next question: what is your mission here?"
Samar turns to the phone that's being held for him. "There's two things I'm supposed to do here: one, track down some missing guns from Zayyine, and two: find intel on Solaire."
Huh, Zayyine's after Soleil, too? "About these missing guns - was it just a crate of heavy weapons?"
"No. More like enough to arm a small army." Now that puts worry on your mind - who has possession of them, now?
"And Soleil - who did he kill in Zayyine?"
"Let's just say someone quite personal to King Harqa."
"Are they connected to the Bordec civil war?"
He looks stunned. "Yes - but how -"
You interrupt him. "Who is your client in Calypso?"
"One of the ecocult member. They're a kind of loose organization, and word is, some of them are willing to give intel on the missing guns if we trade some explosives for it. Well... so-called client tripped the anti-tamper trigger."
Ecocult splinters, eh? Interesting. "Very well, you've given me the answers I need. Now rest easy and heal up, and we'll send you back to Zayyine."
The line closes, and you wonder how you're going to deal with this volume of info.

>How do you deal with Norman's assassination?
>□ Make it public news, tell it how it is
>□ Make it public news, but skew them (how?)
>□ Cover it up
>□ Other (fill in)

>What do you do in regards to Samar's answers? (Pick up to three)
>□ Tell Harqa about what he said to us
>□ Collaborate with Harqa about Soleil
>□ Collaborate with Harqa about missing weapons
>□ Keep an eye on these false-backed containers
>□ Investigate ecocult splinter groups
>□ Other (fill in)

>>5380245
>□ Make it public news, but skew them (how?)
Use it to highlight the threat of EiDoc and to turn public opinion against them. No more shadow economy for you!

>□ Collaborate with Harqa about Soleil
>□ Keep an eye on these false-backed containers

>>5380245
>Make it public news, but skew them (Use it to highlight EiDoc as a threat. Fearmonger time.)
>□ Collaborate with Harqa about Soleil
>□ Keep an eye on these false-backed containers
>□ Investigate ecocult splinter groups

>>5380245
>□ Make it public news, but skew them (Keep the connection a secret)
>Put our spies on the Eisen Doctrine conspiracy asap
>Pick up and interview Junkers
It would be smart to embed our agents, and then take care of them when they least expect it. Enough arms to arm an army? It needs to become our biggest priority.
>□ Collaborate with Harqa about everything
>□ Keep an eye on these false-backed containers
>□ Investigate ecocult splinter groups

>>5380245
>□ Make it public news, but skew them (Keep the connection a secret)
Might make things easier, i suppose
>□ Collaborate with Harqa about Soleil
We should find out about the assassin, since he's a problem.
>□ Collaborate with Harqa about missing weapons
Even if they fucked up and wanted to give them to our people, let's try to find them anyway.
>□ Keep an eye on these false-backed containers
Smuggling's not good, ey

>>5380355
But are our spies already not overworked or stretched thin?

>>5380245
>□ Make it public news, but skew them (Keep the connection a secret)
We'll take on EiDoc personally one day
>□ Collaborate with Harqa about Soleil
>□ Collaborate with Harqa about missing weapons
>□ Keep an eye on these false-backed containers
I bet the agitator is in with one of the splinter factions. EiDoc is using him too.

>>5380330
>+1

>>5380470
Currently, our spies can only do 3 things at once, and those 3 right now are:
>Investigate Zayyine arms (which will be free to do other things when we hand over Samar)
>Investigate Agitator
>Investigate Soleil

>>5380698
Why don't you ping anons when posting an update? (1)s are a good way to keep player attention and also i use them to check for updates.

>>5380985
Basically, post letter count. Updates now usually already exceed 1 post.

>>5381162
Yeah, so it shouldn't be a problem then? Just chop the first post a bit earlier and move the rest onto the following ones?

Rolled 3 (1d6)

>>5381555
Hmm, good idea. We'll see. Also sorry on the lagging update times, been hitting the hay quicker than usual lately.

Also RNG time.
>1-2 = Agitator intel
>3-4 = Marsh Oil situation
>5-6 = Aerogel mass production

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>>5380245
>>5381672

>>5380254
>>5380330
>>5380355
>>5380404
>>5380476
>>5380642

The next day, you check up on Samar again.
"How are you feeling today? Rest assured, Mr. Samar, that Paneira will cooperate with Zayyine on both the matter of Soleil and the missing armaments. I've sent an official memo to our diplomats and called King Harqa himself." Well, you were going to call him later on the Aqrab deal anyways.
Samar only replies weakly, and you decide to give him some rest.

As such, you turn towards Julia, her noteboard and pen readied.
"Have all containers coming into Paneira discreetly checked for false spaces, but make no seizures... yet. Notify me of the ships and/or companies which has a large number of these containers."
"Yes, your excellency, it will be done." She efficiently writes your order down on the correct form, and sends it via your bunker's pneumail system.

"Oh, by the way, Julia, is the press conference room ready?"
"Yes, go ahead, sir."
Here we go again, into the ever-watching eyes of the national news, and maybe even internationally.
"Greetings, fellow citizens of Paneira, I have grave news to share. We have concluded that the death of Log Inc. Regional CEO, Anton Micudi, and the recent death of Norman Gehrig, owner of several plantations in Arepa Sud, were connected. Someone out there is systematically killing key figures of Paneiran economy. I swear to you, my loyal citizens, that these killings will be stopped! I, Samuel 'Chainsaw' Evil, will reward anyone who gives substantial intel on who might be behind these barbaric killings. This I swear!"
The press almost erupts into questions, but you ignore them and leave with Julia back to your bunker/catacomb complex.

Soon after, a report comes in of something being found in the recently developed oil fields of Sudaca province. Apparently, construction crews found some kind of ancient ruin while draining and stabilizing a swamp close to the oil fields.

>What do we do about the ruins?
>□ It's old anyways, demolish it
>□ Have academics record it, then demolish
>□ Have academics record it, then turn it into a tourist attraction
>□ Look for more ruins around the area
>□ Other (fill in)

>>5382395
We should study it, and if there's one there's more

>>5382395
>Have academics record it, then turn it into a tourist attraction
>Look for more ruins around the area

Destroying it for the sake of destroying it is a bit pointless innit? Might as well record it and keep it around.

>>5382395
>□ Have the academics study it, and look for more ruins around the area. If there aren’t any interesting secrets, turn it into a tourist attraction.
See if we can turn it into a world heritage site, international tourism may drive up the economy into providing another EU.

>>5382395
>Have academics record it, relocate whatever can be relocated offsite and work around the rest
>Look for more ruins around the area

Does this preclude its use as an oil field?

>>5382453
>Apparently, construction crews found some kind of ancient ruin while draining and stabilizing a swamp close to the oil fields.
It was found in a swamp next to it, so we should be gucci.

>>5382395
>□ Have the academics study it, and look for more ruins around the area. If there aren’t any interesting secrets, turn it into a tourist attraction.
>□ Look for more ruins around the area
Ruins are BAD. ASS. Fact.

>>5382395
>□ Have the academics study it, and look for more ruins around the area. If there aren’t any interesting secrets, turn it into a tourist attraction.
>□ Also, personally visit to ensure it isn't magic.

Last thing we need is to turn cured ruins into a tourist attraction by accident.

>>5382395
>□ Other: Contact the Indiginos and see if they know anything about this. Delay action until we hear back from them.

>>5382395
>□ Have the academics study it, and look for more ruins around the area.
>□ Also, personally visit to ensure it isn't magic
>□ Other: Contact the Indiginos and see if they know anything about this.
Get info FIRST. Have the oil drillers cease operations until we figure this shit out. Have them work at a different site in the meantime

>>5382395
>□ Have the academics study it, and look for more ruins around the area.
>□ Also, personally visit to ensure it isn't magic
>have oil driller cease operations on this site currently while we figure this out having them work on another site

TOXIC LOVE~

>>5382626
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eoSu4Dyszk

>>5382395
>□ Have the academics study it, and look for more ruins around the area.
>□ Also, personally visit to ensure it isn't magic
Magic

>>5382548
>support

>>5382395
>□ Have the academics study it, and look for more ruins around the area.
>□ Also, personally visit to ensure it isn't magic
Female liches?

>>5382395
>□ Have academics record it, then turn it into a tourist attraction

>>5382453
>>5382626
Supporting

>>5382395
Sorry for the two-day delay, been busy helping mom. Next update should be within a day.
Thank you for understanding!

>>5384573
Such a good lad!

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>>5382395

>>5382405
>>5382406
>>5382407
>>5382453
>>5382468
>>5382472
>>5382513
>>5382548
>>5382626
>>5382653
>>5382749
>>5382751
>>5382964
>>5383867

An ancient ruin? This warrants a personal visit. You quickly arrange for a temporary halt on the oil operations close to the site, and for a team of academics to record everything about the ruins. As per Julia's suggestion, you also asked the local Indigenos leaders if they know anything about it.

A few hours later, your presidential helicopter arrives near the site, and immediately you are approached by the head archaeologist, Prof. Guanligeiro Fossa, and a local Indigenos representative by the name of Balam.
"So, what is this ruin?" You quickly asked them.
Prof. Fossa quickly answers. "This site is ancient, Mr. President! It predates all other Indigenos archaeological sites. Yet, the stonework is very similar to the early Tzabcan empire's work. This single site alone rewrites current archaeological theories!"
"There was a legend among us Uinakilal - of an ancient race known as the Anasazi. They were rare even when the First Uinakilal settled here... could this ruin be connected to the Anasazi?" Balam added.

As you looked around the impressive ruins, Julia added her observation. "I talked to the other archaeologists here, and there might be hints of other ruins like this in the Baitros rainforest, and westwards - there might be some in the neighboring countries."
"I see. It's impressive, isn't it?" You muse, as you discreetly checked the local ambient magical energies. Truthfully, your visit here is more about surveying the magic levels of the ruins - magic has been dwindling globally ever since your first day as a lich. Thus, potentially magical sites like this pique your interest, if not nostalgia.

And indeed, these ruins have traces, residues of an ancient, powerful magic - although the signature seem kind of familiar.
"Your excellency!"
Julia's yell breaks you of your reverie - and to the fact that you're falling, a slab right under your feet dropped into the dark depths of the ruins. Interestingly, you feel a greater concentration of magic down below.

>How should you react?
>□ Fake your death, yet again
>□ Fake being injured, ask for help
>□ Ride the slab down, confident in your footing
>□ Use magic to walk midair and reach the top
>□ Use magic to gently float to the bottom
>□ Other (fill in)

>>5385031
>□ Use magic to gently float to the bottom.

Its alright only Julia sees us, if she goes crazy no one would believe her. Also she seems loyal enough to know our power level.

>>5385031
>□ Fake being injured, ask for help

Seems prudent.

>>5385031
>Fake being injured, ask for help
Oh boy, I sure hope that there are no spirits here.

>>5385031
>□ Ride the slab down, confident in your footing + magic
>□ Fake your death, yet again
With the plan to take a break, connect to our roots and then come back later to make everyone think we're literally a god for surviving this deathtrap.

>>5385031
>□ Ride the slab down, confident in your footing

>>5385031
>□ Ride the slab down, confident in your footing
We're an immortal lich, what could go wrong?
We should look into doing an intensive national survey for more of these ruins. It could easily be passed off as science and could even provide a boost to tourism on the side.

>>5385031
>□ Ride the slab down, confident in your footing
>Fake being injured, ask for help

>>5385031
>□ Ride the slab down, confident in your footing

>>5385031
>□ Ride the slab down, confident in your footing
SURF IT DOWN LIKE A RADICAL SKELETON

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>>5385031
>>□ Ride the slab down, confident in your footing
Picrel

>>5385244
Dang if this choice isn't tempting!

>>5385244
Remember the story about the skeleton skateboard-surfing down from the comet every ten years? That has to be us in our youth.

>>5385031
>□ Ride the slab down, confident in your footing

>>5385325
>slab ride
>support
>>5385031

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>>5385031

>>5385053
>>5385070
>>5385145
>>5385148
>>5385151
>>5385205
>>5385214
>>5385216
>>5385244
>>5385325
>>5385502
>>5385559

Stay calm, stay calm... a half-remembered advice from your past bubbles up.
"Ride the wave."
You cannot recall where exactly you heard that - a mentor of the magical arts? A proverb of a long-dead culture? Or perhaps from a billboard advertisement in Materia City?
In any case, your feet find purchase on the fallen tile, and your legs relax, naturally forming a flexible, shock-absorbing stance. The tile - or rather, slab - eventually hits a sloping section of floor, and you 'ride the wave'.

The journey through the darkness doesn't take long, as a warm amber glow start to grow as you get closer to your destination. You spend the time by reminiscing about your past - the vast memories of a lich is as expansive as the depths of this ancient ruin. Were there anything worth remembering?

The slab's momentum bled out, and you were roused from your memories. The amber glow is everywhere in front of this huge stone gate, the golden ornaments emitting their own light. Two snakes adorn its surface.
But wait, what's this? To the side, there is a smaller, unremakable door, one that has substantial magic behind it.
Then again, this corridor also stretches on to the side, back into the darkness. Perhaps there's an exit there?

>What did you remember about the past? Pick one.
>□ The moment you awoke as a lich
>□ A moment of triumph over a foe
>□ A moment of despair
>□ A moment of love
>□ Other (fill in)

>Where do you want to go from here?
>□ Enter the huge gate
>□ Enter the side door
>□ Continue on into the dark corridor
>□ Just stay here in front of the gate
>□ Other (fill in)

>>5387326
Could stand here and wait so we dont worry our followers

>>5387326
>□ The moment you awoke as a lich
Sounds interesting.
>□ Other (fill in)
Can we try to figure out the places/gated before we walk into one of them? We can read any language with magic, right?

>>5387326
>□ The moment you awoke as a lich
>Enter the side door

>>5387326
>□ A moment of love
>□ Enter the side door

>>5387326
>□ The moment you awoke as a lich
>□ Enter the side door
inb4 we end up in a collapsing lair like Lichiana Jones

>>5387326
>□ A moment of love
>□ Enter the side door

>>5387326
>□ A moment of love
>□ Enter the side door

>>5387326
>□ The moment you awoke as a lich
>□ Enter the side door

>>5387641
>+1

>>5387326
>□ The moment you awoke as a lich
>□ Enter the side door

>>5387326
>□ A moment of love
kino
>□ Enter the side door

>>5387395
>support

>>5387326
>>□ A moment of love
>>□ Enter the side door

>>5387326
Drawing, expect update within 1 day ish.

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>>5387326

>>5387328
>>5387395
>>5387398
>>5387440
>>5387451
>>5387500
>>5387549
>>5387641
>>5387656
>>5387743
>>5387854
>>5387933
>>5388317

Curiosity draws you towards the side door, but you take a moment to look around and appreciate the chamber. Solid, hewn stone in very rectangular manner form the wall, like gigantic bricks. The giant door is entirely made from a single slab of stone, inlaid with what you thought was glowing gold - turns out it is topaz. Still self-lighting through a long-lasting enchantment, and no less impressive. Surely, someone important was entombed here - which was very different from when you first awoke as lich.

You remember waking up to a musty darkness, the smell of moss and earth around you. Rising from the stone slabs that surround you like a coffin, a faint light entices you to walk forward into a narrow corridor of stacked stone. Not hewn like this ruin you were in. As you step closer towards the exit, you realize the feel of fabric on your bones - roughly woven flax, and a cloak of wool. The weight on your head resolves itself to be a deer skull helm, and agrip on your left hand, a sturdy oaken staff. Slight clinking near your neck, an amulet of stone, on a necklace of bear teeth.

And with that, you exit the cairn that was your tomb - you had entered alive and exited a lich. Around you a crowd formed, prostrating and cheering towards you. Your society, the Druids, call you by a new name, which is also the holy day, the very day you became a lich.

Samhain! Samhain!

Ah, you can never forget the second time you were born, although you certainly will forget the first.

A noise in front of you broke you from your reminiscing. It appears you have already stepped into the door - for in front of you, a fellow undead paused mid-reading a stone tablet inlaid with gems. Their face betrayed no emotions, as do yours - you're not certain if they're friendly or hostile.

>What do you do?
>□ Use magic to attack!
>□ Let your fist do the talking!
>□ Maybe try to parley? (Ask what?)
>□ Just turn around and exit the room, this was awkward
>□ Other (fill in)

>>5389464
Yeah lets talk they seem to be shaking

>>5389464
>Maybe try to parley? (Ask it what?)
Let's just tell the boney boy to calm down. We are just here to investigate, not to harm anyone. Maybe ask him if there are other undead like him nearby?

>>5389464
>□ Maybe try to parley?
>>Who are you?
>>What is this place?

>>5389464
>□ Other: Greet them in a friendly manner.

>>5389464
Uh...say hello?

>>5389506
>>5389570
There's a rival immortal in our realm. I fear we may be beyond pleasantries.

>>5389506
+1 Bone to Bone communication

>>5389506
>+1

>>5389506
+1

>>5389506
Support

>>5389464
> r a t t l e

>>5390305
Supporting this as well as my main vote at >>5389498, because it's funny.

My thought is... we're immortal so why not?

>>5389464
Drawing update, incoming within 1 day.

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>>5389464

>>5389488
>>5389492
>>5389498
>>5389506
>>5389570
>>5389574
>>5389668
>>5389683
>>5389873
>>5389878
>>5390305
>>5390535
>>5390684

Apparently you rattled them somewhat, since suddenly you detect a burst of magical energy as a spear materializes in place of the tablet they were holding.
"Halt! Why do you come here, stranger?" they say in some ancient tongue, brandishing the spear menacingly.
Good thing your language skills are magically enchanced.
"Would you believe me if I said I am lost?"
The other skeleton tilts their head a bit, quizzically. You decide to continue talking.
"That said, I am curious about this place. So neatly maintained, even through these ages." That was no empty praise - along this corridorlike room, there are regular niches in the rocky walls - and each one has at least a stone tablet in them.
"Oho, a fellow scholar! One that is also with a baktun-life, I see. Then welcome to the Tzabcani House of Letters!" Suddenly, the spear they were holding disappeared in a puff of air.
"Come in, come in! I am the Quhul Ajaw, Itzamna - but you can call me Itza. What do I call you, fellow scholar? You have such a strange garb, how many years have passed above? Did the Tzabcani prosper?" He seemed to want to ask more, but reined himself.
"Ah, but where are my manners - I believe you also have questions of your own. Very well, what say you to a trade of histories? I know many things from the past, and even some knowledge about the Anasazi." He seems very eager to trade information.

>How should you introduce yourself?
>□ I am Samhain, formerly high priest of the Druids
>□ I am Samuel Evil, leader of the nation of Paneira
>□ I am just a humble scholar, my name is not relevant
>□ Other (fill in)

>What do you want to know? (Pick up to 3)
>□ Tell me about the Anasazi
>□ Tell me about the Tzabcani
>□ Tell me about the big gate next door
>□ Tell me about this temple
>□ Tell me about giant women from the stars
>□ Tell me how Itzal became a lich
>□ Other (fill in)

>>5391424
>□ I am Samhain, leader of the nation of Paneira
Seems like a better way, no? We won't be Samuel evil forever, i'd guess, so we should just introduce ourselves as our original name
>□ Tell me about the Tzabcani
>□ Tell me about this temple
>□ Tell me about giant women from the stars

>>5391424
>□ I am Samhain, formerly high priest of the Druids

>□ Tell me about the Tzabcani
>□ Tell me about this temple
>□ Tell me about giant women from the stars

>>5391424
>□ I am Samhain, formerly high priest of the Druids

>□ Tell me about the Tzabcani
>□ Tell me about this temple
>□ Tell me about giant women from the stars

>>5391424

>□ I am Samuel Evil, leader of the nation of Paneira

>□ Tell me about the Tzabcani
>□ Tell me about this temple
>□ Tell me about giant women from the stars

Truenames might give him power over us.

>>5391424
>□ I am currently known as Samuel 'chainsaw' Evil, leader of the nation of Paneira, to the living as they do not belive in baktun-life/undead/twice-living/draugur/lich so do please keep that a secret between us

>□ Tell me about the Tzabcani
>□ Tell me about this temple
>□ Tell me about giant women from the stars
>□ Would you like to hear about the surface but we should hurry before my followers does anything foolish

>>5391427
"I am Named Samhain in my baktun-life but please call me Sam everyone does"

>>5391424
>□ I am Samhain, formerly high priest of the Druids. I do not mind being called Sam, however.


>□ Tell me about the Tzabcani
>□ Tell me about this temple
>□ Tell me about giant women from the stars

>>5391424
>□ I am currently known as Samuel 'chainsaw' Evil, leader of the nation of Paneira, to the living as they do not belive in baktun-life/undead/twice-living/draugur/lich so do please keep that a secret between us
>□ Tell me about the Anasazi
>□ Tell me about the Tzabcani
>□ Tell me how Itza became a lich

>>5391424
>□ I am currently known as Samuel 'chainsaw' Evil, leader of the nation of Paneira, to the living as they do not belive in baktun-life/undead/twice-living/draugur/lich so do please keep that a secret between us

>□ Tell me about the Tzabcani
>□ Tell me about this temple
>□ Tell me about giant women from the stars

He seems like a jolly fellow, I wonder if we could recruit him, make a club of immortals alongside Astra.

>>5391424
Drawing update, ETA within 1 day.

Quality content drop inbound!

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>>5391424

>>5391427
>>5391432
>>5391470
>>5391526
>>5391626
>>5391628
>>5391748
>>5392265
>>5392401

"Very well then - but since you said something about manners, allow me to introduce myself. I am Samhain, leader of the nation of Paneira... but you can call me Sam, Itza."
"Well met, well met! Now, what would you like to know?" He's already taking some tablets off the niches - just how long was he down here?
For the next few hours, you and Itzal both talk about a lot of things: first, you asked about the Tzabcani empire, who turned out to be where Itza came from. In its heyday around 230 PreC (roughly 2200 years ago - it's currently 1970 PostC), it spanned the entirety of western Paneira, and even a bit further beyond the mountains. It prospered due to a combination of military security and agricultural might. Itza himself received his baktun-life around this time.
He then asks what had became of the Tzabcani - and you tell him of the Winaqilal and Uinakilal, or the Baitros and Marsh Indigenos. Itza seemed to be dismayed to learn that the Tzabcani empire was long gone - but remarked joyfully that it is remembered, and its descendants still yet live.
Changing the topic, you asked Itza if there were giant women or luminous orbs from the stars in his time. He recounted of one such phenomena, of a bright star that flew very close to the capital.
When you tell him about Astra and her mission, his sockets glows a bit brighter, and says that he had a similar hypothesis - that the lights were looking for something. Maybe like what is buried here.
"I'm sorry, but what?" You ask incredulously.
"You know the big gate next door? Behind that lay the original foundation of this crypt. It was here long before the Tzabcani unified - it is an Anasazi tomb."
An inkling of a theory forms in your mind.
"So, you're saying that you were bestowed your baktun-life just to... guard this crypt?"
"Well, initially it was research, but the later emperors were scared of what they might find - so they added this branch of the House of Letters and told me to keep studying it quietly. I've seen what's inside, but have yet to understand what I saw."
"I see..."

Suddenly, the door to the room slides open with a grating sound.
"Your excellency! Thank goodness you're safe!"
In comes Julia, decked with a rope harness, nightvision goggles, and armed with a rifle. Seems like she rappelled in through the top.
"Oh, Julia! Always nice to see you."
She looks at you, then at Itza.
"Um, who is this old man, your excellency?" Aha, Itza has his own glamor-spell on.
"Worry not, Julia, Itza here is a friend."
You turn to Itza and introduce him to Julia as well.
"Itza, this is my loyal secretary, Julia Oxoa. She is a descendant of the Tzabcani!"

(Contd.)

>>5394330

"Mmm, I see, I see... so, you'll be leaving, then? There is an exit, further down the hall."
"Yes, but I really appreciate our talk. Perhaps we'll meet again." You shake his hand, and exit the House of Letters. Itza waves a farewell.

As you near the exit (which is located quite a walk away), Julia turns towards you.
"Pardon me, your excellency - but we need to decide what to do with... all this. Do you still want the academics to do a thorough survey of the temple, and then turn it into a tourist attraction? And who was Itza, really?"

>What will you do to the temple/tomb?
>□ Have academics record it and turn it into a tourist spot
>□ Have academics record it and leave it alone
>□ Have academics record it and turn it into a secret laboratory
>□ Rebury it without snooping academics
>□ Other (fill in)

>Do you tell Julia the truth about Itza?
>□ Yes
>□ Yes, but omit details
>□ Lie
>□ No
>□ Other (fill in)

>>5394335
>□ Have academics record it and turn it into a secret laboratory
We should research it, if Itza is cool with it
>□ Yes, but omit details
We can trust her, but she doesn't need to know everything. She already saw us using a spell to speak to that space lady, anyway.

>>5394335
>□ Other (fill in)
Time to found that Bureau of Paranomal Research and/or Defense.

>□ Yes

>>5394335
>What will you do to the temple/tomb?
> ask Itza if it's okay to make his home into a secrete laboratory
is yes then
>□ Have academics record it and turn it into a secret laboratory
>ask Itza to become the head honcho to make Shure no one dose anything dumb in his place maybe we could recruit some of the natives for Itza so he could reconnect with his decadents and guide them in a way as an elder

>if no then
>□ Have academics record it and leave it alone
we can then have oil drilling pull out and have some of the natives tend to and keep people we don't grant access to out of the area

either way e get browny points with the natives
>Do you tell Julia the truth about Itza?
>□ Yes, but omit details

>>5394335
>□ Have academics record it and turn it into a secret laboratory
>□ Yes, but omit details

>>5394335
>□ Tell academics to leave it and return yourself with Julia to help solve the Tomb's mystery and figure out what's the aliens' potential interest in it
>□ Yes
Assuming she is absolutely loyal to us, which she seems to be given she knows about our tomb and that we used magic around her.

>>5394335
>□ Have academics record it and turn it into a secret laboratory
>>5394335
>□ Yes, but omit details

>>5394335
>□ Have academics record it and turn it into a secret laboratory, with the permission of Itza of course.
>□ Yes, but omit details

>>5394335
>□ Have academics record it and turn it into a secret laboratory, with the permission of Itza of course.
>□ Yes, but omit details

A good write-in to support.

>>5394335
>>□ Have academics record it and turn it into a secret laboratory, with the permission of Itza of course.
>>□ Yes, but omit details

>>5394335
>□ Have academics record it and turn it into a secret laboratory, with the permission of Itza of course.
>□ Yes, but omit details

>>5394335
Drawing update, expect it within 1 day

Rolled 4 (1d6)

>>5396581

RNG moment!

>1 = Francesca's mad experiment
>2 = Aqrab trouble
>3 = Aero-gel mass production
>4 = Navy upgrade event
>5 = Agitator intel
>6 = Astra senses something

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>>5394335

>>5394341
>>5394385
>>5394424
>>5394428
>>5394445
>>5394489
>>5394904
>>5394963
>>5394970
>>5396282

Well, Julia has been nothing but loyal, so you decide to spill the beans. Not all of them, though.
"Very well, keep this between us. Itza is the guardian of this place. We spoke, he knows magic as well - rare nowadays."
"I understand, your excellency, not a word unless you authorize it." Julia sharply salutes as you exit the long tunnel.

The humid, pungent smell of the marshes hits you - although your sense of smell was lost due to your lich condition, your specially-made, slightly magical 'rebreathers' allow you to feel it once more, and warn you of dangerous gases.
This might be the nearest swamp in the province, part of the Sudacan marshes where some of the Arepa river overflow ended up in, and also combined with saltwater seeping in through the low, porous ground.
It was not long for Julia to arrange the local military garrison to pick up both of you back to the capital.

Over the next week, you revisited Itza and the House of Letters, and managed to convince him to turn the place into a secret laboratory. On paper, the site will be marked as a protected archaeological and cultural site, which hopefully will deter prying eyes. But it's not all coverup - with Itza's permission, Paneiran academics pore all over the place, cataloguing its contents save for the insides of the big gate.
Then the construction crew arrive, mostly to stabilize the overall underground portions and expanding the complex sideways. The new laboratory is slowly taking shape, and you promised Itza that he'd be its head. Good thing that he is quite interested in modern science and knowledge - but who else will be calling this laboratory home?

Mid-construction, you receive a report that the navy has finished upgrading their flotilla. Gone are the old, ramshackle steam-powered river monitors, and in their place, an armada of sleek new cutters. Apparently Admiral Javier Monaco played it smart, he managed to get a Bordec shipyard to jointly make them with the EU he's been given. He even claims that the cutters are also seaworthy in addition of being river-worthy, enabling you to project your naval power even a bit more.
This upgrade also raises the navy's loyalty to you - gone are the grumbling about being stationed on outdated floating coffins.

>What should you name the secret lab?
>□ Temple One
>□ House of Letters
>□ Site 50
>□ Other (fill in)

>Who else should be stationed there with Itza?
>□ Francesca and her mad experiments
>□ Relocate Astra's containment here
>□ Look for other potential hires (make up a character, if you wish)
>□ Lesser-known, unimportant academiacs (unnamed science mooks)
>□ Just Itzal, at the moment

>>5397655
>□ House of Letters
Sounds cooler.

I don't want to put francesca there because she's insane, and for all we know she might unleash some ancient calamity.

>>5397655
>□ Site 50
>□ Lesser-known, unimportant academiacs (unnamed science mooks)

>>5397655
>House of Letters
We'll keep the Site Number names to stuff like containing the GIANT WOMAN, not this cool place.
>□ Lesser-known, unimportant academiacs (unnamed science mooks)

>>5397655
>What should you name the secret lab?
>□ House of Letters
>Who else should be stationed there with Itza?
>□ Lesser-known, unimportant academiacs (unnamed science mooks)
if anything someone of native decent

>>5397655
>□ Temple One
Ready Temple One!
>□ Francesca and her mad experiments
We can order Itza to keep an eye on her and keep her mania in check, they can exchange info on Astra.

>>5397655
>□ Unofficially, the House of Letter. Officially, Site 51.
Gotta keep the memes going.
>□ Look for other potential hires (Indy Jones, renown paranormal scientist and archeologist extraordinaire! Loves ruin-diving and unnatural phenomena.)
Either gender is fine.

>>5397655
>□ House of Letters
>□ Lesser-known, unimportant academiacs (unnamed science mooks) (if anything someone of native decent for Itza)

>>5397790
Supporting this one!

>>5397655
I'm >>5394385 on mobile, btw.

>□ Unofficially, the House of Letter. Officially, Site 51.

>□ Look for other potential hires (Indy Jones, renown paranormal scientist and archeologist extraordinaire! Loves ruin-diving and unnatural phenomena.)
Pete Asparagus and Sawyer Price
(Brilliant middle aged stage magicians looking to semi-retire in a tax haven. They've also made a career of debunking the paranormal for their direct to DVD Series "Nonsense.")
Harry Gloomward
(Small time arcanist from a tradition that sees magic as something to be passed down but used as little as possible in practice. Currently works in Animal Control to support himself.)

>>5397655
Alrighty then, drawing update. Expect it within a day.

Rolled 5 (1d6)

>>5400632
Sorry, things got busy. Within 1 more day.

In the meantime, RNG.

>1-2 = Francesca's experiments
>3-4 = Agitator intel
>5 = Aerogel mass production
>6 = Astra senses something

>>5397655
>□ House of Letters
>>5397655
>□ Lesser-known, unimportant academiacs (unnamed science mooks)

>>5397655

>>5397673
>>5397697
>>5397714
>>5397752
>>5397765
>>5397790
>>5398448
>>5398763
>>5398892
>>5401903

With the 1 EU that was used for upgrading the navy now free for your use, you decided to invest it in the speedy construction and funding of the newly-rebuilt House of Letters. With Itza as its head, you are sure this laboratory will make new discoveries, as well as preserve the old Tzabcani knowledge that Itza has.
That said, Itza can't run such a facility, not alone, at least.
"So, these are my servants?" Itza looks at the motley crew behind you.
"Well, the correct term is 'staff', but yes, they work under you. Please, get acquainted with each other."
Among the gaggle of lesser academiacs and interns, four names stand out.
"Hey, nice t'meetcha. Nice temple."
Indy Jones, an archaeologist with a reputation of daring to go into dangerous places to get her research data, who readily volunteered when you discreetly contacted her right after she finished a project of recovering artifacts for the Zayyine government.
"I say, I was skeptical of the authenticity of this job, but this might turn a profit. Wouldn't you say, Pete?"
"M-hmm."
The loud and silent magician duo, Sawyer Price and Pete Asparagos, who are more known for their debunking show on TV. They would be perfect for cover-up and media control duties.
"That's a good, nice multilayered barrier all around the site. Old, powerful stuff."
Harry Gloomward, chosen because of his magical aptitude and Bordecian lineage of mages. You decided to recruit him when you learned that he worked in Materia City Animal Control, his talents are wasted there.
"I see, I see! I think they are an interesting bunch. I would be delighted to work with them." Itza remarks happily.
"So, what's our first assignment? I'd like to first make sure that the seals on the grand chamber hold strong, but you're the high chief."
You ponder what you should have them do, when Julia notified you of a new report.
"I'll contact you later with an assignment."

Later, in your office, you read the report - it was good news. Very good news! Adrian, the materials scientist, had managed to figure out a way to mass produce aero-gel. His prototype aero-gel factory is now churning out a respectable amount of stable, usable aero-gel - what do you want to use it for? It could make for lighter armor for your troops or your vehicles, or it could be used on your weapons to make them lighter and easier to carry. It also appears that aero-gel paint diffuses radar signatures, so your planes could be a bit more protected against missiles. Then again, they make excellent insulation material for buildings, keeping them cool in the tropical heat.

(Contd.)

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>>5402653

An international call snaps you from the possibilities of aero-gel. King Harqa Wahid is on the line, sounding a bit giddy.
"Peace be, President Sam! We've received Salim just a few days ago. Shame about the missing arm, but I guess gas explosions don't discriminate, eh? Anyhow, I'm calling to say that we've sent the last six Aqrabs, it should have arrived a couple days ago."
Oh, you were in the House of Letters at the time - you guess Risonha had arranged Salim's transfer. Julia quickly pulls out a report from that time, and indeed, six Aqrabs have been delivered.
Only thing is, there's no report that there were a delivery of another six Aqrab light tanks before that.
"Twelve? We did receive the six Aqrabs a few days ago, but that was the first shipment we've received. How long ago was the first shipment?"
Wahid's tone is one of confusion. "Should be just a week after we've hashed out the deal - the ship reported that it delivered its cargo safely to Paneira."
Ugh, you smell something's afoot, could it be the same one behind the missing Zayyine heavy weaponry?

>What first task would you give the House of Letters?
>□ Ensure the magical and physical seals on the Anasazi tomb next door is secure
>□ Look for anomalous reports all over Paneira
>□ Look for the other temples in Baitros and westward
>□ Catalogue the Tzabcani knowledge Itza has
>□ Other (fill in)

>What purpose should you use aero-gel for?
>□ Better infantry armor
>□ Better vehicle armor
>□ Lighter weaponry
>□ Anti-missile plane paint
>□ Reasonably priced building insulation
>□ Other (fill in)

>How should you handle the Aqrab situation?
>□ Cross-check cargo manifests with Zayyine
>□ Check on Juan Martinez on the black market, or underworld rumors
>□ Get Risonha to monitor for unusual cargo movement in Paneira
>□ Other (fill in)

>>5402660
>□ Ensure the magical and physical seals on the Anasazi tomb next door is secure
Earn some goodwill and build some loyalty with our fellow lich and new staffer.

>□ Better vehicle armor
Our armoured divisions and naval destroyers shall be the bane of all guerillas and invaders!

>□ Check on Juan Martinez on the black market, or underworld rumors
Time for the new bandit prince to earn his keep.

>>5402660

>□ Catalogue the Tzabcani knowledge Itza has
Knowledge first, then action.

>□ Anti-missile plane paint
That assassin is still gunning for our airforce guy. I'm tempyed to use it to enhance and lighten firefighting gear in case of an oil rig incident.

>□ Check on Juan Martinez on the black market, or underworld rumors.
Ah, perhaps our investment here is paying off?

>>5402660
>What first task would you give the House of Letters?
>□ Ensure the magical and physical seals on the Anasazi tomb next door is secure
>What purpose should you use aero-gel for?
>□ Better vehicle armor
>How should you handle the Aqrab situation?
>□ Check on Juan Martinez on the black market, or underworld rumors

>>5402660
>□ Ensure the magical and physical seals on the Anasazi tomb next door is secure
SAFETY FIRST!
>□ Better vehicle armor
Our APCs need to be better, so do ships and planes
>□ Cross-check cargo manifests with Zayyine
Which ship was it on, and where? Track the scent and paper trail or whatever

>>5402660
>□ Ensure the magical and physical seals on the Anasazi tomb next door is secure
Let's make sure it's good.
>□ Reasonably priced building insulation
ECONOMY
>□ Check on Juan Martinez on the black market, or underworld rumors
We work with him for a reason

>>5402660
>□ Ensure the magical and physical seals on the Anasazi tomb next door is secure
>□ Anti-missile plane paint
Planes are expensive, and anti-missile properties are useful on boats and vehicles as well.
>□ Cross-check cargo manifests with Zayyine
>□ Check on Juan Martinez on the black market, or underworld rumors
>Spend that EU on increasing Aero-gel Mass Production
No harm in trying to get more.

>>5402660
>□ Ensure the magical and physical seals on the Anasazi tomb next door is secure
>>5402660
>□ Reasonably priced building insulation
>>5402660
>□ Check on Juan Martinez on the black market, or underworld rumors