“What precisely do you mean by good living?” You raise an eyebrow, stepping back slightly. You get the distinct feeling that Krupp doesn’t want the other members of your party to hear his plan for a specific reason.

The old German nods once, vigorously. “Well, it’s quite simple. The working class need a moral core around which to structure their lives. A reverence for their superiors, and for the Almighty.” He rubs his beard, smiling. “Their hearts and minds must be influenced, so that they can be respectable members of a new society. The builders of the future!” He pauses to take a breath. “There must be rules, of course, but most importantly they must live in an environment that favors such good living. The laboring classes must be made to see that they can have a satisfactory existence through earnest behavior and hard work.”

You frown, having heard pretty much what you expected. “I see,” is your only response. “And am I to presume this is a condition of receiving more artillery?”

Krupp nods again. “Yes, of course. I think it is a fair trade. You help me to build a model society for the upcoming Japanese workers, and I supply your army with what they need to dominate their enemies.” He leans forward slightly. “If anything, you and the Japanese benefit more than I do. It is an act of philanthropy.”

Crossing your arms, you consider the options. The Krupp guns are worlds better than what you have, and would give your artillerists uncontested superiority in any further engagements. Still, you can’t imagine that Krupp’s ideal factory-town will be welcomed by the Japanese workers that he wants to ‘civilize.’ But at the very least, it means a steel mill and gun foundry will be built in Japan, a potentially invaluable asset moving forward. You aren’t in a position to hold off for the Shogun’s approval, and he’s seemed to defer to your judgement during this mission so far, so the decision will be entirely yours.

>”I agree, Herr Krupp. We’ll approve the plan.”
>”The Japanese already have a civilization, sir. I do not believe that your project will change that.”
>Write-in.

>>5560585
>”I agree, Herr Krupp. We’ll approve the plan.”

Nobody says we need to KEEP to the plan once its built or the Japanese ''people'' need too. Besides we're pushing for a 'moderinzed' Imperial Japan anyway. More worried about the 'Lord' part.

Again, I'm so sorry that there have been delays with posting. Between fighting with the publisher over delays to the book, moving again, and a family emergency, I had to focus on IRL stuff and pretty much everything else went by the wayside during that time. Things appear to be stabilizing for me though, which should been more frequent sessions. Either way, as long as people come here to follow and play, the quest isn't going to die. Thanks to everyone for your patience. Glad to be back.

>>5560585
>”I agree, Herr Krupp. We’ll approve the plan.”
> "But the town needs to be subject to some regulation. Else the Japanese authorities will blame you when unrest inevitably surfaces. Being a foreigner is a terrible thing. We make perfect scapegoats"

The Japanese are a hardy people.
We're essentially getting the best deal

>>5560588
you think I'm gonna give up on this fucking thing when I've been here since day one? Like hell!

Do we have a new publisher date or no?

>>5560689
So far they've pushed it off to sometime this month, but that's subject to change.

And thanks Anon, it means a lot to have someone sticking around from the beginning.

>>5560585
>”I agree, Herr Krupp. We’ll approve the plan.”
> "But the town needs to be subject to some regulation. Else the Japanese authorities will blame you when unrest inevitably surfaces. Being a foreigner is a terrible thing. We make perfect scapegoats"

Play it wisely. Also yo Zap, good to see ya back.

>>5560702
I look forward to seeing it drop or announcement. Been waiting to see how that bitch plays out.

Also, its good to see your shit getting back online. You've made me enjoy learning about weird Japanese history.

“I agree,” you reply after a pause. “We’ll move forward with your plan. Though, we’ll need some form of local oversight. I don’t particularly want any incidents coming back to bite me.”

“Splendid!” Krupp claps his hands together loudly, a wide grin spreading across his face. He beckons for you to follow him back over to the map of Ezo. “I have several locations in mind, may I show you?”

You nod once. “Of course.”

Krupp points to several locations, speaking deliberately. “The geography of Ezo makes it highly suitable for building a new steelworks facility. In particular, my surveyors have identified sites near the towns of Muroran and Hakodate, as well as the Ishikari Plain.” He points to each location as he mentions them.

“What makes these locations suitable?” You frown slightly, all of these areas are sparsely-populated and underdeveloped. According to members of the Shogun’s staff, much of Ezo is still a wild land, practically independent from Japan proper. “Why not on the mainland, perhaps in Fukushima?”

“Ezo is rich in untapped iron and coal resources,” Krupp replies. “Though the surveyors question the quality of the coal present, these resources will make a central steel production facility suitable.” He points again to Muroran. “This site in particular is close to major coal and iron deposits, and its position on the coast will facilitate easier trade with the main islands and other nations.” He crosses his arms. “The only problem is the existing town of Muroran.” Frowning slightly, he elaborates. “The workers’ city will need to be a totally new construction, and positioning it too close to an established town could prove problematic.”

“I see,” you nod. “And what of the other sites?”

Krupp grimaces. “Hakodate has the same challenges as Muroran, but is closer to the mainland. I also understand there is a modern fortress near the city.” He shrugs, looking at you. “Meaning there could be great potential to construct a military arsenal near to the steelworks, to streamline the acquisition of arms from the facility.”

“And the last site?”

Krupp’s eyes light up. “The Ishikari Plain was identified as an ideal site for the construction of a city.” He rubs his beard thoughtfully. “Though any ore and coal will have to be brought through the mountains, there is plenty of space to build a large facility. There is a small issue of the native peoples occupying the area, though. I doubt they would be easily convinced to hand over their lands.”

>”It sounds like Muroran is best, then.”
>”Hakodate can form the base for a major arsenal. I like it.”
>”This Ishikari Plain sounds promising.”
>Write-in.

>>5560731
>”It sounds like Muroran is best, then.”

Trade is the life blood of any nation.

>>5560588
No worries Zap. Publishers are sketchy at best. The book, you, and your family are more important. I've been tuning in due to the archives. Awesome quest. I will be following and voting.

>>5560731
>>”It sounds like Muroran is best, then.”

>>5560731
>>”Hakodate can form the base for a major arsenal. I like it.”

Good to see this back Zap, looks like it's time to reread all the threads lol.

>>5560731
>>>”Hakodate can form the base for a major arsenal. I like it.”

We are going to be fighting a war.

>>5560731
Hey Zap! Glad to see this is back! Have you considered self-publishing? I know it's the route I'm gonna try. Need to drum the SHIT out of my social medias for attention, but hey, better that than dealing with publishers. More creative control!

Now as for the question of where that Still Mill's gonna go...

>”Hakodate can form the base for a major arsenal. I like it."

The less Japan has to rely on imports for its war efforts the better, and that starts with its weaponry as well as its steel. Muroran is good for trade, but that's a two way street that invites us to compete with far larger exporters and producers, which we may end up at a disadvantage against.

It's been a hot minute though, remind me who we're fighting? The Joseon? Qing?

>>5561281
We're fighting the Gray backs, Supporting the rebels at the moment, While also possible disloyal factions within the Shogun.

>>5561288
Damn son, here I thought the rebels were done with when we deposed the other dude. Isn't that why they were fighting? Not swearing loyalty to the ex-Shogun? I need to go re-read some stuff.

>>5561294
I think they escaped? Or something along those lines.

>>5560731
>”It sounds like Muroran is best, then.”

>>5560731
>”Hakodate can form the base for a major arsenal. I like it.”
We are a military man after all.

“Hakodate,” you nod. “I like the idea of having a military arsenal near the fortress.”

“Very well,” Krupp replies. “Then I shall notify my people and prepare a contract to present to the Japanese.”

You rub your chin thoughtfully, hoping that this project won’t cause any unintended problems. “And what of the field guns? Will we receive them in time to take them home with us when we’re done in Europe?”

“Indeed, indeed.” Krupp smiles as he nods. “Twenty-four units to start, with an additional forty-eight sent out with the builders for the new steelworks. Those will likely arrive in early-to-mid summer, assuming there are no issues with the contract.”

Your eyebrows shoot up. Sixty guns in total. More than enough to form a solid artillery branch for the new army. “Excellent. Thank you, Herr Krupp.”

Soon, the two of you rejoin the rest of your party, who are still touring the factory floor. You meet up with them in the finishing department, where the final fitment of new cannons occurs.

“Astounding,” Beretta mutters to himself as he watches the various processes. He leans over to you and whispers. “These facilities are groundbreaking. I see many things we could replicate, should we wish to start domestic production of arms.”

“We might not need to,” you reply. “Krupp is planning to start a new steelworks and gun foundry in Hakodate. I gave the approval in exchange for a number of Krupp’s cannons.”

Beretta frowns slightly. “Admittedly, sir, the investment will be welcome.” He rubs the end of his nose, looking back out at the production floor. “But I worry that having too many assets under direct foreign control may be dangerous. I understand you also approved the construction of a German naval base?”

You nod slightly. “I did.”

“Hopefully our benefactors will not grow to resent any of this.” He shrugs.

>”It won’t be for long. In a couple decades, Japan will be strong enough to seize any of those foreign assets that try to work against us.”
>”We need the inflow of skilled labor and industry. If we don’t adapt, we die.”
>”Perhaps so. I’ll make sure that any future deals are on better terms for Japan’s sovereignty.”
>Write-in.

Oops. Lost track of the maths. 72 guns, not 60.

>>5562727
>”We need the inflow of skilled labor and industry. If we don’t adapt, we die.”
>”Perhaps so. I’ll make sure that any future deals are on better terms for Japan’s sovereignty.”

>>5562727
>”It won’t be for long. In a couple decades, Japan will be strong enough to seize any of those foreign assets that try to work against us.”

>>5562727

>”It won’t be for long. In a couple decades, Japan will be strong enough to seize any of those foreign assets that try to work against us.”

This is not China or Africa. We will not let the Empires of the old world carve up our new home. If they try, they will regret it.

>>5562727
>>”We need the inflow of skilled labor and industry. If we don’t adapt, we die.”
>>”Perhaps so. I’ll make sure that any future deals are on better terms for Japan’s sovereignty.”

>>5562727
>”It won’t be for long. In a couple decades, Japan will be strong enough to seize any of those foreign assets that try to work against us.”

Let 'em try. Pound for pound Japan actually has a pretty good track record for international wars.

>>5563242
In fact you know what, I just realized we may have made an error joining the Aizu since the Shogunate *loses* the Boshin War, but they way this shit is going I'm certain we can clutch some kind of merger between the Imperial Court and the Shogun... what do you guys think, is a cease-fire into peace into merger combo possible? Or is legit unification post-Meiji restoration a pipe dream? I just want Stockton to live to see Japan invade China dang it...

is the pastebin up to date, QM?

>>5563305
We will become the future Shogun.

>After this war, Japan will be under international scrutiny. If we win with minimal losses and a modern army They will see opportunity and do their best to offer a better deal. We take too many losses and have a subpar army and they will take advantage of our weakness. A single industrialist will be nothing to the vultures that descend upon a broken land.
> Also we have confederates with an Ironclad to worry about. This will ease our worries.

>>5564251
Support the write in.

>>5564251
Ah shit, almost missed the thread!
Supporting this.

>>5563940
Lol wut? Can't happen. We'd get blamed for everything and executed as a foreign devil scapegoat.

>>5582775
Supporting this.

It takes into account external Immediate threats.