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>>5096588
Marry Christmas everybody!

Past Threads: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=sun+belt+crusaders

Starter guide/refresher qm made: justpaste dot it/sbc-refresher

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>>5096588
Also got some kino artwork for y'all.

>>5096591
he may be a manlet but his faith towers above all

Merry Christmas!

Thank you for posting the OP. For those who don't know, I am the guy doing the qm stuff (source: pls trust me bro), but I can't actually post OPs for reasons I can not recall. I believe I was drunk then. I am drunk now, too. An update will be coming, and know that I will not do something like dropping without a word due to what I think was another drunk oath (something I take seriously.) Until the next update, no eta but kind of soon I hope, please wait warmly, perhaps engaging in shitposting or vitriolic trolling or whatever it is that 4chansmen ought to do.

Ah, and Merry Christmas!

>>5096590
I haven't looked at that refresher since, I believe, when I wrote it up back during the start of Season 2.; I'm sure it's woefully outdated. I should probably do a hierarchical note taking thing, or whatever it is the cool kids are calling it, to replace it and make things better. Unfortunately, I do not even take notes myself (although don't think that I don't remember shit that came before. There's legit stuff from really early threads you guys seem to have forgotten about that I still have in mind and are still at play, but, ah, this is really getting long winded and into spoiler territory so.....)

>>5096591
5'8"?!?!?! What kind of vile propaganda, the truly heinous, demonic, and (may God forgive me for doing this) downright Martin-Lutheresque evil is this! According to a quick Google search, something which is nothing short of gospel truth, Bryan Cranston is at least five eleven. Whoever is responsible for this is a vile heretic deserving of nothing short of an inquisitorial torture session

>>5097475
>There's legit stuff from really early threads you guys seem to have forgotten about

To be fair, there was a large amount of time in between the first and second seasons, and in between the Warden Reckoning, the Reservation Raid and it’s fallout, and that shitshow that was the POZ Raid, our attention has been quite divided as of late. Is it the mysterious Russian? The POZ raiders? The Warden? Motherfucking Vulcan Raven?!? The Nazi mercenaries we sold meth to (still waiting for them to come around btw)? The Redfield Experience? Kai (SpiritsBro)? Former cartel presence in Maricopa (which I suspect is tied to the Hispanic community, and will come up during our meeting with their respective church head)? The Electrical Union? The Boogie Boiz? That fat bitch Bertha?!?

That’s a lot of mental balls to juggle, especially when we forgot how to juggle them for half a year or so of the hiatus, so if you don’t mind, a slight hint/quick refresher would be nice before you hit us with a curveball outta left field.

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Sorry about the delay in not getting anything up. Blame the usual holiday stuff (and professional stuff too, but who cares about that.) The next update should be out in less than twenty four hours (it's partially done), although there is very small chance that I will be unable to post anything on 4chan for the next few days for unspecified reasons. Even if that happens, I'll try and find a creative way around that, but there's the old saying about crossing bridges when you get there.
Pic related.

>>5097496
I hardly even remember typing up that post for the obvious reasons, lol. I'm not sure what exactly past me was thinking of at the time, but it's probably one of the dozen or so things you posted, I'd guess.

You return from Maricopa to Mobile satisfied at what you consider a job well done at helping to arrange an uneasy peace at such a critical time. When you return, you are met with a number of issues that only you, the Messenger, are authorized to deal with.

Issue 1:
>The Vagrant Question
When you made the choice to graciously grant sanctuary to the poor and downtrodden among Maricopa (i.e. homeless meth-fiends), you knew there was the potential for mishaps. While your decision to only grant them the holy blessing after long, extensive shifts of labor has helped keep them too tired and productive to cause too much trouble, these are still highly volatile characters. Two of them, apparently, got into a knife-fight over an argument over the color which particular tent they'd be sleeping in, or some other trivial nonsense. The loser bled out and died on the sands. The winner almost died of the wounds he received and owed his life to the quick actions of the local frontier doctor, who managed to stabilize his wounds with literal duct tape in the time it took for a runner to hand over actual medical supplies.

This incident brings up the matter of law enforcement. Before, things mostly ran themselves and you didn't need to organize any such groups. Now this has been brought into question. Some believe that this is a freak event and that nothing needs to change. Others (mostly the vagrants themselves) believe this is the result of systemic mistreatment and inadequate housing facilities. Some believe that gendarmes, dedicated peacekeepers officially part of the military, are in order, even if each gendarme necessarily means one fewer soldier can be deployed.

>Option granted by cardinal traits [Soviet Psychological Training] [Grand Ambitions]
One of your cardinals, the enigmatic son of émigrés, has brought a grand proposal to you. He says that the incident happened due to inadequate information and monitoring. With a few good men and a modest stipend, however, he promises that he can make these issues disappear. His task would lock in his time and the use of those he would deem loyal to him, but he claims this is but a small price to pay.

In any case, you must choose a course of policy regarding the Vagrant Question, or explicitly choose not to.

How do you answer this question?

>Rebuke the junkies and tell them to stop acting insane
>Command the Mobile Infantry to act as a gendarmerie [Significantly reduced defense in case of attack on Mobile]
>Exile these vagrants back to Maricopa. Inviting them was a mistake.
>Reserve a half-platoon of Crusaders to act as a gendarmerie [Reduces their combat capacity]
>Do nothing. This was a freak accident and any issues will go away with time.
>Allow Yuri and his loyalists to create a special internal intelligence and peacekeeping apparatus [Option granted by traits: Soviet Psychological Training and Grand Ambitions] [Unlocks later choices]
>[Write-In]

[1/3]

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>>5100013

[2/3]

Issue 2:
>Impatient Artillerists
You had previously decided that using the mortars that literally fell from the sky in battle was a bad idea for a number of reasons including, but not limited to an inability to produce more ammunition and the dangerous attention it would bring to your fledgling faction. With them sealed up in the Mobile armory, they are secure and the mortarists have been made to train themselves without actually firing any explosives off themselves. You can at least say that this is how actual training But this does not have to be so.
Some of your artillerists are impatient and wish to get in action immediately. They cite their inability to improve without the use of live ammunition. One of their number even claims that with the upcoming meeting of POZ forces and Maricopa the Sun Belt Crusaders should take unilateral action to unleash the wonderweapon, which he assures will result in instant victory!

How will you choose to proceed?

>Tell them to keep reading their manuals, practice finding ranges, and not rush things
>Promise they will get their chance soon when you acquire the ability to produce explosives [consequences if promised not fulfilled in reasonable time]
>Let them use the limited ammunition for training purposes.
>Bring them and the mortars to the POZ meeting and attempt to blow them up in one fell swoop! [This is a bad idea] [As in, this is almost guaranteed to repeat history and end the quest, levels of bad idea]
>[Write-In]

Issue 3:
>Hrvatski Rage
One of your cardinals, Trkulja, has been making continually more impassioned requests for action to be taken against the Warden to the west. According to the cardinal, this is an existential threat that needs immediate, violent action to be taken. He has been claiming that each half-week spent without action of some kind taken is one half-week closer to total ruin.
He has not taken the recent decision to spend forces scouting the unknown wastes and prioritizing diplomatic efforts well. The reaction is best described as 'blinding rage,' and he is adamant that immediate action must be taken. You're not entirely sure where this is going.

What is your response to his impassioned request for raids against the Warden?

>Rebuke him for his selfish attempt at saving face
>Make a promise that you will send a raiding force against the Warden some time soon
>Tell him that you will give him half a platoon and orders to engage in scouting troop movements or similar activities, and nothing else [Lock in Scouting Action under Trkulja]
>Grant him his wish. See where this leads. [Lock in Raid Action under Trkulja]
>[Write-In]

>>5100017

[3/3]

Issue 4:
>New Peacekeepers
With the deal by Preis, you now have the job of maintaining peace and order in the Casino area. While these individuals have experience in maintaining law and order, it is maybe not directly applicable. Dolores' style was based on swift, decisive action meant to deter unwanted activity. While the strategy was highly effective at beating the rebellious tendencies out of his Reservation, some believe Dolores' style may not be such a good idea in the more neutral Casino zone.
In addition to more traditional methods of peacekeeping, you can order alternative priorities be set. You do have an awfully large stockpile of meth that you can't seem to get rid of, after all.

>Let the crusaders be Crusaders, openly brandished bayonets and all.
>Prioritize slightly less bloodthirsty methods of peacekeeping [Crusaders locked in become gendarmes]
>Deprioritize the region as a whole, reducing committed troops by half
>Tell the Crusaders to find ways of peddling meth on the job. Who's going to arrest them, themselves?!
>Put the reserved troops under the command of cardinal Yuri's new group [Requires the Yuri choice in Issue 1]
>[Write-In]

Issue 5:
>Captured Free Men
One unexpected result of cardinal Musella's exploration of the wastes was the acquisition of a number of prisoners, or 'Freemen,' from Red Rock. Current efforts at getting anything useful out of them have failed due to their natural hatred of captivity and bullheadedness. Still, they are now your faction's problem, and you need to figure out what to do with them

>Put them into the prison at the Sierra Estrella, just like the others. It should be a return to normal for them
>Invite them to live peacefully in Mobile with free access to all of the food, Bibles, meth, and other such amenities as desired.
>Give them over to the M.M.P. While they didn't commit crimes against Maricopa/Stanfield like last time, they're part of the same group, so maybe they'll accept them again.
>Execute them. You have no need for them, and this is the simplest solution.
>Let the new internal intelligence group to have its way with them. [Requires the Yuri choice in Issue 1]
>[Write-In]

And we're back with a... relatively boring set of policy proposals way past deadline in strange circumstances (in that I can even post). Hopefully I can squeeze out some more updates and end off the year's stuff with some more of the usual stuff

>>5100013
>Allow Yuri and his loyalists to create a special internal intelligence and peacekeeping apparatus [Option granted by traits: Soviet Psychological Training and Grand Ambitions] [Unlocks later choices]

>>5100017
>Tell them to keep reading their manuals, practice finding ranges, and not rush things
Ammo is scarce. We should talk to the cripple guy on acquiring more weapons and ammo. Where ever he is.

>[Write-In]
Force him to take a physical, mental, and spiritual sabatical. "I cannot in allow you to carry out your duties in this state of mind, God would not look kindly upon your state as you are in carry out his divine will."
We need him calm and collected before we can make good use of him again, perhaps a retreat with the Messenger for a weekend or longer (half-week) will help stabilize him.

That mortar looks like a soviet/russian 120mm mortar, PM-43 but with a modern muzzle break??

>>5100018
>Prioritize slightly less bloodthirsty methods of peacekeeping [Crusaders locked in become gendarmes]
But allow them to carry bayonets, swiss guards get halberds.

>Let the new internal intelligence group to have its way with them. [Requires the Yuri choice in Issue 1]

>>5100013
>Allow Yuri and his loyalists to create a special internal intelligence and peacekeeping apparatus [Option granted by traits: Soviet Psychological Training and Grand Ambitions] [Unlocks later choices]

The best option available, and I'm always partial to playing into our cardinal traits.

>>5100017
>Promise they will get their chance soon when you acquire the ability to produce explosives [consequences if promised not fulfilled in reasonable time]

Considering that we were planning on an Explosives Factory when we recoup our Advanced Pharmaceutical Workshop, I think this is reasonable, yes? Also, thanks for posting that bad idea warning. Even though it may be obvious when you think about it, I appreciate the warning that comes with the Game Over option.

>Grant him his wish, under the conditions that this be a Black Op that won't be linked back to us. See where this leads. [Lock in Raid Action under Trkulja]

I don't mind him raiding the Warden so long as he if doesn't link this back to us. Maybe we can stage this Op around Goodyear or the South of Gila Bend? I do suggest that anons think hard on this choice, as it may not be wise to get us involved in another conflict.

>>5100018
>Prioritize slightly less bloodthirsty methods of peacekeeping [Crusaders locked in become gendarmes]
>Put the reserved troops under the command of cardinal Yuri's new group [Requires the Yuri choice in Issue 1]

A mix of both sounds kino. I assume that this will be under a new unit instead of turning our veteran mechanized unit into its own gendarmes? We'll have Yuri's people handle the narcotics dealing low-key.

>Let the new internal intelligence group to have its way with them. [Requires the Yuri choice in Issue 1]

If they can brainwash them, all the better, but I'll settle for actionable intelligence on the region.

>>5100041
Why does he even put bad ideas as options? I feel like he wants to watch us to suffer sometimes just for the lulz.

>>5100013
>Rebuke the junkies and tell them to stop acting insane
I'm not a big fan of letting secret activities happening under our noses, so unless we can get Yuri to tell exactly what his plans are for the vagrants a stern warning should hopefully be enough.

>>5100017
>Let them use the limited ammunition for training purposes
>But tell them to limit their usage to a set number per week
If we're going to set up an explosives factory soon anyways, I don't mind using a really small amount for practice in the meantime. I'm sure they'll understand the limitations, though I wonder if the increased exposure brought by explosives training would cause concerns from our neighbours.

>Hrvatski Rage
+1 for sabbatical >>5100033

>>5100018
>Prioritize slightly less bloodthirsty methods of peacekeeping [Crusaders locked in become gendarmes]
No need to rush our meth dealing here for now.

>[Write-In] >Invite them to live peacefully in Mobile with free access to all of the food, Bibles, meth, and other such amenities as desired, but keep them under a tight watch and don't let them leave, effectively something similar to a house arrest
Jar of honey, as they say. Letting Yuri keep an eye on them should keep him busy, too.

>>5100013
>>Allow Yuri and his loyalists to create a special internal intelligence and peacekeeping apparatus [Option granted by traits: Soviet Psychological Training and Grand Ambitions] [Unlocks later choices]

Only if it is going to be called the inquisition, we've been needing inquisitors for a long time now.

>>Let them use the limited ammunition for training purposes

That way once production is up, soon hopefully, they'll know how to use the things.

>>Hrvatski Rage
+1 to sabbatical, his judgment is clouded.

>>Let the crusaders be Crusaders, openly brandished bayonets and all.

We have so few actual crusaders as is, i would support training some gendarmes out of new recruits but I feel we would lose our soul with this choice.

>>Let the new internal intelligence group to have its way with them. [Requires the Yuri choice in Issue 1]

>>5100018
Just for clarification on the gendarmes, they will be apart of a new unit instead of using up our veteran mechanized Crusaders, right? That's what I thought would happen when I voted for the gendarmes, I don't want to lose our veteran core of mechanized in exchange for some policemen.

>>5100149
He probably does just do it for the lulz, and then is surprised that we take it at face value as a legitimate option. I blame the alcohol.

Also, for those interested in the sabbatical, I kindly remind y'all of the last time we tried a original write-in, which led to us denouncing the foundation of our faith and faction. As you can reasonably understand, I have soured on write-ins somewhat, and I'm wary of any options that the QM doesn't lay out as a consequence. I'm not saying a sabbatical is a wrong action, I just worry of the unintended consequences that may result from this unexpected write-in, as I don't think that this is an adequate solution to our Hrvatski Rage.

>>5101018
The other option is to potentially risk our people under his rage, though. The sabbatical is just a softer rebuke option, and you said yourself that it might not be wise to get involved in another conflict.

>>5101107
We may get something out of a raid, and not just some WP and the Warden distracted somewhere that isn't Mobile (as it would be a Black Op). Trkulja will finally chill out instead of boiling over, which the chill pill is exactly what we need and an explosion of temper isn't, and I don't think the sabbatical will resolve things to our satisfaction.

>>5100018
>>Let them use the limited ammunition for training purposes.
>Allow Yuri and his loyalists to create a special internal intelligence and peacekeeping apparatus [Option granted by traits: Soviet Psychological Training and Grand Ambitions] [Unlocks later choices]
>Make a promise that you will send a raiding force against the Warden some time soon
>Let the crusaders be Crusaders, openly brandished bayonets and all.
>Invite them to live peacefully in Mobile with free access to all of the food, Bibles, meth, and other such amenities as desired.

captcha say 44

>>5101350
Going on a raid is not what I'd call a chill pill lol, and a raid still comes with the risk of combat and getting found out. I'm honestly not convinced enough to let him do it unless you think he'll do more damage here

>>5101959
I think the risk of combat is inevitable, but the risk of getting found out can be mitigated by making sure those involved know that they can't tell anyone about who they really are, that operational security should be taken with the utmost seriousness, and we can make some cyanide pills in case of capture.

In the case of if he'll do more damage here, I don't quite know, but I know managing our cardinal's desires in a 'healthy' (violent) way is probably best. Give him this, he might chill out on the Warden hateboner for a while, whereas kicking that can down the road could make his rage reach a feverish pitch, which may make him irrational in other areas.

If you want, we could instead say that he's allowed to 'scout' (but decked out for a raid), but to only get involved if there's a opportunity that can make out like a bandit with WP and material, or that he can turn the tide in an already open conflict between the Warden and some other faction. Otherwise, it's just to be a normal scouting operation (ignore the Black Ops secrecy, balaclavas, and cyanide pills).

>>5100033
>We should talk to the cripple guy on acquiring more weapons and ammo. Where ever he is.
He has already talked to you guys about this. As a reminder, he said that you guys should take him over to "New Vegas", which he claimed was where he was originally supposed to go and where he may be able to get something done. The city is hundreds of miles away, and it is presumed that any journey there will be long, dangerous, and will require extensive scouting. If this sounds vague or shady, it's because it sort of is. But alas, he cannot pull mortar shells from thin air.

Also, I'm not sure what you mean by "spiritual sabbatical." It's vaguely put and, as I'm reading it, looks like a temporary suspension from work and a politely worded order for him to stop being crazy. "A retreat with the Messenger" is also confusing, since that implies the Messenger can just take a vacation or something (being warlord meth pope doesn't give you vacation days!) so I'm guessing it's a euphemism for praying, as in retreating into prayer?

>>5100335
>Only if it is going to be called the inquisition
The "pic related" I posted earlier was the symbol of the Spanish Inquisition, so it's pretty obvious what they're generally going to be called, even if they have a proper/official name in Latin. It should be obvious that this is a potential way for delegating tasks/authority to underlings as opposed to micromanaging everything (which should not be interpreted as signifying if this is a good/bad idea)

>>5100149
I'm not going to lie. Lulz are part of it. They're fun options to write. I also think people have the right to make bad choices, even if the chance of it not going totally wrong is less than one in a hundred.

>>5100371
The default assumption is that the people already there would be the ones acting as a gendarmerie. Those guys in particular haven't been riding around in the desert getting in fast paced chases and shootouts. If you want to specify that you want the least experienced of the crusaders to be there in particular since you don't think it's a demanding job, sure. There's no reason you can't do that. Same with specifying how they'll be within reason. Someone earlier suggested that while being gendarmes, they should still keep their bayonets as a nod to the real Swiss Guards... not to imply that the Messenger isn't the Pope, he of course is!

>>5102114
I figure we should do something to help stabilize or reign in our cardinal to help him, and I figure having the pope personally take interest would help boost the action, since I don't want to have to hear about him constantly going off the rails and putting himself into a mental trap of his own due to trauma for his own mental health you see.

>I'm not going to lie.
So you were tempted to. I see what your up too..... Up to no good!

>>5102111
>cyanide pills in case of capture
That's even worse than getting routed in combat.

>>5102114
I voted for sabbatical and I was thinking of that option to be something as a recommendation for Trkulja to take some time off to pray, do penance, and calm his Wrath. I didn't read the retreat part and I don't think it would be good to leave for too long, but a praying session together might be nice.

>>5102134
And that's only in case of capture, not a route. I think of success here as winning a battle, but being able to distract and divert the Warden's attention somewhere other than Mobile as the real goal, if you get me.

>>5102368
>success here not as winning a battle

Damn autocorrect.

>>5102134
Isn't suicide like a terrible sin or something?

>>5102713
We are technically the Pope, who can pardon people of sin. I'm sure we can pull off enough mental gymnastics if we really wanted it, thought I'd consider the situation it becomes relevant in as extreme exemption instead of a rule.

>>5102740
Your starting to sound like a anti-pope wearing purple right now.

>>5103602
Technically, we are an Antipope, considering the general state of Catholicism worldwide.

>>5103638
WHAT HERESY IS THIS?
Its clearly the other way around!

>>5103640
Clearly this is a plot by the Lutherans to discredit the rightful and righteous Pope! Wait a minute...
>Lutherans
>Lunarians
Mein Gott...

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>>5103657
Quiet you fool, they don't know yet!

>>5103657
>Lutherans... Lutherians... Lutharians... LUNARIANS?!?!
>Look, I know it might sound crazy, but there's a connection. Take a look at this board here, you can follow with the red strings.
>The Moon People, they've been operating in the shadows the whole time. Pulling the strings.
>Don't believe me? Look into the Moon Landing. Some say it was fake, but that's not the truth. It was very real. It was an invasion. But I digress. The Reptilians are a topic for another day.
>Point is, the other Pope guy, he wasn't just a CIA Jesuit operative planted by the State Department and the Chinese... he was a lizard.
>Don't believe me? Look at the links between Christ and lizards made under his so-called tenure. >>5103664 related. I rest my case.
>The only one who can save us is the Messenger. He is aware of the Reptilian Question. Even the Lunarian Question...
>I knew from the start he was our only hope. Is, our only hope. I know there is some grand, powerful cosmic force that is powering us forward, granting us strength and saving us from our mistakes (despite allowing us to suffer occasionally to strengthen us and test our resolve)
>That, and these pills I got from some of his guys, they really help me get focused on writing. I swear, if I had unlimited access to the stuff, I could probably write hundreds of novels and scripts and pamphlets to fight the Secret War. I mean, now I'm just designing pamphlets for a casino or something (I don't gamble, the system is rigged) but I'm just saying, once the War is over I'll need a day job, right?!
>Point is, the Messenger is the real Pope, and that fake over in wherever he is, that guy is pretty much confirmed one of those perfidious Reptilians I tell you!!!
inb4 "who are you quoting?" I am quoting Mahoney. This is canon now...

Anyway, as that aside above should prove, I am perhaps well and truly drunk. It is also 2022, at least for most of the planet. I was supposed to have a proper update and special feature ready by now, but you know how it is...

"(Drink!) (Drank!) (Drink!) (Drunk!)

Drunk last night, drunk the night before,
I'm gonna get drunk tonight, like I've never been drunk before!
For when I am drunk I'm as happy as can be,
For I am a member of the /qst/ family.

Now the /qst/ family is the best family,
That ever came over from the old /tg/!
There's the QMfags, and the voterfags,
The samepostingfags, and the jannie fags!"

I'll stop with the butchering of old drinking songs, and just say: Happy New Years! Be you a disgruntled Catholic, a revolutionary, a conspiracy theorist, or a even meth-cook, Sun Belt Crusaders is still going, and your participation, be it through writing, voting, shitposting, or even lurking is appreciated.

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Rolled 23 (1d100)

>>5104299
HNY 2022

>>5104299
Happe New Year everybody!

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>>5104299
Happy New year /qst/!!

lets go yalll

>>5104299
Should I call in the search parties QM?

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>>5100033
>>5100035
>>5100041
>>5100198
>>5100335
>>5101403

OPTION SELECTED:
>Allow Yuri and his loyalists to create a special internal intelligence and peacekeeping apparatus [Option granted by traits: Soviet Psychological Training and Grand Ambitions] [Unlocks later choices]
That man has been floating the idea of creating an intelligence agency that would be responsible for helping to keep the peace. And peace includes spiritual peace by ensuring unity among the faithful. His loyalists act as a ready group of reliable staff, and the Sierra Estrella location is a perfect base of operations. The only thing preventing the establishment of this group was the need for your explicit approval, which you now grant.

Cardinal Yuri, eager to get to work and seemingly already having planned this out, says he will be able to start immediately. He even has a name ready. The Congregation for the Sacred Doctrine and Universal Inquisition, or Inquisition for short, promises to make short work of any budding heresies and promote peace in unity. Normally people would have reservations about creating such an institution, but the lower level Crusaders seem to be all for it and believe it will be 'cool' for some reason, presumably favorable media portrayals in fiction. Even the Mobile Infantry, weary from having to garrison and manage the mountain base with a small crew, welcome the Inquisition and the extra hands on deck.

Yuri promises he will make the most out of the existing base, and comments that it is quite fortuitous that there is already a significant prisoner population he can 'work' on. And on the topic of work, his first action is to take the survivor of the fight to the base as part of an investigation. This was done forcibly by his now red-clad loyalists. This occurred conspicuously as Yuri gave a sermon to the junkies about the importance of unity and how he will have one of his men nearby to monitor and provide spiritual guidance.

It may not be the most gentle approach, but for now it seems effective. They retire into their makeshift housing without incident, and you hear less noise coming from their part of Mobile than you would normally. You recall there being a phrase about iron fists and velvet gloves...

>Congregation for the Sacred Doctrine and Universal Inquisition, or simply the Inquisition, formed under Yuri
>Cardinal Yuri PoV availability reduced due to commitment required to operate the Inquisition
>Bonuses to certain activities (such as interrogations) and processes (such as prisoner->follower throughput) obtained
>15 W.P. per half-week stipend required for current functions
>Remember: Innocence Proves Nothing...

[1/???]

>>5108531

[2/???]

OPTION SELECTED:
>Let them use the limited ammunition for training purposes.
You decide to let the artillerists have limited access to the mortar shells. They are a precious commodity that you have no way of replenishing. Or rather, you will not be able to until you either decide to start scouting the north and somehow make your way to "New Vegas" or until you manage to get an explosives workshop running to produce makeshift shells of lower, but still usable quality. Still, there is no point in hoarding your supplies like a dragon. As Christ taught with the Parable of the Minas, your talents are not to be buried but rather to be used and multiplied.

You direct them to use the open patch of desert the place crash-landed on, where you yourself first used them, as a testing ground. You consider this a sort of blessing from God. The ability to unleash death from a distance against an unaware or immobile enemy can be a powerful one, and one that could even allow you to take smaller settlements through sheer intimidation alone. It's not a wonder-weapon that will immediately win you any engagement automatically, and using it against massive urban factions with your currently miniscule powerbase is nothing short of suicide, but great blessings require great discernment.

You will keep an eye on both ammunition usage and on signs that anyone may be watching. In the remote desert nearby unremarkable Mobile there really shouldn't be anyone scouting or snooping, but you know better than to totally let your guard down...

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>>5108533

[3/???]

OPTION SELECTED:
>Force him to take a 'sabbatical'
As the true pope, you are not just the highest figure in the Church, whose office of the Seat of Peter grants you supreme authority and jurisdiction over all ecclesiastical, political, and temporal powers, but also a spiritual guide for your flock. One among your flock, the Croatian Cardinal, is dealing with trying times. His heart is wroth, and it is clear that he is not of a completely sound mind. Something changed during that fateful encounter with the Warden, something that you can't brush off or simply expect to go away on its own as if it was a minor incident. You need to act.

You confront Trkulja in private over his recent request/demand to engage in action against the Warden. Whether confronting the Warden is a good idea, a bad idea, or an inevitability, is currently irrelevant. What is relevant however is the spiritual well-being of the man opposite of you.

He explains his perspective that the extermination of the Warden and his forces is the ultimate concern for the faction. With clenched teeth and fist, he recounts how Mobile was almost destroyed that fateful day. He expresses extreme frustration at how the faction has done literally nothing about the threat of Lewis Prison. He claims that there are a number of things that could be done, from scouting communities further along the I-8 by desert, to monitoring the inevitable movements along the 85 he must be engaging for logistical purposes, to even false flag raids against the prison meant to throw the region into enough disorder for the Crusaders to swoop in once the dust is settled! The alternative is nothing short of apocalyptic, nothing short of the Devil managing to destroy the Church, the Gates of Hell prevailing against the Church! He claims these are not the product of a fanciful imagination, but prophetic nightmares he is having to constantly endure. He is emphatic that something must be done. He is so emphatic that he just barely manages to avoid accusing you of outright inaction.

"I have heard enough," you say. "I cannot in good faith allow you to carry out your duties in this state of mind. God would not look kindly upon your state, as He has granted you the blessing, and responsibility, of carrying out His divine will." He is seriously unwell, and you treat him as such. "Until further notice, you are to draw your focus away from the logistical running of the Sun Belt Crusaders and towards the purification of the soul. You are to put away the battle-maps and spreadsheets to instead tend to the Rosary and the prayer books. As your spiritual father, I will do everything I can to aid you in this spiritual endeavor from performing blessings, mutual prayers, and even up to exorcism. But you are to still your heart and disengage from your wroth, lest in your rage you throw yourself into the fires of Gehenna."

He is silent. You have no way of knowing how he will take this...

>>5108534

[4/???]

>Processing Hrvatski Rage...
>Contemplating the Rosary
>Asking for the intercession of the saints...
>Consulting books of holy wisdom...
>Drinking of the extra-blessed wine...

He looks down to the floor, seemingly totally unfocused. "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." Well, that was nothing if not completely vague. But it is a prayer, of sorts, and not an attempt at further pushing his desired policy. You take this as acceptance of your demand.

>Use of Trkulja as a cardinal temporarily lost
>Receive temporary malus [Logistic Pinch]: Losing a key figure in logistics causes minor increases in general W.P. costs and a chance for negative events to occur until either the figure returns or enough time passes for adaptation.

You fear that this will not go away on its own, as demons of this magnitude seldom do. Still, you are obligated to do what you can, and you believe a retreat into prayer may be necessary. Forcing a high level leader into what practically amounts to a sudden suspension from work will have negative consequences in the material realm, that much is obvious. You can only pray that it won't be in vain.

>Results to be seen...

File: Old Swiss Guard (ie not S(...).jpg (1.38 MB, 3500x2317)

1.38 MB JPG

>>5108536

[5/???]

COMPROMISE SELECTED:
>Let the crusaders be Crusaders, openly brandished bayonets and all.
>Prioritize slightly less bloodthirsty methods of peacekeeping [Crusaders locked in become gendarmes]
You're slightly torn on the issue of having the place put under direct military rule (i.e. martial law) or creating an actual law enforcement body. While a gendarmerie would be more appropriate given the recent tensions, you feel like maintaining the identity or 'branding' of the Crusaders is important. With the new arrivals from Maricopa, Stanfield, and the Reservation, there is a real risk you may see the core Crusader identity you spent years building in the early days before the War get eroded.

The solution here, in your view, is not military but rather aesthetic in nature. You gather up a few people including your personal tailor (a pontiff does need to look the part, after all) and have a brainstorming session. It becomes clear that whatever you do has to be modern and practical for law enforcement while being distinctly traditionalist and undeniably 'Crusader' in appearance. Quickly, one source of inspiration takes center stage.

The Swiss Guardsmen have long been the protectors of the Vatican. With their distinct multicolored uniforms and use of archaic weaponry, their role has always seemed to be public more ceremonial than anything. The Crusaders are no zombific institution running on fumes and deception like the so-called "Papacy" most of the world recognizes, yet this particular institution of the Guard serves as an interesting example of ways to take archaic forms and make them work with modern function. It is decided that a gendarmerie of sorts will be formed with this as a model.

As law enforcement, much of their use is in being seen and thus being a deterrent to would-be criminals. The otherwise garish, multicolored uniforms serve a purpose. It is agreed that they must be toned down from the originals, both for the sake of aesthetic taste and due to the realistic constraints of material shortages. Fabrics will have to, necessarily, be sourced from existing materials (which thankfully pre-War America produced beyond the point of abundance) and many common, artificial dyes are not feasible to produce. The metal armor and 'poofy' clothing of the original Swiss Guard is a relic of a long past age, but your tailor remarks that there is practicality in taking pointers from the design. Loose fitting clothing with high breathability is exactly what people patrolling the deserts of Arizona would want, just as various desert-dwellers have worn for thousands of years. It's also a good way to conceal various pieces of equipment. Certain elements, such as the pointed metal helmets will have to substituted for more practical gear like berets, and the closest thing to a halberd would be an openly carried rifle with an attached bayonet. Thank God that the piece of equipment is already a distinct marker of the Crusaders...

>>5108537

[6/???]

A constraint of this synthesis is that you will be unable to deploy as many individuals as you may like due to basic constraints that come with the creation of any new unit. Yet given the greater constraint of the concerns you are attempting to balance here, this may be the optimal solution for now.

>[Gain half a platoon of Pontifical Guard]

OPTION SELECTED:
>Let the new internal intelligence group to have its way with them. [Requires the Yuri choice in Issue 1]
The Freemen from Red Rock are brought before you by the scouts immediately show themselves as difficult people to work with, to put it mildly. When not kept on constant watch, they are always attempting to escape, and sometimes they even appear to be trying to break themselves free while under watch. You try to be reasonable with them by offering them free room, board, and ice. Your offer (thankfully not your self) is literally spat on by them. You can tell that they really, really don't like being prisoners and are going to be uncooperative.

You leave them and watch from a decent distance as the red-clad members of Yuri's Inquisition deal with them. The first of them is suddenly dragged off to parts unknown to their obvious surprise of the others at seeing what must appear to be characters from a medieval fever dream show up and quite literally drag their comrade across the desert sands into a truck. Their defiance is briefly replaced by confusion before another one of them gets dragged off into another vehicle, and then the third. You know where they'll be headed, but the Freemen definitely won't. You're not sure if this is the most diplomatic approach to first contact, but you hope the Inquisition can produce worthwhile results.

And with that, the half-week comes to a close...

[END OF WEEK 8, HALF 1]

>>5108538

[7/???]

[START OF WEEK 8, HALF 2]

CONSTRUCTION COMPLETED:
>Improved Housing: Continue improving housing to support a larger population - 50 W.P.
Over the past week yet work has been done on building yet more housing. Conditions are (yet still) poor and are still distressingly crowded with the increased space allowing for increased arrivals. This problem does not seem to be going away any time soon if you can keep up on sources of converts, which isn't guaranteed past the near future. It's a good problem to have, though. These recent constructions help the situation, but as always there is room to build.

>Manpower:
1 full strength Mechanized Infantry Platoons
1 full strength Mechanized Infantry Platoon
1 half strength Pontifical Guard Platoon [LOCKED WITH THE CASINO]
1 half strength Inquisitorial Platoon
1 half strength Support Platoon [Priority: Artillery Section]
Full Platoon Garrisoned Mobile Light Infantry [Mountain Base]
Full Platoon Garrisoned Mobile Light Infantry [Mobile]

~565 followers (non-combatants)
~80 prisoners

>Wealth:
345 Wealth Points
+120WP per half-week from followers
+30 WP per half-week from Maricopan patronage
144 Food Units
-57 Food from consumption per half week
+40 Food from 6 farms
+15 Food from Maricopan patronage
29 Meth Units
+7 M.U. per half-week

>ACTIONS AVAILABLE:
2 Construction Actions
0 Diplomatic Actions [Special Action: 'POZ Encounter' Already Locked In]
1 Flexible Action

>Construction Actions Possible: Unless stated otherwise, assuming 1 week to complete:
Farm: Restore some abandoned farmland. Makes more food. - 40 W.P. [Takes only half a week]
Chemical Weapons Lab Level 1: Allows for the production of basic chemical weapons. - 400 W.P.
Machine Workshop Level 1: Allows for the production of basic weapons and ammunition. - 300 W.P.
Explosives Workshop Level 1: Allows for the production of basic explosives. - 500 W.P. [Requires Skilled Crew for Optimal Function]
Broadcast Tower: Sends messages far and wide to anyone with a car or receiver. Massive boost to propaganda. - 150 W.P.
Oubliette: Dungeon like room for basic interrogation/conversion. Unlocks conversion (brainwashing) oriented construction options. - 100 W.P.
Improved Housing: Continue improving housing to support a larger population - 55 W.P.
Hallucinogen Manufacturing: Create a variety of mind altering substances. - 150 W.P. [Synergy: Oubliette]
Basic Seminary: Decreases penalties for multiple simultaneous [Missionary Outreach] actions and slightly boosts effectiveness. - 300 W.P. [Requires Skilled Crew]
Nothing: Save the W.P. and forgo construction
[Write-in]

NOTE: ALL CONSTRUCTION COSTS WILL BE INCREASED BY +10 DUE TO [LOGISTICAL PINCH] PENALTY

>Special: Can use a one time 50% discount on a factory upgrade if desired
>Have access to rare electrical gear for currently unknown projects or other uses...

>>5108539

[8/8]

>Toggles
Purchase advertising for Maricopa's radio to help with recruitment/outreach - 5 W.P. per full week [CURRENTLY ON]
Send Cardinal Mueller out to the Reservation to preach. - Free [CURRENTLY ON]
Crudely "preach to" prisoners at the Sierra Estrella location (i.e. brainwash) - 5 W.P. per half week [CURRENTLY ON]
Grant Yuri his stipend to supply the Inquisition and fund its various activities - 15 W.P. per half-week [CURRENTLY ON]

>Diplomatic Actions Possible:
Envoy: Send a diplomatic envoy to a location to engage in trade, propagandize, or make agreements. Better at getting deals than scouts, but has no stealth and is worse if a fight breaks out. Select from a location such as Gila Bend, Maricopa, Goodyear, or a [Write-in] and note what you specifically want them to do.
Scouting: Have the group organize a scouting party and explore a location. Stealthy and decent at a fight, but not very good if diplomacy is needed. Select from the Lewis Prison, Gila Bend, Maricopa, or a highly-encouraged/recommended [Write-in] and specify what you want them to do.
Raiding Party: Send forces out to a location and attack them for loot and dominance. [Where?]
Missionary Outreach: Send missionaries to a location to recruit people into the totally legitimate religion. Could anger the locals if you don't have permission! Select from a location such as Gila Bend, Lewis Prison, Goodyear, or a [Write-in].
Side Ops: Do mercenary work [CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE]
Nothing: Forgo a diplomatic action.
[Write-in]

>Select two construction actions, zero diplomatic actions, and one extra of either category for this half-week (and optionally, toggle changes)

Also:

>Roll three d100s for events

Better late than never? The update did go a little longer than anticipated (got carried away with some stuff, and also checking the numbers is a pain; I still probably made some errors). Anyway, I'll spare further commentary and just get on with it.

>>5105036
It really was a different time, wasn't it?

>>5108037
Uh, sure? I don't know...

>>5108540
Any upcoming events or deadlines we should be aware of, QM?

Rolled 69 (1d100)

>>5108539
>Improved Housing: Continue improving housing to support a larger population - 55 W.P.

X3

That'd be 165 WP, lets fix our housing issue.

That'll leave us with 330 next turn + our partial refund to build the explosives workshop at least. With the discount will we have enough to also start the machine workshop as well?

Rolled 98 (1d100)

>>5108539
>>5108540
>Farm: Restore some abandoned farmland. Makes more food. - 40 W.P. [Takes only half a week]
>Improved Housing: Continue improving housing to support a larger population - 55 W.P.
>Missionary Outreach: Maricopa

Begin working on the other churches, and maybe swing by Redfield and see what's us. Alternatively, we could Envoy to find a skilled crew for our Explosives Workshop.

>>5108805
Could I perhaps convince you to change your farm construction over to housing in exchange for myself switch one over to missionary work?

>>5109072
Sure, that's fair. The food deficit isn't so big as to begin worrying about yet. Nice lewd roll btw.

>>5108540
Changing my Farming vote >>5108805 to
>Improved Housing: Continue improving housing to support a larger population - 55 W.P.

I was sorta thinking about getting started on that Explosives Workshop, but with the lack of a skilled crew and the need for more Housing I thought it prudent to wait until we get the skilled crew on lock somehow.

>>5109083
Fair then, I'm in line with this anon now.

Truth be told I feel like we can benefit from the machine shop the most but a lot of anons want explosives so I'm going for that.

I suppose we could search for a skilled crew when we start the construction.

>>5109093
That's not a unreasonable position, and certainly we'll focus on getting that down sometime before or after we get the Basic Seminary up and running, but I think having a secure logistics for our mortar shells would put us way more at ease when it comes to combat.

Can we spare an action to start expanding towards the abandoned church, or should we wait on that?

>>5108590
Are there upcoming events in universe? Well, sure there are plenty. But the Messenger isn't clairvoyant, so I feel like I shouldn't comment on them. Although some of them are kind of obvious, like the Arizona City Patriots saying they wanted to show up in Mobile in around week (half a week ago) to hammer out any trade and see if you guys really do have some major pharma operation going on.

>>5108726
>With the discount will we have enough to also start the machine workshop as well?
I can't comment on that, since you guys might have unexpected windfalls or expenses or things like that. Income isn't static, since you tend to get more with increased followers, but there are also costs that might build up over time like the upkeep on the Inquisition you guys now have. Also, keep in mind that as Trkulja is 'away' the Crusaders will have a harder time organizing constructions, so there is a slight increase in cost (+10 as the note said, so extra housing would be 55+10=65 in cost.)

>>5109412
I'll assume you mean the abandoned village, which did include a church. I guess that depends on what you mean by 'expanding.' The standard method of expanding, sending military forces into an area and subjugating the people there, doesn't work since there doesn't seem to be anyone there! I guess you could just send people to live there, but then they wouldn't be in Mobile and would require food and general resources (W.P.) to be sent over there, sinking resources and manpower to get it working as... something. The mountain base was easy since it was already set up and you just had to steal it, but this would be a different thing (I'm not sure to what end.)

>>5109083
>>5109093
I'll take these as votes for double construction actions into housing, then

>>5109686
Oh i thought cost had already been increased in the options

Rolled 10 (1d100)

>>5109686
>Also, keep in mind that as Trkulja is 'away' the Crusaders will have a harder time organizing constructions, so there is a slight increase in cost

I figured the sabbatical would do something akin to this. I think it's better to channel his Warden Rage into something positive and productive rather than attempt a spiritual intervention, but that's just me, and I do understand the hesitancy with getting involved in the Warden's affairs.

Also, here's the third roll just to keep this quest moving.

>>5110441
God and Jesus in Heaven only know how much I loathe this roll, assuming this represents what I think it represents.

>>5108726
>>5108805
>>5109083
>>5109093
>>5110441

CONSTRUCTION SELECTED:
>Improved Housing: Continue improving housing to support a larger population - 55 W.P. [Double Action]
>Cost increased to 65 per due to logistical issues (total cost: 130)
A perennial issue with growing any kind of community is in allocating resources of housing and other basic infrastructure. The question is not only one of raw investment (itself no small issue) but is also one of timing. Homes do not simply appear from the aether when you sacrifice the requisite amount of steel or lumber as if in some kind of game or simulation. Men, even women in times like these, must take up the hard job and sacrifice effort and time. Even with the incredible amount of corner cutting made possible by the collapse of the U.S. government and its pesky regulators, these things take time.

In light of this reality, you have chosen to almost totally dedicate your faction's manpower towards the construction of housing. With current numbers, once you finish this latest round of construction (as well as that which you ordered previously) you should be able to put an end to the shortage, at least for a time. That is, you should be left with some breathing room on this issue. At least, you would be if there arrives no wave of followers.

You have great ambitions for Mobile, and yet here you are putting your plans on a temporary pause to deal with the mundanities of residential construction. As the saying goes: if you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans...

[1/???]

File: How Redfield Imagines His(...).jpg (490 KB, 1000x562)

490 KB JPG

>>5110597

[2/???]

GLOBAL EVENT: 98
>PAXTONITES MARCH WEST
You are sat alone in contemplation in the hours before heading out east to Maricopa for what will, no doubt, be a fateful encounter. As you meditate on how it will go, whether Preis' instincts hold true or if there is bloodshed (and if so, on the part of whom.) On the background you have the radio playing classical music on Redfield's station, strangely enough. You appreciate a fine composition, even if it is likely just easily available filler used to buy time to prepare for later segments or fantasize about chimpanzees or whatever it is the fool does. You quite like this one, the New World Symphony. You could gush about this piece at length. Dvorak was truly a master of the symphony, up there with the likes of Beethoven and Mahler, and this piece is absolutely deserving of-

"Hey, get the beer ready!" You can hear among the bassoons a person faintly shouting in the background. How there's a hot mic during this musical segment is anyone's guess. "Jessica, I got a real scoop, do the thing... yea, we got a busy day ahead of us! Oh... know what, fuck it, we'll do it now, live!"

"Hello there fellow Maricopans and anyone tuning in," a female voice, now actually audible, announces over the radio, abruptly cutting off the music. "I believe we have a special report from the one and only Carl Redfield. And no, this one isn't related to the... peculiar meeting about to happen in our town. At least, I don't think it is."

"You're damn right it ain't, I got some real news here from out far away! Grab your beers, I know I will!" he says as he loudly opens a beer right next to the microphone and obnoxiously begins to chug. "Oh, before I forget, this show's sponsored by the Sonoran Spirits Brewing Company. Or was it Spirits of Sonora? The damn alcohol's so good I've forgotten the name of my sponsor! If you too want to get plastered in the morning, like any red-white-and-blue blooded American has the right to, well, you know where to go, it's Kai's outfit, we've mentioned them a million times. They probably sell in the Casino now that it's open. Oh, Casino, that's right, we're also sponsored by the Sun Belt Crusaders, who now apparently are in the business of law enforcement with their colorful guard people over there. They're hiring, and according to one caller from them, their retirement benefits are, and I quote, 'to die for.' You know, I'm glad they're opening, they got those European styled-" He stops abruptly. "Oh yea, the special story, thanks for reminding me."

He loudly finishes his beer, still too close to the mic. "Is this what they interrupted Dvorak for?" you think to yourself. "This better be good."

"You've heard news from the Gulf Coast, all the way from Port Arthur, but my sources have really out-done themselves this time. I have news of the Second City. Yes, that's right: Chicago! It's a miracle the place is even still standing. Hey, I need some beer here, another round!"

>>5110598

[3/???]

He's right about this. During the waning days of the pre-War crisis before things had completely degenerated into what they are now, the U.S. military's gathered forces marched west from the Eastern Seaboard threatening to devastate anything in their path (and largely doing so.) Despite what were apparently horrific losses due to seemingly unending, uncoordinated terror strikes by the citizenry and an impossible logistical nightmare, there was hope for them. If the Chicago Anarchy could be quelled, then perhaps the strategy of brute force would work and the country would be held together after all.

The bold general's plan of pushing through with the full weight of armor with himself at the helm, something straight out of Antiquity, was supposed to be the shattering blow. Ignoring civilian leadership and bypassing the soldiery committees to assume direct command was unthinkable in the sclerotic structure based in Washington. But with the failures everywhere in the east and the stakes involved, nobody dared to stop him outside of strongly worded letters and empty threats. Or so the legends say. With the paradoxical blend of endless propaganda and the simultaneous destruction of information channels, these are essentially legends.

The greatest army ever fielded on American soil entered Chicago. Nobody is sure what exactly happened, but Paxton III had declared himself the independent leader of a now unified Chicago and vowed to use his 'militia' (i.e. a plurality of the entire pre-War military) to end the War and usher in a new order.

"Ah, that was a good beer. Anyway, they say Paxton has announced he will move west towards the Rockies. I always found it strange how much independent land there is in the middle of the country. I mean, Canadians - Canadians! - managed to seize a lot of land there. I'm kind of glad Paxton is going to kick out those damned dirty Canadians. I guess those rolling tank battles on the Eastern Seaboard kept 'em busy. Or not anymore, I guess. My source here says, quote, 'Paxton will carve a trail of blood and death all the way to the forty-ninth parallel, and maybe another few degrees, if they don't submit!' Crazy times we live in, I tell ya..."

>>5110600

[4/???]

In fairness, you too have always found it strange that Canada (i.e. their puppets) somehow could occupy significant amounts of American soil. You suppose Americans truly are that weak and disorganized. Such is the sad state of those who don't find strength in the Lord.

"You know, if they're planning to expand into the Midwest, the Paxtonites are probably doing pretty well for themselves. Or maybe it's some desperation move. Or maybe you guys know what's up. I'm opening up to callers! We'll do an impromptu session! Remember, banned topics include wheelchairs, FCC guidelines, comments about Luna-"

You cut the feed. As someone who is destined to unify the country under Christ, the goings on of the great powers is significant. For all of his faults, Chimpanzee-man does have access to some suspiciously good sources. But as for call-ins, you have no need to listen to idiots speculate on matters beyond their comprehension. The fact that the Paxtonites are to march west is an interesting development, though. They are one of the favorites to win the War. Although for your purposes, high are the Rockies far away is Chicago. Your concerns lie with what is to come from the 347. You have a meeting to attend to, and you have spent enough time idling.

>EFFECT: "General Paxton's Militia" advances on the Midwest

Your patron, Maricopa, is to "meet" the representatives of the P.O.Z. for vague purposes. Preis says that they have communicated that they are nominally arriving to just have a "friendly chat," but only a fool would take that at face value without second thought. It very well may be true that they really do just want to bring out the alcohol and have a jolly time. It very well may be some kind of ruse, shake-down, or pitched battle. You would be surprised if there isn't either an outright fight or some kind of chicanery going on.

Preis, for his part, is wary. He has ordered the M.M.P. to set up defenses along the north of Maricopa where it connects with the 347. According to him, he has multiple layers of defenses set up with the general intention of forcing any enemy into protracted urban fighting, which is militarily interchangeable with hell. That is, if they choose to attack. For the case that this is an attempt at intimidation, which he strongly suspects, he will have the various fighters and 'dramatis personae' of Maricopa present. Whether or not he takes any kind of deal or refuses to negotiate or whatever else is up to him to decide. As the head of one of the fighting forces and a 'dramatis persona' yourself, you will be there...

>>5110601

[5/5]

Preis is requesting you bring whatever forces you have. He has gotten the bulk of Maricopa's forces, Reservation included, to pledge their presence, which means you can't refuse to show without losing face. He doesn't seem to care much where you place your forces and appears to trust you to make that decision yourself. In fairness, the exact position doesn't matter much in battle as much as presence in the front does. As for action, he tells you to take no independent action, but rather to wait for and follow any orders given by him or, in a case of a disaster scenario, his appointed successor . As it is his faction and his problem to solve, he figures it should be his choice and his alone.

Of course, that doesn't mean you're unable to make your own choices and put your finger on the scale if you so wish. Going into this, you have the choice to determine with whom you will directly be with (and thus who will have a chance to speak with you) and what kind of special plan, if any, you choose to pursue.

With whom do you choose to bind your forces?

>Commit troops to the center with Preis
>Place your forces on the left flank with Brig. Gen. Greger
>Place forces on the right flank by Dolores' Native forces
>Keep your forces, and therefore yourself, in the rear and somewhat insulated from battle and put a secondary figure on the front [Select which cardinal will be on the front as PoV]
>Completely refuse to show up and let the POZ do what they wish
>Do something completely out of left-field [Write-In]

And what kind of plan, if any, do you choose to enact there?

>None in particular. Do as requested and follow Preis' orders, whatever they may be
>[Write-In]

>>5109884
I can see why you'd think that. If I put the already increased costs there, then people might think it would be even more (i.e. 75 for that) so I thought standard+notice would be best. Also, if you thought that because the costs were higher than before, then that's understandable but a long trend. With a lot of these repeatable constructions, the costs increase as you go. This is to represent things like 'prime real estate' being taken early and things getting progressively more marginal. In the case of farms, this is especially major, since at some point you will run out of abandoned farmland to reclaim and will have to entirely start with new stuff, but that's for another time...

>>5110445
C'mon, you just rolled a crit success earlier with that 98! Granted, it wasn't for the Sun Belt Crusaders (but Paxton will sure appreciate it!) and that 10 will be... you know what, never mind (I'm not sure what you're thinking of, but......). In any case, it let me update a little earlier than I thought. I was thinking I would have to wait until a third vote to update... What? Did you think I'd be perpetually late forever!? I mean, it'd be a fair prediction, but there's a saying about broken clocks that I could probably invoke well if I was in a good state of mind

>>5110604
>Commit troops to the center with Preis
>None in particular. Do as requested and follow Preis' orders, whatever they may be

Either this or in the rear.

I know that 10 will be.... but who am I to ruin your fun? Besides, I'm curious how you'll handle it. With the crit, I would've loved for it to happen to the Crusaders, but I can't rightly get mad at the meme number we got. Paxton, you owe me a drink you son-of-a-bitch!

>>5110604
>>Place your forces on the left flank with Brig. Gen. Greger
Our mechanized platoons will be of more use on the flank. The inquisitors would make for decent reserves, or at least good for keeping the mortars protected if things go bad.

>>[Write-In]
I'm not saying we should fire the first shot, but maybe we can work with Greger to provoke the commies into doing so?

>>5110830
-1 that write in, fighting isn't in our best interests.

>>5110945
And if Preis decides to bend over?

Whatever the case i say we should be ready to inflict the most damage possible, and being in the center would put us at a disadvantage when it comes to our mechanized troops.

>>5110990
Then we bend over with him. We weren't in any fit state to fight the Warden, what makes you think that we'll be able to fight the POZ, even with MMP assistance? It's a losing gamble, and I play to win.

>>5110830
If that last part's a question about if you can talk about things like that with whoever you choose, the answer is yes. The way it will work is that you, the Messenger, will be waiting with the chosen person and will have a chance to do things like that before it starts in earnest. This gives you a chance to do things like plan false flag attacks, hatch up some kind of provocation scheme, try turn-coating, or just 'chewing the fat' before a big day. It would all be pretty last second, but it's within the realm of possibility.
If you don't really care what the other person has to say in this (i.e. plan to act unilaterally) or are planning to do something kind of complex or creative, then the [Write-In] is your chance.

I'll give it some more time and wait for more votes/questions

>>5111196
This is the Warden meeting all over again. I ain't gonna tolerate anything that'll result in another Game Over, and >>5110830's Write In is essentially throwing our faction off the cliff.

>>5110604
>Commit troops to the center with Preis
>None in particular. Do as requested and follow Preis' orders, whatever they may be
As tempting it is to leave it to a Cardinal, going at it ourselves would mean showing off our solidarity and make others trust in us.

>>5110646
>>5111720

OPTION SELECTED:
>Commit troops to the center with Preis
>None in particular. Do as requested and follow Preis' orders, whatever they may be
This is not your war. As the leader of a sort quasi-official, autonomous wing of Maricopa (and independent faction), you ultimately must respect the authority of the man in charge, Preis.

Of course, that doesn't mean you can't lend him advice and put your fingers on the scale, as it were. There's no better place to do that than in the center, where he and his contingent will lie. You may not have the cohesive potential as the already friendly Natives under Dolores, nor the potential chicanery you could unleash with the right words into Greger's impetuous ears, but you will be in the best position to watch and influence any meeting on the front.

You bring the bulk of the Crusader forces with you. The Mobile Infantry will stay behind in their respective locations, and the mortars will be kept safely locked up. These sorts of events are always risky, as your faction's heart of Mobile is necessarily going to be undefended. But such are the risks a small faction as your own must take. In spite of the unfortunate incident with Trkulja's seizure and subsequent demonic attack, you are blessed that Mobile has not had more and worse encounters with hostile outsiders.

You bid Mobile farewell and pass into Maricopa. The western entrance to the city is almost completely unmanned, with only the barest of skeleton crews of what are likely their least effective men at the gates. As you are driven into the heart of Maricopa at the head of the column of crusaders you notice a small amount of citizens lining the streets. They watch your forces enter the city and move through. Most merely watch, although some of them wave or shout words you cannot hear to them. Based on the general reaction and good spirits of the Crusaders, you believe this to be positive.

In any case, you reach the northern area, now a militarized zone. You can see defenders manning various defenses improvised from civilian infrastructure and a surprisingly developed system of defenses. Having gotten used to battle yourself, you notice areas that have been kept clear to allow for rapid withdrawal of Maricopan forces to rear defenses, as well as prepared roadblocks that can be deployed at a moment's notice to seal up the routes behind if needed and maintain an advantage for the defenders. It would allow for defenders to minimize the effect of a devastating first strike by any enemy and make rolling up Maricopan lines difficult. It's not without its flaws, of course, but it shows a level of thought and effort that you expect most smaller factions would fail to meet...

[1/2]

>>5116179

[2/2]

Your fighters meet with the M.M.P. forces. You delegate the task of micromanaging Crusader positions to one of your officers and ask to see Preis. To your surprise, he is at the very front of the positions. You would have expected a 'lead from the front' stance from Dolores or Greger, but not necessarily the mayor. With no opposing forces anywhere in sight, you figure there's no reason to meet him at the front.

You walk to the foremost defenses, where Preis is. Unexpectedly, one of the M.M.P. personnel walks up to you. Before your guards can do anything, you signal to them to not interfere. You notice from his overall demeanor that he's not a threat. He addresses you respectfully as "The Messenger" and asks for you to bless his rifle. You grant this to him, and he informs you that while he's heard of you and may have joined, his existing obligations in the MMP prevent him from doing so. With the size of the MMP, it's expected that at least some of them would be sympathetic to the Crusaders. But you did not come here to dispense with blessings.

You see Mayor Preis, still in his suit, smoking a cigarette atop a sandbag looking out across the 347, the highway the POZ is to arrive from. "Ah, the Messenger. Welcome," he says to you. "I wasn't expecting for you to take positions in the center."

"And I wasn't expecting the head of Maricopa to be in the most dangerous place to be if a battle breaks out."

"I have a feeling they won't start shooting immediately. Else why go through the trouble of setting up a meeting instead of trying to jump us a week ago, or more?" he says as he takes a drag of his cigarette. "Besides, if I die, I die. I can't expect my people to take any fight seriously if I'm just cowering in the back while they get slaughtered, God forbid."

"A politician willing to die for his constituents. Truly, a rarity in this God-forsaken land."

"I'm flattered, but I don't really think of myself a politician anymore. I don't see elections happening any time soon, even if we're overdue."

You're not sure if this is him merely being practical or him losing faith in democracy. Either way, it could be useful.

"Anyway, you just looking to chew the fat, or is there something you got on your mind?"

"Why, as a matter of fact..."

Select up to two (multiples allowed):

>"I want to give you advice on what to do." [What advice?]
>"I want to ask for a last second favor." [What favor?]
>"I want to ask a question or two about things." [What question?]
>"I wish to give you a Papal blessing."
>"Yes, I did just want to chew the fat. Nothing like miscellaneous chatter to clear the mind."
>[Write-In]

God damn, what a shitshow. I had this update 90%+ written a few days ago, but then "things" I won't get into happened, culminating with maybe the worst hangovers I've had (i.e. really bad).
I imagine most people seem to write best in their free-time, but for some reason the doldrums of 'wage-slavery' have proven better. But enough excuses...

>>5116184
>>"I want to give you advice on what to do." [What advice?]

Given the situation on the ground in Phoenix, and us having took out their cells in the rez they come here with empty threats. They can't afford to be entangled in a fight here. Don't give an inch.

>>"I wish to give you a Papal blessing."
God is with us, suffer not the heathen.

>>5116184
>"I wish to give you a Papal blessing."
>"Yes, I did just want to chew the fat. Nothing like miscellaneous chatter to clear the mind."

I don't really see the need to advise him to hold the line, but Preis should totally know about Paxton's March on the Midwest if he doesn't already. For the sake of expediency, I'll support >>5116220 so long as we echo Preis' thoughts on the matter (as in, if he doesn't like the advice back off on it).

>>5116220
>>5117505

OPTION SELECTED:
>"I want to give you advice on what to do." [What advice?]
"They come here with empty threats. They can't afford to be entangled in a fight here. Don't give an inch."

"That's very bold of you to say. Messenger, what makes you think that?"

"Think of the situation in Phoenix. There's constant fighting all throughout the urban and suburban sprawl that's certainly draining their resources and capacity to fight elsewhere. They originally wanted to use cells based in the Reservation to throw Maricopa into chaos while attacking directly. Us Crusaders defeated them in their mountain base, their counter-attack against Maricopa was turned back, and whatever you think of them, Mueller and Dolores rooted out, locked up, or hanged their agents. Their threats are empty."

"Technically, they haven't really threatened us since Dolores took over. But I know what you mean. I don't think they'll just come out guns-blazing and attack us. If they wanted to they would have tried again. But I'm not sure how things will go long-term. If they can unite Greater Phoenix, no power in Arizona would stand a chance. Whatever happens here, it won't be the end of this."

"I don't have anything to add," you respond. "Except for one thing."

OPTION SELECTED:
>"I wish to give you a Papal blessing."
"Papal blessing?" Preis asks with confusion. "Look, I appreciate it, even as someone who's not a Catholic. But if you're going to bring out the holy water and censors, I'll have to pass. They should be arriving any minute now."

"It is but a simple prayer. I assure you, it won't take long." You start anyway. "In nomine patris et filii et spiritus sancti," you say in Latin, the true language of the Church. The previous "pontiff" was engaged in a full blown war against the use of Latin in the Church in the dark days leading up to the Lagos "council" in a heretical crusade to mandate the use of an invalid and vernacular form of the mass. It's exactly the sort of thing the Arch-Traitor himself tried to do hundreds of years ago, except under the guise of Catholicism and somehow worse.

As you continue with the blessing, you can't help but meditate upon the horrors inflicted on the Church by the 'POZ' of past generations. From what you've been told of their fighters in Phoenix, they seem to be the near carbon copies of the Anarchists in Spain, those godless communists who slaughtered hundreds of nuns and thousands of priests. It is nothing short of an atrocity that so many clergymen have accepted their lies and are likely acting as major supporters within the city. If they were around in Spain during the War (or perhaps more appropriately, around for the Cristero War) you have no doubt they'd cut down their 'fellow clergy' with glee.

"God is with us. Suffer not the heathen," you end the blessing with. It might not be the most tactful closing line, but it is the most truthful one...

[1/???]

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>>5120458

[2/???]

Soon after you finish the papal blessing, the M.M.P. report seeing the first of the POZ troops heading south along the 347. You are moved slightly to the back as M.M.P. forces and some token Crusaders take up battle-ready positions in the front. It begins.

>Events heavily altered by [Crime Squad Clash] quest resolution

"What are you seeing?" Preis asks one of his binocular wielding scouts. You're in earshot of all of this, of course. "Improvised tanks, armored troop carriers, pick-up trucks with machine-guns in the back, what is it?"

"College marching band?" the scout says with hesitation.

Preis gives him a confused look and takes out his own optical gear. "Well, I'll be damned, they're actually on foot," Preis says. "You can see them getting out of those vehicles in the back if you can spot them."

"You sure it's them?" a nameless defender asks.

"It's them all right. These guys got more red flags than a Communist parad-" Preis interrupts himself. "Hold up? Is this actually a Communist Parade they're trying to put on?"

Columns of what appears to be line infantry and standard-bearers march across the asphalt of the 347. You take the opportunity to get a closer look at these bizarre forces. With an enhanced view, you can see they appear to be wielding heavily modified civilian rifles made to emulate the look of WW2 weaponry. Their large coats are obviously ceremonial, since you can't see any practical benefit to them, and you presume you'll see more combat-ready fighting men arrive soon after this. You would be tempted to call them out for trying to ape the style of long dead fighters, except you are doing the same thing but by an order of magnitude (and backed by God.) Really, as far as reenactments go, this is pretty good. You only see men instead of co-ed fighting forces like your men have reported the POZ favoring, and the number of visible minorities is quite small in contrast to what you'd expect. Really, this scene could have been ripped directly from Russia itself.

Behind this ceremonial vanguard approaches a larger and more fitting group of fighters. This time the column marching forward is equipped with lighter, beige-colored uniforms. The replica WW2 weaponry is swapped out for more functional rifles (including bayonets, you notice) and the furred hats are similarly swapped out for berets. Interestingly, the general troop composition remains the same.

"Well, I was expecting some kind of show of force," Preis remarks. "I wasn't quite expecting this. This doesn't match anything I've heard from the POZ, and I don't see a single facemask on anyone. Maybe there really was more to that delay than them just scrambling for time," he trails off. "Anyway, we're sticking to the plan. Until they attack, nobody fire..."

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>>5120460

[3/???]

>Maricopa Strategy: Wait and See
>Crusaders locked into above due to prior choices

Some time passes and the marching infantry forces have neared Maricopa. They can be easily viewed with the naked eye. The 'ceremonial vanguard,' as you think you'll call them, take up positions along the side of the road, their thick flags now giving them much needed shade in addition to their roles as morale boosters. The regular infantry continue marching forward, except they move towards one side of the highway to make way for vehicles.

While it's general practice to have the foot soldiers go behind the vehicles, this is clearly not a general kind of situation. A number of vehicles begin to move forward, mostly pick-up trucks with heavy amounts of armor plating, enough to guarantee modified engines of some sort. Interestingly, you notice a large amount of their vehicular forces are kept to the back and aren't moving forward with the main group. Before you can think of that for too long, your attention is taken up by the proverbial eight-hundred pound gorilla in the room.

Three massive vehicles covered in large plates of steel armor, clearly farming or construction equipment repurposed into makeshift tanks, trudge themselves along the highway. There aren't any large cannons sticking out from the top of them, as you'd expect given mutually agreed on arms limitations in Phoenix, but they are equipped with numerous smaller weaponry and could probably demolish small buildings just by driving into them. Two of them stop a fair distance back, having moved up enough to make their presence well known and not much more. The third one continues.

The situation is tense, as soldiers on the M.M.P. side aren't sure of where things are going to go. You're obviously not privy to what's going on with the POZ, but they have made sure to keep a fair distance. Their infantry have mostly arranged themselves in positions, and most of their vehicles have all mostly settled either on the highway next to the infantry or off-road. With a bit more time, even the last 'tank' stops near the 'line' the POZ have set up along the highway.

A hatch opens up from the upper armor. Out comes a massive, obviously imposing man wearing the lighter colored desert clothing most of the standard infantry use. As he climbs down the tank and makes contact with the ground, you can't help but think that this is obviously their leader...

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>>5120462

[4/4]

That is, until he turns back around and assists a noticeably shorter, more portly gentleman make his way out. He quickly moves up across the no-man's-land between the two sides with some kind of bag in his hands, a beaming smile, and the tall person following behind him. It's clear who the leader is.

"Their leader," Preis starts. "He's coming over to talk. I got to meet him halfway."

"Are you serious?!" one of the higher ranking M.M.P. members nearby asks. "You'll have hundreds of guns pointed at you!"

"So does he. I need to show that I'm doing this on my own terms, but also that us Maricopans won't just hide like cowards. If they shoot me, you guys fire back. We've went over this."

"Understood, Mayor."

As you've decided, you've taken a pretty passive role in this situation. This, however, could be an opportunity to step in, somehow. Most obviously, you could tell Preis something here and now, including trying to convince him to stay behind the defensive lines and not venture out. You could also, perhaps, go with him. The POZ official has his own 'friend' with him, so it's not like having another person would be so out of place. Whether you would want to say anything or just merely observe would be up to you, if you believe it would be a good idea at all.

How do you respond to Preis' decision to venture out during the stand-off?

>Do nothing. Passively observe from a safe distance. What happens is up to God
>Tell him to stay back, and that this may be some sort of trap
>Tell him something else and stay back yourself [What?]
>Go out there with him, but just passively observe unless called on specifically
>Go out there with him with the intention of achieving some sort of end [What?]
>Do something else entirely? [Write-In]

>>5117505
I took this as a vote of support, since the worst the mayor could say is something like "I politely disagree" and it wouldn't be the time to have a long debate or anything. And while I didn't think of it, things like the recent Global Event would be pretty good fodder for small talk. It's far enough away to where it won't immediately have any impact on anyone (Chicago is 1000+ miles away past some extreme terrain) while being potentially relevant well into the future and kind of 'cool.'

>>5120468
>Go out there with him, but just passively observe unless called on specifically

Oh boy, I hope to God that this isn't a Warden Tier mistake...

>>5120502
You wanna know the crazy thing about this decision? I've been agonizing over whether this is a wise decision or a foolish one for a while now. I've come to the conclusion that this is probably foolhardy one on our part, to put our necks out there the same way as Preis. I also figure that we should show solidarity with Preis anyway, as he'd probably appreciate the moral support. Personally, my mind feels like a churning wheel, as I can't seem to find peace in any decision I make. I don't want to risk a Bad End again, yet I don't want to leave Preis out there to shoulder this by himself. I'm hoping sharing my thoughts will help me feel better about this, as I'm probably overthinking this more than I should be, but I can't help but antagonize over this.

Sorry for the minor word salad, I just wanted to get that off my chest. I'm probably just overthinking this.

>>5120468
>>Go out there with him

Let's play it by ear on how we act

>>5120468
>>Go out there with him with the intention of achieving some sort of end [What?]
peace, ask for permission to send in church missions

>>5120468
>>Do nothing. Passively observe from a safe distance. What happens is up to God
What are the others doing? If we go with Preis I don't want it to rub off the wrong way with the others.

>>5120468
>Go out there with him, but just passively observe unless called on specifically
Simple representation.

>>5120502
>>5120874
>>5121127
>>5121904

OPTION SELECTED:
>Go out there with him, but just passively observe unless called on specifically
You can't say you were expecting the other side to just have their leader(s?) walk through the stand-off. You're also surprised that Preis decided to reciprocate on what amounts to a gut feeling, although he has been acting bold as of late. This could legitimately be either a good-faith attempt at diplomacy or some kind of devious trap.

"I'm joining you," you tell the mayor. "If this is what I think it is, then I have to be there in case Preis or the Crusaders would benefit from my presence." Some of the defenders and the nearby Crusaders seem shocked by your decision, one of them even questioning if you're serious outright. "Do not worry about me, for God Himself protects me."

You walk out onto the asphalt past the defensive perimeter and towards the POZ duo. The shorter, less fit individual notices this and checks his bag, reaching into it briefly, all while keeping a broad 'coprophagous' grin. The big guy doesn't seem to have any visible reaction you can see from the distance as you walk towards them.

The two groups slow down as you near each-other, yours more so. Whatever the POZ people have planned, you're about to have a front row seat to.

"Ah, Mayor Preis I presume, we meet at last!" comes a booming voice in an obvious Russian accent. "I wasn't expecting the, err, Catholic Priest? But I guess if I can bring my comrade, so can you, comrade!" He playfully nudges his large companion with his elbow before walking directly towards Preis.

The mayor, for his part, looks at you with confusion, and then towards him. You don't need to be a psychic to figure out that this wasn't what he was expecting. "I was half expecting you guys to try shooting me or having some kind of hidden bomb or something. I wasn't expecting... whatever this is?"

"Ah, make no mistake, comrade, if those Anarchist bastards were here like the originally wanted, you would be shot so many times your body would have the consistency of those chunky salsas you all in Arizona love so much. But today is instead a glorious day!" he says as he extends his hand...

[1/???]

>>5125349

[2/???]

When the Russian(?) extends his hand out for a hand-shake, the mayor hesitantly extends his hand in reciprocation. You're tempted to intervene when Preis gets pulled in for a hearty, European-styled hug with a kiss on each cheek. The big guy just shrugs at you, like he expected something like this.

"Hey, hey! What's the big idea here?!" Preis says as he pulls himself back from the glad-handing communist.

"What? It's traditional greeting, as we do in the Old Country! You know, comrade, I enjoy being able to meet face to face like this! First they say 'no meeting people, if you meet someone Pneumonia Virus will kill you instantly' and then with this War, people hardly want to come out of their defenses for even a moment! They are like turtles, you know, hiding in the shells. You actually came out to meet on your own terms, I like that. You know, it reminds me of that one time in San Tan whe-"

"Listen here, we can skip over the schmaltz and get to brass tacks. If you're here to steal our food and take over then I'm going to have to inform you that it'll be over my dead body!"

You back him up by nodding with a stern face.

"What? Comrade, I did not come here to fight, although as my comrade Red Scorpion over here can inform you, we are fully prepared for one." He turns around and motions to his infantry, still in formation. "You see these men, they are veteran vanguardists! True warriors, forged in the fires of war, each one can no doubt regale you with stories and drinking songs of our recent conquest! Back in Phoenix, our machinists work tirelessly on fighting vehicles, one of their crowning achievements being the 'Cherepakhi' here! Repurposed from heavy equipment, they are near indestructible forces on the battlefield, providing protection, transportation, and raw power enough to turn the tide towards victory! Ah, if only you could have been there to see it. Oh, back in San Tan we manag-"

His long ranting is interrupted by Red Scorpion nudging him. "Boss, don't forget it," he says with a deep, but distinctly American accent...

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>>5125354

[3/???]

"Ah, that's right comrade!" the Russian says as he reaches into his bag and pulls out a cylindrical container. "Have this, as a gift!" he says, handing it over to Preis. "I have been listening to that radio station from here, so I know this community is awash with alcohol, but this one is special. It comes from my Homeland, the Soviet Union, and is a testament to the enduring power of Communism!" His eagerness in saying this is evident, and you can tell he's been waiting to say that for a while.

"Okay," Preis says with slight hesitation in his voice as he accepts. He opens the container to find a bottle of brandy. It doesn't look too old.

"Product of the Soviet Union?" you remark. "Even from here I can see 'Moldova' in big letters on the back. Last I checked, Soviet Union has been dead for over a generation."

He smirks, as if you had somehow activated a trap of his. "Almost. There was one place that stayed true to the dream of the Revolution. They stayed loyal to the Union, even when the Union itself didn't. You will not find it on maps, the forces of Bourgeois Capitalism, CIA, NATO, and the United Nations all conspire against it. The bastards, they even forced us to export under false names, as if we don't exist!" He spits on the ground for emphasis. "But Communism never dies! It only sleeps..."

His ranting has actually jogged your memory a bit. You vaguely recall there being strange frozen conflict areas left behind by the breakup of the Soviet Union due to situations with ethnic Russians or territory disputes or other 'tempest in a teapot' situations.

"Look, I don't understand, is this just one of your European customs," Preis asks the Russian, "or is this an actual thank you gift? Because last I remember, the M.M.P. was engaged in battle with the POZ around here. We drove you back east and then mopped up the remaining plotters. You think you'd be cursing my name, not selecting brandies to hand out as gifts, or am I mistaken here?"

"You are correct, that is exactly what happened," he responds with a smile on his face. "Oh, you should have been there for the internal meetings, it was an absolute humiliation! Those dishonorable anarchist dogs bet everything on this plan of the so-called 'subversion,' where they would do some kind of sneak attack revolution while your forces were facing their main group. As if the Revolution does not march triumphantly into the future!"

"So you guys were planning on just coming up here and shooting us?"

"Oh, absolutely! Make no mistake, if those anarchists got their way you'd all be shot and killed by now. It's lucky you all managed to root them out when you did. If you were late by a week in rooting them out, it would have been worthless. Ah, tell me, did they really blow up a hospital during the previous attack?"

"Yes? You guys are from the same faction, you should know this. The way you talk about them it sounds like you guys are in different factions at war with each-other..."

>>5125358

[4/???]

"We are at war with them, in a dialectical sense. The great Man of Steel always said the ultimate enemy is not even the Reactionary, but the Counter-Revolutionary traitor waiting to backstab the Revolution. In time their bourgeois decadence will be dealt with, hopefully through reason, but for now we must focus on the White Forces. If needed, the day of the ice pick will come. And to hear about the hospital is terrible. Infrastructure must be maintained, otherwise what is the point. Last I heard, they also wanted to get rid of that Casino, too, but the larger assault did not go as planned." You remember hearing that there were multiple factions within the POZ, but this rhetoric is rather strong. You're not sure if this is completely genuine or part of some routine, but internal tensions are common among most large factions.

>Events altered by recent Casino negotiations

"It doesn't surprise me, although the Casino problem was a bit more complicated than that. It's not an issue anymore."

"Not an issue? Was? Don't tell me it's gone," the Russian says with obvious sadness. "I was told there was fighting in the area and it got shut down."

"Oh no, it just had it's grand re-opening in fact. The man besides me is the one largely responsible for it."

"Really? Oh, please tell me the sauna is open! Do you know how hard it is to find a good European-styled sauna in Post-War America?"

"Well, I was told it's 100% back in order, so then yes, it would-"

"What are we doing here then!?!" he loudly exclaims. "Red Scorpion, you told me you've never been to a sauna before. We have to fix that, now! And you!" he says pointing his finger directly at you. "I don't know what you did, but by the Revolution, it's a miracle!"

"So let me get this straight," Preis asks. "You and your friend here want to take these negotiations and move them to a sauna? Just take all of our forces and tell them to sit around and do nothing while we talk politics in a steamy room?" You also think this request is a bit ridiculous, although the Post-War Badlands are nothing if not full of surprises...

>>5125365

[5/5]

"Yeah, basically. I mean, do you want them to fight or something? I don't. I mean, I know we'd win, but there are enough fronts for my men to fight in, even after San Tan, and I doubt you wish for any bloodshed here. Meeting me out here instead of cowering behind your defenses shows you have honor, chest as we say in Russian, enough to make me trust going into your territory with just a small handful of my people. We do not need to deliberate amid paranoia when we can embody the Fraternity of Peoples. What do you say?"

>Processing POZ-Preis Diplomacy...

"You know what? Why not? It would be you guys in the vulnerable position, but if you really want to go to a sauna that bad-"

"I absolutely do! Err, sorry for interrupting."

"If you really want to go to a sauna that bad, then sure. Of course, if your men try anything in the meantime, then your life is forfeit. But if they do don't anything, you have my word you will be returned after negotiations unharmed, no matter the outcome. I do have one last thing to ask though," Preis says turning to you. "Messenger, you coming over or staying here?"

As the leader of an independent faction, you can do what you want. The obvious move would be to continue with Preis and stay present for any actual dealings. This leader from the POZ is - eccentric - to put it mildly and quite frankly you have no idea what's going to happen. Of course, there are more people at play than just Preis and these POZ newcomers. You could use this as an opportunity to move over to another one of the characters here or even do something with the POZ forces here.

How do you respond?

>"Yes, I'll follow along." [Stay for the Sauna Scene]
>"No, I want to stay here at the front and keep an eye on things." [Stand watch while Preis/POZ diplomacy happens off-screen]
>"No, I want to pay a visit to someone here instead." [Select another character here to visit, such as Greger or Dolores] [To do what?]
>"First, I have a question." [Write-In one question to go with another choice of action]
>"No, I want to stay here at the front and keep an eye on things." [Lie] [Use the Pontifical Guard to discreetly spy on them while staying far away yourself?]
>[Write-In]

>>5121211
>What are the others doing?
They're in their various positions like usual. Preis just decided to take the initiative to parley with them when he saw that they were just casually walking up to his defensive line. It was a weird choice from him in response to a weird choice from the POZ, if that makes sense. Also, it should be clear, but this is a direct result of the (qualified) success of the Dolores/Mueller mission and the successful defense of Maricopa that one time. But I digress...

>>5125374
>"Yes, I'll follow along." [Stay for the Sauna Scene]

I was a bit terrified that this was a trap, but I'm honestly glad we took this leap of faith, cause I honestly love commie!Tim Curry's characterization, and I would appreciate being present for more of it.

Hell, maybe we can get a Yuri/Russian(?) scene after negotiations have ended, both for them to reminisce about the Glory Days of the Soviet Union and for Yuri to maybe sell some meth (assuming anons think this wise).

>>5125374
>>"First, I have a question."
Introduce yourself as a humble Catholic and servant of God (as in, not telling them of your papal status yet) and ask politely for Red Scorpion to do the same. I have several other lines of questioning that I would really like to pursue, but those are heavy ones for first contact. It would be best to keep them for when we...
>[Stay for the Sauna Scene]

>>5125417
I feel like I should say something against letting the POZ get in close contact with the head of our secret agency, but paranoia hasn't really gone well for us.

>>5125439
In all honesty (and discounting my feelings on how kino such a Glory Day reminiscing scene would be), I think Yuri is the most qualified for this sort of work, and putting faith in our cardinals is a staple of the Papacy.

From a meta perspective, I don't want to taint the quest with bad faith paranoid autism with what effectively is controlled opposition, and that only is we create the opposition with our character actions. I personally think it's peek autism to create a character for us to control and then develop paranoia of said character that we control. Those are mental gymnastics that I just don't want to deal with when we're effectively playing both characters in this faction.

>>5125439
>>5125417
+1
>>5125374
Honestly, I don't even believe in Communism. But this guy seems like a honest cool dude that hates Anarchists.
Which I hate even more.
Maybe have our troops and theirs mingle over booze, cards, dice and general shooting the shit?

>>5125374
>>"Yes, I'll follow along." [Stay for the Sauna Scene]

>>5125634
Communism doesn't mix well with religion (and also one of the things I'd like to talk about later on) so I say it's better to stand guard instead of accidentally causing unnecessary friction somehow by mingling.

>>5125439
I'd like to add ending the conversation by hinting at our interest in hearing about the San Tan story, if possible

>>5125374
>>"Yes, I'll follow along." [Stay for the Sauna Scene]

Mingling with communists is a bad idea. Well if we can get a truce at least we can focus on the warden.

>>5125417
>>5125439
>>5125634
>>5125661
>>5125976

OPTION SELECTED:
>"First, I have a question." [Introductions]
"I want to know: who are you? For my part, I the Messenger, a Servant of God. I lead a group of humble Catholics seeking the Truth, Goodness, and Beauty of the True Church in this mad world." You tactically conceal the part about being the True Pope for now. In the incredibly off chance he's sympathetic to Catholicism himself he would recognize your position by the clothing.

"Oh dear, where are my manners! I forgot to give a proper introduction! I am Comrade Cherdenko first among equals of the Communist Vanguard League, or the Hardliners as some of us have been labeled. I have been working tirelessly to advance the Revolution since my arrival here in the heart of Bourgeois Capitalism back when I was a much younger lad."

"And your friend here?" you ask, directed towards the tall blonde.

"Ah, Red Scorpion, he's one of my most trusted lieutenants! The veteran of a hundred battles, a truer member of the Vanguard you will not find! Go on, introduce yourself."

"Umm, my name is Red Scorpion. Well, that's my codename. My real name is Dan. I'm from, uh, around here you know, Maryvale. I was actually born in Chicago, but my parents moved here and this is what I'm used to." Now that he mentions it, you actually can pick up the slight Chicago accent. "Uh, what else? I've done welding and pipe fitting, and I'm willing to die for the Revolution. Yeah, I guess that's it."

He's a lot more soft spoken than you would have expected from somebody who looks straight out of a 80's action movie.

"And I, Mayor Preis of Maricopa if you haven't caught on, am going to the defensive line to tell them what's going on and to arrange things. Messenger, are you going to be at the Casino?"

>"Yes, I'll follow along." [Stay for the Sauna Scene]
You're not sure what this eccentric red's ploy is, but you're going to make sure you're around for it.

"Good. Keep an eye on these two while I'm gone."

Preis makes his way to the defenses where it seems he's having a very animated conversation, presumably explaining just what on Earth is going on.

"Messenger, have you been to Florence?" Cherdenko asks you.

"No? Why?"

"Just a guess. I saw the religious outfit and the beard," he says while conspicuously stroking his own beard. "Most Catholics don't keep the beard, so I thought maybe you got some inspiration."

You have no idea what he is talking about. Perhaps there is a nearby location called Florence you have not explored. Perhaps he is just insane.

Preis soon comes over with a few M.M.P. members. "Alright, put whatever weapons you have in the bin. This goes for any other friends you want to bring along..."

[1/???]

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>>5128354

[2/???]

Comrade Cherdenko unloads a pistol of his and gives it up. Red Scorpion, meanwhile, unloads his Kalashnikov, removes the attached bayonet, fishes out multiple pistols from his pockets, and removes an almost comically large survival knife. When he finishes, he takes off his shirt, revealing a miniature pistol and yet more knives strapped to his chest, which he also gives up. Finally, he takes off his boots, which unsurprisingly have a boot-knife built into them and another hidden pistol. The guy's carrying a veritable arsenal with him.

"I assure you, that's all. No need for more... invasive searches. You know, the-"

Cherdenko is interrupted by Preis, who hastily changes the subject and gets everyone in the van to the Casino. Cherdenko brings along a few of the "ceremonial vanguard" and, despite the odds, you make it to the resort without incident.

The receptionist is surprised, not only at seeing that there are guests during the POZ encounter, but that the enemy leader and the mayor are among them. She excuses herself momentarily and returns with a small stack of papers.

"Waivers and release forms?! There's a Civil War going on, and the Forces of Capital are worried about paperwork! What kind of bourgeois nonsense is this!" the communist leader exclaims with wildly exaggerated hand movements, as if he is in some kind of Shakespeare production. "Comrade Red Scorpion, I demand you walk up there and fill out the forms for me!"

"Huh? Are you-"

"Yes, yes! It is a vital task for the Revolution." He then leans in with that stupid grin of his and whispers towards his comrade with a nudge. "Besides, she's kind of cute! C'mon I think you have a chance!"

You are beginning to wonder if just fighting this guy's forces would have been easier than dealing with whatever this is supposed to be. Based on the beet-red faces of embarrassment some of the others here are showing, you're not sure that you're alone in that feeling.

Somehow, your group bumbles its way to a sauna room, where the four of you are sat almost naked in a hot, steamy room. Outside are the POZ vanguardists, and watching them are your Pontifical Guard assigned to keep order in this area.

"Okay, now that we're here and nobody is doing the recording, let's talk business..."

>>5128367

[3/???]

"Recording?" you ask.

"Yes. Now that we're all almost naked here, I can be assured nobody is carrying secret recording devices or weapons or anything. You know, my comrade here is from Chicago, and he says the old gangsters there, Mafia people, they would do their big meetings in saunas to be safe." The blonde next to him nods his head. "I don't know, I thought it was cool when I heard it."

>Begin Preis/POZ Negotiations in earnest

"Let's cut to the business, as the Americans say. You, I am giving you a special offer. I will let you join the POZ under my faction's purview. Your people will have a special place. As the owners of vast amounts of farmland, you could provide the POZ a commodity it desperately values and would of course enrich this community for. While there would be strict quotas on both production and manpower, we could arrange things to be much less burdensome than it would be otherwise. You would have full protection from not just Phoenix, but we would rally to anyone attacking from the outside and crush them! Your people would be a valued, vital part of the Revolution, the grand movement into the future! We ask that you only fly the red flag."

Preis stretches and rests his hand on his chin. "And if I refuse to fly the red flag?"

"Then comrade, I would ask what you would refuse for. We all know the situation in the Badlands. About half of its entire population is in Phoenix. The vast majority of industry, infrastructure, expertise, resources, everything, it's in Phoenix. Once we finish taking Phoenix, the Badlands are as good as ours. These lands are split among ten thousand different factions, and someone must unite them!"

"How come you're so sure you can win Phoenix? You're still fighting for it after all. You mentioned you just got done fighting around San Tan, was it, and you would prefer to not have to fight here in Maricopa. It sounds to me like you're counting your chickens before they hatch."

"Well, nobody said the Revolution would be instant. Well, actually, there are Marxists who believe that, but there are also idiots who believe you can skip the Dictatorship of the Proletariat phase of history. Stupid Anarchists, thinking you can just transition from management by the bourge-"

You're interrupted by a knock on the door. "Refreshments?"

"Oh, the sausages I asked for! Wait a moment!" he says as he lifts his large form and waddles over to the entrance.

You take this opportunity to talk to Preis. "You're not considering giving in, are you?"

"I want to hear him out. See what he has to say before I commit to anything," Preis tells you.

"Ah, thank you! You know, we have some extra room here, if you want to- what do you mean not co-ed? Hey, don't close the door on me!"

"Remember: Hold the line," you remind him before Cherdenko waddles over, sausages in hand...

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>>5128370

[4/???]

"Vot Tovarish," he says as he gives them over to Dan. "Anyway, what was I saying?"

"You were saying that you believed you were going to win the War for Phoenix, but I'm not too confident."

"Okay, so let me take another angle. What has the PCR told you?"

"Isn't there a principle of 'diplomatic confidentiality' we should be upholding?"

"Oh, c'mon. You haven't been met by the PCR, I know it, you know it, everyone knows it. If they had so much as even talked to you, you would have mentioned it or POZ intelligence would have found it out. Besides, I saw your defenses, they're too well organized to be the product of PCR. Those idiots are even more fractured and petty than we are! At least us on the left know you have to actually take power before you start purging your allies!"

Preis' eyes narrow at this. Cherdenko, for all of his idiocy, has brought up a good point. Maricopa should be, on paper, an ideal place for the PCR to recruit from. It's a large sized community with vast tracts of farmland that give it extreme strategic value in times like this. It's not as directly connected to Phoenix like much of the metro area is, but making contact is more than possible. Your faction has done this. In fact, your faction has not only not been contacted by them, but apparently Cardinal Musella's attempts at reaching out were mired by a byzantine set of rules and worries about Viral Pneumonia measures (as if such a thing actually matters in times like this.)

"Maybe the PCR aren't doing so well, but your faction, the POZ has already tried taking over and failed. I'm not sure if you're really in as good of as position as you're saying."

"Bah! I've already been over that. Those were hopelessly incompetent Anarchists. They have no understanding of how to conduct a War with proper strategy and honor! I bet they wouldn't be able to even feed themselves even if they had all of the farmland in the Midwest! At least when us True Communists have had issues with food, it was because of constant sabotage and interference from the CIA!" You're sure he's an actual communist and not just pretending based on his propensity towards unprompted ranting about the CIA.

"And what if another faction, complete outsiders, swoop in and take over? Take over when the dust settles sort of thing? From where I'm at, I'm looking to keep my options open."

"And who might that be? The Californians have made it clear they don't have ambitions beyond the Colorado River, and why would they when their true interests lie overseas? I have heard nothing about Texas, except rumors that they're in some kind of war with the South, and the North-West Alliance is so spread out and rural, all they can really do is make invading them a nightmare. America's Afghanistan, as I like to say! What's left? Endlessly waiting for the East Coast to settle down? A Mexican invasion? I don't know, you tell me...!"

>>5128375

[5/???]

"I'm not sold on joining you guys. If you're really so strong, you can come back when you've won and then, we'll have no choice, right?"

"Look, we have a large population and not much farmland. While the San Tan Offensive was a success, the Valley only has so much. While we keep our eyes on its south, by our calculations Maricopa is more lucrative. And by my experience so far, much more reasonable. If you're hesitant about fully joining, so be it, I cannot be mad with this much relaxing steam. How about a trade deal?"

"For what? What do you guys make over there in Phoenix that I'd want?"

"Many things. We obviously can't spare certain things like fuel or heavy weaponry, but Phoenix is a large city, and the POZ has the industry. Especially us. We know the value of heavy industry, and aren't afraid to use whatever measures are necessary to keep the assembly lines moving. From what I've seen, most production here is agricultural, so it's a natural match."

"The way you make it sound, there's no reason for me to even think about joining. Just maintain trade and keep distance. What's the catch here?"

He smirks. "The catch is you wouldn't be part of the POZ. There's an entire stretch of highway you would have to cross with all of the valuable cargo, and I have no control over other factions within the POZ. Those raiders from before could attack your transports mid-way and there's not a thing I would be able to do about it, since you would be neutral. It would be a state of cold-war between you and the Native faction until you fly the red flag."

"Then what if I just don't trade, then? Keep the food here, to ourselves."

"You would get nothing, and neither would the POZ. Some from my broader faction would get very angry. Don't forget, this could have gone very differently. Not everyone from the broader faction has an appreciation for the finer things and a sense of honor. Perhaps next time we'd meet, it would be under worse circumstances with a worse deal. And maybe the time after that I would be honor-bound to crush your forces in battle."

"Bold words."

"I say them because they're true. How many people live here? Fifty thousand? And how many of them can you draft, equip, and field? Much fewer. The POZ has almost unlimited manpower, resources, and energy it can expend if needed. Taking this place would be bloody, no doubt. But it would be inevitable. More importantly, there is only so much will to fight. My men are driven by the ideals of the Revolution, and would lay down their lives down to the last. What higher purpose do you have? If the Offensive taught any lesson, it's that in an unending battle, the side without a greater purpose will eventually crumble and break no matter how hard of an exterior shell it shows." The joviality is completely gone from his voice, and the tension in the room is great...

>>5128377

[6/6]

"Comrade, sorry to interrupt, but the sausages-"

"Red Scorpion, of course! How could I forget about the sausages! One moment please."

"I'm going to head out for a bit. The steam's getting to my head," Preis says. He points to you and then to the door.

"I also need a break," you say, taking the hint.

The two of you leave to have an aside. Preis tells the reds to leave earshot, and they do so. The presence of your Pontifical Guard helps.

"Mayor, what are you thinking of?"

"A lot of things. I need some time to think things over. There are a lot of risk and interests I have to balance out. Go in there and talk about whatever you want. Distract him, get whatever details you think are important, and give me some time to mull this over."

"What are you leaning towards? Have you decided?"

"He's making good arguments about them probably winning the War for Phoenix. Damn good ones, if anything he says about the PCR is true. I wasn't lying when I said I wasn't sold on joining them, but something tells me that what I'm being offered might not be so bad compared to what could be. Again, I have a lot to think about. Go in, I'll join a little later."

Preis' request is essentially just to speak to Cherdenko (and his comrade) about nothing in particular to buy Preis some time. Even though you've just met the guy, you're absolutely confident that you can get him to ramble for days on end if needed. The real question is what in particular you want to know more about, if anything. You probably won't get any state secrets, but nothing's completely off of the table.

Select three topics to fill conversation time with:

>Ask Cherdenko about his personal origins and role organizing within the POZ
>Bring up theology and the need for Cherdenko and the POZ to convert to Catholicism with you as Pope
>Argue that Communism is weak and that his faction is doomed to fail
>Discuss your mutual plans to take over Arizona
>Ask the blonde what his lifting routine is
>Inquire about the POZ's view of narcotics
>Ask if he knows about the presence of Russian agents operating in the Badlands
>Discuss the POZ interest in the broader Sun Corridor (between Phoenix and Tucson) beyond Maricopa
>[Write-In]

So another update that goes on with not a lot of choice... I guess that's what happens when you are playing the proverbial fly on the wall in the situation.

>>5128380
>Ask Cherdenko about his personal origins and role organizing within the POZ
A must have in my books.
>Ask the blonde what his lifting routine is
A lighter question, but the image with the Messenger with those types of gains are too much to ignore. The image of Muscular Catholicism, indeed. Doesn't hurt that I like the contrast of an awkward, humble, soft spoken man and his 80s action movie level gains.

Now, the last topic I'm torn about, so I'll give my thoughts on them and see if any other anons agree.
>Narcotics
General curiosity and business sense, though it may be a dogwhistle elsewhere. I'm sort of tempted to leave such a question for Yuri to discover himself, pausable deniability for the Messenger and all of that and totally not just another reason for Yuri and Cherdenko to reminisce about the glory days.

>Sun Corridor
Curiosity mainly, thought having their thoughts and intel on the date of the Sun Corridor could be interesting as well as useful.

>Theology
Don't think it'll amount to much, but it's our Catholic duty and who knows if he'll bite or be open to persuasion. Don't state that we're the Pope though.

Now for the options I don't favor.

>Communism
As entertaining as that debate would be, I believe it to be unproductive, especially with a Hardliner. Best to focus on other things and maybe we can revisit this another time.

>Mutual Plans
Potentially lucrative info wise, and personally curious, but given our faction size differences I don't think we'll be taken seriously by him. He might admire the huzpa behind it though.

>Russian agents
Weird question, I don't know what may result from it. Maybe he'll be honest, maybe he'll play his cards close to his chest. May end up revealing our hand, may also just tip his faction off on the possibility of Russian interference in the region. Hell, maybe he'll think we're inquiring about Yuri if and when they meet.

I'm curious as to others thoughts on the matter.

>>5128380
>>Ask Cherdenko about his personal origins and role organizing within the POZ

People do love to talk about themselves

>>Bring up theology and the need for Cherdenko and the POZ to convert to Catholicism with you as Pope

Let's not hide being the Pope, if they're willing to entertain the notion we know they're very desperate. Of course there is an off chance that they may actually be open to it I suppose.

Also, perhaps we can imply that the people of Maricopa have faith in god to fight for as they have the revolution.

>>Discuss the POZ interest in the broader Sun Corridor (between Phoenix and Tucson) beyond Maricopa

Perhaps we can gather some info.

Truth be told, I'd rather we just fight it out but getting a truce so that we can get our own area in order would probably be a good idea. If we can profit off some trade why not I guess. Perhaps we can convince Preis to attempt making contact with the PCR as well.

>>5128380
>Ask Cherdenko about his personal origins and role organizing within the POZ
Slip in the San Tan story here, too? I'm really curious about any conflicts other factions might be mired in.

>Bring up theology and Catholicism
Disagree with the demand of converting to Catholicism and revealing your papal status, but bring up your concern about stories of the past Union nor Marx himself having no love for organised religion under the Man of Steel up until a bigger threat came along. Cherdenko seems jovial about it for now, but as a man of faith you are compelled by God to ask whether you can be sure that your faith and those of the other believers would be safe from scrutiny under one that is flying the red flag.

>Ask the blonde what his lifting routine is
Buff pope plz

>>5128566
>Truth be told, I'd rather we just fight it out but getting a truce so that we can get our own area in order would probably be a good idea.

Way I see it, politics makes strange bedfellows. I think peace and trade with the POZ would benefit us in securing our own position and industry before committing our sudden but inevitable betrayal.

If Pries actually does become a madlad and take the deal, Maricopa could find a worst patron than the Hardliners (like the Anarchists). I do like Cherdenko, despite being effectively radicals of differing ideologies, we'd get a market for our meth, we can probably bullshit our way into the POZ via Liberation Theology to subvert them from the inside (and if ideological subversion fails, we can alway rely on our meth instead). Honestly, it may not be nightmarish being under Cherdenko, so long as we maintain our autonomy within his organization (similar to the Suzerain relationship us and Maricopa has), and our tribute remain only food (and other trade goods, such as pharmaceuticals), I think we can make it work in the short term before our maybe(?) sudden but inevitable betrayal or other subversive efforts.

Plus, dunking on the Anarchists by helping the Hardliners out politically has it's own appeal.

>>5128576
I wouldn't use the word demand, but indicating in strong terms isn't out of the ballpark. I would lean on the fact that Jesus was the original Revolutionary against the Romans and draw parallels with Catholicism being a Revolution against the established bourgeoisie of the Roman Empire and the current situation our faction is in. It may devolve into into an argument over semantics, but I think that this avenue would be our most persuasive with Cherdenko.

Fun fact- the word Proletariat came from the Latin word Proletarius, meaning the lowest class of citizens in ancient Rome. If we're really feeling spicy and bold, we can interpret that Christ was the original revolutionary, akin to Marx, and it insinuate that the Messenger be the Lenin to his Stalin in this situation, assuming the prospect appeals to Cherdenko. I probably wouldn't go that far on the first meeting, or recommend it as a course of action, but it's on the table if Pries does decide to turn Maricopa Red.

>>5128637
>I think peace and trade with the POZ would benefit us in securing our own position and industry before committing our sudden but inevitable betrayal.

This I would be fine with, but being part of their faction or subordinate to them? Nah screw that man.

We can at least buy time to convert Maricopans and double down on attacking the Warden and free state cunts. While it wouldn't be the manpower of Phoenix if we could unite the surrounding area we might be able to make a play for it ourselves.

Maybe we can try to help prop up the PCR as well?

>>5128674
I generally agree with ya man, but Preis’ decision is entirely out of our hands. I’m just looking at the silver lining at what would be a shitty outcome, if the worst happens to come to pass.

>>5128694
>but Preis’ decision is entirely out of our hands

We can certainly influence him, or at least make an attempt at it.

Of course, he could always be removed.

>>5128637
As intriguing as that sounds I would prefer to stay safe on the topic of religion and just test the waters with him. We don't know how hardcore he actually is and if his friendliness is a facade.

>>5128703
Influence? Sure. Don’t rightly see the benefits of instigating a civil war in Maricopa over Preis bending the knee to the POZ, we got bigger fish to fry before we begin cleaning up that particular mess.

>>5128716
I think his friendliness is genuine. Doesn’t mean he won’t fuck us over if we don’t play ball with them on the food situation.

>>5128380
I say that if we were to take this deal, we give the condition that only little of that food goes towards the Anarchists.

As punishment for striking Maricopa and trying to subvert it's neighboring faction; The Reservation.

>>5128769
Nah, I say we give them some meth, sprinkle some hallucinogenics on the meth when they’re hooked, and watch the fireworks as that faction implodes on itself.

>>5128380
>>[Write-In]
ask about setting up a church in the POZ

>Ask the blonde what his lifting routine is
time 2 get buff

>Inquire about the POZ's view of narcotics

>>5128790
Most of those POZ lefties will probably want the 'softer' drugs (I.E. Weed, Shrooms, Vapes etc.)
We should sprinkle hints of our meth into those drugs. That way, they won't feel like those drugs will be enough.
Then we introduce our blue-sky meth to them as a hardline alternative.

>>5128730
His reverence of Stalin is also genuine, and I don't know which one would wind up stronger.

>>5128790
You know I bet Cherdenko would be open to some spliffin himself.

>>5128796
>ask about setting up a church in the POZ
This is a fun idea, I like it

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>>5128518
>>5128566
>>5128576
>>5128796

You get back into the sauna to find the two communists munching on sausages right where they were. You take your seat and prepare to buy Preis time, as well as to see if you can't advance your own interests.

OPTION SELECTED:
>Ask Cherdenko about his personal origins and role organizing within the POZ
"So, what exactly is your story? You said you were from the Soviet Union, which you say is still around. As far as I knew the place turned into Russia or whatever other countries were under it. And how did you come to play a role in the POZ? As far as I remember, it was mostly a product of Phoenix's government, wasn't it?" You know that if there's any way to get people to talk, it's to ask about themselves. People love to talk about themselves.

"Ah, you wish to hear the story of Cherdenko and the Soviet Union! To hear of how us Hardliners were decisive in our role advancing the Revolution, and of how we maintain the Legacy of Communism yet still! A more glorious story you will be hard pressed to find! Fetch the cognac, and help yourself to some sausages!"

As you suspected, he is indeed very excited to talk about himself. You grab the bottle of brandy Preis left behind and open it. You're doing what he asked you to, in a sense. You're not sure exactly how, but while your back was turned Cherdenko managed to produce a number of shot-glasses. You pour three shots of the golden liquid and sit back.

"Ah, the steam really brings out the various aromas," he says while his nose hovers over the glass. "I can make out the hints of vanilla and apricot."

You're not so sure if you can actually drink a toast with a figure like this. At least, not one that's strictly positive like usual. "A toast," you say lifting your glass before you can try and rope you into drinking to the Revolution or something. "A toast to these interesting times we live in." It's a variation of what you have heard as some kind of ancient Chinese curse. Fitting, with your homeland presumably now speaking Mandarin as an official language.

"Interesting times, sure why not?" he says before the three of you drink. "But you know what else was an interesting time? The eighties, when I was but a small child. Ah, they were the halcyon days. Oh, how we would spend our days on the beaches of the Black Sea, enjoying fine Abkhazian mandarins and singing of the glories of the Revolution! I remember seeing the tanks used in the Great Patriotic War lined up in the parks, memorializing the victory against the invader! Ah, you should have been there! But then one day, that traitor, the Disgraced Pizza Salesman, he sold out the Union! He betrayed us. The bastard had command of the entire Red Army, and he let entire Union fall into pieces! C'mon, let's do another round..."

[1/7]

>>5131766

[2/7]

This time, it's Red Scorpion who pours the alcohol. He quickly drinks and continues his backstory, which has now turned into ranting about the fall of the Soviet Union. "I tell you, if it were up to me, I would have turned Warsaw into a pile of rubble! The Magyars would have begged for the treatment they got in the fifties if they had gotten even half of what was coming to them! And don't get me started on that particular group of traitorous, hook-nosed money grubbers, natural born nation-wreckers, and what I would have done to them! We liberated them, gave them everything they ever had, and all they do is whine endlessly, those damned parasites. Maybe if we had kicked them all out of the Bolshevik Party during the days of the Revolution when we had the chance, or if the Man of Steel had purged them properly, we wouldn't have to hear their endless whining about the stupid genocide they always bring up!" You're starting to get uncomfortable. Why did he choose to suddenly start disparaging THAT group? "But enough ranting about Armenians. Their cognac isn't even very good, anyway. Ours should've been the premier drink of the Union. Anyway, the point is, we were betrayed! Stabbed in the back! All except us true loyalists. Us who remained part of the Union, even when all hope was lost! The brave people of Tiraspol, we stayed true to the Union! A drink, to Tiraspol!"

You have never heard of this place, which you presume is some backwater city in the middle of nowhere. You do, however, quite like the brandy.

"Anyway, to make a long story short, I eventually made my way to America. I knew I had to take revenge for what they had done. Vladimir, son of Ilya, said that as long as one member of the Komsomol lived, then they would not allow Communism to die! I was a member of the Komsomol youth wing, well, technically the youth wing's youth wing, but that is not important! I put my life's work into organizing an underground Communist cell here in America! It wasn't so hard, really. Once you start listening to what the American Proletariat actually want and start giving it to them, they can be absolute fanatics! The left here is so captured by Decadent Bourgeois Capitalism that they don't even know how to talk to the workers! They can try to tarnish my work with slurs like 'thug,' 'crypto-fascism,' and 'organized-crime' all they want, but opposition to the Viral Pneumonia measures and giving people alternative jobs won me more support than you'd get with a thousand flowery university essays..."

>>5131768

[3/7]

"You make it sound like you have a very different way of organizing compared with the rest of the POZ. And that some of them hate your guts if you're not exaggerating with those slurs."

"Of course! The feelings are mutual, and we let them know! Most of these limp-wristed university weaklings were busy worrying about 'democracy' or such nonsense when the chaos began! Oh sure, some of them brag about heavy weaponry they were able to pilfer like thieving magpies, but you could give these people nuclear weaponry and they wouldn't have the balls to actually start a real revolution. It took us Hardliners actually lining people up across walls, seizing government buildings, and issuing decrees for the rest of them to follow. Even then, most of their following came when government officials began to turncoat. The Revolution is our doing, you hear me! We forced their hand!"

He's clearly starting to get drunk. There's only one thing to do now.

"Another round?" you ask. If you can get him to be a little looser, he might let something slip for your next question.

"Of course!"

OPTION MODIFIED:
>Bring up theology and the need for Cherdenko and the POZ to convert to Catholicism
As the supreme pontiff and Vicar of Christ, you have a duty to save this man's soul. And, if you can convert him to the Faith, he might bring many of his underlings along with him. If you could gain access to their manpower, resources, and industry, taking over the Badlands would be next to trivial with the power of God.

Of course, bringing up your status as Vicar of Christ may complicate things. In fact, you might just get laughed at. Come to think of it, you might just get laughed at anyway. But bringing up theology is the right thing to do.

"Tell me, what do you think of religion?"

"Huh? I'm a Communist. I understand that religion is the opium of the masses. Opium should generally be avoided, like other narcotics. There can be times where it can be permitted, the Man of Steel did legalize it during hard times, so it hasn't been completely banned. But ideally such delusions should wither away over time, as they indeed have over the generations."

"No, Cherdenko. I want to know what -you- think of religion. Of the idea of a higher power..."

>>5131772

[4/7]

His eyes narrow at this. "I don't. I am confused, why are you asking me this?"

You're going to try to convince him that, somehow, Christianity is some kind of primitive version of Communism. It's an utterly nonsensical, moronic argument that only a theologically illiterate, blithering idiot (like the other Pope, so-called) would take seriously. As the true Pope, you know that any kind of understanding of the first century, Holy Scripture, and the Magisterium would quickly disprove such ideas. But maybe you can trick him with this kind of rhetoric to get him to do what you want.

"Your kind have always been hostile to religion, but you really should give it a chance. The power of the Faith has given empires great power. Your 'man of steel' even had to recognize this when a great enemy showed its face. Was Christ himself not a revolutionary of a kind, with the founding of the Catholic Church being a revolutionary act? You should really do your best to ensure the security of the Faith, which has often faced persecution in the past. In fact, I think there is even benefit in you joining the Catholic Faith yourself."

He looks at you, confused and speechless. He turns to his comrade, and then back towards you. You're really not sure how to interpret this. Is it possible that you have actually gotten through to him? May this be the start of a possible pivot towards Christ?

"AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" Cherdenko belts out in laughter. "AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!"

>Result: Total Failure

"Excuse me?"

"AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA, oh man, I re- AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

"Comrade, want me to get you some water?" Red Scorpion asks with concern.

"AHAHAHAHAHAHA! Oh, no, I don't need an- AHAHAHAHAHA!"

Cherdenko seems to have lost his mind with laughter. Was your decision to try and test the waters with Catholicism really such a bad idea?

"AHAHAH-" Cherdekno's laughing fit is interrupted by a violent burst of coughing, which is itself interrupted by more laughter.

"Oh, excuse me, I need a moment," he says as he gets up and leaves through the door. From inside the sauna, even, you can hear howling laughter. At some point, he starts banging on the sauna walls as he keeps laughing.

The door opens to reveal a Pontifical Guardsman, bayonetted rifle in hand, with a look of deep concern on his face. "Messenger, what's going on? Is everything okay, did something happen?"

"No, no, it's all fine. Just let him calm himself down, just move him a little away. It's like he's even louder outside. Let him back once he's calmed down."

The guardsman nods and leaves you in peace. You hear the laughter quiet down until you're left in peace. He may not have said anything of substance regarding religion, but you think you get the general idea: this subject is just a non-starter...

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>>5131775

[5/7]

With Preis still gone and Cherdenko busy laughing himself into a stupor, it's just you and Cherdenko's buff guard, Red Scorpion. Here, in the sauna, he's practically naked and you get an unparalleled look at his physique. You can't help but admire it. Not in any kind of 'lavender' way, you're not THAT kind of Catholic (although you know there's no such shortage among the so-called loyalists), but it still catches your eye.

You can't help but fantasize about yourself having such a figure. If you too had biceps as large as your head and a massive chest, maybe people would respect the Faith more. Perhaps if you too had a six (eight?!) pack then people would kneel before your well muscled form and join the faith on the spot! Maybe it's time to give 'Muscular Christianity' a chance...

"Hey, Red Scorpion, I have a question for you:"

OPTION SELECTED:
>Ask the blonde what his lifting routine is
"Uh, you want to get swole?"

"I'm willing to consider it. Doesn't hurt to ask, right?"

"Sure? Yea, I can give you some fitness tips. So how much of a background do you have with fitness? Beginner, lapsed, maybe you were on a sports team back when?"

"Beginner." In your younger days you were a stereotypical 'nerd,' the sort of person who would have been shoved into a locker by people like this guy. "If you can be thorough, I'd appreciate it."

"Okay, alright, I get it. Most Americans don't really care much about fitness, but I, uh, didn't really have a choice about it. When you spend your teenage years doing construction, pipe-fitting, getting in fights, you gotta get big or go home. The first tip I can give is to live an active lifestyle. Fitness isn't something you do for half an hour after leaving your cubicle, it's a lifestyle."

You've noticed a lot of your underlings are fairly fit. With the constant construction and military exercises done for the faction, few of your rank-and-file Crusaders and workers are obese or totally out of shape. Doing manual labor is not your job as supreme pontiff, but maybe you should get out and do some work once in a while?

"For exercises, I'm big on compound exercises. You gotta get your kettlebell workouts in. Twenty, thirty minutes with kettlebells really works you out, but you gotta have someone with you, especially early when you're working on your form. I'm also big into bodyweight exercises. You know, growing up in Maryvale I never had the spare cash for a gym membership, so exercises you can do with little equipment are good. You ever do leg raises?"

"I can't say I have," you say shaking your head...

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>>5131777

[6/7]

"Best core exercise there is, I tell ya, and you just need a place to hang from. Let me see if I can show you," he says as he sits up on a bench and grabs a metal bar tests his weight. "Nah, don't want to risk it. But you don't need big machines to get big. People have been squatting for thousands of years, and they keep doing it because it works. Ever wonder how they made those statues back in Rome or whatever with the big muscles? I don't think they had rowing machines back then, but they did have functional strength."

You're surprised at how much he's opening up. He seems to be pretty excited about this subject.

"Oh yea, and let me tell you the real secret. If you want to get big, you got to eat and sleep big."

"Eat and sleep big?"

"A hundred percent. You have to sleep, gotta get your eight hours a day, minimum. Working out breaks down the muscle, but you build them up when you sleep. It's hard in times like this, but you gotta get those hours in."

Now that you think about it, you do spend less time sleeping than you should. But you're the Pope! Can you really spare time sleeping when there is so much work to do?

"And you gotta eat big to get big, c'mon! I have a primarily meat-based diet, and I think it helps a lot."

"Meat-based diet?"

"Yea! I'm from Chicago, and we're big on meat. I read on the Internet somewhere that plant foods can kill your gains, so I try to avoid that stuff when I can. You want lots of fermented dairy products and organ meats. That's where the micronutrients are. And you gotta avoid seed oils, I heard those kill your gains. Fry your foods in bacon grease and lard, that's where it's at. And you gotta eat a lot. If you're not getting a kilo of meat a day, your gains are at risk!"

Bacon grease, fermented dairy products, and a kilo of meat a day? This just sounds like a diet designed to destroy bathroom plumbing. You've heard that bodybuilders and strongmen are often superstitious people who would do anything, down to eating grass from the front-lawn, if told that it helps build more muscle. The advice about sleeping and kettlebell exercises sounds pretty good, but you're not sure if you're going to start basing your diet on kefir and beef liver just yet. You rule over an army of crusaders, not an army of plumbers.

"Thanks, I suppose I'll keep this in mind."

"Absolutely. Capitalism is poisoning our food and trying to make us all weak, but we're fighting back. Remember, we're all gonna make it."

You're not entirely sold on the advice of this strange character from Chicago, but you are seriously considering incorporating 'Muscular Christianity' into your regime.

>New Miscellaneous Choice Unlocked...

>>5131780

[7/7]

A short while after the fitness aside, the door opens and Cherdenko is basically thrown into the room by a Pontifical Guard.

"And leave the ladies alone!"

"I did nothing wrong!" Cherdenko calls out. "I assure you, it was a misunderstanding!" he says to you and Red Scorpion.

You need to figure out just what's going on. You excuse yourself and walk outside, where your underling is.

"Ah, Holy Father, I noticed he had wandered off and was getting close with one of the ladies around here after he got done with this crazy fit of laughter. I think he might be drunk or something."

"Well, being friendly with ladies is not in itself a crime nor a sin. If that's all he did, then maybe you should have had a lighter hand."

"Ah, but he's one of those commies. You can't trust them, you know?"

"He's a guest of honor," a third voice calls out. It's Preis returning to the room. "The Messenger is right. Although you wrangled him at a convenient time, I will say."

"Ah, mayor, have you made a come to a decision?" you ask.

"I have. We're opening up trade between us and the POZ. We have more food than we know what to do with, and I don't want my people caught up in the bloodbath Phoenix has turned into. I don't want to hitch my wagon completely to them while the War for Phoenix is going on, but I see which way the wind is blowing. If the PCR didn't even bother contacting Maricopa, then they're either too dumb to live or don't care about us anyway. Your people are going to be the ones responsible for guarding the food shipments from whatever raiders the people in the opposing faction send. Unless you have a killer argument otherwise, I'm going in that room and finalizing it. We'll probably spend the next hours going over the details, something I don't expect you to be present for, but I think he'll accept this arrangement."

This leaves a final question for you: Do you actually have any final arguments or anything else you want to pitch at the last second?

>No, you have nothing further to add
>Object to the use of Crusaders as the guards in the trade arrangement [Write-In points for this position]
>Make some kind of argument to convince Preis to take another course of action [Write-In points for this position]
>Do something completely out of left-field [Write-In]

I vaguely remember some wanting a break in the form of a vacation/beach episode kind of thing. I'm not sure this is situation is how people were expecting it to happen, but it's how it turned out. What else can you call drunken peasant ranting about the perfidious peoples from the village a few versts over yonder, or highly reputable diet advice suggesting you chug bacon grease?

>>5131783
>No, you have nothing further to add

Sure, I'm game. Gonna need some more resources and manpower for this (risk and wastage factor), and probably another round of machine guns for the mechanized units, but I'm certainly willing to give it a go. Maybe we can attempt some diplomacy with the Native raiders to test the waters, see if they'll be reasonable or antagonistic, but being on official business will get us more intel and greater insight into Phoenix and the POZ, and maybe we'll finally have a market to sell our damn meth to!

I do find it interesting that the most memeable option turned out to be the most useful one. Can't wait to truly embrace the Space Marines meme!

>>5131783
>Object to the use of Crusaders as the guards in the trade arrangement [Write-In points for this position]
I think we might be positioning ourself to stretching out a bit too thin if we accept, and especially after we've taken up the casino guard job. What about a joint effort with the natives and some of the MMP, at least for now?

And I have to say this was one nice update. Can't wait until we convince our men that we're all make it, both in this life and the next!

>>5132006
I assume the Mayor is going to give us the resources and manpower that we'd need for such endeavors. I think it mainly giving us the authority over the situation for the most part.

>>5132059
Oh, if that's so then that's alright. It's the "your men" remark that has me wary.

>>5131783
>>Object to the use of Crusaders as the guards in the trade arrangement [Write-In points for this position]
>>Make some kind of argument to convince Preis to take another course of action [Write-In points for this position]

If Preis wants to do trade with communists, he can guard his own shipments. Point of fact, if the commies want to buy food they should come and buy it themselves.

We should convince him to attempt to reach out to the PCR.

I mean really, these people are the people we should be fighting against!

>>5132456
Fact is, we need intel to do real damage and a meth market to build our faction up. Dealing with the POZ directly does accomplish that, and war with them doesn't suit our interest. I'm betting we can expand our cultural influence to eventually unify the PRC, with Maricopa stalling the POZ advance south with cunning diplomacy until they switch sides. Besides, our faction being the one he entrusts to handle this important mission? We've clearly grown on Preis, and the more he relies on us, the deeper our influence becomes entrenched in Maricopa's leadership. Temporarily trading with the POZ is a necessary evil in order to commit a greater good- bringing the light of Christ to the Badlands, and sending his enemies straight to Hell.

>>5133526
The Maricopans are going to absorb us at this rate, and they'll be absorbed by the commies in due time without our intervention.

Point of fact, simply trading them food is going to empower them, you're all failing to see that it seems to me.

>>5133938
Trading with them also keeps them off our backs, which is what we need if we want to build enough power to beat them.

>>5134237
Which is the only silver lining here, but we need to be proactive in trying to find contacts within the PCR

If we can trade to both it will maintain equilibrium until we're secure enough to join the fight.

Are we ready to crush the warden?

>>5134454
>Are we ready to crush the warden?

Only if Maricopa is willing. Otherwise, I'd rather we build ourselves up.

Speaking of PCR, we can probably try our luck with Goodyear and the Boiz, maybe send Trkulja (assuming he's available) up there to try and convince them to fund our anti-Warden efforts and let the Boiz know of that there will be a situation where they could ambush the POZ raiders and get some revenge against them.

>>5131783
>>Make some kind of argument to convince Preis to take another course of action [Write-In points for this position]
This is a big chance to get a large favor from the POZ before we ultimately fight them. we should ask for a large amount of W.P

>>5137092
Anon, what do you think we're trading for? Timber? It's clear to me that asking for a lotta WP is what Preis was already planning on doing.

>>5136655
>Only if Maricopa is willing. Otherwise, I'd rather we build ourselves up.

First of all, whether or not Preis wants to help us it's a problem we need to address. If we're relatively safe from any threats from POZ we need to deal with it.

We simply aren't capable of building up in a reasonable timeframe by sitting still and trying to convert Maricopans. By taking down the warden we will expand and absorb his territory, resources, and manpower. If we appear to be successful more people will flock to our banner as well. Point of fact, the more involved Maricopa is the less we will gain from it. Getting help from Dolores would be a safe bet, but I would say only asking for volunteers from the MMP rather than requesting they fight our battle for us would be the better course of action.

We need more power for ourselves, less so expanding Maricopas direct influence.

>>5137107
Last time we fought the Warden, he ransacked Mobile and it was Game Over. Unless we have Maricopa's support, fighting the Warden directly is suicide, and I aim to win. Go talk to Goodyear if you want a staging ground to fight the Warden on, because it will not be Mobile on the chopping block for retaliation.

>We simply aren't capable of building up in a reasonable timeframe by sitting still and trying to convert Maricopans.
>But somehow taking on the Warden with 5x our resources is totally doable

Are you even listening to yourself? If we're not capable of building up right now, than we are woefully underprepared for a fucking fight with the Warden. What are we even supposed to be fighting with, one Mechanized Platoon against an entire faction's army? We can't reasonably hold the territory we take without Maricopa's help, let alone replace our losses in any reasonable timeframe, and that's a God damn fact about our situation.

>We need more power for ourselves, less so expanding Maricopas direct influence.

The original plan for getting more involved in Maricopa is so we can subvert it from the inside and have their power become ours. By expanding Maricopa's influence, we expand our future influence. That was always the damn plan.

Besides, what was all that sabbatical autism for then? Did we just waste 20 WP over a stupid fucking write in just to turn about face and embrace war with the Warden? That pisses me off more than anything, and I voted in favor of the raid!

Fact is that we need our Explosives Workshop operational and churning out IEDs and mortar shells to even stand a chance at survival against the Warden, and rushing the gun to start a war when Mobile is still vulnerable is a retarded idea. We don't have the manpower needed to take the fight to the Warden, simple as, and we ain't gonna magically get trained platoons from the Warden ravaged territory even if we do take it.

>>5137141
>Last time we fought the Warden, he ransacked Mobile and it was Game Over.

Aren't you forgetting something? Perhaps almost all of our fighting men not being present? And that the warden had his forces massed? Our strong points are mobility and zeal, we have to go on the offensive.

>If we're not capable of building up right now, than we are woefully underprepared for a fucking fight with the Warden.

We don't have anything to work with, that is the issue. As it currently stands we are not strong enough on our own to subvert Maricopa before we get swallowed up by them and then the POZ. We need to expand, and currently we are free to focus in one direction. There are people that we can liberate to replenish our manpower with, undoubtedly there are people the warden is still fighting or he would have been back by now. At most we will be able to form militias from able bodied men we liberate, but I'm sure we'll find some volunteers.

As far as the sabbatical I'm pretty sure everyone was expecting a fight with the POZ but here we are.

>>5137164
>Aren't you forgetting something? Perhaps almost all of our fighting men not being present?

And of our present forces, we have only two Mechanized and Artillery Squad with limited ammunition available for actual combat. Even if we could've survived against the Warden's amassed forces, we don't have the ability to hold enemy territory with our forces.

>As it currently stands we are not strong enough on our own to subvert Maricopa before we get swallowed up by them and then the POZ

You forget that we are granted autonomy by Maricopa as apart of our original deal, and we do have the ability to expand our church to other factions/territory. Keep in mind, we don't need to reinvent the wheel, we just need to get Maricopa's other churches on board and a Basic Seminary up and running to really get our manpower and subversive efforts going!

In all honesty, we may be able to expand East instead of West. The Patriots will probably be open to us setting up a mission, and Casa Grande will open itself up to us in exchange for our pharmaceuticals. We do have other expansion options available to us.

Also, I don't think militia will be combat effective, and those volunteers will take time to train and organize into platoons, time in which we'd be bleeding manpower trying to maintain captured territory. We need allies in this fight, hell, maybe a coalition between Maricopa and Goodyear to help contain the Warden.

As for the sabbatical, I was expecting diplomacy, though I was terrified of it being a trap as we walked out there with Preis.

>>5137222
>And of our present forces, we have only two Mechanized and Artillery Squad with limited ammunition available for actual combat. Even if we could've survived against the Warden's amassed forces, we don't have the ability to hold enemy territory with our forces.

And we have those natives and new converts training up, as well i think we can afford to pull some garrison men into an offensive with the POZ not being an immediate threat.

Perhaps see if the boiz want to jump in, try and get some backup from Dolores and try and get some Maricopan volunteers, and then any manpower we can drum up from liberated peoples. Don't forget all those slaves just waiting to be freed. Perhaps the last two categories wouldn't make for crack troops but they could hold ground and put lead down range.

Of course, I'm not saying that from this meeting we should immediately attack, but we need to make a move while we have some breathing room. Get a plan together, find some partners, do some recon, see if we can contact any people in the Wardens territory that would be receptive to our liberation, see if there are any resistance groups? Considering the Warden and his men, I'm sure they don't have very loyal subjects.

Alongside getting an explosives factory and machineshop up and running, it is my opinion that we should send a diplomatic mission up to goodyear, both try and find some support for our attack against the Warden and try and make a connection between PCR elements and ourselves and Maricopa.

Then we need to do some recon on the Wardens territory.

>>5137141
>>5137222
As someone who voted for the sabbatical, my thoughts were that giving Trkulja his wish to do something about the Warden during his feverish and almost impulsive state was not a good idea, and that he needs to have a clear head before he can be fit to lead something about it.

>>5137314
Maybe after we prepared for a coalition war against the Warden I can see us fighting him, but I fail to see the point in us trying to start a war while we got so much other shit on our plate. Factory upgrades, Seminary, subverting Maricopa’s churches, finding a fucking market for our God-Blessed meth! Hell, being the POZ Convoy Guard is an boon, finally we found a market we can sell to, and we can final start using Yuri for POZ subversion efforts like he was created for. The only reason Preis is asking us because we’re literally his mobile warfare experts, and his most trusted faction without any POZ agents embedded in them. Without us, the trade deal becomes less trade and more of a tribute, which is an untenable situation for us.

On an unrelated note, I’m hoping we can cardinalize Colonel Chee as our 6th Cardinal for the POZ Native diplomacy and leading the convoy, given how Trkulja‘s out on account of his sabbatical and Nick Cage is stuck in his wheelchair.

>>5137357
I think indulging him in a minor raid would’ve done more to clear his head than any sabbatical ever would. This is a man who think it’s his holy mission, given to him by God himself, to rid the world of the Anti-Christ that is the Warden. That type of baggage ain’t gonna get resolved in a sabbatical lad.

>>5137363
I wasn't hoping for him to be relieved of his demons entirely, just enough to understand that it's a marathon, not a sprint.

>>5137371
I think saying to him that fighting the Warden is a marathon than a sprint would’ve been better than the sabbatical.

>>5137363
>Factory upgrades, Seminary, subverting Maricopa’s churches,

>>5137314
>Alongside getting an explosives factory and machineshop up and running, it is my opinion that we should send a diplomatic mission up to goodyear, both try and find some support for our attack against the Warden and try and make a connection between PCR elements and ourselves and Maricopa.

>finding a fucking market for our God-Blessed meth!

Get real, we're never going to sell any meth.

>Hell, being the POZ Convoy Guard is an boon. The only reason Preis is asking us because we’re literally his mobile warfare experts

It's literally going to stretch us too thin and going to risk our men for his benefit. He's telling, not asking, us we are going to do this because we're disposable. We've got our men playing cops for him at the casino, now we'll be playing caravan guard for him? Getting men and resources from the MMP was suggested in return, I don't think you're seeing things clearly. We're being turned into the MMP, and soon enough Preis and Greger will be telling our men what to do while we "subvert" them.

The commies need to send their own convoys down if they can't guarantee security, or Preis can risk his own men if he's fool enough to allow that shit.

>you can trade with us but if you don't fly our flag be a shame if anything happened to your shipments

Sounds like some mafioso bullshit to me, and our ken don't need to die over Preis giving in and accepting it.

>>5137732
>Get real, we're never going to sell any meth.

We are, it's a major part of our faction. We just need to sell it to people we ain't trying to subvert (unless their faction approves of our meth dealing).

>It's literally going to stretch us too thin and going to risk our men for his benefit.

And you think this suzerain shit wasn't going to come without a cost? We are obliged to help when he asks for it, and this is a good opportunity of selling our meth! We need all the WP we can get, and we already agreed that we're in no fit state to fight the Warden right now anyway, so I don't see the problem here.

>He's telling, not asking, us we are going to do this because we're disposable.

He's asking us because we're better experts on mobile warfare than the rest, and because he knows for sure that we aren't compromised by POZ agents within our organization.

>We're being turned into the MMP, and soon enough Preis and Greger will be telling our men what to do while we "subvert" them.

We're not getting turned into the MMP, and even if we were, the idea was to subvert them from the inside, not to cry about doing our part of the patronage deal.

>Sounds like some mafioso bullshit to me

What did you think Cherdenko meant by 'alternative jobs', working as an ice cream salesman? I do agree that the POZ should be coming to us with caravans, not the other way around, but having a market to sell our meth to would make guarding this caravan worth it.

>>5137757
>We are, it's a major part of our faction. We just need to sell it to people we ain't trying to subvert (unless their faction approves of our meth dealing).

I've been with this quest for a long time now, it's not going to happen. Everyone is gonna pussy out as always, if the commies were to even allow it.

>And you think this suzerain shit wasn't going to come without a cost? We are obliged to help when he asks for it, and this is a good opportunity of selling our meth! We need all the WP we can get, and we already agreed that we're in no fit state to fight the Warden right now anyway, so I don't see the problem here.

We are not obliged to die on account of him accepting a bad deal. We are in a fit state to begin planning and operations against the Warden, but of course we'll never be ready if we tie all of our men up under Maricopan control guarding this and that.

>He's asking us because we're better experts on mobile warfare than the rest, and because he knows for sure that we aren't compromised by POZ agents within our organization.

This was not said, why are you pretending it was?

>>5131783
>I don't want my people caught up in the bloodbath Phoenix has turned into. I don't want to hitch my wagon completely to them while the War for Phoenix is going on, but I see which way the wind is blowing. Your people are going to be the ones responsible for guarding the food shipments from whatever raiders the people in the opposing faction send.

All he has said is that he doesn't want his people getting caught up, and he's TELLING us that it's going to be us guarding the shipments. We are being used as disposable assets, fuck that.

>We're not getting turned into the MMP, and even if we were, the idea was to subvert them from the inside, not to cry about doing our part of the patronage deal.

Yes we are, and it's going to end up with us a street preacher and game over. How are we going to subvert anything when we end up with no actual powerbase? You're practically advocating for giving away a platoon of our crusaders to get whittled down guarding food for communists and WP for Preis while saying we don't have the manpower to do anything. We are the Sunbelt Crusaders, not the Sunbelt Cops and Caravan Guards.

>What did you think Cherdenko meant by 'alternative jobs', working as an ice cream salesman?

Yes, obviously. You're simply assuming there will be a market to sell our meth. in the meantime we're going to lose those men for good. Whether they get killed or sit there locked in those men will be gone and it will severely limited what we can do.

>>5137786
I've been with the quest a long time too, and we had an opportunity with the Warden that blew up in our faces with restarting from Game Over. We can do it with the commies, regardless of if they approve. They need the food shipments, and I'm sure some of the criminal/Anarchist elements would love to get addicted to our meth. Don't give up hope now that we have a potential big market to sell too.

>We are not obliged to die on account of him accepting a bad deal.
If Maricopa's doing the trade caravans, I expected a bigger WP reward due to the risk involved with this retarded game the POZ is playing. And we aren't in any fit state to go off fighting the Warden anyway, regardless of whether we were tied up with the caravans or not. Two mechanized units cannot hold ground, nor is that their job, and dividing our two platoons between soloing the Warden's immense forces and holding the territory we captured is doomed to fail. Fighting the Warden will thin out our forces more than guarding the trade caravan ever would, and we stand more to gain from the caravan effort than we do trying to pick our fight with a warband 5x our size.

>This was not said, why are you pretending it was?

Neither was us being disposable, why keep pretending that we are? We literally keep solving Maricopa's biggest problems, from the raiders to the Reservation being subverted by the POZ to the MMP/Reservation tensions at the casino. We are far from disposable, and I'd appreciate it if you stop pretending that Preis thinks we are.

>>5132006
>>5132456

OPTION SELECTED:
>Object to the use of Crusaders as the guards in the trade arrangement [Say the Maricopans should do it themselves instead of using their vassal] [Suggest that the POZ should do all of the guard work]
"Really?" Preis responds. "I thought guarding food transports would be right up your alley. If you're against doing it, I'll give the honors to Greger and his people." He pauses, scratching his chin in thought. "I have some other tasks for you to do, now that I think about it."

The truth is that you're really concerned with spreading your forces thin. Your faction has taken on new duties, and new fighters do not materialize ex nihilo but unfortunately take time to train from eligible converts. Your faction is still at the point where every fight must be carefully considered, as any defeat could be crippling or even faction-ending. This doesn't mean that martial action is necessarily wrong (indeed, raids and attacks are the only way your faction has a snowball's chance in hell of being relevant), but it does mean you need to be discerning.

You're of course not going to actually say any of that openly, since it would signal weakness. Instead, you're going to focus on some other concern.

"I have concerns about Maricopa being absorbed by the POZ. Every shipment of food empowers them, as that appears to be what they lack the most. They should come over here and do it themselves."

He gives you a confused look at these comments. "Yes, Maricopa might be absorbed by the POZ," he says nonchalantly. "The reality seems to be that the entire state of Arizona will be absorbed by the POZ. Do you have any special, game-changing information about the situation that suggests otherwise?"

Indeed, the experience of your faction with the PCR suggests that Preis is not underestimating them. Given the strategic importance of a massive agricultural region like Greater Maricopa, there's simply no excuse for making zero contact. By what Musella said, their governing apparatus is either hopelessly incompetent or downright malicious (depending on how you interpret his account). The only military actions you're aware of from them were unauthorized raids by poorly organized domestic terrorists who are likely marginal figures, at best. Put simply, there are no practical arguments that the POZ will not slowly take over everything around it, so you must make moral arguments instead.

"We do not know the future. God had a way of making history unfold in unexpected ways. While cold hard reason suggests their victory may be inevitable, it is that very 'reason' that hardened the hearts of men and led us to this crisis. Man cannot control history, as the perennial failures of the 'historical dialectic' prove..."


[1/3]

>>5137850

[2/3]

"Well, if history's going to play out in an unexpected way, then all I can do is hedge my bets, which is what I'm doing. Take our excess production, which would otherwise rot, and exchange it for things we need with the POZ Hardliner sub-faction. We guard our goods going to them, and they take care of the goods going to us. Terms could be better, but they could be a hell of a lot worse. I can't make life-or-death decisions based on putting all of my chips into wishful thinking or fanciful hopes, as much as I might wish for things to be otherwise. This is as good of a deal as I can expect for my people, the citizens of Maricopa, and it's the one I'll take."

He has accepted your refusal to act as the guards and have a role as potential middle-men in the lucrative POZ-Maricopa trade, something he has also chosen to accept.

>POZ-Maricopa Trade: Locked In
>Crusader Role As Caravan Guards: Refused
>Alternate Suzerain Mission: To Be Processed
>[Badlands Supply Crisis]: Slightly Delayed

The mayor opens the sauna door and enters. You follow along, even if you already know what's going to be said.

"-nothing like the Old Country, I tell y- ah! Preis of Maricopa, you're back," Cherdenko remarks. "Have you made a decision? And have you told those flamboyant guards to calm down?!"

"I don't know what on earth you're talking about with that second thing, but I have come to a decision," Preis says as he sits down. "I'm not joining the POZ. As tempting as you make the offer sound, you haven't proven to me you're going to take Phoenix. The Badlands are too chaotic. For all we know, the Californians might change their minds about expansion and cross the Colorado, crushing anyone in their path. Maybe the people of the East Coast will settle their differences with backroom talks instead of rolling tank battles, and peace will come to this country again. Hell, some strongman could come out of Mexico like some cross between Porfirio Diaz and Genghis Khan to take over the entire Badlands!"

"I assure you, the victory of the POZ is inevitable, and foreign interference to that scale will not happen. If anything, the Mexicans should be afraid of us," Cherdenko counters...

>>5137851

[3/3]

"If that's the case, then I'm sure we can discuss the peaceful integration of Maricopa into the POZ when such a thing occurs. But until such a day, we stay independent. If you want food, we have that in abundance if you're able to supply the goods to pay for them."

"Oh, you break my heart!" Cherdenko says while slapping his chest. "It would have brought me great joy and honor to personally grant you the first red flag to fly. But I must settle for accepting your trade proposal and patiently waiting for the day we can embrace unity in the brotherhood of peoples! Ah, such are the realities of this world!" With his flowery rhetoric and downright theatrical gestures, you have a feeling he should have considered operating in Los Angeles as a Hollywood actor. Lord knows he would have found no shortage of ideological sympathizers.

"It's settled then. Now it's a matter of specifics," Preis says. "Messenger, thanks for all you've done today, but from here it's going to be the two of us," he says pointing to Cherdenko. "Big guy, that goes for you too. The resort's a big place, I'm sure you and your buddies can find something to something to busy yourselves with. Just remember you're being watched. Don't take hospitality as weakness."

It appears as if your role here is over. You really have nothing to add for the following discussion, which will likely be over boring details such as how many bushels of grain Maricopa can supply or how many refrigerators the POZ can spare or other such things. You have other things to get to, notably an already planned Papal Visit you need to conduct.

How do you proceed from here?

>Leave this place and go on with your other diplomatic action [Papal Envoy] here in Maricopa while you have free time
>Go back to the defensive lines in the north of Maricopa to do something [What?] [Why?]
>Try to slip in one last comment or question on your way out [What?]
>Completely abandon what you're doing and head back to Mobile [Second diplomatic action will happen later in the half-week]
>Go somewhere else in Maricopa to do something else [Where?] [Why?] [Write-In]

A lot of discussion towards the end there... hopefully I didn't miss a vote or something among them

>>5137856
>Leave this place and go on with your other diplomatic action [Papal Envoy] here in Maricopa while you have free time

I would honestly have preferred you wait for the debate to have ended before posting the update, but whatever. I'm more pissed at the anons being retarded than anything on your part. Let's get this shit over with.

>>5137786
I can honestly say that you're retarded. Our powerbase is Mobile, and you want to put that base under threat because you think we can autisticly take and hold the Warden's territory when we don't have the manpower to go toe-to-toe with him? I also find it hilarious that you pussied put on another opportunity to sell meth after complaining about the other anons doing it.

Going to war with the Warden will turn us into MMP's West Division faster than the original Game Over, and if y'all are too blind to see it, than you deserve the next Game Over.

>>5137887
>I would honestly have preferred you wait for the debate to have ended
I considered it, but it seemed like you guys were going over general sort of short/medium term plans instead of deciding on whether to swap votes or something, so I decided to post. Next time something like this happens, I'll give it some more time.

>>5137856
Actually, I just caught up and I would've love to have some input on the caravan guard situation, but I guess I got here a bit later for that. Oh well, I guess we won't be trading meth this quest.

>Leave this place and go on with your other diplomatic action [Papal Envoy] here in Maricopa while you have free time

Time to do our other job.

>>5137856
>>Leave this place and go on with your other diplomatic action [Papal Envoy] here in Maricopa while you have free time

>>5137887
>Our powerbase is Mobile, and you want to put that base under threat

It is under threat so long as we have enemies on our border, what you think the warden will never come back? Or maybe that he will wait to come back when we're strong enough to put up a fair fight? That we've not been under threat of attack from the POZ this whole time? We need to be proactive against the warden, it is you that is autistically fixating on "holding ground" we need to kill the wardens men. The people under his boot and the slaves they hold would welcome us as liberators. Raids and ambushes are what we need to do. There is a single major road between gila bend and the prison. We can pick our ground and pick our battles. The IEDs that you want so badly would be great here. As I've said, I'm not saying we should immediately attack but we need to start preparing. Recon, building equipment, finding extra fighting men.

A serious diplomatic mission to goodyear would solve many of these issues, as well we should attempt to balance the POZ PCR conflict since the scales have been tipped in the favor of POZ now. We should talk to Preis about it.

>I also find it hilarious that you pussied put on another opportunity to sell meth after complaining about the other anons doing it.

I highly doubt any of you would ever even make the attempt, there has always been some excuse for not selling meth every chance we get. I can already hear it now "we dont want to risk upsetting the trade between POZ and Maricopa" whatever man.

>>5137856
So how many men do we have training up currently?

~20 men at the black site should be enough to hold down the prisoners we currently have. So if we were to leave the inquisitors in charge there and bring the mobile infantry out of garrison duty that would give us 2 mechanized platoons, 1 mobile infantry, and the mortar section. Assuming at least 1 additional platoon being trained? That's a decent amount of manpower. Plenty enough for raids and ambushes. If we can hire out some men and get some on loan we would have enough to take the warden down after softening him up.

I expect his manpower pool is fairly constrained as it stands, from the sound of things I doubt he gets many volunteers from the people they've conquered. We really need to do some recon though to get a better picture of things, hopefully we can make contact with some sympathetic people in his territory.

>>5137957
>So how many men do we have training up currently?
You don't have an exact number on hand, but you would know that it's easily in the dozens. The two main groups are Native newcomers who are forming their own unit and the methheads who are really into the faith (or who think joining the crusaders will mean less work for their daily meth, who really cares) reinforcing the current undermanned units. The former is almost done with initial training and the latter is sort of a thing in progress, if that makes sense. It's not an insignificant percentage of your overall numbers, but there's a lag between absorbing people into the faction and being able to actually field them. The Maricopan patronage simplifies and speeds things up, but at the end of the day you simply can't take random persons off of the streets and instantly turn them into fighters.

>>5137904
>Actually, I just caught up and I would've love to have some input on the caravan guard situation
Damn, I guess I really should've waited on the update. I felt like I was already late in posting since it'd been a few days, which is why I posted a little earlier than I normally might have

>>5138006
Hey, shit happens man. Would have loved to have reenacted the chasing scenes from Mad Max though, which is a shame.

Also, what was Trkulja's estimation of the forces the Warden had at his disposal during the shakedown of Mobile? Since anons are debating the viability of fighting the Warden, I thought this information would be relevant.

>>5137899
I would've hoped that I'd be able to convince them how retarded they were being over both the non-issue of being absorbed by the MMP (multiple reasons why that idea is retarded, half of them related to Mobile) and why war with the Warden is restarted in the short term (WP and manpower drain, it'll force us into a state of total war when we should be focusing on subverting and unifying the PCR, if Mobile falls, instant Game Over, etc.) We need more WP and prestige, and it frustrating to see them wanting to flirt with a Game Over instead.

>>5137909
>It is under threat so long as we have enemies on our border
The problem with that Trkulja, is that we don't don't have the manpower, resources, or allies to take care of this threat, and all you'd be doing is inviting the same Game Over situation that we had before. We can't meme more trained platoons into existence, despite your delusions on the matter, and if Mobile falls, we do get absorbed into the MMP. War with the Warden is a losing gamble, and I play to win God damnit.

>Recon, building equipment, finding extra fighting men.
All of which cost WP, which we don't have an abundance of. We need the POZ market, or at least the extra resource allocated to being caravan guardians. We probably would've gotten another shipment of machine guns had we accepted, now we certainly ain't getting shit from this deal.

>I highly doubt any of you would ever even make the attempt
>to the anon actively advocating selling meth to them
Thanks for turning that self-projection into a self-fulfilling prophecy, because 'getting chewed up' and 'getting absorbed by the MMP' are fucking excuses for not selling meth to the POZ, and no, they aren't valid fears in this situation.

It frustrates me how anons are being irrational about being given honors of caravan guardians because of some autistic fear of being instantly absorbed by taking on this duty, and then doing a complete 180 in the other direction in wanting to start a war we'd lose with the Warden, which will force the same Game Over situation we fell into before.

>>5137899
Also as an unrelated sidebar, >>5132006 changed his mind in >>5132069. I know how autistic you are when it comes to the votes and the specific wording of write ins QM, I just thought it was more tied or in favor of accepting than it was trying to refuse an honor.

>>5137856
>>5138276
any chance we can change our mind about on guarding the supplies before we leave?

>>5137856
>Try to slip in one last comment or question on your way out [What?]
>[Write-In]
"Actually Preis, you bring a good point. I've had a change of mind."

>>5139409
I'll +1 this instead of my original vote if the QM allows it.

>>5139409
>>5139423
>spilling spaghetti everywhere

Not only will you lose us a platoon of crusaders you'll make us look like idiots doing it.

>>5139875
Frankly I think the reasons for giving up becoming the middle men of a lucrative trade deal were retarded, and while I fucking loathe the IC schizophrenia we constantly exhibit and the QM remarks on IC, I loathe the autistic reasoning behind denying the request more to even care about IC consistency. Besides, it seems to me that the original vote turned into a bit of a unintentional clusterfuck itself.

>>5138183
If you want Mad Max styled chase fights, that'll probably happen anyway. I recall someone saying the Crusaders are big on mobility, which is true.

The estimation on the Warden's forces was 'a lot.' Their forces clogged up the (admittedly small) highway and spilled out into the deserts in an erratically moving mass. Each vehicle certainly had multiple raiders in it, so it ends up being a lot of people. There was no way to count how many of them there were, and Trkulja literally had a debilitating seizure half way through the encounter (i.e. most voters decided to take the single most lopsided engagement possible and didn't get <1%~ luck) so you definitely didn't have time to get a more accurate estimate.

If by "estimation of the forces" you mean what kind of fighters they have & not quantity, then it's mostly what you'd expect from prisoners turned raiders. They seem to be hardened, bloodthirsty, and unlikely to flee at the first sight of violence. You can presume that he might have some fighters conscripted from any territories he conquers but what's actually been seen are raider types. You can assume a very high percentage of prisoners became raider fighters, since most prisoners would actually make great warriors (fit, violent men used to living regimented lifestyles under the threat of force) but otherwise you guys haven't done enough recon to have much else.

Also, adding this a bit, I'll add that you guys do know there are lower level leaders that act somewhat independently. One of them you tried doing a meth-for-slaves trade with until the Warden beheaded them for trading behind his back, which was the reason why he came to Mobile in the first place, to get his prisoners back (i.e. not to get more meth, which seemed to be what some convinced themselves of.) Another, the Shotcaller, was who informed you that you'll need to pay meth to go west in peace, and that the Warden is busy elsewhere.

>>5138276
>>5139409
I'm leaning against it, since I generally don't like the idea of voting to reverse a vote that just happened. I'm considering it since someone was just barely late to the vote, but I'm still not convinced. The vote cited ( >>5132069 ) doesn't read like a vote swap to me, but more of a "if X presumption is true, then I'm okay with the vote going the other way." By the way, the presumption in question -that the Crusaders wouldn't actually have to put much on the line since the manpower would be provided by the MMP- doesn't seem grounded in much. The Crusaders have always been expected to use actual crusaders, like during the Base Raid or the Stanfield Cattle Incident. Hopefully that makes sense.

If I do end up allowing a counter-vote, it would be an in character "hey, I changed my mind, please give me that original job," sort of thing.

Btw, the update's done, but I'll wait before posting, even if it seems like we have a clear consensus to continue with {Papal Envoy}, last second comment or not...

>>5139930
>middle men of a lucrative trade deal

It sounds more like being used as expendable guards more than anything to me, but either way we'd be losing half of our best fighting men doing it. Locked in or killed, either way we won't have them. Then when Preis asks that we do some other task? Have hardly any men at all. Even if we pull that platoon of mobile infantry out of the black site, that'll severely limit our ability to do much on our own.

Beginning prep work while we build our explosives workshop and machineshop, then launching raids into the wardens territory sounds like a better plan to me.

And as stated>>5140007
We do know he busy elsewhere, he won't be forever.

>>5140007
When I said estimation, I meant in comparison to our standing forces. Can two mechanized platoon, a garrison force, and a squad of Artillery reasonably fight a force as large as the Warden's forces during the shakedown and win decisively (as in not a Pyrrhic Victory), or is that a foolish notion without some allies to help out? Given that the warband clogged the highway, I assume not, but I want the odds stated from the QM's own mouth.

As it relates to the vote, I think it's your call. Personally, I think meth dealing is an underutilized (mildly put) cornerstone of our faction, and I'd love to give it a go with the POZ, even at the risk of getting chewed up, but if I was too late to vote, so be it. I'm not too hung up on this vote.

>>5140021
Not to rain on your Warden parade, but the quest did vote on whether to focus on fighting the Warden, exploring and opening up markets, and subverting Maricopa as a stepping stone to greater relevance. The quest chose subverting Maricopa as our mid-term focus. From my perspective, you decided to deny a request that is in line with our mid-term plans of Maricopa's subversion to actively pursue and shill for a policy of fighting the Warden, by your own stated terms. I think you have a conflict of interest with this quest stated mid-term goals, and while this vote isn't a deal breaker, the trend is I'm afraid. Try not reverse the mid-term plan by subverting/sabotaging it in future votes and decisions, alright?

>>5140178
>Can two mechanized platoon, a garrison force, and a squad of Artillery reasonably fight a force as large as the Warden's forces during the shakedown and win decisively (as in not a Pyrrhic Victory), or is that a foolish notion without some allies to help out?
I'm going to assume that by "fight" you mean take them on in a pitched battle, with each side massing their forces in the open desert to take on one another. In the kind of scenario you described, yes, you are correct. You can reasonably expect to be butchered to a man, with the chances of winning being small and reliant on extraordinary luck (i.e. chaining crits while they roll terribly.) The factions are not necessarily 'balanced,' with the foremost example being the POZ/PCR. Either faction could, if they mustered up the sufficient desire to, defeat pretty much anyone in a pitched battle, if only through sheer numbers.

Now, I try not to take side in arguments and let people go through things themselves, so don't take this as supporting or going against one side or another. I just want to try and represent sides fairly. In fairness, the pro-attack side does not seem to be arguing this. It seems to be based on taking opportunistic attacks against smaller groups in favorable conditions. Something like doing recon on troop movements, then sending in a group of Crusaders hidden somewhere to do a lighting attack, perhaps in a 'false-flag' kind of scenario. The chances of winning that kind of engagement will obviously be a lot better, although still dependent on the details like all battles. Again, I'm saying this to make sure I'm not being uncharitable

>>5140007
Not gonna lie, this reminds me of the 'Blaming God' autism, even though most anons agreed that blaming God was retarded and wanted it cut out from that one anon's write in. Frankly, I'd prefer this to be over one way or another, but for future reference, I do consider the Caravan vote to be fortified the same way as the Blaming vote was.

That was quick. I'm sorta proud that you made it such a sort timeframe QM.

>>5140021
Anon, if we did the Caravan Guarding, he wouldn't give us more tasks to complete because we'd be focus on protecting the trade caravan. Besides, I fail to see how picking a fight with the Warden would improve our trained manpower situation.

>Beginning prep work while we build our explosives workshop and machineshop
Could've been paid for by dealing meth to the POZ, but nooooo, we now have to wait for the WP generation to get that shit. FYI, I'm gonna be voting on getting the Basic Seminary up and running before the Machine Workshop, because we need the manpower before we decide to pick a fight with Goliath.

And while the Warden won't be busy forever, focusing his attention on Mobile is the absolute last thing we need. Like fuck anon, why didn't you support Trkulja's raid if your so focus on the Warden?

>>5140178
>I think meth dealing is an underutilized

I fully agree with this, and I'm tired of that carrot being yanked away every chance we've gotten, and honestly I have decided not to factor it in on my votes because I don't think it's going to happen.

>>5140178
>Not to rain on your Warden parade,

I also voted for subverting and exploring, we are currently doing so. I don't agree that taking on the caravan job is subverting anything, to me it appears to be an attempt at integrating our men into the MMP structure and locking out a platoon of our best fighters for dubious gain. Having our fighting forces integrated into the MMP is not us subverting anything, it's us losing our independence. From my perspective you're assblasted about a vote not going your way. I see this as an opportunity to make attacks against the warden on account of us now not needing to worry about a POZ invasion. We have only one direction to worry about threats from, why not exploit the ability to focus our forces? Also, you don't speak for everyone, and people are free to vote how they want.

>>5140239
>if we did the Caravan Guarding, he wouldn't give us more tasks to complete because we'd be focus on protecting the trade caravan

We can't know for sure until we're in that situation, as much as our interests align, we're assets not his friends. I'd rather not end up having no power projection, limited as we currently have it.

>Could've been paid for by dealing meth to the POZ,

If my calculations were correct we should have the WP to build both by using the discount alongside our rebate +normal income. Don't forget we also have those trade deal talks of our own coming up. I agree that the seminary is a good idea, I simply think building some industry is more of a priority. Building IEDs, munitions, MGs, improvised armored cars, anti tank weapons etc would boost our combat effectiveness by quite a bit. The warden uses lots of vehicles in his forces, with some IEDs and home made panzerfausts/recoilless rifles we could fuck his shit right up in ambushes. There is a single main road between the prison and gila bend, likewise between gila bend and mobile.

>why didn't you support Trkulja's raid if your so focus on the Warden?

That would have been my vote if we didn't have the POZ encounter coming up. Since that is now resolved I think that we need to start making plans for attacks against the warden. Besides, just because we start taking action there doesn't mean we can't also continue subverting Maricopa, what better propaganda to bring in converts and goodwill with the public than fighting a raider warband comprised of former prisoners led by a psychotic fucker that self styles himself as a butcher and takes slaves?

>>5140323
>being part of a lucrative trade deal isn't in our faction's interest
That's a brainlet take and you know it. Being the middle-men would've allowed us more leeway into the trade itself, we could've skimmed some WP off the top, and it would've allowed us access into Phoenix to peddle our meth, and that's not counting the prestige and PR value involved in saying that we're helping to make the people of Maricopa's lives easier. Saying it not in our interest is ridiculous.

Pretty sure our normal income was eaten up by the Housing projects, and we still need to find a skilled crew to get our Explosive Workshop up and running. Also, I'm sure the Warden's raiders have off-road capabilities. We could spend two MU to do some internal recon, but honestly, I don't feel like paying the Warden anything until our Shakedown grievances are resolved, which I doubt that they will be, even if he does decide to come to our church on Sunday.

>That would have been my vote if we didn't have the POZ encounter coming up
Did you really think that we were going to raid the Warden on the same turn as the POZ meeting? We ain't that retarded, it would've been after the POZ meeting has been dealt with. Granted, I don't think one more raid vote would've mattered, but still.

>Besides, just because we start taking action there doesn't mean we can't also continue subverting Maricopa
You're whole reasoning behind torpedoing the trade caravan request was to make certain that our forces were ready to invade the Warden, which sounds more like a change in priorities than it does trying to manage our current ones, and this is discounting the fact that if the Warden ever finds out about our raids, he can simply sack Mobile if given enough reason to.

Also, I don't know where you got the idea that we're integrating into the MMP's structure when we haven't talked to Greger since the training exercise and the whole point of Preis putting us in charge of the Casino was to avoid the MMP getting involved there in the first place. The whole 'Maricopa seeing us as disposable assets' and 'MMP is going to absorb us if we guard the trade caravan' is such a fucking strawman argument, it isn't a reasonable interpretation of our relationship with Maricopa or the reality of our political situation as the Messenger see's it.

>>5140398
>That's a brainlet take

I think it's a brainlet take to assume we're going to be able to do whatever we want, and that our men are going to be used as anything more than guards that get attacked by the very commies they're supposed to be escorting goods to. I simply do not find it agreeable to have a platoon of our men locked into this action.

>Pretty sure our normal income was eaten up by the Housing projects

Iirc the WP spent on that was more or less our income for that turn, we still havr plenty in reserve plus the factory discount burning a hole in our pocket and the WP rebate for the advance pharmaceutical factory.

And I'm sure that they do have offroad capabilities, I wouldn't assume every vehicle he has is offroad capable, and either way they will still be using the roads. Spending some MU to bullshit our way into some recon wouldn't be a bad use of it all things considered, still I would rather not give it to him either.

>Did you really think that we were going to raid the Warden on the same turn as the POZ meeting?

Of course not, but it would be foolish to agree to it then get bogged down in a fight against the POZ, and whatever aftermath might have come of that.

>torpedoing

Are you attempting to frame it that I sabotaged it? I think it's a bad deal and I voted against it.

>that our forces were ready to invade the Warden

That they are available to us, and that aren't getting bushwacked by a bunch of dishonest commies. And yes, for the last time I think that we should make use of this opportunity to start taking action against the warden.

We have already improved our defenses, we can continue to do so, especially with some industry, we will with absolute certainty have more trained fighting men available to fight against him if and when he returns. In fact, the population of mobile has grown since giving us more shitty militia that can be conscripted in a last ditch defense as well. Further, the more proactive against him that we are the less men he will have with which to attack us.

>Also, I don't know where you got the idea that we're integrating into the MMP's structure

The slope is beginning to feel slippery to me, perhaps I'm completely wrong, but I want us to maintain more of our independence rather than risk being swallowed up by Maricopa.

Either way, if you get your revote it's not the end of the world.

>>5140532
It's one thing to think the whole 'POZ is gonna raid their own food shipments' as retarded autism Preis shouldn't agree to, because it is retarded autism that'll just lead to a POZ-Maricopa war later on. It's another thing to think that we're thought of as disposable assets that are somehow being integrated into the MMP despite multiple actions and statements to the contrary.

I would assume that every vehicle the Warden has is modded, I don't see why they also can't be off-road capable in the Badlands. Also, glad we agree that trading with the Warden is untenable. It's a shame that we can't offload our meth to him, but I ain't about to give the bastard shit unless our grievances are resolved, and I know they ain't gonna be.

>Of course not, but it would be foolish to agree to it then get bogged down in a fight against the POZ, and whatever aftermath might have come of that.
I do agree, but surely if the POZ diplomacy went tits up, Trkulja would understand the political realities of our situation.

>Are you attempting to frame it that I sabotaged it?
No, only that you're irrational and delusional Trkulja.

>b-but muh war against the Warden
I'll cut to the brass tracks with ya, I already accepted that we ain't doing any caravan guarding, but my worry lies in your motivations for not accepting the deal. Your Maricopa related points are unsupported by previous statements and interactions in the quest itself, which make me think your either straw-manning or delusional on our current relationship with Maricopa. Not getting our men chewed up in some asinine game of cat and mouse when the POZ clearly need our food is a valid, poignant point, one of probably agree with if it wasn't a good opportunity to offload our meth like we should've with the Warden. My main autism lies in your stated goals and how you want to conduct the war with the Warden. If it was opportunistic secret raids on supply lines like >>5140227 indicated, I'd be alright with that. What you want to do is take territory, and have it be held by shitty militia like it'll make a damn difference against hardened raiders. That is playing with fire, and gambling you can put it out before you the house starts burning. We don't have the manpower, the equipment, or the allies for such an extensive effort, and if we lose Mobile, we lose everything. Unless you can ensure Mobile doesn't get wiped off the map, secret opportunistic raids is all I'd ever support, and picking an open fight with the Warden right now is a losing bet.

>>5140007
You might as well get on with the update QM. I ain't gonna change my vote, so moving forward is gonna be your best bet to resolve this impasse instead of waiting for a clear consensus on this issue.

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>>5137887
>>5137904
>>5137909
About twelve hours have passed since there's been any discussion. I'll go with my gut and won't immediately allow for a reverse of a vote, in part due to concerns over precedent. I may return to this at the end of the half-turn phase, but I might not. Anyway, on with the update...

OPTION SELECTED:
>Leave this place and go on with your other diplomatic action [Papal Envoy] here in Maricopa while you have free time

You have other business to attend to here. You briefly consider trying to reverse your previous refusal but decide against immediately trying to reverse such a decision, at least here and now. You gracefully take the exit cue and avoid the talk of production targets and "guns and butter," as Musella would say. You're going to be talking theology.

You head out to the sauna and recover your belongings. You're not some ripped Adonis who can get away with running around barely clothed like some other faction leaders (at least, not yet.) After you finish clothing yourself a few members of the Pontifical Guard visit you.

"What is it? Did you find any dirt on the communists?"

"We've been keeping an eye on them, looking to see if they've been doing anything behind our backs," the head guardsman reports. "It seems like they've haven't been up to anything. No secret plots to sabotage infrastructure or secret communications behind our back or anything. They've even been staying away from the women of ill repute that look for opportunities to ply their wicked craft."

"Then why are you coming to me?"

"Because not everyone else has," the guardsman responds.

LOCAL EVENT: 69
>Women of Ill Repute
"We followed up on some suspicious noises and activity. We thought it might have been one of those communists. Instead, when the guardsman got in, it was one of the Maricopans, completely unclothed and with a woman."

You raise an eyebrow at this. "So? Carnal relations, while sinful outside of marital bonds overseen by the Church, are not illegal."

"Well, here's the thing. The guy immediately started to talk and talk and talk. He started talking about these laws, how he has rights, how the 'do not disturb' thing on the door constitutes a legal contract that we have been deemed in violation of, or something. I think he cited the Constitution, or was it state law? It was really confusing. He mentioned how he was an influential figure and how the Pontifical Guard should expect a very generous donation soon."

"Did you detain him?"

"We considered it, but we really didn't have any evidence. What he did wasn't really illegal, I just think he got embarrassed and doesn't want his identity to get out. But man did this guy just keep rambling. We had some people return, but it looks like he left in a hurry..."

[1/4]

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>>5141290

>mention there's been no discussion in previous post
>refreshing page during an update shows another post
aaaaaaaaaaaa

[2/4]

All in all, this looks like a tempest in a teapot. The carnal proclivities of some random person in Maricopa really doesn't matter much in the grand scheme of things, but that generous donation does sound nice. Who knows, maybe you will even be able to leverage this, somehow.

>Effect: To Be Determined (minor W.P. windfall?)

With that brief aside done with, you leave the casino and are driven off to conduct your diplomatic action. You are the Pope, Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church and Vicar of Christ. To grow your legitimacy, you must unite the remnants of the Catholic Church and show the world you are not some nobody playing pretend in the deserts.

You have focused your efforts in swaying the opinion of a marginal priest at the edge of Maricopa's territory. The rural priesthood has displayed a perennial weariness at Rome's antics since the disaster of 1962. As you suspected, he has been receptive to your faction and what it promises and seems to be mostly hung up on esoteric matters of theology. The theological implications of having the true Pope be some hitherto unknown individual commanding a small army of armed zealots is of particular concern.

You're driven to Stanfield and are soon at the church there. The region seems completely empty with all of the events happening in the north. You push open the wooden doors up front and enter the church, which is completely empty except for a single priest sat at the far end with his back to the pews.

"Who's there?" he calls out. "Ah, the Messenger. I didn't expect you here with the situation up north, although it is a welcome surprise. Tell me, what is going on there?"

"Everything's fine," you say as you walk towards him. "It's all in the Lord's hands, as always. I had some free time and choose to come here to speak with you."

"Well, I'm honored. I was actually planning on visiting you after things were resolved, God-willing." By this point, the two of you have met in the middle of the church under the light of the central dome and stained glass. "I have given much thought to what you have said about the apostolic succession."

"You hesitate. Why is that?"

"I have a question for you," he starts, adjusting his collar. "What is your stance on the issue of liturgical rites...?"

>>5141296

[3/4]

You recall that the issue of liturgical rites, or the proper way in which the Mass can be carried out, was a major issue in the past years. After the sixties there were major changes to the liturgy including the transition from primarily Latin, Tridentine Mass to what was called the 'Ordinary Form' of the Roman Rite. With the 'Pope' making the decision to purge the true guardians of tradition among the Church, a process that went into overdrive as the situation in America worsened, there was a crisis among the clergy. The Latin Mass, or the 'Extraordinary Form' was all but banned through the introduction of an increasingly byzantine set of rules and regulations. By the end, just before the War had totally consumed America and thrown the world into chaos, the use of all liturgical rites except for a highly modified version of the 'Ordinary Form' had been banned. Some priests chose to cope with this by grasping at straws by citing issues with promulgation and suggesting possible forgeries. You understood, understand rather, that this requires nothing short of a full restoration of the Church with you as Pope.

"I fully reject the detestable actions of the so-called Pope of recent times."

"That is not the kind of answer I was thinking of, but it's heartening to hear. As I believe you know, I conduct the liturgy primarily in Latin. Indeed, the reason why I am even here instead of my native California is due to my refusal to support the liturgical disaster we have been subjected to recently. When I began to conduct Tridentine Latin Mass in solidarity with the persecuted, they invented reasons to reassign me to this place."

"Native California?" you ask. You're aware that many Arizonans are from other states, but you didn't realize that he was also a Californian who was forced into Arizona due to recent circumstances. "Are you by chance from Southern California?"

"No," he says shaking his head. "I'm from the Central Valley, around Fresno. In many ways, it's very similar to here in Stanfield. It's farms as far as the eye can see. Good folk. A little eccentric, but who isn't. And here too, you also get the disdain from those rich urban priests who think they're above everyone. Vipers in clerical robes, they care nothing for Holy Tradition! No, worse, they actively attack it! Cathedral of the Blazing Hellfire, they should have called it. Why, you should have seen that missal the viper in downtown Maricopa sent! Calling for my dismissal due to my refusal to cease the Tridentine Mass while that traitor to the Church turns his church into a glorified circus! The only thing missing were the actual clowns, what a sick joke! And at this point, I wouldn't be surprised if there truly were actual clowns brought in at some point!" He's visibly red and seething with rage.

"Am I correct to assume there's some animosity between you two..."

>>5141297

[4/4]

"Yes. Yes you are. Make no mistake, these disgusting modernists, these traitorous 'loyalists' hate anything True, Good, and Beautiful. As things stand, I have no doubt they would refuse to follow you. Anyone who has even a modicum of respect for Holy Tradition is their enemy."

"I'm getting the impression that if you choose to accept my status as Pontiff, it would make it all but impossible for the other to join through just reasoning with them. Is this the case?"

"Oh, the leader of the Lavender Hearts, certainly. The other major Catholic figure in Maricopa, the one from Holy Martyr, I'm not sure if he even believes in anything. He can talk in circles and say all of the right things to whoever he's speaking to, but I get the sense he's just an opportunist. There are all sorts of rumors about shady dealings he's been involved in, and his church seems to be a sort of ethnic club based on some of the things I've heard." This is another type of parish you have heard of. With the increasing desperation to find priests, seminaries are often incredibly lax. This has been an avenue for modernists and 'lavender' types to worm their way in, but it has also been an avenue for more traditionally corrupt figures to find their way in to exploit tax exemptions or other such petty reasons.

"In any case, Messenger, if you wish for my help in dealing with other churches, even the perfidious proponents of the Ordinary Form, I will do what I can. But that brings me to my original question, which I absolutely need a firm answer to. What is your stance on the issue of liturgical rites?"

You can't avoid this issue any longer. While your faction has conducted Mass exclusively in Latin up to this point, you have not issued a firm rule on the issue of liturgy. Given the controversies around liturgical reform and the strong feelings on all sides, you need to have a have an official stance on this issue going forward. At the very least, you will have to have to say something to that effect to satisfy this theology enthusiast who seemingly has this as his one last hang-up.

>Say you will maintain the standard before the so-called Pope's actions, with the normative 'Ordinary Form' to remain as it was and various marginal rites to be maintained
>Say you will have a single Latin Rite for the whole of the Church to maintain uniformity of worship
>Say you will maintain the various liturgies except for a certain set that will be forbidden [Specify which rites to forbid]
>Say you will forbid all liturgical rites except for a certain set [Specify which rites to allow]
>Say you will promulgate a set of specified guidelines that will determine which rites will and won't be allowed [Specify guidelines: i.e. use of language, how to conduct sacraments, etc]
>Say one thing, but really intend to do another [Lie] [Specify]
>Do something completely out of left field [Write-In]

Military debate may get all of the attention, but it looks like it's theology time...

>>5141303
>>Say you will have a single Latin Rite for the whole of the Church to maintain uniformity of worship

That's the hardliner route which he is referring to correct?

>>5141280
>It's one thing

The commies will never be satisfied with Maricopa being independent that's for sure, and whether they launch their own raids to avoid paying or other commie factions raid the caravan to take it for themselves hardly matters, it'll still end up with us losing men. It's a dangerous job, not position of honor.

>I would assume

Even if every single vehicle they have is offroad capable roads will still be used. You know it and I know it.

>My main autism lies in your stated goals and how you want to conduct the war with the Warden.

I have repeatedly stated that we need to be opportunistic and launch raids and ambushes. Keeping it a secret who is doing it will fall apart rather quickly no matter how careful we are. After enough raiding we would be able to take ground I'm sure of it. We can't just sit around and hope he doesn't come back until we can win in a decisive battle.

In fact, I would be willing to revisit the caravan situation if for no other reason than to mend the butthurt this has generated. If we could get everyone on board with selling some meth no matter what then all the better. Further, I would like it if we could agree to prioritize the building of the machineshop alongside the explosives factory for building actions.

>>5141296
Forgive us, we are but autists.

>>5141334
Nah, it's cool. Besides, I can't make any accusations of autism when this update is going into the particularities of liturgical theology. And on that topic, this isn't really an issue of 'hardliners,' since that phrase really just means strict adherence to some doctrine, not necessarily a particular one. So, for example, someone can be a hardliner for the Novus Ordo (in universe, this is what the Pope was strictly enforcing) as well as a hardliner for the idea that only the older form should be done.
And as a point of clarification, the phrase "Latin Rite" here refers to the version of Mass established at the Council of Trent in the 1500's in response to the Reformation, the Tridentine Latin Mass. I say this because there are other forms of Mass in Latin, such as some of the pre-Tridentine rites or ones used by certain orders or even the Novus Ordo if it happens to be done in Latin. As Pope, you have the power to do pretty much anything you want with liturgical conduct. You can (i.e. did) even decide that meth can be an official part of the ritual under certain conditions!

The main idea is that this is basically deciding how the faction will conduct Mass, which most Catholic priests and even laity consider an important issue (especially in this universe, which is significantly more insane than the real world in a lot of ways and had the Pope very recently ban all of the rites except the main one.) The priest before you hasn't actually said which view he favors, although you can make an educated guess that he probably doesn't want total standardization under N.O. and would like for the Extraordinary Form to not be banned.
The choice made will have an impact on attempts to re-unite the now scattered Catholic Church going forward.

>>5141410
To be honest I have very little knowledge about this subject, honestly I thought mass was either in latin or it wasn't so, heres to learning something.

In view of this information I think I will change my vote to

>>Say you will maintain the standard before the so-called Pope's actions, with the normative 'Ordinary Form' to remain as it was and various marginal rites to be maintained

But perhaps we can in some way try and limit the ordinary form and try to make the exordinary for more common. I'm really not sure how to word it I suppose. Basically reversing the current popes acts, while attempting to be more traditional. Any advice?

Would any other anons care to chime in?

>>5141478
Fair enough, this is probably one of the most autistic votes possible, but confirming religious doctrine is as important as confirming military doctrine due to the specific faction.

And yeah, I think I get what you're trying to say. I'd put it something like:
>Say you will elevate the Latin Mass to the place of primacy, but maintain the other rites, including the Novus Ordo in addition to more marginal rites
Since that seems like what you described. If no comment, I'll interpret your vote as that

I don't expect anyone to really be an expert on this, even most Catholics probably don't put much thought into it (you know, since most Catholics aren't priests or anything). I'll try to tone down the usual hair-splitting on votes (a fair accusation)

>>5141524
Sounds good to me

>>5141303
>Say you will maintain the standard before the so-called Pope's actions, with the normative 'Ordinary Form' to remain as it was and various marginal rites to be maintained

Frankly? I think it would be rad to have a return to tradition, and we can certainly encourage it, maybe even enforce it after we have taken the Badlands, but I am unaware of what the significance and consequences of such a choice would be, as I'm not a theological scholar.

As an uniformed layman, I'll assume that a less strict reversal to tradition will be palpable to the the other churches. I'm also basing this off my gut feeling on
>Indeed, the reason why I am even here instead of my native California is due to my refusal to support the liturgical disaster we have been subjected to recently. When I began to conduct Tridentine Latin Mass in solidarity with the persecuted, they invented reasons to reassign me to this place.
which implies that he wasn't necessarily opposed to the 1960s change on rites and wasn't originally practicing Tridentine Latin Mass to begin with, though I could be reading this wrong. I see this more as a coin flip really, because his views on the subject of tradition could've changed and he could've been radicalized in the Latin rite due to his antagonism with the moderates. Granted, I'm not opposed to imposing a uniformity of Latin Rite due to tradition alone, I'm just trying to be pragmatic here. Getting a skilled crew for the Basic Seminary on lock would ease a lot of issues.

Thinking of a skilled crew for the Explosives Workshop, what if we're looking at it the wrong way? Would Bomb Disposal Experts work in this capacity (skilled manufacturing), both former and current professionals? Even if the MMP isn't willing to loan us their Bomb Squad, maybe we can call upon retired professionals?

>>5141546
>Thinking of a skilled crew for the Explosives Workshop, what if we're looking at it the wrong way? Would Bomb Disposal Experts work in this capacity (skilled manufacturing), both former and current professionals? Even if the MMP isn't willing to loan us their Bomb Squad, maybe we can call upon retired professionals?

It would certainly be better than a simple layman taking a swing at it, though making explosive compounds is more of a chemistry deal. Which we specialize in of course, I don't imagine it would be terribly difficult to train some people. Really depends on how in depth it's going to be treated I suppose.

>>5141334
>Commies
While I agree on the independence idea, I think being the middle men would be lucrative in itself, which would offset the problem of manpower wastage. Plus, it would give us a reason to talk to the POZ Natives, hopefully lay the groundwork to drive a wedge between them and the POZ, as optimistic as that sounds. Eh, I'm sure we'll use our Mechanized Platoon in another capacity instead (I'm thinking the small farmsteads and villages south of Stanfield may be a worthwhile to investigate.)
>Keeping it a secret who is doing it will fall apart rather quickly no matter how careful we are.
Then we can't really prevent the Warden's checkmate in wiping Mobile off the map if he decides to rally his entire force to deal with us. That's the problem I have with the plan, it relies on the Warden deciding not to respond in force directly to our most vulnerable point, Mobile. We need allies, and as many covert actions as we can possibly take before the lid is blown open and the Warden decides to deal with Mobile directly.
>In fact, I would be willing to revisit the caravan situation if for no other reason than to mend the butthurt this has generated.
The gesture is appreciated.
>If we could get everyone on board with selling some meth no matter what then all the better.
So long as it doesn't cause problems with our boss, I'm game to sell meth.
>Further, I would like it if we could agree to prioritize the building of the machineshop alongside the explosives factory for building actions.
I'll tell you what, if Father Malvolion decides to recognize us as his Pontiff, and we get a large enough WP generation with bringing him into the fold, I'm willing to use our Flexible Action to conduct three Construction Projects- the Explosive Workshop, the Machine Workshop, and the Basic Seminary. That cool with you?

>>5141524
That interpretation seem correct. I'll support
>Say you will elevate the Latin Mass to the place of primacy, but maintain the other rites, including the Novus Ordo in addition to more marginal rites
just to ease the voting process here. I would appreciate an explanation of the practical consequences on this decision though, if you don't mind giving it QM.

>>5141571
I think chemical expertise won't be a problem, but I do think that you're right, a experienced chemist may be better. Think the local high schools would be willing to loan their chemistry teachers instead?

>>5141573
>While I agree on the independence idea,

While I don't disagree there's plenty of potential to be had, the amount of risk we open ourselves up to on account of it being a bad deal with veiled threats laid out in the open as it was made is sketchy to me. Also, I take offense to Preis just flat out telling us that its going to be what our men will be doing rather than asking or making the plan with us.

>Then we can't really prevent the Warden's checkmate

IF he is even able to concentrate his forces, last we interacted it was stated that he controlled, or at least had laid waste to, a fairly large tract of territory. He surely has threats on his own borders and likely has insurgents inside them, never mind keeping slaves under control. I agree that there is potential for a large scale counterattack once we start making moves, however the more successful we are in raids and ambushes the less men he will have to send at us.

Let us not forget, the last time Mobile was barely defended. Now, we have stronger defensive emplacements and more population. Further, once operations commence I expect we will have more fighting men, better weapons to use and so on. Imagine the wardens hoard of vehicles getting assfucked by EFPs and other IEDs while MGs and anti tank weapons pour fire on them. It would hardly be the same situation.

Of course, all of this hinges on a build plan and proper prep work to succeed.

>So long as it doesn't cause problems with our boss

Thats exactly the kind of thing I'm talking about. We're all in or we aren't if we want to revisit that vote.

>That cool with you?

If we can agree that explosives&machine get priority, then seminary. If funds allow it all in one turn absolutely, otherwise building the seminary ASAP. Agreeable?

>>5141577
>Think the local high schools would be willing to loan their chemistry teachers instead?

It'd be worth the attempt

>>5141577
I mean really, we'd probably only need one or two trained professionals to lead and train work crews. I would think the messenger would lend a lot of aid smoothing over the process.

At least to get going, of course it would be better to have a fully skilled workforce.

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>>5141539
>>5141546

OPTION SELECTED:
>Say you will elevate the Latin Mass to the place of primacy, but maintain the other rites, including the Novus Ordo and the more marginal rites
"Latin is the universal language of the Church, the language our Church has maintained by tradition since the time of Peter himself," you start. "To actively promote anything else as the normative rite is wrong. Was this not the reason why we fought against the Arch-Traitor Luther?" While there were other issues such as indulgences, the matter of Latin against vernacular was one of the great issues. "But I understand that as a pastoral matter, as a matter of practicality and tradition, other rites should be maintained and protected. Even the Novus Ordo."

"So you are saying you would reverse the ban on the various rites and return to the primacy the Tridentine Mass as was tradition before the council of the sixties?"

"Yes." A reality of the modern state of the Church is that most priests probably couldn't conduct a proper Latin Mass even if they were forced to. As much as the traditionalists favor it, you simply can't impose this on the entire Church. The perfidious influence of the modernists has been at play for generations. Priests and laity alike have spent their entire lives under its influence, and it will take years of hard work to undo its influence.

The priest takes a deep breath, as if gathering up strength for something. "Messenger, I kneel!" Father Malvolion shouts as he genuflects, or kneels on one knee. "Forgive me for ever doubting you, for you truly are the rightful claimant of the Papal Throne!"

"You are absolved," you tell him with a slight smile. You weren't expecting it be this dramatic, but winning the support of your first 'real' priest gives your faction a certain amount of legitimacy. Even if he's an eccentric, it's an improvement.

"The Co-Redemptrix lends its full support to the Holy Father, the Messenger, and to the Sun Belt Crusaders! I will make sure of it," Malvolion says while still kneeling. "Our parish is small, but dedicated. You will not be disappointed."

>Support of the Co-Redemptrix secured
>Skilled theologians secured
>Minor increase to church legitimacy

"The first shall be last and the last shall be first," you quote scripture. "Tell me, what answer were you looking for?"

"I am looking for the Truth, and nothing more," he responds. "But it is clear to me the actions of the man in Rome went too far. It was first the actions against the Latin Rite, and then the removal of the many smaller rites, even my own native rite."

"Your native rite?" You remember he said he only started doing the Tridentine Mass after the persecution. You presumed he was doing the 'regular' mass like most priests, but apparently this is not the case...

[1/2]

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>>5142468

[2/2]

"Yes, my native Armenian Rite. Us Armenian Catholics are very few in number and very obscure, with my own parish being almost completely unknown. It only had significant attendance once the traditionalists sought refuge after the Tridentine was banned, which was what ended up causing my reassignment to this place."

"Armenian? Malvolion doesn't seem like an Armenian name to me."

"It's not. The immigration officer who processed my ancestor couldn't understand the real name and just put the closest thing he could." Apparently said immigration officer was also an avid reader. "That you would respect the traditions of my people while recognizing the need to promote unity among the faithful shows to me that my prayers have been answered. I was, in fact, going to try visiting you after things had calmed down in Maricopa, but God saw it fit to have you visit me. Assuredly, you are the true Pope."

You had no clue that he was from some obscure ethnic group that most scholars probably haven't even heard of. Your decision was based almost entirely off of the crisis of the Ordinary vs Extraordinary forms, but you'll accept the praise and pledge of loyalty. You can call it an unexpected blessing.

"You may rise."

"Yes, Your Holiness. Anyway, I assume you will be visiting another parish and attempting to convince them of the Truth. While I have my doubts about their sincerity, you may have better luck as Pope."

This meeting did not take very long, so you have the chance to visit one of the other two Catholic blocs in this town. That, or take the time to do something else nearby.

>Visit the people at the Blazing Heart Cathedral more downtown and see if it really is a lavender hub of modernism
>Go to Holy Martyr and see if the claims about it being a charismatic-led ethnic club are really true
>Forgo visiting a parish and instead go to the front to see what's going on there and talk to someone [Who?]
>Forgo visiting a parish and instead go back to the casino to do something there [What?]
>Forgo visiting a parish, you're tired of all of this, just go back to Mobile
>Do something else [Write-In]

>>5141573
>I would appreciate an explanation of the practical consequences on this decision though, if you don't mind giving it QM.
I normally wouldn't do this, but this is a pretty oddball vote for a quest with "2nd US Civil War" in the title so I'll answer. The choice of liturgical stance would have an effect on what kind of reaction actual catholic priests would have. It would affect both trying to recruit people as well as people who are part of the faction (whether they joined voluntarily or as a result of conquest.) I'll go through the votes:

Being hardcore TLM only would make the hardcore traditionalists happy, particularly among the laity really. It would be doubling down on the zeal of the crusaders and would help maintain (zealous) morale. It would be a clear 'fuck you' to the bulk of the hierarchy. It would also cut out the various marginal rites that a minority of believers (mostly ethnic Catholics like Malvolion) value. This option would also likely cause a crisis of sorts down the line, since most priests can't actually do that Mass without it being a clown-show nobody can understand (including the priest, who probably doesn't know any real Latin.)

Maintaining the previous Pope's stance would make recruiting the loyalists less difficult and their voluntary integration more feasible (not easy since the faction is known for bloodthirsty crusaders, but still). It should be obvious that a lot of the upper hierarchy are loyalists of some kind. This would have been the only option that would result in Malvolion not joining, since he was already convinced before you came and only a 'fuck you' response like this would get him to refuse. It would also make a lot of people in Mobile wonder what the hell is going on.

Any choice that preserved the marginal rites while demoting the N.O. would result in the "Pope-sama, I kneel!!!" scene and particularly enthusiastic support. It also achieves a balance between taking a firm traditional stance while not causing nightmares down the line with staffing. I don't think there's a right or wrong answer depending on how you want to take things, but it's definitely one of the most pragmatic choices possible.

I could go on with specifics, but hopefully this gives an idea of what's doing on now that the choice is already done with.

Btw, that comment you made about him probably not being a TLM only guy was on the money. It's just that he wasn't N.O. but rather part of an obscure ethnic church within Catholicism. It's something that could be inferred, but I didn't expect people who aren't familiar with the topic to immediately get. Most Catholics, most religious Catholics or even priests, might not have any familiarity with that group. It's part of why I'm unusually lenient with this update.

>>5142473
>Go to a parish

I don't really have strong feelings on either church, so it really depends on how you lads are feeling. I assume Holy Martyr may be easier to deal with, on account of their leader's shadiness and former Cartel influence within the Hispanic community, and the Burning Heart more time-intensive and reasonable to deal with now, as the biggest bloc of skilled Catholics here.

>>5142479
Thank you for explaining QM, I've have no experience with the subject, so I appreciate the info.

>>5141646
>Also, I take offense to Preis just flat out telling us that its going to be what our men will be doing rather than asking or making the plan with us.
If I remember correctly, we were entertaining and distracting the POZ officials while Preis was trying to figure out his own position on all this. Can't really have a long enough planning session while you got guests waiting on ya. Plus, he probably thought we'd be up for it, not pass it on to the MMP.

>Warden
Keep in mind that the Warden already amassed a huge host just on a whim to talk to us, and that was after he'd taken a lotta territory. Don't see any reason why he wouldn't amass another one just to wipe Mobile off the map on another whim, even if Mobile was fully defended. We're a small community, about half the size of Gila Bend. Unless we can pull a warband of five thousand men outta our hat, I don't see how we can contest him openly.

This reminds me, it's probably a smart idea to set up a Broadcast Tower soonish, just to ease our propaganda efforts.

>Thats exactly the kind of thing I'm talking about. We're all in or we aren't if we want to revisit that vote.
When I mean causing problems, I don't mean with the trade deal, I mean social problems in Maricopa that the Mayor will have to talk to us about if it becomes his problem. It's fine to rock the boat, just make sure the boat doesn't tip over.

>Agreeable?
Sure. Originally I was gonna argue about putting the Seminary first with our manpower issues, but in all honesty? A half-week ain't really gonna make such a big difference on either front.

>>5142473
>>Visit the people at the Blazing Heart Cathedral more downtown and see if it really is a lavender hub of modernism

>>5142473
>>Visit the people at the Blazing Heart Cathedral more downtown and see if it really is a lavender hub of modernism

I don't guess it really matters which one we visit first?

>>5142676
>Warden

We were woefully unprepared the last time, with further prep I am confident that we can be successful in defending mobile. Consider too, especially about IEDs, we could trap much of the road and and even likely routes around mobile. On the road IEDs would slow down a massive mechanized horde, if they go offroad theybwould likewise be slowed down. It would give plenty of time to muster as many fighting men as possible, and call in friends as well.

I've been wanting the broadcast tower myself, things always seem to get in the way though.

>I mean social problems in Maricopa that the Mayor will have to talk to us about if it becomes his problem. It's fine to rock the boat, just make sure the boat doesn't tip over.

You're giving me doubts already. But, whatever if QM allows a retcon or revisiting the vote whichever I will give my vote to the caravan deal and I will subsequently vote for dealing meth in the POZ.

>>5142473
Also, are we gaining ant material benefit from gaining the support of the co-redemptrix church?

>>5143462
>Warden
We can dish out some damage, of that I have no doubt, the problem I worry about is that we can't prevent a Mobile wipe of the Warden just decide to wipe us out with everything he's got. My priority is preventing another Game Over, especially a Warden one.

>Broadcast Tower
We'll put that on the chopping block after our recent Construction plans.

>POZ deal
It might be useful coming back to it and offering our assistance after the MMP gets a bit bloody over it. It's a good distraction for Gregor to focus on instead of starting shit with the Reservation. We could also fram it as doing the MMP a favor, if Gregor enjoys the idea that is.

>>5143578
I assume so. At least a tithe would be nice.

>>5143755
>the problem I worry about is that we can't prevent a Mobile wipe

I would say the longer we wait the stronger he will get, from raiding we would also gain WP, gear, and possibly manpower from freed slaves and people who aren't happy to be under his rule. Who knows, maybe we can attempt to form some resistance movements with Yuri? Might be worth trying alongside recon before we start engaging his forces. I think a broadcast tower might even help with that.

>It might be useful coming back to it

Sure. However y'all would like to do it.

>tithe

I mean, that would be SOP would it not? Beyond that maybe we can also try and draw some manpower into fighting units or make use of any skilled laborers.

>>5142473
>Visit the people at the Blazing Heart Cathedral more downtown and see if it really is a lavender hub of modernism

Let's see how disgustingly modern this church is.

>>5142473
>>Go to Holy Martyr and see if the claims about it being a charismatic-led ethnic club are really true
Save the lavenders for last, better if we get everyone else under us first

>>5144749
We i think we're just taking a look, not deciding on who we are targeting next, right?

Though I agree we should win over the fringe groups first.

>>5144774
Pretty sure it's a proper visit mate.

Just a quick message here that I've been a little delayed with the update. It should come out in the next 24~~ hours or so. We'll try to close out with the Papal Envoy, tie up stuff with POZ-Maricopa and hopefully get through minor issues and updates before finishing the thread. If all goes quickly, we might actually end a bit early (i.e. not frantically trying to finish before thread gets bumped off) for an extended post-thread or even [redacted]

As usual voting is still open, even if it looks like there's an apparent winner

>>5143462
>I don't guess it really matters which one we visit first?
Depending on what you try to do, you likely won't have time to visit the other one. The Messenger's a busy man and these are busy times with all of the stuff going on. They are not effectively interchangeable.

>>5143578
>Also, are we gaining ant material benefit from gaining the support of the co-redemptrix church?
You have their support now. What exactly that means and how it'll happen will be voted on after things in Maricopa get resolved. People have been throwing around things like tithes or drawing manpower and things like that, which are the sorts of things you can expect

>>5143146
>>5143462
>>5144578

OPTION SELECTED:
>Visit the people at the Blazing Heart Cathedral more downtown and see if it really is a lavender hub of modernism
Against the advice of Malvolion, you'll visit the Blazing Heart. He has made some pretty big claims about the place, and you're not sure how true they are. You don't think he's lying, per se, but this may be a case of taking things uncharitably due to prior animosity.

"I do not recommend it, but if you want to see how much the has fallen, I suppose that's what we'll do. I would say we've seen enough over the past years, but you are the Pope," Malvolion says in resignation. "I'll go with you, but I won't be going inside. We have our differences."

The two of you leave the church and are soon on the road to the Blazing Heart. Your guards weren't expecting you to bring someone along with you, but it's a welcome surprise.

"The Blazing Heart is the oldest church in the area," Malvolion says. "At one point it was the site of the diocese, or something along those lines. I still don't consider myself a local, so I don't know for certain, but that's why it's called a cathedral. Architecturally, I would say it's beautiful. At least without the horrors they display."

"The horrors?"

"The horrors of lavender modernism! It's worse than most of California. You'll see what I mean."

"Uh, lavender?" one of the guards asks.

"Yes! The audacity of the modernists knows no bounds!" The priest apparently didn't realize that was a sincere question and that not everyone knows the meaning of these euphemisms within the Church.

The church is located in the north side of Maricopa, where you can occasionally see defensive positions set up as part of the multi-layered defense plan. As you pass one of these, your vehicle is stopped by a group of MMP...

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