TW: Condottieri (IC)

[ArcaneStomper]

Turn 1

High over the copper crags of the Alps flies a massive machine of wood and canvas. Across the sides of its vast hull is the name Ironheart, the massive sky fortress that serves as the mobile headquarters of the mercenary guild. A constant stream of courier ships meet and dock with the Ironheart carrying with them news, supplies, and new contracts from around Europe.

Once inside these dispatches are analyzed by a legion of clerks and analysts and filter upwards to office of General Marko, the current commander of the guild. Over his desk pass the most important contracts and the final decision over what to send out to the condottieri regiments waiting across the continent.

Once approved contracts and information again flows through the network of dispatch ships between lonesome outposts in the forbidding wastes before it reaches one of the few remaining cities. From there the local guild offices make sure it reaches the hands of the local mercenary commanders in their own smaller floating bases.

Whether those commanders then take up the contracts to fight and die at the behest of the nobles and merchants is a matter of personal import and just how hard the local creditors are squeezing their regiments for payment of past debts.

Security Contracts
Employer: Kaelee Guild
Nation: British Empire
Fee: 3
Opposing Force: Small
Estimated Experience: Green
Contracted Regiment: Siberian Wolves

The Kaelee Guild operates a small shipping outpost on the northeast coast of France. Recently there have been rumors of bandits operating in the area, and the guild is requesting a mercenary force to bulk up their guard detail.

Employer: Quirin Company
Nation: Austrian Empire
Fee: 4
Opposing Force: Medium
Estimated Experience: Green
Contracted Regiment: Siberian Wolves

The Quirin Company is renowned for their heavy lift air freighters, which see much use across Europe. One of their newest freighters is almost finished, and the company’s officials have learned that a gang of anarchists is planning to steal it. This is of course unacceptable, and the company is looking for mercenary assistance to prevent the theft.

Employer: House Quin
Nation: British Empire
Fee: 6
Opposing Force: Huge
Estimated Experience: Green
Contracted Regiment: Black Eagles and Thunder Hogs

The House of Quin maintains a large fishing fleet which supplies a significant amount of London’s food. Recently bandits and pirates have begun raiding their ships for food as it is otherwise quite scarce on the continent. The House of Quin lacks the forces to properly defend their fleets after a recent skirmish with Spain and requires mercenary assistance.

Employer: Motya Shipping
Nation: Tsardom of Russia
Fee: 10
Opposing Force: Small
Estimated Experience: Trained
Contracted Regiment: Siberian Wolves

Motya Shipping maintains a thriving business of moving raw materials past the Wall and sending ships loaded with luxury goods back out to Europe. However recently it’s freighters have suffered theft from a band of thieves. The company is looking for a mercenary group to deal with the problem.

Employer: House Eugenia
Nation: Spanish Empire
Fee: 10
Opposing Force: Small
Estimated Experience: Trained
Contracted Regiment: Knights Defiant

House Eugenia maintains a small hunting reserve in the Pyrenees Mountains. The prestige of owning such untouched land is immense, but so is the expense of protecting it for the blights of the wastes. They have heard rumors that their enemies plan to strike a blow, which could easily be accomplished by introducing tainted material to their park land. They are hiring guards to forestall any such attempts.

Employer: House Édith
Nation: Kingdom of France
Fee: 18
Opposing Force: Tiny
Estimated Experience: Veteran

The House of Édith has recently received several menacing letters threatening the safety the eldest daughter of the head of the house. He is taking these letters seriously and has put in a contract for mercenary force to see to her safety until the letter’s sender can rooted out.

Employer: Benita Guild
Nation: Spanish Empire
Fee: 18
Opposing Force: Tiny
Estimated Experience: Veteran

The Benita Guild is constructing a new experimental land crawler for subterranean work. They are worried that their rivals may resort to sabotage and are hiring additional guards.

Employer: House Rossella
Nation: Kingdom of Italy
Fee: 36
Opposing Force: Large
Estimated Experience: Veteran

House Rossella’s interests are mostly mercantile and they lack a strong guard force on their own. They typically hire a few trusted mercenary regiments, but in the last few months they have had a falling out with their old guards and are looking for a new force to fill the gap.

Employer: Marcell Trading
Nation: Duchy of Prussia
Fee: 42
Opposing Force: Huge
Estimated Experience: Veteran

The trading conglomerate of Marcell Trading are expanding their holdings in a pirate infested area of northern Europe. They require mercenary protection while the outpost is constructed and its defenses established.

Employer: House Jorge
Nation: Spanish Empire
Fee: 42
Opposing Force: Huge
Estimated Experience: Veteran

The House of Jorge is moving a large amount of their family from Spain to their holdings in Brazil after several assassinations decapitated their main branch. They expect their enemies to try and finish the job as they gather their remaining members and require a large number of mercenary guards to augment their forces.


Escort Duty

Employer: House Wen
Nation: Qing Dynasty
Fee: 11
Opposing Force: Huge
Estimated Experience: Green
Contracted Regiment: Winters Promise

The House of Wen has recently sent a large delegation of client members to tour Europe. However rumors of vast Oriental wealth have drawn common bandits like flies to a carcass, and the delegation has been stuck in Istanbul for some time while they search for a mercenary group to protect them on their continued journey.

Employer: Orianne Mining
Nation: Kingdom of France
Fee: 15
Opposing Force: Small
Estimated Experience: Trained
Contracted Regiment: Compagna Azzura and SCARA

The Orianne Mining guild is sending an expedition to chart a vein of promising steel deposits that have recently grown in the vicinity of Troyes. They expect light resistance from competitors trying to keep them from exploiting this find.

Employer: Raabi'a Traders
Nation: Ottoman Empire
Fee: 15
Opposing Force: Small
Estimated Experience: Trained

The Merchant Raabi’a is well known throughout the empire for his expansive area of products and trade routes that reach across the world. Unfortunately the route from Istanbul to Paris has become prone to attacks from a particularly cunning band of pirates. Raabi’a is looking for mercenaries to guard his caravan against them.


Employer: House Włodzimierz
Nation: Kingdom of Poland
Fee: 20
Opposing Force: Medium
Estimated Experience: Trained

The House of Włodzimierz maintains one of Poland’s few ports. They have recently contracted a vital shipment of lumber from the New World. They require a mercenary company to make contact with the ships carrying the shipment as it enters the Skagerrak strait and escort it during its final leg to Poland.

Employer: House Felicidad
Nation: Spanish Empire
Fee: 25
Opposing Force: Large
Estimated Experience: Trained

The House of Felicidad is engaged in a feud with their rivals in the Spanish court. Although direct military engagement is forbidden this ras resulted in both sides hiring many mercenaries to attack each other’s interests. One such interest is an aluminum field the Felicidad are exploiting in central Europe. The field itself is well defended, but the shipments from the field to Felicidad’s processing center require heavy protection.

Employer: House Germaine
Nation: Kingdom of France
Fee: 25
Opposing Force: Large
Estimated Experience: Trained

The House of Germaine is attempting to clear out a nest of pirates. They are hiring a group of mercenaries to escort a caravan into the interior to give the impression that their main forces are occupied elsewhere in order to lure the pirates in for an ambush.

Employer: Agda Imports
Nation: Kingdom of Sweden
Fee: 36
Opposing Force: Small
Estimated Experience: Veteran

The Agda family holds one of Sweden’s few profitable import licenses. Their cargos are always extremely lucrative and a draw for daring raiders. As such they routinely hire additional mercenary guards. Such as for this shipment from one of their branches in London.

Employer: Khayriyya Company
Nation: Ottoman Empire
Fee: 60
Opposing Force: Large
Estimated Experience: Veteran

One of the Khayriyya Company’s land crawlers was disabled in an unusually fierce needle storm. They need to repair it quickly before Estrada’s Curse can work past its alchemical shields. Unfortunately such a huge flux of material heading towards a fixed target will be a major target for pirates.

Employer: House Anatoly
Nation: Tsardom of Russia
Fee: 60
Opposing Force: Large
Estimated Experience: Veteran

The House of Anatoly is conducting an expedition into the continent as a gentleman’s outing for bored Russian nobles. Such a grouping of aristocrats will draw bandits, pirates, and assassins from all over, but the risk is part of the draw. Still Anatoly doesn’t want a bunch of dead nobles ruining their party and hiring mercenaries to ensure the danger is not too great.

Employer: Herbie Company
Nation: British Empire
Fee: 72
Opposing Force: Huge
Estimated Experience: Veteran

The Herbie Company is one of the foremost producers of rubber outside of the Spanish plantations and their rubber mines are a closely guarded secret. Still the routes they take can’t be completely hidden. So at a designated point they require a large mercenary escort to meet up with their rubber shipment and protect it the rest of the way to London.

Assault Mission
(The mercenary guild does not feel any of the newer regiments are capable of handling these missions with the necessary skill and discretion. Consult your local guild liasion for an exception.)

[WrathOfLife]

The Sorrows

Samuel Myers strolls through the Ironheart with the confidence of an experienced commander. Left with only a handful of men, many would argue that this confidence is not well placed at all.

Browsing the missions for some time, Samuel selects one that peaks his interest.


I recall seeing somewhere that we could get a gut reaction as to if we can pass or fail a mission? How would the Sorrows do committing all of their forces to Raabi'a Traders escort mission?


He writes a brief letter and sends it out to learn more about this mission he has his eye on.


Greetings from the Sorrows.

Could you inform us, in the greatest detail what you need escorted, and what you need protection from?

We believe we may be able to service your requirements, and believe this first role could be the beginning of a lasting relationship.


Moving back through the Ironheart, Samuel elects to swing by another mercenary force, the Siberian Wolves. He knocks on the door and has a quiet conversation with who ever opens.


Samuel nods at whom ever opens the door.

"I'm Samuel Myers, I'm speak on behalf of The Sorrows.

We seek an alliance to help protect one another interests. Much like the our supporting nations I see no reason we need to be at each others throats. Together much could be achieved.

While we will obviously both perform missions to serve each others interests, having the ability to call on one another during a time of need could only strengthen our standing.

I look forward to hearing from you further."

Samuel leaves the location of their airship with the Wolves and heads back there to inform the men of his intention to pick up a new role.

[Thelonius]

Siberian Wolves

Kaelee Guild

"Dear Sirs,

I'm interested in the contract you have issued, and would like to inquire about more detailed description of duties, that my men would need to perform."

Anton Volkov, Commander of Siberian Wolves


Motya Shipping

Volkov arrives to Motya Shipping, introducing himself as commander of Siberian Wolves and requesting to speak about the contract issued by the company.


House Eugenia

Volkov sends his valet, to arrange a meeting with representative of House Eugenia, to discuss their security contract.


The Sorrows

The halls are filled with noises of drunken celebration - it seems soldiers are drowning their fears of the upcoming battles in cheapest alcohol, their flat purses can afford. Most look like they know a thing or two of brawls and making trouble, but none seem to have the hard edge, one develops after fighting on the battlefield.

One of the officers escorts Samuel to the colonel's room. Volkov's place is well-organized and neat, the man himself dressed implacably, with scent of french perfume and recent, well-done haircut. "One can use friends, one can count on." answers Volkov, opening a drawer and producing an unmarked bottle. "Before you leave, let us drink for great work of Peter The Great and Sultan Ahmed III." He waits expectantly. The liquid in the glasses reeks of strong alcohol.

[Warmatt]

Thunder Bay Hog-Riders


There was the thunder and pounding, that harsh and brutal wail that spoke of blood, fear and death, that macho roar belted out to hide the listening and jeering insecurities of those that banged their heads and swilled their cheap, harsh liquor. But still, in their little section of the Ironheart, the Hog Riders lift their mugs and sneer, for they may well die on the morrow... and they do not care.

Still, he left his men behind to their drinking and swearing, as he moved through the guts of the airship, an amused sneer on his face. He was dressed as he usually was, grey pants, a grey vest with the gang symbol and golden lightening bolts unfastened, and black combat boots with an obvious knife stuck in the left boot, and a sawed off shotgun strapped like a pistol to his thigh. But Methanol White was not looking at the contracts, not just yet.

No, he instead goes to see the quartermasters, for he needs to outfit his boys, to let the thunder roll.


Using Logistics 3 for discounts on 5 pieces of gear
Two Fast Attack Vehicles (Thunder Hogs); 8 Cash Total
Two Sets of Military Armor; 4 Cash Total
Two Sets of Ruggedized Rifles; 1 Cash Total
If Logistics is enough, would get two Combat Arms instead for 5 Cash total

Total Spending; 13 or 17 Cash spent depending on weapons purchase

[Murska]

Colonel Stålhandske eyed over the new contracts. There was a decision to make here, one different from just what job to undertake. A matter of principle. On one hand, bloodying the new recruits with an easy victory and training and equipping them over time would allow him to foster, over time, a core of veterans capable of more difficult undertakings. On the other, getting a headstart into the game by completing a lucrative high-end contract would easily pay for new recruits and the leftover could be spent on securing better gear. There were also, of course, moral concerns to think about. And the reputation of the unit.

He leaned back, stretching. Maybe it was better to start off with some investments into the future of the Winterborn.

Stålhandske (Winterborn) to the Magician (REMF)

Hey there, you old bastard, I see you're still up to no good.

So, I've got some plans to tackle some of these new jobs they've posted. For that, I need some gear. I'm thinking, you can probably pull the stuff out of your fat arse for cheaper than the Guild, so maybe we can scratch each other's backs here - you give me a discount for some armour, I give you part of the take from the job.

On another tack. As it stands, I know your guys don't really fight so much and you barely have an NCO for them, so if you want an easy training op I could split my force, send the hopeless cases with your guys to Kaelee or Quirin's little outings, split the cash from that 50-50 and maybe whip the men into at least some kind of shape. It's not your main business, but you'll need to fire a shot occasionally anyway, and if you lose some men here it's not exactly a problem, am I right?

((OOC: 6 Cash for 5 Military Armor, plus 2 more from Contract takes at earliest possibility, as agreed. In addition, if you want to send your 1 Leadership and 1 Grunt to join a small part of my forces on one of the easiest missions, we might win and end up getting some extra cash and experience for the grunts, especially if you use your other two discounts to equip your guy a bit or even buy another grunt.))

Internal [GM]

The Colonel sets up a discounted purchase of 2 Combat Arms for 4 Cash.

In addition, put 1 Intelligence on checking out House Włodzimierz's escort job.

[Ascaloth]

Roberto's Emporium of Military Fardel

Want some gear to equip your men, but your budget only goes so far?

Want to know what to expect going into a mission, but you haven't got eyes on the scene to see what's up?

Want to call in a favor, but no one would give you the time of day?

Never fear, we've got you covered!

Drop by at Roberto's Emporium of Military Fardel, and score a good deal on Condottieri essentials today!

First come, first served. Terms and conditions apply.



Hoho! Indeed, old friend, this wizard's still got some nefarious schemes up his sleeve.

Anyhow, that sounds like a plan! Give me a list of what you're looking for, and I'll send an invoice back your way. And yes, I'll love to have my men tag along with yours; they can use a break from being glorified security guards every once in a while. Well, actually that's what they'll probably still be if what I'm seeing on the Kaelee and Quirin ops are any indication, but a change of scenery never hurts.

Speaking of which, sounds like you'll have a lot on your plate the next few days, my friend. Perhaps you'll be interested in knowing what you'll be getting your men into? If so, I can turn my eyes and ears towards scoping out the ground ahead of you. For a reasonable fee, of course.

(OOC: As agreed, but first I'll have to check with Arcane as to whether the Logistics discounts work the way we think it does. Will be sending my 1 Leadership and 1 Grunt to whatever minor op you'll send your raw recruits to, too. Just so you're aware, my Intelligence and Diplomacy stats are on sale as well if you're interested.)

Winterborn wants to pay me 6 Cash for 5 pieces of Military Armor, which cost 4 Cash each. My 5 Logistics lets me access Master Haggler, which is "A discount of 3 cash on 5 pieces of equipment".

Is that a discount of 3 cash for each individual piece of equipment, thus; (4-3) x 5 = 5 Cash?

Or is is a discount of 3 cash for the lot, thus; (4x5)-3 = 17 Cash?

[Master Waldo]

Knights Defiant

Colonet Marco Espiello looks over the contract listings his assistant had put on his desk. Selecting two of them, he quickly drafted letters to the appropriate contacts. He would need more information before he sent his men off to death or glory.

"To the Honorable Orianne Mining Company..."
Spending 2 intelligence to get approx. numbers and equipment for Orianne Mining escort job

Additionally, he sent a request to his quartermasters.

"Señor, please acquire the finest weaponry our funds can purchase. I realize this leaves our treasury low, but I believe better equipping our men will pay dividends in the future.
- COL. Espiello
Spending 1 Logistics for discount
Spending 4 cash for 5 Ruggedized rifles


Regiment Statistics:

Recruitment 4
Leadership 4
Intelligence 2 (2 spent)
Logistics 2 (1 spent)
Diplomacy 3

Regiment Roster

4 Grunts- Exp: None
1 Grunt - Exp: Vet.

Regiment Equipment:

5 Civilian Armor
5 Ruggedized Rifles

1 Cash

[Thelonius]

Siberian Wolves

Roberto's Emporium of Military Fardel

Dear Sir,

I would like to know, if your offer of cheap, but hopefully not too cheaply made products, includes Civilian Armor. At my disposal are 5 Cash and I need to know, whether dealing with you would be of greater profit, then contacting Mercenary Guild.

Lieutenant Michael Zelenin


The Mercenary Guild

Logistics 1

Quartermaster Zelenin arrives to the Mercenary Guild to negotiate recruitment of 15 Grunts (Green) + 3 Grunts (Green)(Discount 1 per 5) for 15 Cash.


Quirin Company

Dear Sirs,

I would like to offer services of my company in protection of your property.

Colonel Volkov


House Quin

Dear Sir,

I would like to offer my men in reinforcement of your fleet's defenses. May I inquire, if the rabble, that assails your fleets acts coordinated or are they lone wolves, united only by their greed and dishonor.

Colonel Volkov

[HerbieRAI]

John found himself leaning over the few job offers out in the world. He wanted nothing more than to take the offer from House Włodzimierz, but his men were not experience enough. Strangly he found himself looking over Herbie Company's contract a few times as well, although that ran into the same issue. What he needed was a mission that would give his men a lot of experience at once. A trial by fire if you will. One of these jobs had to fit the description.

To GM (Open Question)

Can we get ranges for the numbers and the opposition force size? For examply Tiny: 1 - 3, Small: 4 - 8, Medium: 9 - 15, ect?


To Roberto of the Emporium

What is your going rate for intelligence?


To Methanol White of the Hog Riders

Would you be willing to enter into a partnership to take the task from House Quin. I feel the enemy numbers would overwhelm any of us individually where together we may succeed. What do you think?


To SCARA

Would you be willing to enter into a partnership to take the task from House Quin. I feel the enemy numbers would overwhelm any of us individually where together we may succeed. What do you think?

[ArcaneStomper]

Sorrows (GM)
Myers thinks that the Sorrows could complete Raabi'a's contract, but without better armor for the troops it would be a near thing. Of course committing the mobile fortress would make it a certainty, but the payout isn't really worth the risk of its loss.

Raabi'a Traders to the Sorrows
Ah Colonel Myers we are happy that it might indeed be our countrymen escorting us on our perilous journey. As it happens we are carrying a cargo of fine silks. So of course we can expect the usual pirates and brigands trying to make off with our cargo.

Kaelee Guild to Siberian Wolves
Our scouts have spotted several bandit camps in the nearby hills. We can't afford to have them cleared out at the moment. So we need extra guards for our outpost.

Motya Shipping to Siberian Wolves
The Motya factor is a slim nervous looking man, "It's very simple really. We've had thieves get at our warehouses where we store goods before shipping them over the wall. We need someone to find them and stop the thefts."

House Eugenia to Siberian Wolves
Colonel Volkov is met by an middle aged woman in fine clothes who is introduced as Lady Eugenia. "Oh it's a terrible thing. Some villians are threatening to ruin all our hard work, and the lakehouse. It will simply be ruined. Lady Conte would be devastated not to be able to take her summer retreats there."

"Oh, but I'm sure your fine soldiers would be able to prevent that from happening."

Quirin Company to Siberian Wolves
Excellent we will tell our workers to expect your forces on the docks.

House of Quin to Siverian Wolves
They are a mixed lot not a cohesive force except in their desire to steal our hard earned catches.

To the Siberian Wolves (GM)
Logistics doesn't give a discount on grunts.

To the Winterborn (GM)
Reliable sources say that a certain pirate captain has assembled a squadron to go after House Włodzimierz's shipment. Based on the ships he has at his command the Winterborn can expect to face a force equivalent to [4 grunts].

To the REMF (GM)
It would be 3 discounted from each item so (3-3)x5=0. (Note that military armor has changed in price.) However you would also need to spend 2 logistics to gain access to the military armor as it is Restricted and you haven't set up a source for restricted equipment yet.

So you'd need to spend 2 logistics unlocking it and 3 getting a discount.

To the Knights Defiant (GM)
Word around the taverns is that Orianne Mining's major competitor have hired a small team of mercenaries to stop them. The outfit in question has [3 grunts] and [Civilian Armor and ruggedized armor].

Also you get -1 cash discount per item on up to five items. So you don't have to spend any cash for those rifles.

Contract Sizes (Open OOC)
Tiny: 0-2 Grunts
Small: 1-3 Grunts
Medium: 2-4 Grunts
Large: 3-5 Grunts
Huge: 4-6 Grunts

Note: These sizes aren't set in stone. You may encounter unexpectedly large or small forces. And if necessary the Guild might ratchet their whole set upward. Though if that happens I'll announce it.

[Warmatt]

Hog Riders


He walked out of the shops, lighter in the coffers, but at the same time, his boys were outfitted and ready to ride over the bones of whoever got in their way. Still, as he went back into his gangs quarters, which resembled more a seedier bar, lacking only the whores and strippers on poles, he looked at the message that came from some other punks. His eyes rose, and he considered, before he sent his reply.



Sure, me and my boys can help you out. Just got them properly equipped, so we're looking to grease and oil our engines in the blood of whatever fools we get paid for. So, what you looking at us to do? Have us scout them out, and add in hit and run and flanking for the job? Bit of scouting and mobile patrols?

[Ascaloth]

Roberto's Emporium of Military Fardel

In his personal office, Colonel Roberto Polo was hard at work. With the reams of paperwork at his desk, the only sound coming from the mechanical calculator click-clacking away as the gears responded to its user's inputs, the office seems suited more for an accountant than a Condottieri commander.

Which perhaps isn't too far from the truth, given the nature of Roberto's enterprise. The veteran quartermaster - popularly known as the Magician for his feats of resource acquisition - leaned back in his chair, thinking through the final results of his calculations. The upfront costs that the requests on his desk would involve, and the profit margins that can be expected from each...

...yes. Yes, this would do.



(OOC: So, it turns out that having certain levels of Logistics does not automatically unlock the respective discounts. Instead, I first have to spend the appropriate amount of Logistic points to unlock equipment tiers, then again to actually get the discounts. Fortunately a quick calculation shows the final costs are pretty much the same, so our original agreement can still be effected. Provided I don't get a better offer in the meantime, of course. Let's play this like I've already gotten the order from Winterborn)

Alright then. So from the list I've gotten from you here, you want to pay me 6 Cash from 5 Military Armor, plus an additional 2 Cash from your first payment, plus an offer for my guys to join yours in a minor op. Is that right so far, old friend?

Let's see now... mmm, yes. It is indeed possible for me to get you Civilian Armor at a rate lower than sourcing from the Guild directly. The key word being 'possible', that is.

The thing is, unfortunately I've recently received a large order from another client, one that's pretty much going to take up all of the capacity in my enterprise. So I'm afraid it's going to take a good offer from you if you wish to divert some of my resources, my good man. You wouldn't happen to have something like that in mind, do you?

Well, while we're talking about this, may I interest you in my other offerings? For the right price, I can have my eyes watch out for anything in particular you might wish noticed (OOC: Intelligence), or put in a good word with someone on your behalf (OOC: Diplomacy).

Ah, you want my eyes and ears in your service, do you? Let's see now... hmmm, I'd say [2 Cash] for [1 Int] seems like a fair rate. What do you think, my good man?

(OOC: Feel free to haggle with me, I'll happily entertain your counteroffers. ;) )

Alright, so I assume I'll need to set up a source for Restricted equipment, if I want access without having to pay Logistics for it in the future. How would I go about doing that? Diplomacy maybe?

[Thelonius]

Siberian Wolves

Roberto's Emporium of Military Fardel

"A large order you say? Perhaps you'd be interested in a reverse trade then? I can lend a hand here and there with out own contacts [1 Logistics] for 2 Cash. And what would be your rates for the services of your informants and diplomats?"



Kaelee Guild

"Siberian Wolves would be happy to provide."

[Sign the necessary papers to finalize the contract.]


House Eugenia

[At this point I'll likely not take this contract, in case other mercenaries show interest. But not closing the door here - I'd like to see how other negotiations pan out.


Motoya Shipping

Volkov listens carefully, exuding an air of confidence and competence, that would be almost brash, but he tempers it with polite manner.


Operations [GM]

INT 4

Gather information on Motoya Shipping Contract.

The key is identifying what information thieves have (anybody leaking them secrets on the inside or simple scouts).
Then determine how we can best catch them off-guard.

Gut Instinct (after collecting information)
8 Grunts (No Experience)
vs.
Thieves

The plan is to use information from INT 4 to catch thieves off-guard and break their will to fight. I assume they rely on sneaking and would be shaken, by unexpected fight. Leave them avenue of escape and they'll pick flight over fight. Then push them out of territory, so they move on to other targets.

I'm using 8 Grunts to intimidate them with pure numbers, though my soldiers are **** and lack equipment. But, if INT works, thieves wouldn't have time to realize it.

Contract
If there are no nasty surprises, finalize the contract with Motoya Shipping.

[Master Waldo]

Knights Defiant


To the Knights Defiant (GM)
Word around the taverns is that Orianne Mining's major competitor have hired a small team of mercenaries to stop them. The outfit in question has [3 grunts] and [Civilian Armor and ruggedized armor].

Also you get -1 cash discount per item on up to five items. So you don't have to spend any cash for those rifles.

Ah, I misunderstood how that discount works (more or less thought it was buy 5 for the price of 4). That's much better than I was thinking :)


Col. Marco Espiello was quite pleased when he saw his quartermaster's report. He had managed to get a hold of the requested weapons for next to nothing! "And that's why Manuel handles these things, not me" he thought to himself.

Grabbing his pen, he drafted a letter to the Orianne Mining guild.


The Knights Defiant would be happy to accept the contract. Rest assured that your expedition will be in good hands.

-COL. M. Espiello


And another to his second in command

Major,
The Knights will head to France in contract with the Orianne Mining Company. We shall devote the entire company to this effort in order. Round up the men, get them equipped, and head out ASAP.

-COL. Espiello



]
Accepting the Orianne Mining escort contract
Sending full force (1 Vet. Grunt, 4 Green Grunts) fully equipped (5 Civ. Armor, 5 Rug. Rifles)
Sending 4 leadership (depending on answer to OOC thread question)

Might be more than necessary, but the Knights need to get their feet wet and get some cash :)

[HerbieRAI]

Black Eagles

To Hog Riders

It will mainly be scouting and patrolling, dealing with any bandits or theives as you find them. How does splitting the pay 50/50 sound, or perhaps into thirds if SCARA chooses to join as well. We don't need them, but that would give us significant numbers. The pay wouldn't be great, but this is an experience gathering mission in our eyes. We need to put our men though a trial to make sure they are combat capable.


To Roberto

We may be contacting you shortly. The offer sounds reasonable, we just need to find where we are going to focus our efforts.


Internal Spending (PM)

1 logistics will be spent buying 5 Ruggedized Rifles (cost (1-1)*5 = 0
1 logistics will be spent buying 5 Civilian armor (cost (1-1)*5 = 0

I'm thinking of hiring 4 or 5 trained soliders and sending them on one of the small trained missions.
I would like to use 1 leadership on Operational Planning on the following missions
Raabi'a Traders
Orianne Mining
House Eugenia

And since I can plan up to 5, I'd like to see
House Quin

Regiment Statistics -
Recruitment: 5
Leadership: 5 (1 spent)
Intelligence: 1
Logistics: 2 (2 spent)
Diplomacy: 2

Equipment -
20 Cash, 5 Grunts (Green), 5 ruggedized rifles, 5 civilian armor

[Warmatt]

Hog Riders


Yeah, we can handle that. And a little blooding, to make sure the weak little pansy-asses are shipped to the closest pig farm sound good, though if we keep splitting the day three ways? We'll need to partner for some bigger jobs. Because hey, most of the idiots in my outfit at the moment? More useful alive and pissing lead down enemy throats then selling their organs and bods for a few wads.

Still, we'll be prepping the hogs, and rolling out, check the lay of the land, before calling in to you lot.



Your lordships, we've been looking, and we're just wondering if the hogs should be stopping by your neck of the woods, add a little mobility to that security detail you've been looking for.



Going to use 3 Intelligence to be scouting around the House Quin security job, taking a look and seeing just what is there, and how good they are. Plan is to scout around, ask some questions in the local seedy waterholes, and shake down some of the local scum.

[Murska]

Winterborn to REMF

Precisely correct.

Winterborn to House Włodzimierz

We would be interested in hearing the details of your posted contract for the escort of your lumber shipment. It would be simple for us, based as we are in Skåne at the moment, to rendezvous in Skagerrak as needed.

Winterborn to Quirin Company

We are interested in assisting in the protection of your new freighter. We'd like to hear more about the job and potential opposition.

Internal [GM]

My purchases should remain the same in cost, but I have to use all 3 of my Logistics - 2 for access to military armor and 1 for the discount, 10 cash for five sets.

[Andre]

SCARA, MONASTERY OF SABIONA

The wealth of experience accrued in a couple of centuries fighting the good fight does not vanish overnight, altho wordly wealth may very well do. Such was the fate of the Scara, whose chapter houses, sparsely scattered across Europe, used to provide a worthy alternative to a life of banditry. That was before the secularization people process resulting in the Scara reforming as a sanctioned company; at which point pretty much everyone felt entitled to seize them who were no longer ecclesiastical possessions. Now the company retains but a couple, chief among them the monastery of Sabiona, high on the Alps. From there the airship "Vigilance" is Ironheart-bound with a few letters and a cadre of officers. Another short and uneventful trip ahead.

Greetings, loyal believer. We reckon there might have been a misunderstanding on the target of our prospective cooperation, for the combined might of our agents could take much more daring endeavours. The paltry sum would be hardly be worth the effort, let alone split three ways, and what field experience is there to be gained fighting gutter rats robbing fishermen? I urge you to reconsider and aim for bolder contracts.
Faithfully, the Grand Master

[ForzaFiori]

Compagna Azzura

Franco Fiori looked over the papers in his hands. They were all copies of the new contracts, made for him by his aide-de-camp, Luca Filippo. He had some ideas of what his troops could be set on, but first had to make a few stops by some old friends.

TO: REMFs

greetings to our old friends in REMF. I wish we had the funds to buy from you as we used to, but for now unfortunately, I'm afraid Im only stopping by under the hopes of renewing the friendship between our companies. We Italiani must stick together, true? Surrounded by enemies, with few over seas colonies, all we can rely on in the end is each other. Can we rely on you?


TO: SCARA

Greetings to our countrymen. We of the Compagna Azzura greet SCARA, the second oldest of Italia's great mercenary companies. We would like to believe that our two groups, like all of the Italiani, will be able to work together for king and country (and gold, of course). Can we count on you as we can on our other countrymen?


TO: Orienne Mining

Greetings from the oldest and most respected mercenaries on the continent of Europe. We would like to take up your contract for the protection of your miners near Troyes. We are aware you that the Knights Defiant (likely so called because they were denied the chance to become knights, but defied that decision, thus explaining their poor abilities), and are willing to beat their price by 2 gold. When combined with the obvious superiority of the Azzuri, surely you can see that your miners, your company, and your profits would be more protected in our hands rather than those of want-to-be horsemen. We await your reply.

[Nyna]

Order of the Star

The Order will recruit 5 additional grunts, and purchase 10 ruggedized rifles and 10 civilian armor, one set of 5 of which is discounted with our 1 point of logisitics. This should leave us with 0 cash exactly.

Will spend 1 Intelligence on both the House Édith and Benita Guild contacts to get their exact numbers.

The Order of the Star will be more than happy to assist with the protection of your eldest daughter. If you could provide us with any additional information you may have regarding potential threats, that would be of benefit to us both.

The Order of the Star has some interest in the contract that you posted. If you could provide additional detail regarding any dangers you expect to see, that would be appreciated.

[A_Dinosaur]

Winters Promise

Lake Ladoga shifted under a chilly breeze, last few ice sheets crashing together in a strange ballet. On the great shore near the Promise encampment a small horde of new recruits jogged across the fresh spring grass. Most wore only a light jacket, the standard uniforms having been promised on the next shipment, their loud banter a colourful variety of Russian and German, and even more slavic languages peppering their cacophony with curses and cat calls.

"They should not speak so many languages. It will get confusing on the field."
"You can hardly blame them for chatting amongst themselves however they choose, besides, it is good that they mix their talk, it makes them all feel like they belong to a unit with its own cant."
Razin sighed, but nodded. "At least make sure they can all speak a bit of Russian, they have to understand their officers."

To Motya Shipping
A Promise envoy arrives, requesting audience.
"Winters Promise is interested in dealing with your bandit problem, our trackers and light skirmishers are well suited to finding and flushing bandits who will flee from a organized force. Could I get the Gut check on this one?

To House Wen
A letter arrives to Istanbul from the northern wall.
Greetings to the Noble house Wen,
The Winters Promise mercenary company is interested in pursuing your contract, how far a journey through Europe do you intend to take? [OOC Just wanting to check and make sure this isn't a multi turn contract, the way it was worded implied it might be. Could I get the Gut check on this one?

To The Mercenary Guild
A letter arrives for Mercenary guild Quartermasters.
The Winters Promise mercenary company is looking to hire some company toughs to round out our force in these early days, could word be put out that we will pay [6 cash] for [2 units of toughs].

Internal Logistics
-Spend 1 logistics to get a discount (down to free?) on 5 ruggedized rifles.
Spend 1 logistics to get a discount (down to free?) on 5 civilian armor.
Waiting to see if I can buy some toughs before I spend more. interested to see how lethal missions are for our poor grunts. lets see if that RC 5 pays for itself.

[ArcaneStomper]

Roberto's Emporium of Military Fardel (GM)
You need to find some faction that produces that type of equipment and either gain their trust or bribe them to the point where they are willing to sell you a regular supply. Diplomacy would be a good first step.

House of Quin to Siberian Wolves
(Are you planning to take this contract?)

Quirin Company to the Siberian Wolves
(Are you planning to take this contract?)

To the Siberian Wolves (GM)
There don't appear to be any actual soldiers involved in the thefts. Only a band of opportunistic street thieves. It should be a simple matter for any grunt to clear them out.

The Orianne Mining Company to the Knights Defiant
We have also received an offer from the Compagna Azzura to complete this contract. What assurances do you have that you are our best choice of escort?

Black Eagles (GM)
House Quin: 3 Grunts (Ruggedized Rifles)
House Eugenia: 3 Grunts (Ruggedized Rifles)
Raabi'a Traders: 5 Grunts (Ruggedized Rifles)
Orianne Mining: 5 Grunts (Ruggedized Rifles)

House Quin to the Hog Riders
We are also considering a bid from the Siberian Wolves. What would your regiment bring to this contract?

GM:
It appears that the force encroaching on the Quin fishing fleet is mostly refugees who have taken up banditry. They are completely untrained and have no weapons or equipment to speak of, at least that would threaten professional soldiers. But there are a lot of them [5 grunts].

House Włodzimierz to the Winterborn
There is little more to say than that. The cargo ship transporting our lumber will be transiting the Skagerrak strait and we expect an attack somewhere between there and our port. Forgive us if we don't give out the exact details before the contract is signed.

Quirin Company to the Winterborn
It is a simple job. We have heard rumors that a local gang of bandits is looking to take up piratry by stealing our new freighter and converting it into a raider. They have no experience in ship construction so the ship is safe while it is being built, but it will be vulnerable during its initial launch.

However the Siberian Wolves have also expressed interest in this contract so we have to ask what you would offer that they do not.

Orianne Mining Company to the Compagna Azzura
Cost is less of a concern to us than effectiveness. Neither of your regiments has worked with us before. So what guarantee can you offer that you are indeed the better choice to escort our expedition?

Order of the Star (GM)
Word on the street is that letters received by the house of Édith are just puffery from a spurned suitor. Lord Édith has a reputation as being overprotected and has gold to spare on issuing a contract. But the worst that might attack would be an arrogant young noble. Nothing to a mercenary force.

The Benita Guild has more to worry about. Their land crawler is quite expensive. But they have no real enemies, and there is little to suggest an attack is imminent. It is merely prudence on the part of their guild officers.

House Édith to the Order of the Star
"Oh excellent, spies and rogues are everywhere. And I can't let a hair on the head of my darling girl be so much as ruffled. I will send you copies of the letters immediately."

As expected the letters have more in common with love letters swearing to rescue the Lady Edith from her imprisonment and elope than dangerous political threats.

The Benita Guild to the Order of the Star
We expect little danger from bandits and competitors. One of the great benefits of our tunneler is that can avoid such surface dangers. Still better to keep our facilities guarded during the test than not.

Motya Shipping to the Winters Promise
"We have already engaged in discussion with the Siberian Wolves about contracting this assignment to them. What can you offer that they can't."

Colonel Razin feels stopping a bunch of thieves is well within the capabilities of his men.

House Wen to the Winters Promise
"We go first to Madrid to pay homage to this land's emperor. Then we plan to tour the rest of these lands. But we have no definite destination as yet."

Colonel Razin doesn't feel like keeping the riffraff away from the Oriental dignitaries would be too hard either. Though there are a lot of reported bandits so casualties might be higher in stopping them.

The Mercenary Guild
"Of course our recruiters will be sending suitable candidates your way shortly."

Winter Promise (GM)
Yes, spending 1 logistics can get you 5 ruggedized rifles or civilian armor for free.

[A_Dinosaur]

Winters Promise

To Motya
While this Patriots heart is warmed to hear you are in talks with other Russian condottiere, our men will not wander through the woods in a drunken stupor unlike those ex convicts. We plan ahead, and will leave the bandits dead or scattered, not hiding in the woods waiting for the slack jaws to leave. We are also hiring on trained soldiers for jobs like this and not mere untested recruits. [OOC: looking to imply I will use my intelligence stat, which is superior to thel's]

To House Wen
To the noble house When,
Excellent news, I would be honored if you would take on the winters promise as your escort through Europe.

To the emporium of military fardel
Greetings from across Europe, my meager contacts on the guild have told me that you are the man to know for equipment discounts and sundry. What are your going rates for 5 ruggedized rifles and 5 suits of civilian armor?
Regards from Russia.

Internal logistics
In that case I will indeed use both of my logistics points to 'buy' 5 rugged rifles and 5 civilian armor.
6 cash for 2 company toughs, now let's see if I can convince the magician to let me use his logistics.

[Thelonius]

Silver Wolves

Silver Wolves Contracts

The company confirms the following contracts:

Kaelee Guild
Quirin Company
House of Quin
Motya Shipping


Mercenary Guild

Silver Wolves confirm order for recruitment of 15 Grunts for 15 cash.


To GM


It should be a simple matter for any grunt to clear them out.

To clarify - any grunt singular? Or appropriate number of green grunts with most basic equipment?

[Andre]

SCARA, ABOARD THE IRONHEART

I'll be damned if this isn't Commander Fiori speaking. Ever the silver tongue, huh? Well as long as the Grand Master doesn't get wind of your patriotic drivel I see no harm in that. By the way, we may've just boarded the Ironheart, but word on the street has it you're competing for the Orianne Mining contract; which I believe is a prospect we could undertake together. Having not just one, but two of the most experienced items on the market ready to complete their contract alone should tip the scales in our favour, but I'm sure you can use some of your legendary glib to convince them if not. We can study the mission in detail in the meanwhile.
OOC: If you offer Orianne that we both work on the contract, they might choose you, esp. if you use some DIP to carry favour with them. Meanwhile I can use 1 LEAD to "buy" an operational report of the mission. We can split the profit 8 and 7 (me 8 cause I come with the idea and have slightly bigger troops :P) unless they raise the pay.

[Ascaloth]

Roberto's Emporium of Military Fardel

Ah, that would certainly come in handy at the right moments. May I assume that your offer of your [Logistics] contacts would be in perpetuity, as opposed to a one-time offer?

As for the rates of either my informants or diplomats, I can offer their services at what you must agree is the reasonable price of [2 Cash] for [1 INT] or [1 DIP].

Very well, very well! But tarry not overlong, for there are others inquiring about the same services, you know. And I may pride myself on customer satisfaction, but my inventory and resources are not limitless after all.

Very well, my old friend! I will make the necessary arrangements shortly.

Oh, but of course, my fellow countryman! We must stick together as brothers do, indeed! Although... you are aware that said, my regiment is not really all that well equipped for helping yours out when it comes to actually working contracts, yes?

Ah, well... how do I say this? If what I know about your regiment's [Logistics] resources is correct, and according to the prices posted on the Mercenary Guild's list of equipment... you can pretty much get the entirety of your shopping list for essentially free as is without my assistance, no?

Good day! If I may be so bold as to enquire, does your mercantile operations extend to the provision of military equipment?

Good day! If I may be so bold as to enquire, does your mercantile operations extend to the provision of military equipment?

[Murska]

Internal [GM]

Paying 6 Cash to REMF for 5 sets of Military Armor. Leaves me at 0 money.

Spending 1 Diplomacy on Quirin Company to get the contract.

[ForzaFiori]

Compagna Azzura

To: SCARA:

An excellent idea. I knew that there was a reason our two companies had survived this long. I'll suggest that to the miners immediately. Please let us know what your intel states about the job, so that we may prepare properly.


To: Orriane Miners

Since cost is not the deciding factor, how about we make a slightly different deal? One that will insure that you are more likely to have the contract completed than if you went with the Knights. The Compagna Azzura, the worlds oldest surviving mercenary group, is willing to work together with SCARA, our compatriots and fellow world reknowned mercernaries, to complete your task. We have contacts throughout Europe, and will be able to get more intel than the Knights. Our two groups together have significantly more firepower than the knights, and we have a much longer history of success, no matter the cost. If you choose us, we WILL protect your men. However, for both groups, we would require 16 gold rather than 15, if only to make splitting profits easier, and in respect for the fact that you are gaining the services of two top groups of soldiers.

GM - I'd like to use 1 diplo to make them more likely to choose my contract, if I can do that now.


TO: REMF

Oh dont worry, I am well aware of your abilities, both good and bad. But that is what makes our willingness to help each other even better. IF you have the need for military action, you will always have a friend in us. Likewise, should we find ourselves needing materiel that is beyond our capability, I would hope that we too will always have a friend in our time of need.

[Warmatt]

Thunder Hogs


For the most part? We're fast, we're mobile, and unlike most of the outfits around here, who can't find their asses with four hands, a spotter and a map, we are very good at finding out just were and how many.


So, we've found the enemy numbers and loadout, and were they probably are. A bunch of them, bout five units worth of displaced little ****s, and their gear is worth a nobles work, or nothing to speak of.

[WrathOfLife]

The Sorrows



"To Peter The Great and Sultan Ahmed III" Samuel drinks, coughing slightly at the strong beverage.

"If your men drink this, you're tougher than I thought." He says with a grimace putting the glass down. "I hope we will become fast allies in the days ahead."

[HerbieRAI]

Black Eagles

To House Quin and Thunder Hogs

You will also get both the Black Eagles and Thunder Hogs on the mission, which is a wider array of options and tactics than any other group can give you.


To House Eugenia

The Black Eagles would like to take you up on your contract.


Internal (PM)

Spending 12 Cash on 4 Trained Grunts

Regiment Statistics -
Recruitment: 5
Leadership: 5 (1 spent)
Intelligence: 1
Logistics: 2 (2 spent)
Diplomacy: 2

Equipment -
20 Cash, 5 Grunts (Green), 4 Grunts (Trained), 5 ruggedized rifles, 5 civilian armor

[ArcaneStomper]

Motya Shipping to Winters Promise
We have reliable information that the Siberian Wolves have already deployed. So we feel that their efforts should not be wasted. We will keep you in mind should they fail however.

House of Quin to Siberian Wolves
We regret to inform you that we will be issuing this contract to the Black Eagles and Thunder Hogs rather than your company. Although we have no doubt that your regiment is capable of handling the defense of our fleet, we feel that two regiments willing to work for the same price is simply a far better offer.

Siberian Wolves (GM)
One grunt of any level.

House of Quin to Black Eagles and Thunder Hogs
A compelling argument. We agree to issue the contract to you instead. Though we will not be increasing the completion fee.

Orianne Mining to the Knights Defiant
We have decided to go with the Compagna Azzura as they are also offering the services of the SCARA regiment for only a modest increase in the fee. We will however keep your regiment in mind for future contracts.

Orianne Mining to the Compagna Azzura and SCARA
A reasonable offer. We will finalize the contract with your regiments for [16 Cash] then.

House Rossella to REMF
Yes, but only for the Kingdom of Italy's interests. What reason should we have to supply you when you are likely to turn around and supply every mercenary regiment from here to the baltic.

Marcell Trading to REMF
We are more invested in the transportation and supply of mining equipment and raw materials. However if the price was right we could see about supplying more lethal equipment.

[Thelonius]

Siberian Wolves

Roberto's Emporium of Military Fardel

Let's make it a deal for two months [2 turn]. If arrangement works out, we could talk about more long-term contracts.

[Deal: 1 Logistics for 2 Cash]




Mercenary Guild

Purchase:
1 Fast Attack Vehicle
2 Ruggedized Rifles
1 Civilian Armor


Operations [GM]

Yeah, not too keen on other regiments muscling in on my contracts. Time to offer some carrots.

Diplomacy 1: if any of my employers are hesitating about employing others, turn on the charm and persuade them, we are the best choice. Most likely it'll be House Quirin.

Motoya Shipment: I'm not sending them extra diplomacy, but I'm banking on us being the same nationality.


Kaelee Guild

Dear Sirs,

We'll be dispatching [4 Grunts] for protection of your outpost. I expect the numbers would intimidate the enemy into giving up any thought to pursuing attacks on your holdings. I hope, sufficient accommodations for my men would be provided.


House Eugenia

I'm ready to send 8 Grunts and [1 Fast Attack Vehicles] to patrol your territory. A crow will not fly through, without my men spotting it. You garden shall remain unspoiled. And, to think that somebody is so vile, as to destroy precious land, merely out of spite. I can offer a discount on any future contract to punish your enemies.

[Andre]

SCARA, ABOARD THE IRONHEART

I'd like to commit 1 LEAD to evaluate the Orianne Mining contract. By the way, I read in the OOC it's 1 leadership per 5 contracts, does that mean I can get an evaluation on 4 more contracts? And can I hold those 4 until next turn? If not I'd like to examinate some more stuff in the 10-25 fee range.

A brief communication signed by the Grand Master to all mercenary regiments undertaking challenging contracts - better to fulfill the holy task of eradicating banditry, the officers of the Scara are available to act as field commanders to lead undoubtedly green troops to victory, provided an adequate compensation is granted for their expertise of course.
OOC: you can make offers to borrow Leadership points off me if you want, I'll evaluate them.

[Master Waldo]

Knights Defiant
Colonel Espiello angrily tore up the letter handed to him earlier from the Orienne Mining Guild. Those rats! Those dirty French rats!

Slowly bringing himself back under control, he walked over to the contract board, and grabbed a promising looking one.

"To the noble House Eugenia, my fellow countryman..."
Spending 3 diplo to turn on the charm, 1 leadership for Operational planning.
"We are willing to commit the full strength of the Knights Defiant to protecting our honorable brethren. After all, the Knights hail from the Pyrenees, who better to protect it's noble lords?"

]
Knights of the Defiant - Turn 1
Recruitment: 4
Leadership: 4
Logistics: 2
Intelligence: 2
Diplomacy: 3

Grunts: 4 green, 1 veteran
Cash: 5
Favors: 0
Equipment: 5 civilian armor, 5 ruggedized rifles

Logistics
1 spent to get discount on Ruggedized Rifles during turn.

Intelligence
2 Spent to get enemy numbers and equipment for Orianne mining contract

Diplomacy
3 used to get better relations with House Eugenia.

Leadership
1 used for Operational planning on House Eugenia contract
3 sent with force alongside House Eugenia contract

Contract: Security for House Eugenia
Pending agreement from contractee, sending 4 grunts, 1 vet, all with civilian armor and rug. rifles. Sending 3 leadership along

[Ascaloth]

Roberto's Emporium of Military Fardel

A deal it be! I'll arrange the payment for this month then!

Ah, a reasonable concern. In that case, how about we work out some kind of arrangement that will result in our fellow countrymen enjoying the best deals we can give them? After all, mine is hardly the only Condottieri regiment out there.

Ah, interesting! Let us start with the basics then; Ruggedized Rifles and Civilian Armor. How much would you ask for providing 5 sets of each?

Use 2 Logistics for Under the Table Deals, and 3 Logistics for A Lot of Haggling.

Buy 5 sets of Military Armor at 5 Cash

Sell 5 sets of Military Armor to Winterborn for 6 Cash, with an agreement for a further payment of 2 Cash afterwards.

[ArcaneStomper]

Siberian Wolves (GM)
The Kaelee Guild, House Quirin, and Motya Shipping seem to be firmly set on contracting you.

House Eugenia however has chosen the Knights Defiant.

SCARA (GM)
The officers planning the mission feel that [7 Grunts, Green, Basic Equipment] is sufficient for the Orianne contract. Anything more in terms of either numbers or training will simply ease the succesful completion.

(I'll let you hold the additional examinations until next turn. But only because the EoTs are due already.)

House Rossella to REMF
What did you have in mind?

Marcell Trading to REMF
We thought you had more rare items in mind. Frankly both are already going for such a trifling amount that is impossible for us to beat the general market price through mere trading. We would have to set up a factory to mass produce them under our own brand. And for that you would have to guarantee quite a large demand.

[Murska]

Winterborn - House Włodzimierz

We'll sign the contract.

[Ascaloth]

Roberto's Emporium of Military Fardel

Hello, hello! So, this is about yours truly looking out for the interests of his fellow Italians. As it so happens, it may be possible for me to wrangle a deal that, God willing, will result in great savings for all my fellow countrymen. No guarantees of course, but I have a good feeling about this.

It might take some persuading though, so I'd like to ask if your agents and diplomats [DIP] might be available to offer their services? At a reasonable fee, of course.

Well, your main concern is the interests of the Kingdom under which we are both subjects, yes? Which is very well and all, but in that case you wouldn't mind too much if La Scara and La Compagna Azzura - our fellow countrymen as well - get somewhat easier access to the good stuff [I]somehow, no?

So I tell you what, let me talk to your suppliers (OOC: Use of DIP). Let's see if I cannot convince them to supply you with gear for as low as they can go without going bust, hmmm? Then your House supply my regiment in turn, and let's see if we can offer our fellow Italians some sweet, sweet discounts while still making profit for the both of us, hmmm?

Ah, and who was it again who said that the supply of mining equipment was more of a forte? Can you blame me for lowballing it to start off with? That's one way to find out how far your comfort zone stretches, after all.

Well then, since you're so confident, let's kick it up a notch. Military Armor and Combat Arms, give me a quote perhaps?

I have further orders for my INT and DIP for this EoT, but it all depends on the outcomes from the negotiations with House Rossella and Marcell Trading. Once both are resolved, I can write up that EoT in full.

[ArcaneStomper]

House Rossella to REMF
We keep all our manufacturing within the demesne of House Rossella so there are no manufacturers to talk to. It is not a question of cost, but national integrity. Still if you swear to only sell to our countrymen then it may be possible. Though they will have to swear not to use these arms and armor in any endeavor that would harm the interests of Italy however.

(And if you're going to use Diplomacy, then you might as well do so with House Rossella. In this case the other regiments will have to increase their trust with House Rosella as well to really make it work. But less than you would alone.)

Marcell Trading to REMF
We can supply either for [5 cash] per unit. Such are the costs we incur in convincing our supplies to let such items go unregistered. Of course this is on a piecemeal basis. If you offer us a large enough purchase order we could lower our prices.

[ForzaFiori]

La Compagna Azzura

TO: REMF

We are willing to hear your offer. How many of our agents would you be wanting access to, and what would we be getting in return? You mentioned great savings, so I'd assume some sort of materiel, but specifics would be nice.


TO: SCARA

we got the contract - I look forward to working with you. My men will meet with yours at the mine, and hopefully we'll soon have made a good bit of gold for sitting around watching people dig for a while.

[Thelonius]

Siberia Wolves

Open Announcement

Siberian Wolves are looking for a regiment to support clearing of House Felicidad Contract.

Requirement:
1. Commitment of 12+ cash equivalent of Grunts/Equipment (better equipment)
2. Commitment of 2+ Leadership
Profits: 50/50 split of 25 Cash (25th point goes to side with greater losses)

[Ascaloth]

Roberto's Emporium of Military Fardel

Well, I'll take as many of your diplomats [DIP] as you can spare. [1 Cash] per [DIP], I think that's reasonable. See, I'm petitioning House Rossella, and they said they might be willing to part with their gear if it ends up in the hands of our fellow countrymen. Might have to swear you won't use them to harm the interests of our fatherland as well, but that's hardly a problem for either of you, right?

Oooh, sound like a big op you have in the works there, friend. Any chance you'll like to have some eyes going in? [2 Cash] for [1 INT], and if you opt for my full complement of [4 INT], my special offer is [6 Cash] for the lot; that's a Buy 3 Get 1 free deal right there. How's that sound?

Ah, then I don't believe it shall be a problem! I'll get them around to give their oaths soon enough, just sit tight!

Oof, that's a right hefty sum you're quoting there, friend. Fair enough though, but what if we're talking about sets of 5 for each?

[Andre]

SCARA

Greetings, Fiori. This is to inform you that the officers planning our operation have estimated that 7 companies of green recruits with basic equipment would be adequate to complete the contract. I would suggest however to send 10 companies and make sure they do not lack field leadership
the Grand Master.

An interesting deal to say the least. The grand master shall have his declaration of intents signed shortly and have it delivered directly to House Rossella. We're looking forward to your offers, Magician.

[Thelonius]

Siberian Wolves

Roberto's Emporium of Military Fardel

"Only if you would be willing to extend a line of credit - unfortunately most of our funds have been invested in non-liquid assets."

[Ascaloth]

Roberto's Emporium of Military Fardel

Most excellent! God willing, we will never be wanting for the necessities in due course.

Hmm. Not how I typically do business... but alright! Just this once, you'll have the services of my agents [4 INT], and I'll write up an IOU for [6 Cash] to be paid at the soonest possible moment. Never let it be said that Roberto doesn't know how to be flexible in his dealings, hmmm?

[A_Dinosaur]

Winters Promise

To Siberian Wolves
Winters Promise would be interested in pursuing the Felicidad contract with fellow Russians. We can promise at least [twelve cash] worth of men and guns, but where are you getting the numbers for this contract from? And are you hiring on trained soldiers for the mission?

Also, good luck on the Motya contract, I was hoping to take it myself, but it warms this patriots heart to see a Russian condottieri on the contract.

To REMF
We can certainly look to our own logistic for small purchases, but there are many more men to equip, I was inquiring after the chance to pay you for use of your far supiriour logisicts to purchase an additional 5 or even 10 sets of equipment for my men. Would you take a price of [3 cash per point of logistics]?

To Motya
In the interests of your business I hope they succeed. Though we will be waiting should they fail.

To Raabi's Traders
The Winters Promise company is interested in taking your contract, are there any terms we should know of past payment and job?

To GM
I think my main need right now is a higher leadership score, is there and way I can offer a military college a sign on bonus for officers to bump my leadership with cash? Are there any military colleges yet or is it still a bit early?

[Thelonius]

Siberian Wolves

Winters Promise

I'll be getting intel on our enemy soon enough, but while my soldiers are green, with sufficient Leadership that won't be an issue. As long as we tailor our assets to the need of the mission, we'll be victorious.


Operations [PM]

INT 3 (got them from Roberto's)

House Felicidad Contract - get information on enemy forces and gut feeling on what it would take to beat our enemies.

Share intel with Winter's Promise.

INT 1: Kaelee Contract

Check out those rumors about bandits. If their numbers are greater then Kaelee Guild expects, we can negotiate a small bonus.


Roberto's Emporium of Military Fardel

I accept your offer. It seems we'll be doing much business in the future.


House Felicidad

Dir Sirs,

My company in alliance with Winter's Promise is prepared to take your contract. Between us we should have sufficient forces to protect your interests.

[If INT reveals that enemy is stronger then expected, we can press for greater reward, as it seems nobody is applying for this contract.]

[ForzaFiori]

La Compagna Azzura

SCARA

We are sending 6 grunts, 5 with civ armor and rugged rifles, as well as a commader, so I think we should have no problem completing the task.


REMF

This month, unfortunately, our diplomats our currently assigned, however I believe I can free some up next month if you are still willing to do this then. And of course I would never use any of my forces or equipment against the motherland.

[[I've already sent my EoT, and used my diplo, but I'm willing to make the trade next turn]]

[Ascaloth]

Roberto's Emporium of Military Fardel

Ah, in that case... I'm sad to say that the majority of my capacity has been taken up by a large order this month. Fortunately, I do have [1 LOG] available. If you're still keen on the deal, I'll happily take your [3 Cash] for it of course!

A pity, but no worries! I'll just have my own diplomats proceed with their work, then. Of course, I'll make sure to look to you if I ever require your diplomats' services in the future.

And it's great you'll affirm that pledge. Now if you could do likewise to House Rossella this time, we should be golden and in business!

[ForzaFiori]

La Compagna Azzura

House Rossella

It is my understanding that you are in the midst of a deal with Roberto's Emporium, one that would prove beneficial to not only you and I, but to Roberto and other fellow countrymen as well, but that you are worried that your goods would be used against the motherland. While I do admit that I am... slightly offended that you would believe I would ever use any part of my company against Italia, I will gladly officially give you my word. Neither I, Signore Fiori of La Compagna Azzura, nor any of my underlings, hirelings, or helpers/workers in any other fashion, will use equipment gained from you, or from any other place, against the Kingdom of Italia, or may I be struck dead where I stand.

-Franco Fiori, Commandante of La Compagna Azzura

[A_Dinosaur]

Winters Promise

To REMF
The month is near over, and our resources are already committed, next month perhaps. An order of 5 Rifles and 5 civilian armor for [6 cash]?

To the Siberian Wolves
Very well. We have limited leadership in our structure. Could we provide more troops to compensate? My initial estimets put my contribution at 3 trained troops with Rifles and Civilian armor and 1 leadership but to make up for less leadership I could offer at least another few Thugs with Rifles and civilian armor. Would this be a sufficient contribution?

To GM
For certain contracts can we try and basically be pirate jerks and steal things. I'm looking at the House Włodzimierz contract specifically (Partially for roleplay as Russians vs Poles). I want to potentially attack their shipment and take the spoils myself. (if they are offering 20 cash for it it must be a pretty hefty shipment).

[ArcaneStomper]

Turn 2

News travels slowly across the world as the courier ships make their passages across the vast oceans, but that doesn't seem to impede the flow of rumors. They say that the Spanish Empire is starting to eye the French territories again. That the British Royal navy was seen conducting full scale maneuvers in the channel. Rumors have it that the French have found something special out in the wastes and are exploiting it with a watchful eye to secrecy. The taverns churn with gossip and concerned citizens worried that another war might well be on the horizon. Of course those taverns that cater to the mercenary regiments are abuzz with more upbeat news. For whenever the great powers go to war there is plenty of work for those who make a business of spilling blood.




Employer: House Felicidad
Nation: Spanish Empire
Fee: 3
Opposing Force: Small
Estimated Experience: Green
Description:
The Felicidad refining facilities came under attack last month. They require additional guards to protect their repair crews.

Employer: House Édith
Nation: Kingdom of France
Fee: 10
Opposing Force: Tiny
Estimated Experience: Trained
Description:
Lord Édith is still worried about his daughter's safety. He is hiring more mercenaries to ensure she is protected..

Employer: House Quin
Nation: British Empire
Fee: 20
Opposing Force: Medium
Estimated Experience: Trained
Description:
House Quin expects another wave of raiders attempting to steal from their fishing fleet. Disturbingly it seems that the raiders are becoming more organized.

Employer: House Emil
Nation: Duchy of Prussia
Fee: 25
Opposing Force: Large
Estimated Experience: Trained
Description:
House Emil is planning an operation that requires additional forces. They are drawing those forces from their normal guard duties and need mercenaries to fill the gaps.

Employer: House Włodzimierz
Nation: Kingdom of Poland
Fee: 30
Opposing Force: Huge
Estimated Experience: Trained
Description:
House Włodzimierz is expanding its port facilities. Its sent a request to the Mercenary Guild to hire a regiment to augment its own guard force.

Employer: House Wen
Nation: Qing Dynasty
Fee: 30
Opposing Force: Medium
Estimated Experience: Veteran
Description:
House Wen has received word that some of their enemies back in China are sending assassins after them. They want additional mercenaries to guard their retainers during their stay in Madrid.

Employer: House Rossella
Nation: Kingdom of Italy
Fee: 39
Opposing Force: Large
Estimated Experience: Veteran
Description:
House Rossella’s interests are mostly mercantile and they lack a strong guard force on their own. They typically hire a few trusted mercenary regiments, but in the last few months they have had a falling out with their old guards and are looking for a new force to fill the gap.


Employer: Marcell Trading
Nation: Duchy of Prussia
Fee: 46
Opposing Force: Huge
Estimated Experience: Veteran
Description: The trading conglomerate of Marcell Trading are expanding their holdings in a pirate infested area of northern Europe. They require mercenary protection while the outpost is constructed and its defenses established.


Employer: House Jorge
Nation: Spanish Empire
Fee: 46
Opposing Force: Huge
Estimated Experience: Veteran
Description: The House of Jorge is moving a large amount of their family from Spain to their holdings in Brazil after several assassinations decapitated their main branch. They expect their enemies to try and finish the job as they gather their remaining members and require a large number of mercenary guards to augment their forces.


Employer: Benita Guild
Nation: Spanish Empire
Fee: 42
Opposing Force: Huge
Estimated Experience: Veteran
Description:
The Benita guild is building a large manufacturing plant for their new crawler design. They want mercenaries to guard it and prevent anyone from making off with their prototypes.




Employer: Kaelee Guild
Nation: British Empire
Fee: 13
Opposing Force: Medium
Estimated Experience: Green
Description:
The Kaelee guild expects on of their merchant ships to arrive in the channel soon. They want mercenaries on hand to protect it.

Employer: Wacława Consortium
Nation: Kingdom of Poland
Fee: 15
Opposing Force: Small
Estimated Experience: Trained
Description:
The Wacława Consortium is conveying a band of surveyors around the ruins of Wrocław. They need protection from any bandits in the area.

Employer: House Germaine
Nation: Kingdom of France
Fee: 27
Opposing Force: Large
Estimated Experience: Trained
Description:
The House of Germaine is attempting to clear out a nest of pirates. They are hiring a group of mercenaries to escort a caravan into the interior to give the impression that their main forces are occupied elsewhere in order to lure the pirates in for an ambush.

Employer: Martina Mining
Nation: Duchy of Prussia
Fee: 25
Opposing Force: Large
Estimated Experience: Trained
Description:
The Martina family runs a single large crawler that serves as a base of operations for their various mining enterprises. Whenever it has to move it presents an attractive target for pirates. And they are hiring mercenaries to protect it during its latest transit.

Employer: Agda Imports
Nation: Kingdom of Sweden
Fee: 39
Opposing Force: Small
Estimated Experience: Veteran
Description:
The Agda family holds one of Sweden’s few profitable import licenses. Their cargos are always extremely lucrative and a draw for daring raiders. As such they routinely hire additional mercenary guards. Such as for this shipment from one of their branches in London.

Employer: Motya Shipping
Nation: Tsardom of Russia
Fee: 48
Opposing Force: Medium
Estimated Experience: Veteran
Description:
After dealing with thefts at their warehouse Motya Shipping is finally moving a long delayed shipment of luxury goods to Madrid. As they have a larger than normal backlog the caravan is also larger than normal and needs additional guards.

Employer: Khayriyya Company
Nation: Ottoman Empire
Fee: 66
Opposing Force: Large
Estimated Experience: Veteran
Description:
One of the Khayriyya Company’s land crawlers was disabled in an unusually fierce needle storm. They need to repair it quickly before Estrada’s Curse can work past its alchemical shields. Unfortunately such a huge flux of material heading towards a fixed target will be a major target for pirates.

Employer: House Anatoly
Nation: Tsardom of Russia
Fee: 66
Opposing Force: Large
Estimated Experience: Veteran
Description:
The House of Anatoly is conducting an expedition into the continent as a gentleman’s outing for bored Russian nobles. Such a grouping of aristocrats will draw bandits, pirates, and assassins from all over, but the risk is part of the draw. Still Anatoly doesn’t want a bunch of dead nobles ruining their party and hiring mercenaries to ensure the danger is not too great.

Employer: Herbie Company
Nation: British Empire
Fee: 79
Opposing Force: Huge
Estimated Experience: Veteran
Description:
The Herbie Company is one of the foremost producers of rubber outside of the Spanish plantations and their rubber mines are a closely guarded secret. Still the routes they take can’t be completely hidden. So at a designated point they require a large mercenary escort to meet up with their rubber shipment and protect it the rest of the way to London.

Employer: Wacława Consortium
Nation: Kingdom of Poland
Fee: 77
Opposing Force: Huge
Estimated Experience: Elite
Description:
The Wacława Consortium is sending a large convoy to set up a permanent clean zone in the ruins of Wrocław. This is a vitally important shipment carrying extremely valuable alchemical engines necessary to keep the curse at bay. They expect heavy pirate attacks.

Marcell Trading to REMF
We would need greater quantities than that to lower our prices. And if you are looking to resale, then buying in bulk is in your best interests as well.

To Winter's Promise (PM)
You can attempt to contact one of the major powers and see if their officers might be interested in a mercenary career.

As for pirating a contract instead of defending it. That is certainly an option.

[Murska]

Winterborn - REMF

Hey there. Sending you the rest of the cash as agreed.

The gear was good, everything went as planned. Rare, that. Okay, we took some losses, but nothing significant.

What's your plans for the immediate future? We'd be up for the exact same contract this year, except that we can pay you the full 8 cash for 5 sets of Military Armour up front. But if you've got some better idea, I'm willing to hear it.

Internal [GM]

Send 2 cash to REMF.

[Thelonius]

Siberian Wolves

REMF

Monseigneur Roberto, I've notified the Guild to transfer [6 Cash] to your accounts as per our agreement. Perhaps we could discuss further purchases at McAfee's Coffees with your outfit, once Colonel Volkov forwards to me requisition request.

Yours Sincerely,
Michael Zelenin




House Felicidad

Dear Sirs,

I was hoping that you would entrust your contract to my regiment, after our successful completion of previous month's work.

Sincerely Yours,
Colonel Volkov


House Quin

Dear Sirs,

I'd like to offer services of my regiment in completing your contract.

Sincerely Yours,
Colonel Volkov


Kaelee Guild

To Kaelee Guild

My men have successfully repeled bandit attacks on your outpost. I hope to receive opportunity to prove our competence in securing your interests once more, this month.

Sincerely Yours,
Colonel Volkov


Waclawa Consortium

Dear Sirs,

I'd like to offer services of my men in fulfilling your contract. My regiment has successfully executed a number of contracts the previous month and we are quite capable of securing your interests.

Sincerely Yours,
Colonel Volkov

[ForzaFiori]

La Compagna Azzura

REMF:

So, what are the new prices on the equipment you've managed to get your hands on? I'm in the market for some more armor and weapons and wanna know what kinda damage I'm going to do to my stores.


House Edith

Greatings, good sirs. I am Commandante Fiori of La Compagna Azzura. You may have heard of my company, or of our recent work with your countrymen, the Orriene Mining Co. We would like to offer you the same exquisite service that the Orriene recieved, and take up your guard contract.

[A_Dinosaur]

Winters Promise

To Schwarze Wolfe
To the Esteemed Schwarze Wolfe,
I am writing to you to prepose a joint operation on the contract house Emil has put forth. With our combined well equiped troops the operation should be well within our capabilities. I am short on leadership at this time so I hope that your regiment can handle the bulk of the officer service. In exchange you can have the favourable split of 25.

Regards,
Razin

To the Kalee Guild
The Winters Promise is interested in taking on your contract. Is there anything further we should know beyond the notice posted?

To House Emil
The Winters Promise regiment is interested in pursuing the contract you have posted. Though with the current state of affairs in the mecenary community, most companies have little in the way of professional officers. Prussians have a spectacular reputaion for skilled officers, do you know of any Prussian outfits who would be open to hiring out officers to Winters Promise?

To the Winterborn
Greetings to the Esteemed Winterborn. Your officers are well renowned for skill and courage, would you be willing to rent out their services to Winters Promise?

To GM
So many contracts to pursue, so little time. Does Razin know of anywhere I might get a discount on hiring company toughs in bulk?

[ArcaneStomper]

House Felicidad to the Siberian Wolves
"The contract is yours. We appreciate the brave sacrifice of your men in ensuring our convoy's safe arrival."

House Quin to the Siberian Wolves
"We are willing to tentatively accept your regiment, but we also expect the Black Eagles and Thunder Hogs to offer their services again. And we would prefer to go with known quantities if they do."

The Kaelee Guild to the Siberian Wolves
"While that is true your men very nearly got themselves ambushed in their own guard posts. We expect this contract to be significantly more difficult. Is your regiment up to the task?"

Waclaw Consortium to the Siberian Wolves
"Which contract are you offering to complete? We have two posted in the Mercenary Guild currently and they have noticeably different requirements."

House Edith to La Compagna Azzura
"I expect several regiments to offer their services as no dobut seeing to the safety of my daughter will draw in the best. What exactly does your regiment offer to stand out from your peers."

The Kaelee Guild to the Winter's Promise
"This contract will involve escorting a merchant ship to our docks once it enters the channel. We expect a fair sized force to attack it. Is your regiment capable of performing that duty."

House Emil to the Winter's Promise
"Certainly we know of some potential candidates. However we have had no dealings with you in the past. Why should we recommend that our contacts give you their services?"

To the Winter's Promise (GM)
Razin thinks his best bet would be to draw on his political favor with the House of Wen to set up a steady flow of Asian militia.

[Ascaloth]

Roberto's Emporium of Military Fardel

A reputation that precedes you can be as much of a hindrance as it can be helpful.

It is an oft-learned lesson of experienced and talented Condottieri commanders. Yet, Roberto is just now learning that this maxim isn't always inapplicable to the rear echelon, especially for specialists in his field like himself. He frowned and stroked his chin, looking at no less than 3 competing bids for his particular services arrayed on his desk. If it were simply a question of maximizing profit, the choice would be clear... yet it galled Roberto to consider turning down any of these bids. After all, they call him 'the Magician', damn it. It was not a name he chose for himself, but he still feel obliged to live up to it.

Perhaps I should have put a higher initial investment into this venture, he thought to himself. Well, no choice for it but to try and figure something out for the moment. Maybe he can work something out.



Hmmm. 5 Ruggedized Rifles and 5 Civilian Armor for [6 Cash], yes? I might just be able to arrange for that, but I'll need to shift around my resources a bit. Give me some time to get things in order, and I'll get back to you post-haste.

Thank you, your prompt payment is much appreciated!

Ah yes, that sounds like a splendid idea. But in the interests of full disclosure, because you have been such a good customer so far... I am obligated to inform you that there are other prospective clients making enquiries about my services. Our standing agreement is very much a fair one for both of us, of course, but... well, if someone else comes up with an outrageous bid, I'll make sure to inform you as soon as possible of course.

Ah, much appreciated!

Certainly, I'm sure I can find the time for a cuppa. I'll be expecting you at the appointed time at McAfee's Coffee!

(OOC: Feel free to start the PM whenever.)

Well, I've managed to convince House Rossella to give me access to their restricted gear, on the conditions previously determined. However, I can't quite wrangle any discounts as yet from them. So if you're looking to acquire that stuff from them, it'll be at market rate, and it'll cost quite dearly I fear.

That said, there may be an opportunity for that soon enough. Do you happen to have any interest in House Rossella's guard contract? If between you, I and la Scara we put together a package deal, that might be enough to convince them to supply the needed gear at a good price.

Ok, I guess Gut Instinct wasn't intended to be used this way, but I'll bank on Roberto's fluff as a veteran quartermaster and see if I can pull this off anyway. What options does REMF have to increase its Logistics stat?

[Warmatt]

Hog Riders



So, seems that some more little whorssons are looking to raid the fleet from last month. And this time, from what I hear, it's not a mob of grunts and bullet fodder. So, thinking another team up sounds good?

[ForzaFiori]

La Compagna Azzura

GM:

I'd like to use 2 Intelligence - 1 for exact numbers on the House Rosella Contract, 1 for exact numbers on the House Edith Contract please


REMF:

Not having to use up a favor to get the restricted items is certainly a start. Let me get back some intel about the missions I'm looking at, but I will likely be coming to you for a few orders shortly. I'll also get in touch with La Scara and Casa Rosella, and see what kind of deal we can make.


Scara

Care for another round working together? the REMF and I have had the idea that the three of us together could likely take the contract for our mutual benefactor, House Rosella. It would earn us 13 gold apiece, not to mention increasing our standing with the great house, and hopefully lead to some good discounts on their gear.


House Rosella

Greatings. I am interested in hearing more about your contract if your willing to provide details. Im attempting to get together with the REMF, as well as La Scara, both of whom I'm sure your acquainted with, to see if they are willing to join me to take the job.

I also would like to know if you would be willing to trade in men rather than money for my share of the payment - Im looking for good soldiers at a low price - at least company toughs, though veterans would of course be accepted as well if we can make a deal.


House Edith

I am Commandante Fiori of La Compagna Azzura, the most renowned and longest surviving condottieri in the world. It is I who should be asking you what you would give me extra in order to have the honor of employing such a famous company. But, since I am a modest man, I will simply say this. La Compagna does. Not. Fail. Look into our history. There is no other company with the acclaim and respect that my company commands. If you choose to go with another company that is your choice - The Compagna Azzura does not beg for contracts. But when it fails because you went with a second rate company, that will be on you, not on me.











.+

[Thelonius]

Siberian Wolves

House Quin

Perfectly understandable. I’m certain in competence of my esteemed colleagues. Please keep us in mind if your needs ever exceed the firepower they are able to provide.

Colonel Volkov


Kaelee Guild

The payout from the previous month would afford us best equipment and experience our soldiers have gained would certainly be sufficient to deal with any blackguards, who would wish to abscond with your goods.

Colonel Volkov


Warclawa Consortium

My apologies for this lack of clarity. I was referring to the contract to protect your surveyors. My men are prepared to give their lives in defense of your survey team.

Colonel Volkov


https://s24.postimg.org/xraaz1yxh/Zapp.jpg



House Włodzimierz

“I would like to offer services of my regiment in protection of the Port, that you are constructing.”

Colonel Volkov


Operations [PM]

House Vladimirez Contract: 3 Intelligence
Warclawa Consortium: 3 Intelligence
Kaelee Guild: 2 Intelligence

I need intel on these contracts.

Operational Planning - 2 cash

As I understand it's 2 Cash per 5 Contracts, so get my officers to start making analysis of above-mentioned contracts.

[ArcaneStomper]

To the REMF (GM)
You can try and talk to merchants to hire better dealers. Or you could try and get better prices in general. Generally though if you want any major increase you are going to have to try and get a noble house or guild to favor you enough to grant you a major infusion of men and material.

To La Compagna Azzura (GM)
House Rosella faces regular bandit attacks and pirate raids equating to about [5 grunts]

House Edith has word that a small squad of [1 grunt] may try to kidnap the lady in question.

House Rosella to La Compagna Azzura
"We require a large number of guards for our holdings across the country. Especially our more remote mining outposts. Unfortunately if we had an excess of good soldiers we wouldn't be hiring you."

House Edith to La Compagna Azzura
"You call yourselves the most renowned, but according to our sources all of your veteran officers died when the participated in a variety of disastrous military endevars which reduced your company to the level of a troop of fresh recruits."

"We need only look at the affair when you lost a mobile fortress to the effects of the Curse with not a bandit in sight to see when you last failed. Your history is not so impressive as you claim."

Kaelee Guild to the Siberian Wolves
"Very well. You succeeded in your last mission for us no matter the circumstances. So we will trust you to be able to do so again."

Warclawa Consortium
"Then we will expect to see your men at the rendevous point."

House Włodzimierz
"We will tentatively accept. Though we are hoping the Winterborn might offer us their services again, in which case we will go with their regiment."

House Włodzimierz: 6 Grunts, Trained Troops, Good Equipment.
Warclaw Consortium: 1 Grunt, Trained Troops, Good Equipment
Kaelee Guild: 4 Grunts, Green Troops, Basic Equipment.

After considering the situation the officers of the regiment estimate that 6 of the regiment's grunts will need to be sent to the House Włodzimierz assignment. 8 grunts will be needed for the Warclaw Consortium, and 9 grunts for the Kaelee Guild. This assumes that all the grunts have basic civilian equipment and are green. They do warn however that these plans are taken in isolation. Without more leadership to oversee the operations plan for as many as twice as many grunts in the unled sorties.

[ForzaFiori]

La Compagna Azzura

House Edith:

Can you name any other company with the history of ours and only one minor failure? Every company founded at the same time as ours is dead, having failed majorly. We are the only ones strong enough and successful enough to have survived. THAT is how I can show you that we are better than them. When you have outlived all your peers, you are clearly better than them. And those who were born after you are beneath you through a lack of experience, a lack of history, and a lack of endurance. However, for insulting us, House Edith will never know the abilities of our company, save when it is used against you. When you're house is dead and gone, we will be here to laugh.


House Rosella

Well, we will also be willing to accept cash. I had information from another source that suggested you might have a lead on where we could find those willing to sign up, but clearly we were wrong. However, the original deal does stand - would you be willing to allow La Azzura, La Scara, and Roberto's Emporium to take your contract?


REMF

I would like to purchase a few items through you - Could you do 4 each of Military Armor and Combat Arms through House Rosella?

[Thelonius]

Siberian Wolves

To REMF

Monsieur Roberto,

I would be requiring the following equipment:

14 Ruggedized Rifles
6 Civilian Armor
2 Military Armor

I would also be most grateful, if you could locate good officers [2 Leadership] to support our soldiers in combat. Naturally, for a fee.

I'd be waiting to hear your valuation for this order. Naturally, our prior agreement of 1 Logistics for 2 Cash stands. We can discuss renewing it after this order is complete.

Quartermaster Zelenin


To SCARA

I recall you have offered services of your officers in eradication of banditry. I'm interested. What would it cost me, to have your men direct my Grunts in upcoming battles?

Colonel Volkov

[ArcaneStomper]

House Rosella to La Compagna Azzura
"We could possibly see about recruiting more soldiers for your cause. Especially if your services prove valuable to our own endeavors. But we do not have them immediately available. And we are perfectly willing to hire your three regiments to fulfill our contract."

To La Compagna Azzura (GM)
(The claims you are making are in character for a young and boastful mercenary commander, but I want to make sure we are on the same page OOC wise.

In game terms you started with exactly the same reputation as everyone else. Which was that of being a new untested mercenary regiment. If you want to make the claim that you were one of the oldest regiments that's okay, but it correspondingly means your historical predecessors made such a mess as to reset things to zero.

The NPCs will not be impressed with your boasts until they are backed up with a new record of successfully completing contracts.)

[Ascaloth]

Roberto's Emporium of Military Fardel

Roberto knew the services he was offering would be in high demand when he decided to kick off his present business venture. What he didn't account for (not that there was much he could do about it even if he had) was just how highly in demand said services would be.

A glance at the several bids he had received on his desk, and Roberto had already known he was going to have to give up on at least half of these. His Emporium would one day be big enough to handle all these offers, but that day would not yet come for a while. However, it took several days of feverish calculations to finally settle on the respective prices.

Now to send them out, and see how everything works out.



Hello once again, my good friend!

Now, this is with regards to our original agreement. Like I said before, I'll inform you at the soonest possible moment should someone else make an outrageous bid for my services. Well... not only has that happened, but there's quite a lot of demand for my services beyond that one particular bid on top of it.

As you can imagine, such a spike in demand has a tendency to drive up prices. Yours is still the best bet for the moment, but I'd honestly recommend an increase on your current bid if you want to guarantee my services, my friend.

Sincerely yours,
Roberto Polo

Hello again!

So, turns out there's quite a lot of demand for my services lately. I'd like to serve you as best as I may, but if you want to guarantee my services, I would honestly recommend an increase on your current bid, my friend.

Sincerely yours,
Roberto Polo

Ah, an ambitious order. Unfortunately, that's... slightly beyond my current means at present. And in all fairness, neither is the prospect of such all that advisable, I fear. Since the nature of my business means I need to arrange for access to Restricted gear from the Guild at a regular basis at any rate, House Rossella's source remains of limited value as long as they remain unwilling to offer any discounts on top of that.

I can attempt to arrange a bulk buy from House Rossella nonetheless if you wish, but my asking price for doing so would be no less than [30 Cash]. A hefty sum, I'm sure you'd agree.

Alternatively, I can attempt to source your order from the Guild instead. However... let me just take the opportunity to inform you that, at present, there is a lot of competition for my services. I would recommend that you offer me a minimum of [18 Cash] for my services in this regard. And given said competition, you may want to consider raising that offer even further to secure a guarantee of my services, I'm afraid.

Sincerely yours,
Roberto Polo

Oh, a most impressive shopping list you have there! I would be glad to handle this order for you... but first, in the interests of full disclosure, I must inform you that there is presently a number of competing bids for my services. As such, I would recommend a valuation of no less than [15 Cash] for my services. And due to said competition, you may wish to offer an even higher bid than that amount for a greater chance of securing my services for this [Turn].

Our Logistics agreement stands as agreed, of course. As for Leadership... that's not precisely in my line of work, but I can help you look around nonetheless, if you wish.

Sincerely yours,
Roberto Polo

Roberto's Emporium of Military Fardel is interested in paying for the use of [Logistics] this Turn. Please contact me for details if you're interested.

Yours sincerely,
Roberto Polo



So in our previous communications, you mentioned that you'd be willing to offer discounts only upon bulk purchase of your Restricted gear. I would like to know if 11 Military Armor and 4 Combat Arms would count as such?

Hello! May I enquire if your product range includes Restricted gear, or whether you would be willing to include these in your product range?

[Thelonius]

Siberian Wolves

To Roberto's Emporium of Military Fardel

Very well. I can offer you [20 Cash] for delivery of the specified items. I hope you'll see the benefits of continuing our business relations.

Quartermaster Zelenin


Operations [PM]

1 Intel

Verify the Felicidad Contract. It seems simply enough, but as Motoya's Company contract showed the previous month, sometimes things aren't as they appear.

[HerbieRAI]

Black Eagles

To the Thunder Hogs

yes, I believe we can agree on working together again.


To House Quin and Thunder Hogs

We and the Thunder Hogs would like to accept your contract again.


To House Włodzimierz

We would like to put a bid in to take your contract protecting the Port. We believe having fellow Poles guard the construction will help with security.

[Murska]

Winterborn - House Włodzimierz

After the successful completion of the previous contract, we would like to offer our further services for the protection of your port.

Winterborn to Winter's Promise

We do have a need for our officers in our own contracts, but of course if the price is right... You know, we would be very willing to trade for Logistics.

Winterborn to Agda Imports

We would like to offer our services for the defense of your cargo shipment. It would be an honour for the Winterborn to be chosen to serve the interests of the state. Our forces have already dealt with pirate attacks on Polish shipments in the Danish Straits, and have proven their competence.

[ForzaFiori]

La Compagna Azzura

GM:

I do understand that. Im just trying to play up the fact that my character is a brash, upstart general who is eager to get back to where his company was, and doesn't see why others don't see his company as important as he thinks it is.


REMF

Never mind then. I don't have that kind of spare cash. Have you heard anything from La Scara? House Roselli is willing to hire the three of us, as long as they're willing to take the job with us.

[Andre]

SCARA, MONASTERY OF SABIONA

That is quite the daunting prospect you're planning. And at a cursory glance, one that doesn't pay nearly as well as it should when compared to similar contracts. I shall evaluate this personally, but mark my words, this will be no easy task. Keep in mind that the forces on the field will roughly compare to what we can muster, althou I would certainly expect them to be superbly equipped if REMF is to chime in for a share of the spoils. And I stand by my idea that the payment does seem outrageously low.
The Grandmaster

Operational report on Rossella contract please.

[Warmatt]

Hog Riders



We'll be sending the boys out to have a look around, if your looking to extend the contract. After all, we might have gutted the first wave, but looks like there's some other idiots pulling the strings.


Going to use 3 intelligence scouting the House Quin Job
Also, will look for a bank, thinking of taking out a loan for some gear, if not, going to be buying some

[ArcaneStomper]

House Włodzimierz to the Winterborn
We will be glad to have your troops on hand to protect our people once again.

House Włodzimierz to the Black Eagles
Unfortunately we are already planning to hire the Winterborn for this contract.

House Włodzimierz to the Siberian Wolves
As we expected the Winterborn have applied for our contract. So regrettably we must turn down your bid.

House Quin to the Thunder Hogs and Black Eagles
We do wish to make sure you are aware that we expect a heavier attack this time. However we will put together the documents to finalize the contract between us.

Agda Imports to the Winterborn
Our captain will be glad to know he can count on his countrymen for his protection. We will tell him to expect your arrival in London.

To SCARA (GM)
The officers of SCARA after doing some planning have decided that a force of [8 grunts] would be best suited to taking the House of Rosella contract and completing it. They would most likely take greater than fifty percent casualties in the process, but there isn't any way to prevent that without better soldiers are better gear than what SCARA has on hand.

To the Hog Riders (GM)
Local reports indicate that the force of raiders assembling this time is smaller with at most [3 grunts], but that they are [veteran] and have [good] armor and weapons. Likely a succesful gang who plan to sell the fish for profit to their lesser brethren.

As for a loan the Hog Riders have several options, but it will depend largely on how large a loan they wish to take out.

[Warmatt]

Hog Riders


So, we've done a look around, and seems like they got about three groups of boys, but they happen to be vets with good gear.


So, if we're going to be doing this, we need to be kitted out. You supply some cash, we have contacts, can outfit your boys with military grade weapons and armor. Going to be looking for a loan to get ourselves outfitted.



Would be looking for a Loan of 9 cash, to be going towards the purchase of two sets of military grade arms and armor. Would use a copy of the House Quin contract, and our intelligence reports to help credibility.

[Thelonius]

Siberian Wolves

House Wlodzimiers

Sirs, Winterborn are an excellent regiment, but we are quite capable ourselves and we have conducted [INT 3] reconnaissance of the enemy forces, so we know what to expect. Perhaps we can find terms, under which you would prefer our company?

[DIP 2]: Convince House Wlodzimiers to pick us for the contract.

[Ascaloth]

Roberto's Emporium of Military Fardel

A most suitable offer indeed. I am pleased to announce that I would like to accept your offer for this [Turn]. Rest assured, I will make the necessary arrangements shortly.

Roberto Polo

Then, allow me to make said contract just a little more palatable for the both of you; although the [Leadership] and [Grunts] I can contribute to this contract would likely pale in comparison to what either of you could field, I will offer their services without staking any claim on the payout whatsoever. In addition, I will deploy my substantial number of agents [INT] to shed light on the scope of the task before us, again at no charge nor any share of the payment promised in the contract.

All I ask in return is this; my diplomats [DIP] will be in touch with the representatives of House Rossella at the same time. They will use our respective regiments' working together on their contract as an example of how the Condottieri regiments of our motherland are a boon and an asset to Italy, thus justifying the supplying of Restricted gear to our regiments at a favorable price. And since my regiment has the most experience at handling logistics, REMF would be the designated distributor to this ends, of course. If both of you could spare your diplomats to supplement my diplomatic efforts too, that would be immensely helpful in securing a supply of the good stuff in the long term.

Roberto Polo

[ForzaFiori]

La Compagna Azzura

REMF/SCARA

I currently have up 5 grunts, 4 with 2nd tier armor and arms, plus 2 officers I can detail to the mission. According to my reports were only going to be facing around 5 people, but well trained and equipped I'd assume. If we were to simply send overwhelming force... It could send a message not just to the enemies on the mission, but to others who want to hire us. And I'd be willing to supply diplomats to help with House Rosella, if you can see about getting me a shipment of restricted weapons and armor. I don't want to spend my resources to help you get deals on equipment to sell to my rivals instead of me.

[Thelonius]

Siberian Wolves

REMF

That's excellent news.


Mercenary Guild

10 Cash for 1 Veteran
6 Cash for 2 Trained Grunts
3 Cash for 3 Green Grunts
2 Cash for 2 Civilian Armor

[A_Dinosaur]

Winters Promise

To the Winterborn
I am uncertain for what price leadership should be bought at. My offer would be [2 cash for one leadership] normally, but due to your regiments skill at command I will offer [3 cash] for the use of [1 leadership this turn].

To House Wen
After our actions last month in your European tour our own regiment would be interested in expanding our operations in the East. We would like to hire trained asian militia. Can we rely on your support to hire on [5 trained troops] at a good rate?

To Kalee Guild
We are certain our men can handle the forces arrayed against you, and would be honoured to guard British interests in these trying times.

To House Emil
Please, there is no need for harsh words, we simply wished to be as prepared as possible to take on the contract you have posted. To that end, we are ready to take on the contract to bolster your ranks.

To Raabi's Traders
I fear my communications to Istanbul may have been lost in the post, is your contract still available?

[Murska]

Winterborn - Winter's Promise

This sounds perfectly fair to us. Consider it a deal.

[Ascaloth]

Roberto's Emporium of Military Fardel

Well, since that was the condition by which House Rossella held me to if they were to agree to supply my regiment in the first place - that only the Italian regiments, and no one else would eventually get their hands on said gear - in the first place, I don't believe that will be an issue. And of course, I will see about securing your respective regiments a shipment of Rossella gear; not this [Turn] perhaps, as my capacity is already spoken for, but maybe next [Turn]?

[Andre]

SCARA

The expertise of our officers does not come cheap I'm afraid, however it is quite warranted considering we do not send men blindly onto the fields of battle.

OOC: The package I had in mind was 3 cash for 1 LEAD, 5 cash for 2 LEAD and I will throw in operational report/s on the contract(s) you choose as well.

That sounds reasonable. My operative officers stated that as little as 8 regiments would be the bare adequate to complete this contract, losses however would be very heavy under these circumstances.

[Thelonius]

Siberian Wolves

SCARA

"Your offer is acceptable. I'll inform Mercenary Guild to transfer [5 Cash] from our accounts to yours for [2 Leadership]. At this point we do not require operational reports, but thank you for your offer."

Colonel Volkov

[ForzaFiori]

La Compagna Azzura

SCARA/REMF

I have up to 4 I can send. Do you require all 4, or will a smaller amount do? Next [turn] is fine. We can discuss price and delivery and whatnot after we finish this mission. As to personnel, As I said, I will be able to contribute 5 grunts, 4 of whom have better than normal arms. If SCARA can match that, we can have 25% more troops than recommended, which should help with casualties some. If REMF can add any more to that, it should work even better.

[ArcaneStomper]

To the Hog Riders (GM)
The best option available to the Hog Riders is to take a loan of [10 cash] to repaid with 20% interest compounded [every turn].

Marcell Trading to REMF
For the quantity proposed we can lower our price to [4 cash] per unit.

Raabi'a Traders to REMF
We could get ahold of such merchandise for the right price and the right customers.

Siberian Wolves (GM)
There are only [1 grunts] worth of bandits operating in the region of the Felicidad mines.

House Włodzimierz to the Siberian Wolves
Given our previous history with the Winterborn they only way we would be willing to accept your bid is if it were substantially lower than the fee we have listed.

House Wen to Winter's Promise
Honorable Commander Razin, we would be most pleased to provide troops for your company. Unfortunately as you are no doubt aware we do not have any additional forces with us. We can call on our forces at home to provide the requisite men, but it will take time and money for them to arrive.

[1 cash per trained grunt next turn.]

Kaelee Guild to Winter's Promise
Unfortunately we have already contracted the Siberian Wolves to guard our shipment.

House Emil to Winter's Promise
Very good we will provide a list of locations that require additional protection.

Raabi'a Traders to Winter's Promise
Yes, we have not been able to send our shipment as no regiments were willing to take our contract last month.

[Ascaloth]

REMF

The more of your diplomats you can afford to spare, the better. The goal after all is to convince House Rossella to part with their wares at a rate favorable to us, and the more diplomats focus on achieving this very end, the greater the odds of it coming to pass.

As for the contract itself, I must sadly say that I have only [2 Grunts] to spare. However, I can throw in [4 INT] of agents prior to the commencement of the contract, to better prepare our combined forces for what they're about to face. Again, like I said, at no cost.

[Thelonius]

Siberian Wolves

House Włodzimierz

"I admit, I'm curious, what heroic accomplishments have bound you so to the Winterborn. I can offer 6 Cash discount on our services."

[HerbieRAI]

Black Eagles

To Martina Mining

The Black Eagles would like to take your contract to protect your crawler.


To Hog Riders

What level of goods are you going to be buying? We have a bit of cash and logistics ourselves to purchase some things.

[A_Dinosaur]

Winters Promise

To the Kalee Guild
I am pleased that you have found Russian condottiere for the job, god be with them.

To House Wen
My thanks to the Honorable house Wen. A toast to your health and your stay in Madrid.

To Raabi's traders
In that case Winters Promise will glady take on the contract.

GM
Spend 1 intelligence on the Raabi's trader contact and 2 intelligence on the house Emil contact.
Send 3 cash to the winterbourne for 1 leadership this turn.

[ArcaneStomper]

House Włodzimierz to the Winterborn
The Siberian Wolves are offering to complete our contract for [24 cash] do you have a counter offer?

House Włodzimierz to the Siberian Wolves
If nothing else we have seen their troops in action and they are both competent and well led. Whereas what we have heard of your own regiment is of mobs of untrained men who finish their objectives over a pile of their own comrades.

Martina Mining to the Black Eagles
Excellent, we will expect your forces shortly then.

To Winter's Promise
Scouting along the trade route that the Raabi'a caravan plans to follow shows traces of [3 grunts].

Meanwhile the information brokers say that a band of semi legitamate thugs are planning a score on House Emil's warehouses. They have [5 grunts] and are equivalent to [trained] soldiers.

[Murska]

Winterborn to Siberian Wolves
Hey, please don't undercut our contracts. In the long term that's bad for everyone's business. You've got plenty of work of your own.

Winterborn to House Wlodzimierz
((Use 1 Diplomacy on them.))

We can drop our price to 28 cash, as well as guarantee deployment of additional troops to complement the well-equipped and led units you saw during the previous mission.

According to our knowledge the Wolves are taking up almost another half-dozen contracts again, and given their prevalence of just throwing bodies at the problem may prove unable to focus sufficient skill and leadership to prevent subtler kinds of raids.

[Thelonius]

Siberian Wolves

House Wlodzimirez

Well, if that is your opinion of our regiment, then I'll withdraw my offer.


Winterborn

I admit I was uneasy about offering discounts. Very well, we certainly shouldn't lower our rates in the pursuit of short-term profits. I'll send message to House Wlodzimirez withdrawing our offer.

If you wish I can provide you with intel on this contract for 2 Cash, as it seems it will be of little use to me.

Colonel Volkov


Winter's Promise

To honorable Egor Razin,

I find myself with more men, then I need to complete my current contracts and I was wondering, if you would consider hiring 6 Grunts [Green] with 6 Ruggedized Rifles, to supplement your men for your jobs. I'm willing to offer their services at reasonable rate and be paid in the next month, after the payment from the contracts comes in.

Colonel Volkov

[Nyna]

Order of the Star

(I'm guessing that the amount of gold I have is 32 from completed contracts, not 52, which I'm guessing was a typo. If I'm wrong let me know!)

The Order of the Star will purchase 9 grunts, 14 ruggedized rifles, and 14 civilian armors, using 1 point of Logistics to reduce the cost of 5 armors to 0.

The Order of the Star will use 2 Intelligence to research more about the Herbie Company contract.

The Knight Commander is going to use his gut to see if it's possible to do the Herbie Company contract with all of the Order's available units.

[A_Dinosaur]

Winters Promise

To the Order of the Star
To the Esteemed order of the Star,
My company is based far from French holdings, and thus my knowledge of the exact situation is limited, but rumours of a Franco Spanish war have reached even here. I wish to meet with a representer of your guild to discuss matters. Quickly as possible, it is quite urgent.

To Siberian Wolves
Winters Promise
Thank you for the offer. We hardly need more bodies on the line this turn but I would be happy to hire the rifles for [1 cash]

To Mercenary Guild Quartermasters
Put out the word that winters promise it's hiring a small army of stalwart lads, we pay well and the vodka is free after combat.

Hire 5 trained grunts for 15 cash

To GM
I am going to spend 2 logistics to buy 5 rugged rifles and 5 civilian armor for free, then spend another 2 cash for 2 more sets of civilian armor.

[Thelonius]

Siberian Wolves

House Germaine

Siberian Wolves would like to take your contract.


Mercenary Guild

Buy 1 Civilian Armor and 1 Ruggedized Rifle


Winter's Promise

Very well - we'll loan you 1 Ruggedized Rifle.


SCARA

I'm just sending you a reminder of our deal.

[Wouldn't want to go after my contracts without said leadership.]

[Murska]

Winterborn - Siberian Wolves

All right. Unfortunately all of my current cash is tied up in purchases, but out of consideration for your lost efforts and to hopefully help business stay business in the future, we'll pay you 4 cash out of the proceeds of the mission as compensation. We don't require you to send the intel for this, consider it a gift.

[A_Dinosaur]

Winters Promise

To the Siberian Wolves
Please, I could buy a set of rifles for [1 cash]. I will pay you one to loan us all five sets for the [turn]

[Nyna]

Order of the Star

What is it you're interested in discussing, exactly? We've certainly heard the rumors but nothing definite on our end one way or another, and tensions are always high between the French and Spanish.

[ArcaneStomper]

House Wlodzimierz to the Winterborn
Then we reaffirm our contract with you.

To the Order of the Star (GM)
Rubber is a very valuable commodity which attracts the most dangerous pirates. Scouts have sighted a flotilla of airships carrying a pirate group known to have [4 veteran grunts] in the area that the shipment has to travel.

(You should have 41 cash if I'm reading it correctly. What all did you purchase last turn again?)

House Germaine to the Siberian Wolves
Agreed, remember to hold the pirates long enough for our main group to catch them from behind.

[Thelonius]

Siberian Wolves

Winter's Promise

Ah, that certainly makes more sense. Unfortunately, your offer is too low.


Winterborn

A truly conscientious proposal. You show yourself as a man of honor, I shall remember that of Winterborn.

[Warmatt]

Hog Riders



We'll be going for military gear, reason why our boys made it last time.


]
Going to be using the 4 Logistics and 10 cash for another 2 sets of military arms and armor, taking that loan

[ArcaneStomper]

Turn 3

War is almost definitely on the horizon now as the various great powers have begun actively building up their forces and recruiting more soldiers for their armies. Great Britain in particular has achieved a strong leading position as their privateers have begun chasing down the ships of other powers transiting the Atlantic. This has created more work for mercenaries everywhere as pirate activity is on the rise, and many of the more veteran mercenary officers have accepted commissions back into their home countries militaries. Leaving fewer regiments to accept the contracts being placed with the guild.




Employer: House Édith
Nation: Kingdom of France
Fee: 10
Opposing Force: Tiny
Estimated Experience: Trained
Description:
Lord Édith is still worried about his daughter's safety. He is hiring more mercenaries to ensure she is protected..


Employer: House Wen
Nation: Qing Dynasty
Fee: 30
Opposing Force: Medium
Estimated Experience: Veteran
Description:
House Wen has received word that some of their enemies back in China are sending assassins after them. They want additional mercenaries to guard their retainers during their stay in Madrid.

Employer: Marcell Trading
Nation: Duchy of Prussia
Fee: 46
Opposing Force: Huge
Estimated Experience: Veteran
Description: The trading conglomerate of Marcell Trading are expanding their holdings in a pirate infested area of northern Europe. They require mercenary protection while the outpost is constructed and its defenses established.


Employer: House Jorge
Nation: Spanish Empire
Fee: 46
Opposing Force: Huge
Estimated Experience: Veteran
Description: The House of Jorge is moving a large amount of their family from Spain to their holdings in Brazil after several assassinations decapitated their main branch. They expect their enemies to try and finish the job as they gather their remaining members and require a large number of mercenary guards to augment their forces.


Employer: House Eugenia
Nation: Spanish Empire
Fee: 36
Opposing Force: Huge
Estimated Experience: Veteran
Description:
The pyrenese hunting preserves have come under threat again. This time House Eugenia believes that mercenaries acting for a foreign power will attempt to seize it in order to support a forward military outpost. They obviously don’t want that to happen.




Employer: Motya Shipping
Nation: Tsardom of Russia
Fee: 48
Opposing Force: Medium
Estimated Experience: Veteran
Description:
After dealing with thefts at their warehouse Motya Shipping is finally moving a long delayed shipment of luxury goods to Madrid. As they have a larger than normal backlog the caravan is also larger than normal and needs additional guards.

Employer: Khayriyya Company
Nation: Ottoman Empire
Fee: 66
Opposing Force: Large
Estimated Experience: Veteran
Description:
One of the Khayriyya Company’s land crawlers was disabled in an unusually fierce needle storm. They need to repair it quickly before Estrada’s Curse can work past its alchemical shields. Unfortunately such a huge flux of material heading towards a fixed target will be a major target for pirates.

Employer: House Anatoly
Nation: Tsardom of Russia
Fee: 66
Opposing Force: Large
Estimated Experience: Veteran
Description:
The House of Anatoly is conducting an expedition into the continent as a gentleman’s outing for bored Russian nobles. Such a grouping of aristocrats will draw bandits, pirates, and assassins from all over, but the risk is part of the draw. Still Anatoly doesn’t want a bunch of dead nobles ruining their party and hiring mercenaries to ensure the danger is not too great.

Employer: Wacława Consortium
Nation: Kingdom of Poland
Fee: 77
Opposing Force: Huge
Estimated Experience: Elite
Description:
The Wacława Consortium is sending a large convoy to set up a permanent clean zone in the ruins of Wrocław. This is a vitally important shipment carrying extremely valuable alchemical engines necessary to keep the curse at bay. They expect heavy pirate attacks.

Employer: House Quin
Nation: British Empire
Fee: 36
Opposing Force: Small
Estimated Experience: Veteran
Description:
House Qin is making a delivery of whale oil to the Prussian mining guilds. As one of the few things that can’t be alchemically synthesized whale oil is highly valuable, and they expect an attempt to be made to steal the cargo by various foreign agents.


Employer: House Germaine
Nation: Kingdom of France
Fee: 20 Cash, 1 Favor, Restricted Equipment
Opposing Force: Medium
Estimated Experience: Green
Description:
House Germaine’s ambush of the pirates was a success. Now they want to hire a group of mercenaries to track down the pirates who got away and finish them off.

Employer: Quirin Company
Nation: Austrian Empire
Fee: 23, 1 Favor, Restricted Equipment
Opposing Force: Small
Estimated Experience: Trained
Description:
The Quirin Company has been hired by the Austrian government to produce a new battleship class. The design and production are complete, but the Austrian Navy wants a demonstration before accepting delivery. The company has identified a pirate air base that could be destroyed if they had a mercenary force to act as ground troops.

Employer: House Rossella
Nation: Kingdom of Italy
Fee: 38, 1 Favor, Restricted Equipment
Opposing Force: Large
Estimated Experience: Trained
Description:
House Rossella has found a nest of bandits who have been plaguing the Italian hinterlands. They wish to hire a force of mercenaries to clean out the thieves and make the countryside a bit safer.

Employer: House Joakim
Nation: Kingdom of Sweden
Fee: 46, 1 Favor, Restricted Equipment
Opposing Force: Huge
Estimated Experience: Trained
Description:
With all the distraction created by the brewing war House Joakim wants to spread its influence to Europe. They’ve identified a particular pirate base which could be captured and converted to their needs. Naturally they want to hire mercenaries to soak up the initial assault.

Employer: House Włodzimierz
Nation: Kingdom of Poland
Fee: 27, 1 Favor, Restricted Equipment
Opposing Force: Tiny
Estimated Experience: Veteran
Description:
House Włodzimierz has located the base of the Mercenaries that assaulted their port, and they want to send a message. A message involving copious amounts of firepower.

[A_Dinosaur]

Winters Promise

To house Germaine
To the Honorable House Germaine
Winters Promise is willing to take on your contract to track down the pirates who dared offend you. You will be hard pressed to find better trackers in the known world, and our company has yet to fail a contract in its history.

To Quirin Company
To the Honorable Quirin Company,
Winters promise would be honored to assist in the test of your new battleship. Our troops are well trained and the company has yet to fail a contract. It would be an honour to work alongside the pioneers of airship technology.

House Joakim'
To the Noble House Joakim,
The Winters promise mercenary company would be honored to assist in your operations against the pirate menace. Our troops are well trained and our company has yet to fail a contract. Our troops are also well versed in advanced scouting and winter operations should the need arise.

To Raabi's Traders
A pleasure doing business with you. I hope your operations continue safely.

To House Emil
To the Honorable house Emil,
We that was quite the scrap. But as expected our troops proved worthy of the challenge. Thank you for selecting Winters Promise. Hopefully I will not cause offence once more but my leadership problems remain. Do you know of any organization in Prussia who would be willing to hire out its officers?

To the Order of the Star
War is almost certainly on the horizon, and France and Spain will likely be at the heart of it all. With the Spanish empire as vast as it is I find myself worried for the French. Your people are strong to be sure, but the Spanish certainly stand in a better position. I believe that the Spanish Empire, while a fine employer to be sure, should not be allowed to grow much larger than it already is. If they manage to consolidate their power over the Americas and Europe, there will not be enough bandits for people in our profession to survive. I was hoping that our to companies could come to some agreement to protect French interests in the coming conflict, and use our combined diplomancy to lever greater rewards, perhaps even a taste of whatever the French have found out in the wastes.

GM
Did my diplomatic actions with house Emil manage to squeeze a favor out of them? I really need that leadership score.

[Murska]

Winterborn to Siberian Wolves and ArcaneStomper

((Sending 4 Cash to Thelonius))
The job went... adequately well, as things tend to go. I hope you find fortune in your endeavours.

Winterborn - House Włodzimierz

If you don't mind, our troops would be glad to participate in teaching the bastards who killed some of our comrades why it's a good idea to stay out of our way.

Winterborn - House Joakim

The Winterborn are interested in doing our duty for the homeland, for a fair payment of course.

Internal [GM]

Spend 1 Intelligence on the Włodzimierz job. We're not sure who initially hired those mercenaries, and while hopefully they've dropped contact after the failure with the port, we don't want to run into any surprise military assets or the like.

[Thelonius]

Siberian Wolves

To REMF

"Your combat armor was most useful, I hope you'll be able to provide restricted equipment this month as well. The wolves could also use your Intelligence for a reasonable fee of course."

Quatermaster Zelenin


Winterborn

I'm glad to hear that. Feel free to write me, if you need any assistance.

Colonel Volkov




House Germaine

"Dear Sirs,

It was a an honor to take part in your extermination of this rabble and my company would be glad to mop up the survivors, if you give us such opportunity."

Colonel Volkov


Quirin Company

"Dear Sirs,

Hopefully, you were satisfied with our defense of your ship against anarchist menace and would see fit to employ us in the upcoming weapons test.""

Colonel Volkov


House Édith

"I'd like to offer services of my men in defense of your daughter."

Colonel Volkov

[ArcaneStomper]

House Germaine to the Winter's Promise
Although we recognize your record of success the Siberian Wolves have also offered to take this contract and they have worked with us before. What would make you a better choice for this mission.

Quirin Company to the Winter's Promise
We are currently inclined to offer this mission to the Siberian Wolves as they have provided satisfactory service in the past. What would make your regiment more suitable for such an assault mission?

House Joakim to the Winter's Promise and the Winterborn
Both of your regiments have offered to fulfill this contract. As we have no experience with either of your companies we offer you both a chance to convince us of the superiority of your services or work out whose bid will be offered between yourselves.

House Emil to the Winter's Promise
If you only wish to hire the services of the officers, then yes certainly. We could likely arrange for you to hire [1 leadership for 2 cash.] on a monthly basis.

To Winter's Promise
No, you have not gotten the House Emil to the point where they would offer you a discrete favor yet.

House Włodzimierz to the Winterborn
We welcome your efforts in this matter. Together we will teach them that Poland is a rising force and not one to be meddled with.

Scouting reveals that there are only [2 grunts] at the mercenary base presently.

House Germaine to the Siberian Wolves
We are currently inclined to accept your bid on our contract. However the Winter's Promise regiment have also offered their services. Is there any assurance you can offer us that you are the correct choice?

Quirin Company to the Siberian Wolves
We were satisfied. However we do note that your defense relied heavily on negotiations to keep the anarchists occupied. Whereas this will be a pure military operation by dent of the necessity of the weapons test. We have also recieved an offer from the Winter's Promise. So we must ask if you are the correct choice to be conducting a ground assault.

House Edith to the Siberian Wolves
Excellent, excellent. I will be expecting your men as soon as possible.

[Murska]

Winterborn - Winter's Promise

I see we have a conflict of interest regarding the House Joakim contract. As a Swedish unit ourselves and having spent significant time and effort towards forming ties with the homeland, we would prefer to hold that contract ourselves. It is best we negotiate on how to handle the business between ourselves, however, as allowing clients to play Condottieri against each other is terrible for everyone's cashflow in the long term.

Winterborn - REMF

6 Cash for 4 Intelligence, was it? Agreed.

[HerbieRAI]

Black Eagles

To House Quinn

We would like to offer our services to you for the whale oil delivery


To House Rossella

The Black Eagles would like to take up your contract to clear out the bandits

OOC: Does the restricted equipment mean I can buy them this turn or next turn... or both?

[ArcaneStomper]

House Quinn to the Black Eagles
Certainly we appreciate your continued assistance. We will inform our captain to expect your escort.

House Rossella
We can tentatively accept your bid, but we expect that some of our previous contractors will be making their own bids as well. In light of that how will your regiment best serve our needs for this mission.

OOC: Next turn. It is a reward for succeeding after all.

[Thelonius]

Siberian Wolves

Special Ops [PM]

INT 2: Track down the Pirate Forces for House Germaine Contract

I'd like to know their strengths and if they prepared traps.

INT 2: Investigate situation with House Jorge.

What sort of attacks can be expected.

[ArcaneStomper]

To the Siberian Wolves (GM)
The pirates being hunted by House Germaine have a fortress deep in the badlands. It is inaccessible by air and any invading troops will have to navigate a maze of treacherous canyons to reach it. Once there they will face approximately [5 grunts] worth of pirates on their home turf.

On the other hand House Jorge is moving their family through their own port so the defensive advantage is theirs. But they also have to contend with spies and saboteurs in addition to the [4 grunts] worth of mercenaries that have been hired to harass them.

[Ascaloth]

Roberto's Emporium of Military Fardel

Certainly! I will be happy to arrange a delivery of Restricted gear for your men again this month.

On the other hand... I'm afraid you're not the only one with an interest in my [INT] assets this month. May I know what you'd be willing to pay for it?

Ah, well... I should probably let you know, that you're not the only one with an interest in my [INT] assets this month. May I assume that you'd like to go ahead with that bid regardless, or would you like to change it?

[Thelonius]

Siberian Wolves

REMF

Let's make it 5 Cash per 2 Intelligence and I'll provide you with 1 Logistics for 1 Cash, as a discount.

[Murska]

Winterborn - REMF

Well, we can make do with less of your Intelligence if it comes down to it. 4 Cash for 2?

[Ascaloth]

Roberto's Emporium of Military Fardel

So if I may confirm, would that be 5 Cash for 2 Intelligence, or are you asking for the entirety of my Intelligence assets? Also while we're at it, you mentioned you'd like me to supply your men with gear once again; would you like to place an order?

[Thelonius]

Siberian Wolves

Mercenary Guild

I purchase:

1 Veteran
2 Camouflaged Armor
3 Trained Troops
6 Ruggedized Rifles
6 Civilian Armor
2 Fast Attack Vehicles




REMF

Let's make it 5 Cash for 2 Intelligence, which should leave you sufficient resources to satisfy your other clients, my best regard to Winterborn, and 2 Combat Arms.

[Ascaloth]

Roberto's Emporium of Military Fardel

Very good! As a reciprocation for your goodwill in kind, how does 3 Cash for the 2 Combat Arms you requested sound?

That sounds mighty fine, my old friend. 4 Cash it is! Would you be interested in any Restricted Gear on top of that?

[Warmatt]

Thunder Hogs



Going to pay 10 cash back to the bank
Going to take another ten cash loan, and using 4 Logistics to purchase 2 Combat arms and Armor


Been a while. Was wondering if you were looking for some extra numbers for the House Quin job?

[Thelonius]

Siberian Wolves

REMF

Sounds mighty fine. Consider the funds transfered.

[Warmatt]

Hog Riders


We happened to be wondering, you still looking for extra protection?

[ArcaneStomper]

House Wen to the Hog Riders
Yes, and we would be pleased to offer you this contract.