To Struggle and Strive: The Combined Syndicates of America in 1932. A Kaiserreich Quest

After a long and difficult month riding the rails and working all hours in your office, you return home, having snatched a couple of days to be with your daughter, your wife excusing herself to "let you two familiarize yourselves." Lousie is happy to see you again, you are sure.

And Hannah certainly is, greeting you with an enormous hug and excitedly showing you all the drawings she had made, including one that is apparently of you...you notice it's crumpled a little. You ask her why, and her face falls.

"Daddy, are you a socialist? Some boys at school said you were and that I shouldn't draw them..."

Her lip wobbles as you embrace her in a hug and then sit her down and begin answering her questions, explaining what you are and why and promising that you don't want to kill anyone. You hold her and comfort her and tell her that yes, you are a socialist, because you believe in justice and democracy and freedom, that you want to build a world where no one starves or is exploited...and then you promise you will speak with her mother if she can get a kitten and discuss what sort of names it could have. She begins to get sleepy and so you cradle her as you carry her to bed.

And then, with a sigh, you give Louise a kiss and turn back to the stack of reports you took home with you.

Long has taken advantage of the strikes in response to Henry Ford's plant construction to launch a barrage of criticism, using sound trucks and radio networks to broadcast his condemnation, noting that you are actively preventing people from working unless they "submit to the will of foreign masters." Claiming you wish to reduce all Americans to a state of slavery, his message has resonated heavily in the south. Members of the party have grown alarmed at the apparent loss of support, and begun advocating for increased efforts to propagandize the workers. You are being criticized for failing to effectively organize the working class, but have defended yourself adequately for the moment.

[No Influence loss yet, decrease in rural support.]

Meanwhile, the Coordination Committee has begun to implement their program, drafting a plan for purging municipal police forces of reactionary influence by restructuring them and having former police integrated into teams with new hires picked for their dedication to the cause.

You have 4 Influence and 2 Authority total. 1 Authority and 2 Influence are committed to ongoing actions. You are not currently taking any Focuses.

Mandates: Provide legal or extralegal protection for strikers in Chicago before the general strike being planned commences in 2 months (from The Right). Provide state level relief or job programs in 5 months (from The Center). Provide revolutionary indoctrination or education in 5 months (from The Left).

Party Actions

Hold a Rally: It's a classic for every political party for a reason. There's nothing quite like a grand rally with banners waving and people cheering to make you seem unstoppable and to gather more support. The demonstration of the energy and might of the working class will have the capitalists shaking in their boots. It is a message to your supporters as well, that all the power of the SPA stands behind them. Cost: 4 Resources and a risk of backlash and hostile interruption. Time: 1 month. DC: 15/50/85/120. Results: Variable change in support, chance of intimidating your enemies. Can synergize with other actions.

Wave the Red Banner: The Red Banner is not the only SPA-affiliated or favoring publication, but it is the only one produced by the Party itself. And it is immensely popular. New ones go out constantly, but you could write an article of your own and make a special edition. This would receive extra attention and possibly some new readership, allowing you to make your opinions heard and sway the hearts and minds of others. You could shape the narrative on something, make an argument for or against a particular course of action, attack an enemy or uplift an ally. The possibilities of the written word are limitless. Cost: 2 Resources and a risk of backlash. May be additional costs depending on the topic. Time: 1 month. DC: 0/25/50/75/100/150. Results: Variable change in support or party factions, results depend on topic. Topic must be written in. Some examples: "The importance of unity in the socialist cause," "The corruption of the Hoover administration," "Why feminism and socialism must go together," and "Why Farmer-Labor should unify with the SPA." Can synergize with other actions.

Meet With the President: The President has been seen walking in the gardens of the White House, and his Cabinet is insisting he is fine. Curtis keeps doing his duties and refusing to explain what has happened. A motion to impeach Hoover has been defeated, but still there are no answers. Something strange is going on. Find out what. Cost: None. Time: 1 month. DC: 15. Results: Find out more about what happened to the President and what's going on with MacArthur.

Send Social Agitators To: Nearly every street corner in Chicago, New York City, and Seattle has a man or woman standing on a crate and telling the passerby of the virtues of the cause and encouraging them to donate. They are often beaten brutally by the bourgeois or by police (and just as often protected by their listeners), but they nevertheless persist, determined to gain recruits and funds for the cause. Some of these agitators are amateurs doing it in their spare time, but quite a few are dedicated and skilled speakers. Sending these speakers in significant numbers to an area can result in an uptick of support, especially if it is followed up upon with meaningful organization. Cost: Risk to the lives and health of the agitators depending on where they are sent to. Time: 1 month. DC: 0/Variable/Variable. Results: Write in an area (such as New York state, the Midwest, New Orleans, etc. The bigger it is, the more diffuse the impact) and reduce Federalist and AFP support there.

Create Shadow Government: You have had a brilliant idea: Though you lack power at the federal level, the Socialist Party has substantial control of many mayorships, county governments. You even effectively control some states of the Steel Belt. Creating a forum to help these various governments cooperate and resolve disputes will be useful, especially if you have further requests of these governments. You have only discussed this concept briefly, but the idea of the Interstate Committee of Socialist Governments (name subject to change) has dazzled many. Especially since it will help you gain influence over their legal codes, voting laws, and National Guard armories. Cost: Significant and dangerous backlash from within and without the Party, probable legal challenges. Time: 3 months. DC: 80/160/235/310. Results: Various states and lower-level governments integrated into a coordinated body, many new possibilities available, although the body could be unwieldy.

( 1 Influence Committed) Intra-Party Legislative Conference: Giving out orders to all the state senators and representatives and governors would not only go against your principles, it would lead to a revolt against you in the party ranks and likely cause a splintering that would devastate the chances of the revolution being successful. So instead you will call for a conference to ensure everyone is on the same page and propose an agenda, although what exactly that agenda is you will have to decide. Cost: None. Time: 1 months. DC: No roll. Results: Sub-turn.

Support Faction: The party is more than a little divided, even if everyone is determined to stick together, they still clash frequently, with each other and with you. Spending some time and effort backing a particular faction in these debates could gain you some gratitude, which is always a valuable currency. Cost: Risk of losing Influence or Authority. Time: 1 month. DC: 0/Variable/Variable. Results: Increase Relations and Strength of selected faction, chance of gaining Influence.

Make Changes To Subordinates: You do not have the time or capability to make all the decisions involved with bringing the Revolution to America, and so you have trusted subordinates to help. Occasionally, you will need to redirect their efforts, invest more in their success, or even replace them immediately. Cost: None. Time: 1 month. DC: No roll. Results: Make any change to 1 subordinate.

Party Donation Drive: Your income comes from party dues and a cut from the incomes of the unions that make up the CSA. And it is proving insufficient for all the demands placed on your party. Asking for additional voluntary donations on a one-time basis would help ease the strain and buy time for you to begin finding additional sources of revenue. And doing it once shouldn't make you look too bad. As long as you make it clear you are asking. Cost: Extremely low chance of loss of support or Influence. Time: 1 month. DC: 0/10/20/30/40/50/60/70/80/90/100/150/200. Result: One-time increase to Resources, amount is dependent on roll.


Union Actions

Send Union Organizers To: While agitators can disrupt other political organizations and explain why you are better, to actually gain support of the kind that makes people spend blood and gold and sweat on your behalf requires a different approach. Establishing that takes time, but sending union organizers to an area can make for a start. In many ways, the risks these organizers take is even greater than that of the agitators, especially if there is sufficient hostility to socialism already. Some have literally been tarred and feathered...Cost: Risk to the lives and health of the organizers depending on where they are sent to. Time: 1 month. DC: 0/Variable/Variable. Results: Write in an area (such as New York state, the Midwest, New Orleans, etc. The bigger it is, the more diffuse the impact) and gain temporary support there.

Appoint Union Representative: There are dozens of unions, many with hundreds or thousands of chapters. A rare few even have branches in Canada, with a rarer few having branches in Mexico. The Combined Syndicates serves as a forum to allow them to coordinate and cooperate, but the vagaries of time and travel mean that the larger meetings are often sparsely attended. Electing (although your influence will help make it an effective appointment) a representative to help manage the syndicates, smooth over disputes, and ensure all voices are heard would reduce the growing pains the CSA is suffering from. However, the notion is not entirely popular...Cost: Chance of -1 Influence. Time: 1 month. DC: 0/Variable/Variable. Result: Subvote to determine who you will support for Union Representative and how much to invest in them.

Expand Soup Kitchens: The urban masses are being fed, but only a few cities (Seattle, New York City, and Chicago) have anything like enough kitchens to provide for the sheer overwhelming number of people who must be fed. If you build even more kitchens and provide them with as much food as possible, you might just be able to keep the entire population of the cities fed. This expansion will cost a great deal of money and the amount it will cost to keep them all supplied is enormous, but the political and moral benefits are just as enormous. Especially if you can improve your messaging...Cost: 10 Resources, -4 Resources per turn. Time: 3 months. DC: 0/50/75. Result: Massive expansion to the food kitchen program.

Establish Community Gardens: The cities of America are filled with vacant lots and crumbling buildings. Reclaiming the buildings will have to be part of a larger effort, but the lots can be used to the benefit of the people by establishing gardens. Though they will take many months, the fresh vegetables will improve the quality of the food served by the soup kitchens...and hopefully reduce expenses. Cost: 5 Resources. Time: 1 month. DC: 30/60/90. Result: +1 Resources per turn after 3 months.

Create Strike Fund: Striking is the simplest way for the workers of America to make their demands heard directly. Strikes have won minimum wages, shorter hours, and worker's compensation. But many companies can outlast their workers, especially major conglomerates like Ford. The establishment of a strike fund unions can take from to support themselves will remove this advantage and help workers win victories. Cost: 20 Resources. Time: 1 month. DC: 10/20/60/120. Result: Increase in union size and effectiveness, increase to support.

Mutual Aid Foundations: While directly expanding the soup kitchens would benefit many, a less costly alternative would be the establishment of mutual aid organizations to ensure that people are fed. Since they are less directly dependent on the SPA buying food for them, they will be cheaper for you to maintain, but still serve to provide relief to the struggling masses and help expose them to socialist ideals. Cost: 2 Resources, -1 Resources per turn. Time: 1 month. DC: 30/60/90/120. Result: Small expansion to the food kitchen program.

Union Donation Drive: Your income comes from party dues and a cut from the incomes of the unions that make up the CSA. And it is proving insufficient for all the demands placed on your party. Asking for additional voluntary donations on a one-time basis would help ease the strain and buy time for you to begin finding additional sources of revenue. And doing it once shouldn't make you look too bad. As long as you make it clear you are asking. Cost: Extremely low chance of loss of support or Influence. Time: 1 month. DC: 0/10/20/30/40/50/60/70/80/90/100/150/200. Result: One-time increase to Resources, amount is dependent on roll.

(1 Influence Committed) Striking Education (Tactical): Some unions have developed extensive institutional experience in how to strike and protest effectively - how to gather community support, how to resist scabs and strikebreakers, even how to best build barricades. Some unions have had less opportunity to develop these skills, particularly newer ones or those who have been affiliated with the AFL. Asking these more experienced unions to provide educators on the tactics and strategy of resisting capitalist oppression would be useful. Cost: 5 Resources. Time: 1 months. DC: 25/50/75. Result: Increase to the effectiveness of unions.

(1 Authority Committed) Striking Education (Ideological): Many unions are not particularly desirous of revolution at the moment. They have more immediate demands - better wages, safer conditions, protection from arbitrary firings. Most can barely conceive of demanding profit-sharing, let alone workplace democracy or the complete abolition of capitalism. Anything too radical will likely make them abandon you wholesale. However, the SPA has many skilled agitators and speakers who could help change this, although attempting this education may backfire. Cost: 2 Resources, chance of losing Influence or Support. Time: 2 months. DC: 40/80/120. Result: Increase the Strength of the Left faction, increase relations with the Left faction, increase support from unions, reduce negative impact of other actions on your supporters.

Union Charities, Donations: The unions of the CSA have their own individual strike funds and incomes, used for various events. These funds are often rather significant in size, and could be used to supplement the charitable endeavors of the SPA. Doing so would ease the logistical strain providing for so many causes, but not every union is entirely dedicated to socialist ideals, especially not when it comes to the outsiders who will inevitably come seeking aid. Cost: Increased risk of corruption. Time: 1 month. DC: 25/50/100. Result: +X Resources per month.

Union Charities, Fundraising: The unions of the CSA have their own individual strike funds and incomes, used for various events. These funds are often rather significant in size, and could be used to supplement the financial resources at your command through direct donations and holding fundraising events. It may somewhat aggravate your supporters, but as long as you are using the money for their benefit there won't be more than grumbling. Cost: A new mandate. Time: 1 month. DC: 20/40/80/120. Result: +X Resources per month.


Militant Actions

Additional Weapons: The armaments of your "regular" Red Guards are highly irregular, and the "irregulars" who sometimes join in during protests or strikes are even worse off. Beginning to create armories of weapons will help equip both. The first step will be to acquire things like billy clubs and batons, both to avoid attracting unfortunate attention and because stockpiling guns in the current climate is needlessly risky...Cost: 3 Resources. Time: 2 months. DC: 15/30/45/60. Result: Create stockpiles of "non-lethal" weapons for the use of the Red Guards.

Instilling Discipline, Pt.1: (Benefits from Veterans in the Red Guards) Every branch of the Red Guards contains at least a few who do it more-or-less full-time. These are some of your most dedicated and radical supporters, and when the time comes they are the ones who will form the hard core of the Red Army. So they are the ones who need training and discipline the most. Based on what you saw of the Bolsheviks in Russia, the first thing that men who wish to be soldiers must be taught is discipline. And so that is what the training shall begin with. Cost: 2 Resources. Time: 4 months. DC: 25/50. Result: Improve discipline of Red Guards.

Encourage Veteran Recruitment: The recent veterans from the Legation Cities have not all signed up to join your ranks. And there are a fair few older veterans of other wars and "police actions" who could be perhaps convinced to join you. Their experience and familiarity with combat will help stiffen and strengthen the Red Guards, although some could be traitors...Cost: Loss of Relations with the Right and Left. Time: 1 month. DC: 0/50/100. Results: Recruit veteran soldiers, bonuses to other actions.

Go Hunting: (Benefits from Veterans in the Red Guards) In every city and town of America you face enemies. Hostile police forces, reactionary militias, mercenaries and Pinkertons hired by capitalists, and more. They all seek to oppress and suppress the workers. This cannot be borne. While the Red Guards continually battle in the streets, protecting protests, defending meetings, guarding agitators and organizers, they only rarely go on the offensive, and keep it strictly to retaliatory strikes on those most responsible for attacks. Asking for a more general attack would help weaken opposition, and perhaps see some justice done. Cost: Reduces support, reduces relations with the Right and the Social Democrats, chance of it going badly. Time: 1 month. DC: 25. Results: Red Guards begin attacking class enemies, chance of gaining Resources, Support, Influence...

Street Medics: (Benefits from Veterans in the Red Guards) One of the tactics used by the heroes of the Shanghai Uprising was the establishment of street medics, noncombat members of the Left-KMT who helped keep injured members in the fight and provided aid and comfort before the soldiers of the Legation Cities resorted to bloodier measures. Implementing such measures could be useful...Cost: 5 Resources. Time: 3 months. DC: 35. Results: Red Guards gain street medics, help reduce casualties.

Anti-Strikebreaker ForceBenefits from Veterans in the Red Guards) Pinkertons and police have been used to break many strikes, often injuring or killing innocent men and women who wanted nothing more than fair treatment and rarely suffering consequences for that. This cannot be tolerated any further. While such behavior can now be legally punished in many states, that doesn't always discourage it. More drastic measures must be taken. Find the best and most determined members of the Red Guards who are willing to do it full time and shuttle them around the country to protect major strikes. They will need some training and equipment of course. Cost: 3 Resources, - 0.5 Resources per month. Risk of backlash DC: 0/25/50/100. Results: Form small force of semi-professional troops who will be automatically deployed at major strikes and similar actions.


Cultural Actions

Christian Socialism: Most Americans are Christians, and despite the words of the Constitution it is widely considered a Christian nation. Given that many churches are staunchly opposed to socialism while socialism is a staunchly secular ideology, this could be troublesome. Fortunately, this Gordian knot can be cut rather easily. The concept of "Christian socialism" and claiming that Christ himself would be a socialist is simple enough, with ample support for this notion coming directly from the Bible. Combining this message with a few displays of piety will help reduce criticism from the pulpit, although significant portions of organized religion will doubtless remain hostile. Cost: Loss of Relations with the Left, loss of support from Jews and other religions. Time: 2 months. DC: 15/45/90. Results: Increase in support from Christians, increased ease of recruitment.

The American Revolution, Pt. 1: Lumpenproletariat and alienation and private property...socialist, syndicalist, and anarchist theory is rife with such words and concepts that many Americans find unfamiliar. They might like the results, but the name and the description turns them away. Fortunately, those things are easy to change. Begin describing American Revolutionism, where the work of George Washington must be completed by liberating the works of America from the tyrannies of King Georges with names like Rockefeller and Vanderbilt and Pullman. Sell people on socialism by not calling it socialism, sell people on the revolution by calling it a revolution. Cost: General loss of Relations, chance of -1 Influence. Time: 2 months. DC: 35/70/105. Results: Chance of significant increase in support and dramatically easier recruiting.

Songs of the Revolution: The Internationale. The Preacher and the Slave. This Land is Your Land. Solidarity Forever. Many are the songs of the socialist movement. Let everyone hear them. Establish choirs and wandering musicians and every other way to spread your message through song there is. Cost: 3 Resources, -0.5 Resources per turn. Time: 1 month. DC: 10/30/50/70/90/ Results: Easier recruiting, increase to morale among the party.

Unity In The Melting Pot: The Socialist Party and the IWW have long used multilingual speakers to reach out to immigrants. With the end of the Weltkrieg and the defeat of the Bolsheviks, thousands from Eastern Europe have flocked to America's shores to find conditions no better, while others have come north with Central and South America. Reaching out to those groups will be essential. The multilingual program will be expanded, to begin. Cost: None. Time: 3 months. DC: 5/45/90. Results: Easier recruiting, increased support among immigrants.

Socialist Radio Networks: Huey Long has used the radio to spread his reactionary babble to thousands of Americans. We can do the same. Through speeches and interviews, your message can be broadcast. While some may turn off the radio rather than hear the truth, the more you reach the more you can convince. The first step will be to purchase...whatever it is that produces radio waves for broadcasts. That was never something you needed to learn in school. Cost: 3 Resources. Time: 3 months. DC: 5/25/50/75. Results: Significantly easier recruiting, increased support.

Posters and Pamphlets: The speeches you give reach only those who hear you. Your speeches, written down, reach all who can read...but they are a bit too long for a poster discreetly put up or a pamphlet smuggled behind a boss's back. Beginning to create and produce snappy slogans and logos for posters and pamphlets will help you in the propaganda war, especially given the number of virulently anti-socialist publications that will smear you and your movement in any way possible. Cost: 1 Resource. Time: 3 months. DC: 10/50/90. Results: The creation of posters and pamphlets to help spread your message, ease of recruiting.

Political Actions

Impeachment: If President Hoover has been unable to leave the White House grounds for two months, he is clearly no longer fit for office. The two-thirds majority impeachment requires is veritably impossible to achieve, but even making noises about it could help you gain support and alliances, especially if you are high-profile enough. Some in your party consider it nothing but a waste of time, others feel it is a tactical error. Cost: Loss of Relations with the Center. Time: 1 month. DC: 5/20/70/200. Results: The Socialist Party initiates an impeachment motion for Hoover, chance of gaining legislative allies or support.

Ally With Farmer-Labor: Farmer-Labor is in many ways the party closest to you, but there are significant differences. Their left fringe overlaps heavily with your right fringe, and they are a primarily agrarian party with different concerns, but the instability in the market and the chaos it's causing among their supporters have left them looking for solutions. They may be willing to begin working with you, although they will likely balk at the prospect of a revolution. Cost: Unknown. Time: 1 month. DC: 25/50/75. Results: You make some form of alliance with some or all of Farmer-Labor

Poach the Democrats: The Democrats have traditionally been a party pulled in many directions - Bourbon conservatives, progressives, Southern populists, and union members, political machines - and while a significant portion of all these factions have left, there are always remnants, such as the Roosevelt family. The party as a whole rejects you wholeheartedly, but individual members can be convinced to change their allegiance. Cost: Unknown. Time: 1 month. DC: 45/90/135. Results: You convince some members of the Democratic Party and aspects of their political machine to switch allegiance to you.

Press the Progressives: The Progressive Party is now the second-weakest in America. Even the newly formed America First Party has surpassed them. They hold a few scattered seats in the West and Midwest and little more. This weakness is also what makes them vulnerable. They will collapse as a national party without intervention, you suspect. And you can offer this intervention. Cost: Unknown. Time: 1 month. DC: 15/45/90. Results: You convince some members of the Progressive Party to switch allegiance to you.

Pro-Worker Legislation: It's unlikely to pass, at least on a federal level, but demanding it will make a statement in and of itself. And you will not just push this legislation on a federal level. These laws will focus on the things workers have fought for. Better wages, workplace safety, price caps for company stores...with the stroke of a pen, they can be spread across the country, and it will be the SPA that will take the lion's share of the credit. Cost: Loss of Relations with the Left. Time: 1 month. DC: 15/30/75. Results: You pass worker-protection laws on the state and possibly federal level and can gain varying amounts of support.

State-Level Strike Protection: You know better than to even try legitimizing strikes on the federal level, and the state-level laws you are putting into practice will certainly face federal challenges. In some states, you don't have the full control that passing your Platonic ideal of a striker-protection law would require. So you will spend some time speaking with judges and statesmen and encouraging members of the SPA to do the same to get some form of the rules you want passed. Cost: None. Time: 1 month. DC: 40/80/120. Results: You accelerate the passing of striker-protection laws of varying usefulness in many states and ease the way for their defense in courts.

The Payment Army: The Payment Army is encamped in Baltimore, attempting to negotiate. Through sheer numbers (and a little assistance from the sympathetic mayor and workers) they have withstood three attempts by the police to remove them, and have sent representatives to ask for the money the federal government promised them. Make an issue out of this. Wave the flag. The American government said they would pay men to fight and die for 'freedom' and then it's going back on its word. This is not acceptable! Cost: None. Time: 1 month. DC: 5/25/45/95. Results: You pass a bill that ensures the Payment Army gets their money.

Appoint a Party Whip: You have gained fifteen seats in the Senate and far more in the House. While you generally don't have to deal with congressional revolts, there may be occasionally controversial legislation you will have to deal with. Furthermore, having someone handle the day-to-day matters of making sure everyone is read up on the bills, helping your congresspeople manage their staff and campaigns, and coordinate filibustering would free up some more time you could use. Cost: None. Time: 1 month. DC: No roll. Results: Subvote to determine who the Party Whip will be and how much to invest in them.


Personal Actions

Work Overtime: Although your heart and mind ache at the thought, the cause needs you. It will be stressful, it will be upsetting to your wife and daughter, you can feel your very soul revolting at the thought of spending even more hours working...but you must. The workers of the world demand it! Cost: Severely stressful, unhealthy, bad for your family. Time: 1 month. DC: No roll. Results: +1 temporary Influence.

Personal Attention: If you spend a few hours working on a particular task, it will likely go smoother. It will cut into the time you would normally spend with your family or your books, but it is a sacrifice you will have to make. Cost: Stressful, not great for your family. Time: 1 month. DC: No roll. Results: Small dice and narrative bonus to chosen action.

Exercise: You have gotten slightly out of shape thanks to the stress of the election. Getting back in shape would be good for your health and your image...and if you ever get the chance to to punch Huey Long in his fat face, it will help then too. Cost: Not great for your family. Time: 1 month. DC: No roll. Results: Decrease in stress, improvement to health.

Spend Time With Your Family: Your daughter Hannah misses you, as does your wife Louise. Spending some extra time with them this month will make up for all the times you missed doing it during the campaign season. Cost: None. Time: 1 month. DC: No roll. Results: Major decrease in stress, good for your family.

Write: You have been working on another book about your own thoughts and beliefs about socialism and syndicalism, as well as on a few poems, memoirs, and some other odds and ends. Spending some time working on that will help order your thoughts and ease your burdens. Cost: Not great for your family. Time: 1 month. DC: No roll. Results: Decrease in stress, possibility of new traits.


Free Actions

Tweak a Subordinate's Priorities: While those who are working with you are scattered across the country, between the train and the telegram they are within reach. Requesting a minor change to their priorities is a simple matter. Cost: May pick only once per turn. Time: 1 month. DC: No roll. Result: May make 1 change to 1 subordinate's priorities (change order, add one, remove one).

Choose A Focus: You currently have no focus. Select two from the Available Focuses spoiler.


A/N: 2-hour moratorium, please.

Party Donation Drive, Influence, 21

The socialists and syndicalists who make up your ranks are dedicated individuals. They offer up their time and sweat (and all too often, their blood and tears) to bring about the Revolution. It's only through their effort and support that any of your victories are possible, and you have to be mindful of that. Your goals must be the goals of your supporters, you must always act within the boundaries they set for you. You have done...adequately in these respects, making clear efforts despite unfortunate setbacks, and so when anonymous donation boxes are set up in discreet corners of offices, more than a few dollar bills and coins are dropped in. The collected total is somewhat disappointing, but you find a shocking lack of condemnation or insistence that the money should go to this or that project, although everyone is guessing at what it's to be used for.
Result: Gain 4 Resources, no cost to support.

Union Donation Drive, Influence, 66

There's significantly more grumbling when you bring the same prospect forward to the unions. They are working men and women, often desperately poor, and they need every dollar they can get. Asking for it to be contributed to the party results in many cold looks and murmurs that the Democrats never did that. But the Democrats never won them the right to unionize or the promise of a revolution, and the people you send to ask are charismatic. Comrade Hamburger is actually the one to pen the script, asking the workers "give for those who mined the tin, who forged it into this can, who picked the fruit and packed it. Give so that tomorrow may be better..."

It's rather stirring, she has the makings of a public speaker. And it gets results. Impressive ones.

Result: Gain 11 Resources, insignificant cost to support.

The American Revolution, Pt.1, Authority

Nearly every major leadership figure in the party is an orthodox socialist or syndicalist. They understand your logic, they are well aware of the difficulties encountered, but it still sticks in their craw. But the necessity of it overwhelms any objections and you promise to keep the spirit of socialism evident, even encouraging Foster and Flynn to take a look at your notes and help you revise them.

The first step is to stop using the words proletariat and bourgeois. You can barely spell them in any case. There are only workers and bosses. Workers labor, bosses steal the value of that labor and give it back in the form of wages, using a variety of gossamer-thin or steel-thick threads to keep workers enslaved to the system as a whole.

Next, you start talking about history, invoking the stirring imagery of Washington crossing the Delaware to bring democracy to America...limited political democracy. The Founding Fathers of America of course wanted to go further, but certain figures constrained them, foisting upon them the 3/5ths compromise and the electoral college that gave Hoover the presidency.

It needs refinement and polishing, and so you turn it over to your friends and allies as you begin working on explaining how you plan to complete Washington's work. It will take another month of time and effort to finish.


Intra-Party Legislative Conference - Influence

Your agenda is ratified by the delegates with only a few minor tweaks, and then everyone goes back to their separate states. Almost immediately you hear of the first victories, as a somewhat watered-down bill for establishing worker's compensation is passed in California and a series of laws enshrining the right to strike are passed in Illinois, Michigan, and Indiana. The evident successes of the Socialist Party on the state level will likely only draw in further support even as opposition grows increasingly stormy - the Illinois bill was extensively filibustered until the language was amended, leaving the result somewhat unsatisfactory.

Result: Various states begin working on the legislative agenda you have made.

Striking Education (Tactical) - Influence, 41
The last few lessons are delivered to the last few unions. These are more focused on the organizational side of things, and while they are the most important, the reports you read suggest that not everyone understands that importance. You had to cut back on the manpower for this slightly to help with the donation drives, which was likely part of the problem, but at least everyone understands the basics. Strikes will be significantly harder to break now that the workers know to counter the Pinkertons.

Result: Spirit Gained: Institutional Striking Experience (Increased chance of success for strikes)

Striking Education (Ideological) - Authority

The first beginnings of American Revolutionism make their way out into the speeches of the men and women sent out, linking King George with the major bosses and the Continental Army with the Red Guards. To the charge of slavery, you proclaim your desire for liberation, and gradually hearts and minds begin to shift. In general, you encourage the agitators to take a more passionate tack. and reduce the emphasis on the specifics of theory.

Another speaker from the Socialist Party had come down. James didn't expect much, but it was something to do on a Saturday too chilly for baseball and so once more they crowded into the dance hall and waited to hear exhortations on why they should fight and kill their neighbors. Up sprung a pretty girl with long brown hair and a face like an avenging angel. She stared down at them, silencing any catcalls with sheer force of will. "How many of you know your history? Anyone hear know the name George Washington?"

James found her much more convincing. And when the mine boss and his Pinkerton thugs came around, he would give them a Concord. And he suspected, looking around, that he wasn't the only one.

Then she began to talk about the how, offering advice for how to handle them, again silencing a few catcalls and jeers before leaving and promising to send more information.


Personal Action: Write, 74

You spend some spare time at home, but your mind is distant, half on work and half on your latest project, an analysis of what revolutions need to succeed and remain true to their intent, comparing the American to the French, the Russian to the Second French, and even beginning to delve somewhat into things like the Boxer Rebellion and the Sepoy Revolt which barely made it into your history books. You begin to distill common factors into them, explaining why some maintained their ideals and others faltered...it's a simple product of material conditions, and all that can be done is to create those conditions.

Still, there's more to this product, although you frequently have to put aside as Louise interrupts to check on you or Comrade Flora comes over with news.

Report from the Coordination Committee

The committee concentrated heavily on their first attempt, likely aware of the high degree of scrutiny that would be on their actions. New York City was chosen as the test case at the behest of the mayor.

The first change was to identify the most corrupt and reactionary officers and fire them based on the many complaints made. Next, the upper leadership was replaced. Then the organizational structure was adjusted as new recruits, mostly Red Guards or men of similar attitudes were brought in and placed in units so that the majority of any single group were socialists.

The transition was smooth, and with the aid of the Red Guard and social welfare efforts sponsored by the mayor, crime has been somewhat reduced, although the political machine and organized crime groups will need further weeding out. There has been something of a backlash in the conservative media and the former police have begun organizing, but they are minor problems compared to the success of the program.

Focus: In the Dark

The Party has blood in its history. The blood of martyrs and the blood of tyrants. Some of this blood was spilled in open battle, but some was shed more discreetly when party offices mysteriously went up in flames and activists vanished in prison cells. Hard lessons were learned from that, in how to counter infiltration and how to use it for your own ends. Such dark tactics are needful, for the forces of reaction will stop at nothing to defeat you.

Result: Intrigue Actions unlocked

Focus: In the Thoughts of Those Who Strive

Over your years as a journalist, you have learned there are two ways to persuade someone. You can target their gut, or target their mind. You prefer to do both, personally, but many simply go for the mind. The workers of the United States must be convinced into class consciousness, the capitalists must be convinced to let history tumble onwards with as little resistance as possible. Lessons must be devised and arguments marshaled, for the battlefield will be ideological just as much as it is physical.

Result: Intellectual Actions unlocked

"To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan." - Abraham Lincoln

February 26th, 11:00 AM

Adam Smith still wore his uniform, although he had sold the gun to get here, to this muddy sea of canvas shelters. A faint drizzle fell upon him as the sergeants behind began to shout and yell, rallying the thousands-strong throng into a semblance of order. Though ragged and filthy, they formed a protective circle around the families who had chosen to accompany their husbands and fathers. They looked like soldiers.

He turned to the reporters who had come once again. "The Payment Army has waited patiently for Congress to give what they promised us. We will be doing our waiting on the lawn of the White House now."

As the barrage of questions and accusations began, a ragged bugle corp began to play. And so they began their march.

When I Get My Money - YouTube

Part 2

February 27th, 9:00 AM

"Syndicalist Army Marches on Washington!" - The Chicago Tribune

"Unpaid Soldiers Will Demand Compensation on the Lawn of the White House!" - The New York Times

"American Boys Neglected by Establishment Demand Wealth Be Shared!" - The New Orleans Journal

Part 3

February 27th, 10:00 AM

Congress is in session when something happens. An aid rushes to the vice president, who stiffens and leaves, practically mid-sentence. Secret Service men storm in, guns at the ready.

What the hell is going on?

Part 4

February 27th, 3:00 PM

He was footsore and weary, but the sight of his goal in the distance gave him strength as he sprinted from the head of the column to the center. "We're almost there, sarge!" he called at Sergeant Smith. Cheers rippled up and down, from one end to the other. Hats were thrown into the sky and left to be trampled or blown away. Someone began to sing "America the Beautiful."

Adam Smith turned his eyes towards the sky and began to whisper a prayer of thanks. And then he saw a glint of metal flash by.

It came again. Lower. Closer. Louder.

Part 5

February 27th, 4:00 PM

Congress is in revolt, howling in rage, Senators demanding to know what is going on. "The President will hear of this!" roared one.

"This is illegal!"
"What is going on on?"

The shouts fill the chamber, echoing off the walls, panic underlying the anger. You are more than a little frightened yourself. Is this a coup?

Into the chamber strides General MacArthur, wearing his uniform.

"Senators, MacArthur regrets to inform you that there is an attempted attack on Washington, DC. Former soldiers have banded together to overthrow the government..."

The shouts erupt again.

"Liar!" you rage.

"Two-faced bastard! You should hang for this!" spits Long.

For once, the two of you are united with each other.

And MacArthur backs down.

After a minute of hesitation, he gives in. "MacArthur will request that President Hoover come and explain the situation."

Part 6

February 27th, 6:00 PM

The Payment Army has made it to the Potomac, and is preparing to cross. Marching up the road, they begin to approach the bridges.

Sergeant Smith scans the sky, uneasy. He turns to his second in command. "Have the women and children fall back, and tell off a few men to guard them."

The man nods and the caravan begins to split.

And on the bridges, they see ranks of men in uniforms, the same one the Payment Army wears. But the Payment Army is filthy and ragged, these men could have stepped off a parade ground.

An officer steps forward. "You are in violation of Executive Order 3703. Disperse at once!"

The soldiers lift their rifles, ready to fire a volley. It looks like it will be a warning shot.

Part 7

February 27th 6:00 PM

The president has come, as MacArthur promised. The Secret Service men and the arrogant general have retreated out of the chamber.

Hoover looks aged, his skin pale and his hair graying. He's lost a great deal of weight, and his face seems...off, like one side hangs lower than the other.

"My eshteemed Senatorsh," he slus from the podium.

At first you are shocked, then you begin to calculate...something has clearly happened to Hoover. You don't know how bad it is...

He assures you that the Secret Servicemen are just here to protect you from dangerous radicals currently attacking the city, and that you can of course leave, although he will ask that you accept an escort until you reach the city limits or the "threat is dispersed."

Immediately, you and Long both storm out, followed by your delegations. The chamber is left nearly half-empty.

You and Long ended up walking side by side. You look over him, considering. He's a clever and charismatic man, one who desires to better the lot of workers and opposes the excess of capital. But then you look at the men following him, the men he has allied himself with. Your face freezes. If he comes to you...you might be willing to accept him.

As the door to the Capitol swings open, you turn away from him and inhale. It might be your imagination, but you think you can smell blood.

Finale

Newspapers litter your desk. "Bloodbath on the Potomac!" "Syndialist Mutiny Defeated!" "Longist Rebellion Destroyed" "The Imperialist Butchers Have Turned on Their Own!" Every reporter in the country has their own version, and none of them can agree, but the facts as best you can gather are this:

They were told to disperse and refused, and were fired on before tanks began to move in, using their bulk as mobile metal walls to force back and corral the soldiers and their families. At least a dozen have died, perhaps more.

Curtis told MacArthur to drive them away. MacArthur delegated the matter to a couple lesser officers, although how exactly is unclear. He insists that he said not to use excessive force. Then he went to protect Congress in hopes of getting some gratitude and to arrest you or Long, who he claims collaborated to lead the army.

You know he's lying. And you are confident he ordered the soldiers to fire. But there's no one to confirm it. The survivors have fled and are scattered. MacArthur is being lauded as a hero or condemned as a monster. Curtis has thrown him to the wolves while his subordinates defend the general.

In your office, glaring at the list of names that starts with Sergeant Adam Smith, you vow that both will die for it. They have started this class war, but you will finish it.

As you stand up, a delegation of your supporters enters. "Jack, have you seen this?" Thomas asks, throwing a newspaper down. The headline announces that MacArthur will not be charged.

"He's going to get away with it! He's going to get away with it! The goddamn monster slaughters Americans in cold blood, lies through his teeth, and then...this won't stand!" Norman Thomas rages, and the room falls silent.

He's a peaceful man by nature, and a pious one. He rarely even says "dang" or "dash." Your mouth is hanging open.

And then he fixes his gaze on you, and it burns. "This will not stand," he snarls.

You suspect if you disagree, it might cost your life, given the sheer rage radiating from him.

"We won't let it," you vow.

[+1 Influence from the sheer unbridled rage everyone in the SPA is feeling at MacArthur]