Map of Europe 1517
Map of Europe 1517
A Reforged World (NO SV, You are King of Italy, in a Greatly Changed World)
- Thread starter Magoose
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Book 3: Chapter 7: Something Incredible
Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
Book 3: Chapter 7: Something Incredible.
-[X]The Prime Ministers' Pet Project: The Prime minister is wishing to use the surplus of Gold in the budget to fund schools… Grammar School he calls them, to teach latin, Italian, and Greek, along with mathematics and literacy. He just needs your support for the Senate to Approve them. DC: ??? Reward: You begin the process of founding new schools for the Major cities. (Will complete in two turns)
The Work continues.
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-[X]The Last Will and Testament of Leonardo Da Vinci: The Great master has left behind something for the Italian Kingdom. DC:??? Reward: One Last Gift. Rolled:D100 + 20 => 90+D100 + 20 => 119+D100 + 20 => 100+D100 + 20 => 120+D100 + 20 => 103+D100 + 20 => 119+D100 + 20 => 100+D100 + 20 => 99+D100 + 20 => 98+D100 + 20 => 68=
Leonardo Da Vinci was one of the greatest minds to ever live. Even greater than you, in many ways. But he was always secretive, something that was filling all who knew him with a sense of Envy and mistrust. They think that he was crazy, mad or even just out of touch.
Yet there was something he always liked about you. When you last spoke, before he passed. He told you this. "Use this for the Wealth of Nations. Of Italy and our home. But never abuse that power."
When he died, you never realized what he actually meant.
To Luciano, the young King I have to respect.
Your Master Machaveli had wished that I had openly placed this to the open, for all the world to see, but I unfortunately do not believe that the technology we currently have would make it useful.
Or safe.
That is why many of the things that I am about to tell you is most important. And that only you should decide what it should be used for.
In my notes, I have created several inventions, encoded so that others would not basterdize my work, or see it only be used for the weapons and warfare as so many wished to see. My inventions are for all of mankind. For the world to see.
While I am certain that much of it will seem foreign to you, I know that you are smart enough to realize what it may mean for all people, if they are to be created.
You see, a colleague of mine, whom I entered correspondence with thanks to Master Gotz, has informed me of this wonderful invention that can print books at a speed that would be mindbogglingly fast, even for the new age that we live in. He will in due time, send you the schematics for it, for I believe it will be a project that will be or interest to the First Minister.
As for my notebook, I leave it to you, along with all the schematics that it has.
Though two pieces of information that I have may be of some use to you. My Steam engine is something I have long had a fascination for, and that I wish for you to try and expand upon it, try and create something bigger, that could heat water at will, or pump water out of the deepest mines. Or use it to find a way to light entire cities so that we may not be scared of the dark.
And finally, I leave you with a matter that I had only recently discovered, and one we should take haste to capitalize.
In the Sinai Peninsula, the region is ideal for a construction project the likes of which the world has never seen before. Cutting through the continent and using a system of canals, you can open a new door way to the East, without traveling through the world, or to the West as Columbus had. India, China, all will be within your grasp.
It would just require lives, and blood to see it done. In my notes, there are maps of the region, the sediment layout, everything I was able to receive from your spy Ezio when he was in Egypt for me.
My last wish… Do not needlessly wage war for your power. Only for Italy.
Your first king in a thousand years to be one where the people choose. Do not waste it for ambition and greed.
Your humble servant.
Leonardo.
Your Master Machaveli had wished that I had openly placed this to the open, for all the world to see, but I unfortunately do not believe that the technology we currently have would make it useful.
Or safe.
That is why many of the things that I am about to tell you is most important. And that only you should decide what it should be used for.
In my notes, I have created several inventions, encoded so that others would not basterdize my work, or see it only be used for the weapons and warfare as so many wished to see. My inventions are for all of mankind. For the world to see.
While I am certain that much of it will seem foreign to you, I know that you are smart enough to realize what it may mean for all people, if they are to be created.
You see, a colleague of mine, whom I entered correspondence with thanks to Master Gotz, has informed me of this wonderful invention that can print books at a speed that would be mindbogglingly fast, even for the new age that we live in. He will in due time, send you the schematics for it, for I believe it will be a project that will be or interest to the First Minister.
As for my notebook, I leave it to you, along with all the schematics that it has.
Though two pieces of information that I have may be of some use to you. My Steam engine is something I have long had a fascination for, and that I wish for you to try and expand upon it, try and create something bigger, that could heat water at will, or pump water out of the deepest mines. Or use it to find a way to light entire cities so that we may not be scared of the dark.
And finally, I leave you with a matter that I had only recently discovered, and one we should take haste to capitalize.
In the Sinai Peninsula, the region is ideal for a construction project the likes of which the world has never seen before. Cutting through the continent and using a system of canals, you can open a new door way to the East, without traveling through the world, or to the West as Columbus had. India, China, all will be within your grasp.
It would just require lives, and blood to see it done. In my notes, there are maps of the region, the sediment layout, everything I was able to receive from your spy Ezio when he was in Egypt for me.
My last wish… Do not needlessly wage war for your power. Only for Italy.
Your first king in a thousand years to be one where the people choose. Do not waste it for ambition and greed.
Your humble servant.
Leonardo.
Reward: You have Leonardo's notebook, and with it, all his inventions and ideas. You will need to decipher it though.
He also leaves you with two great engineering projects.
One of his steam engines, that he believes can be modified and made more powerful, serving whatever use that it can be… to serve and create something that all of Italy can benefit.
Along with the most ambitious project ever devised by human hands. He believes that you can create a canal that can do… the impossible. Serve as a sea gate to India and the East.
Gutenberg will also send you a copy of the design of his printing press in a few turns once he is finished with it. He believes it can change the world.
New Actions Available.
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-[X]Rebuilding Rome (The Sewers): You have a strong belief that if the city can remain clean and healthy, the city's entire place will follow. DC: ??? Reward: You begin a reconstruction of Romes's Ancient Sewers. (Costs 4 Turns) Rolled:D100 => 22
With all that The First Minster is spending, he refused to sign off on the budget, instead wishing to finish his pet project, before everything can be made whole.
Failure!
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-[X]The Moderates and You: The Moderates are what you expect. Men who want nothing more than to keep Italy stable, happy and their positions secured. It is an honorable position to have, and perhaps there are things that can make things happy. DC: 20 Reward: You meet with the Moderates, and discover their objectives and political makeup. Rolled:D100 => 70
Senator Travoli's moderates as they were called… well they were nothing of the sort.
They were radicals in the most dire manner. They despised war, viewing it as a waste of the state's resources that could be used to increase trade, and build infrastructure. Almost everything that they viewed as wrong with the world, went back to the inability to trade, and exploit markets for their own benefit.
That is to say they are not insane. They were fans of the Navy, and they would spend much to maintain it's current form.
Yet they are also incredibly naive when handling diplomatic affairs. They are easily swayed.
It is quite a good thing that the Republicans and the Grazini's are in a coalition… because otherwise, you feared, they would have done something incredibly stupid.
In fact, their greatest ally was a domestic rabble-rouser that started a newspaper, that was slowly entrenching itself into Italian Society.
Octavian was a strange man… but soon you felt, he would become one of the most powerful men in the country.
Yet they were remarkably able to get people on the side. And you honestly didn't care. They did good work. And weren't threatening to kill you.
Reward: You learn about the moderates and other people in your government.
They are strange, but they are also competent.
The Moderates do not provide any bonuses to the Rumor mill. But they do not provide any debuffs as well.
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-[X]Simple Matters of Trust: You and Isabella take a long look at each other, as you led her through the fields. "Is everything alright?" You asked. DC:40 Reward: Unknown. Rolled:D100 => 72
Isabella was quiet as you walked across the field, and you watched as she shivered, standing in place on the open field. "Are you alright?" You asked as you tucked your pistol into its holster, seeing that she was no longer in any danger.
"It's strange to hear those words?" She said with a quiver in her tone, as she sat down, and you followed her. "Strange indeed."
"How so?" You asked. "Showing care is not a weakness."
"You haven't met my father or grandfather. They dotted yes, they cared, but they never loved." She said. "When I was young, I was told that I have a duty to preform, one that is to secure alliances, and to make friends, serve my families interests… and only theirs."
She took a breath and held herself tight, clutching her knees. "When I became ill, the doctors told my father I would not live. That I would die. That God had cursed me with my frailty and everyting was because of his sins… but he never took it as his sins. He blamed me, and my mother, before he died. Charles ran away, and chose to ignore the responsibilities that he was born to, because he decided that adventure and glory were what he desired."
"And what is it you desire?" You asked.
She laughed. "I have no desires, my duty is to my husband. To you."
"That doesn't answer my question." You stated. "What is it you desire?"
Isabella looked out into the horizon. "I don't know. I thought I would be dead by now. I never thought about what I wanted. Only that I had to do my duty. And die. All my being is to secure alliances and bring children into this world. Everything else is secondary. Even my political training is merely a means to an end."
You took a breath and placed a hand on her shoulder. "I'm sorry."
"It's not your fault. I'm just a pawn in politics just like you. I don't have desires."
"Yes you do." You replied. "You just don't know what it is yet."
She looked at you, and than your cheek. "Why do you care if I'm happy or not?"
For The Love of Man Activates!
"Because you are my wife… and you are a person that shouldn't be that way." You said. "Because I do care."
There were tears in her eyes, and she looked away. She said nothing more.
Reward: You have begun to build an understanding with Isabella. And she is beginning to realize the empathy that you have…
And that she doesn't need to be afraid of you.
And that no one can hurt her ever again.
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-[X]Retirement: Machiavelli is enjoying his retirement. But that does not mean you do not come to him for wisdom. DC: 0 Reward: You get Wisdom from your Old Master. Rolled:D100 => 65
"You should let me die." Your master said as he looked up from his writings. "What part of retirement do you not understand Luciano?"
"I still need your advice." You stated. "And you are still here to give it."
You master Laughed. "Indeed I am, before my heart kills me. So what do you need?"
"Do you think we will be at war?" You asked.
His face became serious. "At the moment no. With the Navy as strong as it is, they will keep the mainland safe for a time. The German princes do not see a threat right now from Italy, now that you married the Emperors grand daughter. But France still holds much desires, and they will want their territory back."
"And the Ottomans?"
"Irrelevent at the moment. Your thrashing has given him pause, and the hungarians might be able to finish the job." He said. "But I doubt it. Suliman is different than his father, more calmer, more able to trust and take action. He's dangerous."
"So am I." You stated.
"No you are dangerous because of how little power you wield." Your master said. "They can't just spy on you to see what is happening. Suliman is all-powerful, his armies obey him and his command is law. He will wish to stabilize his rule. And do it well before he sets his sight west or south."
He smiled. "You were wise not to marry his sister. He would have used her to influence our affairs."
"Thank you." You stated. "Now what?"
"I'm old Luciano. Please, I want to be able to bask in my success, and die peacefully, not enamored in politics."
"You know that won't happen." You said.
"True, but an old man can hope." He stated.
Reward: The Master gives wisdom.
-[X]Letters from an old Friend: Charles has sent a letter from the New World. A New World he intends to conquer. DC: 0 Reward: You look at the whole letter, and realize something strange. He doesn't want to come back. Rolled:D100 => 1
Loot Quality:D100 => 21
My brother,
How it warms my heart that I can call you that now. I have had a wonderful time in the New World, and I have conquered much. And there is still more.
I wish I could send you anything… but there is nothing I can send other than my love, and the gold I give you.
I have sent you slaves that these savages are… but I learned of your disdain for such practices. Which is quite a pity. This new world needs labor, and African slaves are the most readily available ones that we can use. For there are just not nearly enough Spaniards to come to the New World.
Charles, Prince of the New World.
How it warms my heart that I can call you that now. I have had a wonderful time in the New World, and I have conquered much. And there is still more.
I wish I could send you anything… but there is nothing I can send other than my love, and the gold I give you.
I have sent you slaves that these savages are… but I learned of your disdain for such practices. Which is quite a pity. This new world needs labor, and African slaves are the most readily available ones that we can use. For there are just not nearly enough Spaniards to come to the New World.
Charles, Prince of the New World.
Reward: Charles may have allowed his power to go to his head… his letter is clearly unhinged.
And he is also expressing interest in exploiting the new world for all it's worth…
As well as using it on the backs of slaves.
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-[X]The Keys of State Craft: Your master wants you to learn the fine arts of making friends and allies. Even if it means you abhor them. DC: 40 Reward: You learn the fine arts of diplomacy. Rolled:D100 + 15 => 57
You learned well from your wife, who was a remarkably good teacher.
Reward: +1 to Decorum.
AN: @RealOtto Your roll bonus really caused me to tear my hair out right now.
HOLY FUCK!
In Good Hands
- Pronouns
- Reader
In Good Hands
Isabella of Austria had been raised in an Autocracy. It was the only government she had ever known. The government her education, which was more thorough than most, told her was the key to a prosperous rule. The lessons had been slightly biased, but their truth was one that had withstood the passage of time, and yet...
She had devoted much of her time since her arrival studying the senate and parliaments of Italy, subject of much debate in the courts of Europe. The common subject matter was whether it held any true power. Did they govern by the will of their king, with mere pretenses of power to mollify the radical republicans with delusions of governance? Or were they tools of the prime minister, by which sovereign and legislator both were played against each other in a great game of words and laws? The truth was far more shocking.
The senate and parliament practiced true governance. Its officials acted with a degree of both autonomy and coordination, handling the distribution and enforcement of decrees made and laws passed, the administration of land, and on some days would even draw funds from the treasury to deal with some minor crisis or issue within the kingdom.
Luciano, though young, was respected. He was no absolute authority, but neither were his words or suggestions dismissed. More often than not, the subject of debate was how the king's will could be best carried out, what changes it would bring, and what sort of budget it would require. His aims were not entirely without opposition, but there was far less of the infighting, pandering and slander which plagued her father's courts.
This she attributed to prime minister Randio, who guided the debate with ease. His pointed remarks were a stabilizing element, his knowledge of law apt, yet it was his abilities as an administer which truly defined his contributions. He more than any kept the senate in a steady state of progress. He had little tolerance for time wasting ceremony, and though he was not the most passionate orator, his points were grounded in a sort of immovable logic and conviction, a blunt instrument that left his opponents with little room to maneuver.
This government, which by all she had learned should be a dysfunctional mess, was effective, united in purpose, and startlingly civil. These contrary concepts refused to be reconciled by her efforts alone, but she could not trust anyone involved with them too explain it to her, lest she leave herself unduly open to there influence. None the less, to remain ignorant was to remain powerless, so she turned to the only acquaintance sufficiently familiar with, yet distant enough from its halls to instruct her.
"I see. So this is what has been plaguing your thoughts. Luciano had mentioned that you seemed troubled." Machiavelli said in response to her unasked question. It pleased her that her husband had not understood. She did not want her motives and misgivings to be transparent to him, not yet at least.
"I cannot reconcile it, this government which I have been taught cannot work, yet the effectiveness of which cannot be denied. Were my instructors truly so wrong?" She asked
"I should say first that you have arrived during a particularly good year. In particular, the Moderati majority means a great deal of normal infighting has been done away with in the name of progressing Moderati agenda while it holds, and the success of Randio's project permits him forwardness he will not be able to rely on indefinitely.
The one constant, is the respect afforded to Luciano. Whatever a man or woman's opinion of the current state of the nation, all within those halls know that it is he who forged the path there. It was his words which convinced monarchs to allow its formation, his weapons which gave me leverage with which to maneuver the leaders of Italy's great cities, his legend which inspired Italy's people to dream of an Italian nation."
That was a daunting thought. A man who had forged an empire simply by following unrelated dreams and lending his legend and influence to his master's ambition. On the other hand, it also allowed her to calm herself. She had perhaps been hasty, expecting her education to avail her answers when her experience with a constitutional monarchy was far too low.
They talked further, and Machiavelli was able to illuminate much that had escaped her.
"The Legislators and Senators, so many of them are quite young. Grown men yes, but young men, and some who seem little more than gangly boys. I expected men more like yourself." She stated suddenly.
"Yes, I understand your point." Machiavelli said, before nursing his wine for a long moment as he pondered. "It is a great nuisance, but the transition from governing disconnected city states of Italy individually and running of a nation in the manner of a distant nation few Italians have ever set foot in is a taxing one, as my own health can attest to. Even those with the vitality have trouble adjusting in other areas.
Thus by necessity, the rule of the nation must fall to young men like Luciano and Randio Travioli. Good hands in which to leave the nation, despite their youth, though they could always use another pair. Perhaps in time, you might feel confident to offer your own contributions, but for now, continue to watch. You are a quick study, but patience is a virtue."
My Randio Omake turned into a Machiavelli one before I knew it, but I like how it turned out.
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The Return of Senator Octavian
The Return of Senator Octavian
Octavian stands before the Senate with a look of anger on his face, fortunately for the group of administrators the Prime Minister has to attend another of his weekly meetings with the King.
"I have looked over his project like a hound looking at its prey, and what did I find?!" He says with anger in his tone. "A bunch of no-names with incompetence matching the reign of the Elagabalus!"
"I-if you may, Senator Octavian." A quivering Senator speaks out to his insufferable co-worker. "You may start from the beginning of your..journey to give us prestigious body context to understand from."
"Very well, Senator Organon." Octavian calms down as he notices he has the Senate's absolute attention on his person. "Many of you have noticed my own support, no matter how diminished, of my Prime Minister Rival's Education plans.." Here, he stops as he sees many of the Senators nod to that statement.
"Compared to my contemporary who focuses on that big word called 'success' as it flew into his mind like a messenger pigeon that was trained to crash all the time, I remain to place a close eye on his pet project to its smallest cranks and gears to see it before my eccentric eyes." He ignores a Senator's mutter of 'insane eyes'. "And what I've found?
"Idiots claiming to be geniuses of the arts that even Da Vinci blush! That they've claimed to have taught Former Minister Machiavelli! When in actuality they're simply taking the money, claiming to be teachers, and have performed unprofessionally to the standard that educators should've been heading towards!" He fisted his right hand as he glares at them, each sentence being emphasised along with his actions as he hit the air in front of him.
"What makes this worse than any of you idiots running around making sure this status quo of education continues, is the fact your so-called 'examiners' are being paid to the maximum by these unsavoury people who wants to get the Long-Term Benefits of their own payment while they continue to abuse and neglect the everyday Italian!" He roars at them, each of them flinching at the ferocious speech with some face faulting in shame.
"As you can see, with my eyes enlightened and my Prime Minister Rival's focus towards continuing this status quo with his focus on 'Best Education in the World'..no matter how ludicrous is it to expect to give the Best Teachings to the next generation by incompetents like the examples I've mentioned earlier..I have decided to instead collaborate with teachers and students willing to return feedback to create a new Education Document that details and secures the safety of both educators and students from rampant abuses by these nincompoops!"
He throws them a copy of his titled document 'The Italian People's Education Edict' that details reforms and changes with feedback and using his own observations and..journalists..to add in points of interest that lead to the completed Edict.
"Y-you're demanding the Government to perform an expanded budget and additional programs to add to the expenses?!" A Senator shouts in shock.
"A much more organised yet expanded variant of my Prime Minister Rival's free-for-all education plan must be the way towards making sure nothing goes wrong for educators and students again!" Octavian glares at the speaker as the one who spoke flinches.
"At Tomorrow's session in the Parliament, I will submit this proposal." He looks at the window with a dark look on his face. "And nothing will be spared against those who seek to continue this debauchery of an education!" Here, his face softens as he looks at his shocked contemporaries with a pleaded look. "I ask of each and one of you to help me on this great Crusade to make sure our people's Education is truly the best and not some ploy to attain wealth at the cost of everyone."
'And If I must.' He thinks to himself as a brand new idea comes to his mind. 'Nay, I will do. I will inform the people of these nefarious plots to steal the Government and abuse the innocents who simply want to educate and learn..tell and plead with them to help my Great Noble Crusade against these parasites!'
The World Rumor Mill 1
Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
The World Rumor Mill 1
The Ottomans:D100 => 87
To say that Suliman was in a difficult position in handling his now precarious situation was an understatement. He was seeing that others were possibly on the way to kill him. His family was fragmenting under the sheer weight of responsibilities that were being asked of them.
His officers were not loyal, suffering from the humiliation of the Italian campaigns. His Navy in Ruins. Of course, that was something that was going to be rectified when he was at peace and could focus on administration.
That required him to deal with his enemies, the Hungarians and the Greek Rebels who were at his gates. He would not survive if either of them would win any victory. He knew he had to destroy them to regain his legitimacy.
Or he would be dead. So he would… take a page from his adversary Luciano… and do the impossible.
He would purchase, at exorbitant markups, one thousand Grazini firearms, the best in the world, and arm his special units and gunners.
And meet his enemies head-on in battle.
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Hungry:D100 => 1
The Hungarians fell first, near the city of Sofia, in Bulgaria, when they met in battle. The only king sensing blood in the water, as they have started their campaign to retake the Holy city of Constantinople.
He had managed to keep them from attacking while he hid his forces deep in the forests, with no fires, no tents, and the men spending the winter in the snow, freezing. But the sultan did not care. For he was able to bait his enemy across the river, recklessly.
And his cannons and firearms did the rest.
The King had led the charge, somehow remaining alive in his diseased state.
But he died screaming when a bullet slammed into his chest, and he was pulled off by Ottoman soldiers, angered and furious at their discomfort. And stabbed over a thousand times.
When it was over, Every single Hungarian was a prisoner or killed.
The Sultan didn't care. He had other things to worry about.
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Greek Rebels:D100 => 1
The Rebels… well they lacked a leader because Suliman had murdered him.
A knife in the back, from a dubious source. And he had that catspaw murdered after.
When it was over the rebels lay down their arms…
And it was all over.
Reward: Suliman secured his position… expertly in war and subterfuge.
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Austria:D100 => 18
Poland/Lithuania: D100 => 11
Eastern Europe is now wide open, Poland is busy dealing with Russian attacks on their borders… while in Austria, there is Chaos in Vienna.
The Throne of Spain is Empty, and Charles has still not returned home.
Reward: Eastern Europe cannot gather itself to form a coalition.
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France:D100 => 55
In France, stability is the name of the game. The ministers of the King have won a war with the Empire, but lack any sort of ability to capitalize on their gains, instead using monetary compensation. And it was enough to make sure that peace would remain for now.
For now.
Reward: France won its war against the Empire… barely. But now it is focusing on rebuilding itself.
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England:D100 => 59
Scotland:D100 => 59
The Two continue a dance that will always be there.
Scotland and England will never see peace, nor will they know victory.
They will only know each other, and in a way, for both Kings. That will be done for now.
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The HRE:D100 => 47
The Emperor may have lost, but he knew that there was much worse troubles closer to home.
The Legendary Mercenary, Gotz of the Iron Hand, was growing far too powerful and favorable to the many princes and free cities.
Some even want him to lead the Imperial armies. But he would not allow it.
There was something about that mercenary that just struck the Emperor wrong. And it would make him act differently.
Reward: The Emperor failed in his war by not using all his cards, and putting his trust in the greatest mercenary in the world.
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Spain:D100 => 93+D100 => 94+D100 => 92+D100 => 88=367
The queen is dead, and they have spared no expense in handling it…
They need Charles, or anarchy will follow.
The good news is, unlike the rest of Europe… they knew where he was. They just needed to find him and bring him home.
Reward: Charles is now the absent King of Spain, and now, they are desperately trying to find him and bring him home.
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Charles the V:
D100 => 96 + D100 => 100 +D100 => 93+D100 => 92+D100 => 89
The Aztecs:D100 => 5
This city of savages and destruction… of human sacrifice, was finally his. To think that the Emperor of these people willingly met with your man Cortes, and was taken by force?
You had spent months gathering allies from the natives, learning the languages, and building your alliances and coalitions where all would bow to your rule and that of God Himself.
It took only the simple horses and firearms to bring many of the enslaved masses of the Aztecs over to their side.
But this city was beautiful, breathtakingly so. And he saw these people as brilliant.
But it was a marker, a temple that would need to be changed to suit his vision.
He looked at this Montezuma and only smirked. "Under most laws and customs a ruler is kept as a prisoner. To serve as a hostage for the rest of your life."
He pulled out his pistol and then shot him in the head. "I am not interested in those customs Emperor. I am interested in using what you have. To build something that will last longer than any of your simple pyramids."
He turned to his men. "BURN IT ALL! LEAVE NOTHING STANDING!"
He was going to make a statement. He would take everything, and tear this place down brick by brick if he had to.
There would be no greatness of their past. Only the certainty of their future bowing to their new Emperor.
Reward: Charles and his conquistadors conquered the Aztecs… in a brutal campaign of violence and skillful diplomacy… and decided to raze Tenochtitlan to the ground.
He is razing any native city to the ground, and rebuilding the entire new world in his own image. For his Empire.
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Pizzaro:D100 => 84
The Incas:D100 => 65
In another Life, Pizzaro would find a nation in turmoil, and conquer it all with his men.
Here it is different.
He would have to wage a brutal campaign…
REward: The War between Pizzaro and the Incas has begun… and this will be a long campaign.
AN: Charles have a Snickers, you're not you when you are hungry!
The Ottomans:D100 => 87
To say that Suliman was in a difficult position in handling his now precarious situation was an understatement. He was seeing that others were possibly on the way to kill him. His family was fragmenting under the sheer weight of responsibilities that were being asked of them.
His officers were not loyal, suffering from the humiliation of the Italian campaigns. His Navy in Ruins. Of course, that was something that was going to be rectified when he was at peace and could focus on administration.
That required him to deal with his enemies, the Hungarians and the Greek Rebels who were at his gates. He would not survive if either of them would win any victory. He knew he had to destroy them to regain his legitimacy.
Or he would be dead. So he would… take a page from his adversary Luciano… and do the impossible.
He would purchase, at exorbitant markups, one thousand Grazini firearms, the best in the world, and arm his special units and gunners.
And meet his enemies head-on in battle.
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Hungry:D100 => 1
The Hungarians fell first, near the city of Sofia, in Bulgaria, when they met in battle. The only king sensing blood in the water, as they have started their campaign to retake the Holy city of Constantinople.
He had managed to keep them from attacking while he hid his forces deep in the forests, with no fires, no tents, and the men spending the winter in the snow, freezing. But the sultan did not care. For he was able to bait his enemy across the river, recklessly.
And his cannons and firearms did the rest.
The King had led the charge, somehow remaining alive in his diseased state.
But he died screaming when a bullet slammed into his chest, and he was pulled off by Ottoman soldiers, angered and furious at their discomfort. And stabbed over a thousand times.
When it was over, Every single Hungarian was a prisoner or killed.
The Sultan didn't care. He had other things to worry about.
-----------------------------------------
Greek Rebels:D100 => 1
The Rebels… well they lacked a leader because Suliman had murdered him.
A knife in the back, from a dubious source. And he had that catspaw murdered after.
When it was over the rebels lay down their arms…
And it was all over.
Reward: Suliman secured his position… expertly in war and subterfuge.
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Austria:D100 => 18
Poland/Lithuania: D100 => 11
Eastern Europe is now wide open, Poland is busy dealing with Russian attacks on their borders… while in Austria, there is Chaos in Vienna.
The Throne of Spain is Empty, and Charles has still not returned home.
Reward: Eastern Europe cannot gather itself to form a coalition.
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France:D100 => 55
In France, stability is the name of the game. The ministers of the King have won a war with the Empire, but lack any sort of ability to capitalize on their gains, instead using monetary compensation. And it was enough to make sure that peace would remain for now.
For now.
Reward: France won its war against the Empire… barely. But now it is focusing on rebuilding itself.
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England:D100 => 59
Scotland:D100 => 59
The Two continue a dance that will always be there.
Scotland and England will never see peace, nor will they know victory.
They will only know each other, and in a way, for both Kings. That will be done for now.
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The HRE:D100 => 47
The Emperor may have lost, but he knew that there was much worse troubles closer to home.
The Legendary Mercenary, Gotz of the Iron Hand, was growing far too powerful and favorable to the many princes and free cities.
Some even want him to lead the Imperial armies. But he would not allow it.
There was something about that mercenary that just struck the Emperor wrong. And it would make him act differently.
Reward: The Emperor failed in his war by not using all his cards, and putting his trust in the greatest mercenary in the world.
--------------------------------
Spain:D100 => 93+D100 => 94+D100 => 92+D100 => 88=367
The queen is dead, and they have spared no expense in handling it…
They need Charles, or anarchy will follow.
The good news is, unlike the rest of Europe… they knew where he was. They just needed to find him and bring him home.
Reward: Charles is now the absent King of Spain, and now, they are desperately trying to find him and bring him home.
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Charles the V:
D100 => 96 + D100 => 100 +D100 => 93+D100 => 92+D100 => 89
The Aztecs:D100 => 5
This city of savages and destruction… of human sacrifice, was finally his. To think that the Emperor of these people willingly met with your man Cortes, and was taken by force?
You had spent months gathering allies from the natives, learning the languages, and building your alliances and coalitions where all would bow to your rule and that of God Himself.
It took only the simple horses and firearms to bring many of the enslaved masses of the Aztecs over to their side.
But this city was beautiful, breathtakingly so. And he saw these people as brilliant.
But it was a marker, a temple that would need to be changed to suit his vision.
He looked at this Montezuma and only smirked. "Under most laws and customs a ruler is kept as a prisoner. To serve as a hostage for the rest of your life."
He pulled out his pistol and then shot him in the head. "I am not interested in those customs Emperor. I am interested in using what you have. To build something that will last longer than any of your simple pyramids."
He turned to his men. "BURN IT ALL! LEAVE NOTHING STANDING!"
He was going to make a statement. He would take everything, and tear this place down brick by brick if he had to.
There would be no greatness of their past. Only the certainty of their future bowing to their new Emperor.
Reward: Charles and his conquistadors conquered the Aztecs… in a brutal campaign of violence and skillful diplomacy… and decided to raze Tenochtitlan to the ground.
He is razing any native city to the ground, and rebuilding the entire new world in his own image. For his Empire.
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Pizzaro:D100 => 84
The Incas:D100 => 65
In another Life, Pizzaro would find a nation in turmoil, and conquer it all with his men.
Here it is different.
He would have to wage a brutal campaign…
REward: The War between Pizzaro and the Incas has begun… and this will be a long campaign.
AN: Charles have a Snickers, you're not you when you are hungry!
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Do You Hear The People Sing?
Do You Hear The People Sing?
Giuseppe Tortelini, Reporter of The Times New Roman
Sabotage is a common tactic known since the days of the Early Civilisation up to the Rebirth of Ideas and Wonder. It is no wonder of its usage being used by the many cities that once were created for the people – now being simple counties used to benefit only a single unit of percentage.
Just last week – here in the City of Genoa, a force of thugs had destroyed the City's Town Square into ruin, not even its populace were spared from the destruction as the common lootings one would think match with those of the Barbarians be taken as "tribute" to its next door major City of Milan.
Ever since the Unification of the Italian States into one singular Governing Body, many of the cities across Italy were neglected in favour of the more important cities such as Venezia, Roma, Naples, Florence..even the Region of Sicily were given more money (no matter how the latter makes more sense for a recovery).
Ignored, and being used as brooding mares while being treated as simpletons by the higher-ups no matter of their education. The People of Genoa continues to be repeatedly harassed in the midst of these series of games of sabotages for the focus of "A Budget to help restore the Cities to become prosperous" – when in actuality little of it ever is returned back to the people in any capacity except for the important figures.
In which, requests for grants from the Genoese Municipality for their "business trips" in other cities with their own armed guard for their security with the increasing amount of tensions and violence swept across the "Unimportant Cities", vying for the Central Government's attention.
The problems only became worse, as the infrastructure of the once prominent City in the Italian Peninsula became shredded to the ages of time and destruction by many raiders and even inner insurgents – no doubt working for the higher Classes to make their plight more sympathetic to the Government.
Guards that once made sure crime was lessened, were on the backfoot as its higher command are repeatedly in fights against each other as all the members in their individuality are repeatedly blackmailed by the higher caste. With the Guard's indifferent and cowardice behaviour, Crime Rates only increased as many of the desperate sought food and coin for their own – and for some, their family's survival.
Innocents are on the brink of choosing sides, and if not – already occurring. Until the Government can begin mandating a new system of Enforcing of the Common Peace dictated by the Laws of the Italian Nation, a new way to divide the budget much more fairly by regional governments rather than individual rulers, and ways to defang the higher caste from continuing their leech tactics on the Common People of Italy and the Government of the Italian Nation.
Otherwise, expectations of dissertation of the foreign merchants, traders, and immigrants who sought the new European Powerhouse's enriched state would only continue to become positive.
Singing in the Valley of the Night
Sequel of: Do You Hear The People Sing?
Singing in the Valley of the Night
"THE SITUATION IS ONLY BECOMING WORSE!" Fiumi Polidenti, a Die-hard Republican, yells in the midst of the Republican faction meeting building (as of course only afforded to the three factions of the Italian Government). "The Vicious acts can only be perpetuated as the Higher Castes continue to become lurchers and leeches stealing behind the backs of the common citizens of the people!"
"The People of Italy will continue to be abused as that Cross-Eyed Gun Leech in power with that Witch only making his incompetent mind much more sluggish and perceptive to the plight of the people he swore to represent!" Miamadre Belladonna, part of Polidenti's clique of Die-Hard Republicans, speaks loudly as he slams a fist onto the meeting table.
"It'll continue to become worse with you friable bunch of poltroons trying to Masquerade our supporters! Leading the Republicans serving the people and changing it to serving your heads of eggshells!" Shouts back Giovanni Respatori, another leader of the factionalised Republicans.
"What did you say?!" Belladonna shouts as he is red in anger at Giovanni.
"I think this session needs to quiet down.." Senator Octavian Ottorus speaks out with a frown before he is cut-off as the duo begins another one of their more consistent fights. He palms his face as he looks at the Republicans he was practically working with.
Ever since Machiavelli's own support of the creation of a Constitutional Monarchy, the Republican faction's once united front can only crumble in multiple spheres of cliques that Octavian can only compare to common thugs meeting with other factions of crime in taverns to host bar fights with the loose goal of 'bringing a semblance of peace'.
Once respected members that sought to bring forth a state that represents the people they were meant to serve, only turned towards holding grudges against anyone and everyone that would agree or disagree to anything.
Octavian couldn't help but believe this was one of Machiavelli's motives towards not favouring the Republicans much recently, to divide those who are truly loyal enough to form a legitimate government that would provide stability and those who only sought the destruction of the Monarchy – to split them means they couldn't collaborate to conduct a true revolution that would get King Luciano to leave the building.
His thoughts were interrupted as a bar match inside the Republican Faction Meeting Building practically destroyed every piece of furniture aside from the chair he was sitting on..for the third time that month.
Pinching the bridge of his nose, he shakes his head in disappointment at the other members of the faction, then decides to leave before anything more idiotic could occur that would even make him and his eccentricities annoyed.
9Scene Change9
Closing the door behind him, Octavian couldn't help but look at the night sky and its plentiful amounts of stars shining down on him and the several other people like him looking back at it with an awe-struck face.
Holding tight to his pistol, in case some idiot decides to try and mug him, he walks out of the place to take a wander around the Capital City of the Kingdom of Italy. Maybe a piece of inspiration would reach him to think about and add to his list of projects to develop?
The night breeze tickles his exposed skin, with its fresh and coolness being breathed into his nostrils bringing a sense of refreshment from the chicken hen that was his faction's meeting plac-
"HELP!" And other calls for attention are heard across the small commoner-based market section of the City.
Hearing them, Octavian grips his pistol as he quickly races towards where the calls for help came from with as much stealth he can place in – his adrenaline racing through him with all of his senses sharpened with the sound of a struggle being heard as he comes close to the location..
"Common thieves!" He thunders in anger as he sees these..thugs attempting to kidnap many of the commoners while destroying the many closed and open stalls, then the Night Guard..
"ARE YOU IMBICILES!" He yells loudly at the cowardly group of guards staying at the sidelines, causing them (and the thugs) to flinch and become shocked at the infamous Senator appearing out of nowhere. "DO YOUR JOBS!"
Not wanting the madman to try and rant at them, the Guards quickly apprehend the common thugs that tried to deface the Italian People's place of haggling, selling, and buying wares.
"How." He grits his teeth with anger as he grabs the neck of a passing guard with strength nobody expected him to have. "Did." His eyes look at the whimpering person's eyes. "This even happen! You and your brothers were here, were they not?" He gets a shaky nod in response to his query.
"When you see a person in need, you do not simply stand abide and let the crime happen!" He spits out with seething anger, he tosses the guard to the side. "Make sure not to allow this incident to happen again..no matter who tries to pay you or any of your friends!" The man pales at that implied knowledge. "Go!" he flees as Octavian continues to look at him with a disappointed look on his face.
"To think it even happens in Roma." His complexion softens to a saddened expression as he takes full attention at the crying civilians that was hurt during the whole incident..not to mention the destroyed stalls and – now his focus wasn't focused on a person anymore – the buildings that were trashed from the inside out.
"This is what happens when the so-called people's faction, The Republican Faction, continues their bickering on the less necessary subjects and not focus on the People." He mutters sadly, before a new idea enters his head.
"Mayhaps..I can get others to get on this venture – one that isn't focused on the Monarchy Question, but one that focuses on the issues, solutions, and providing service to the very people this Country stands for." He looks at the moon with a resolute look on his face.
Map of the United Kingdom of Italy 1518
Map of the United Kingdom of Italy 1518
Legend
Beige: Kingdom of Rome
Pink: Duchy of Savoy
Dark Blue: Republic of Genoa
Green: Duchy of Milan
Blue: Republic of Venice
Red: Republic of Florence
Purple: Kingdom of Naples
Dark Green: Kingdom of Sicily
Light Blue: Kingdom of Candia-Morea
Orange: Kingdom of Cyprus
Gray: Knights Hospitaller
Okay, so after my admittedly mid map last time, I used a better base and did more research to make a true definitive map of our borders at this current time. Al of the mainland Italian territories correspond with the Itlaian states leading up to Unification historically with a lot of the smaller states being annexed into the greater states. The inclusion of Venice gave us their Dalmatian territories, Ioanian islands, Venetian Albania, and Cyprus as well.
As for the new additions, well there's some retcons. Since the Ottomans owned none of our territorial demands in the peace treaty, I asked and received permission from Magoose to make some changes. First of all, Rhodes asked for annexation by us as they need our Navy to carry out their duties, so Rhodes was annexed along with them getting the Ottoman North Aegan islands. Secondly, the island of Euborea and the peninsula of Morea are annexed during the war. This is due to them being historic Venetian territories that fell to the Ottomans in the last 50 years, so this is reclaiming rightful Italian clay and that was ruled by our fathers and grandfathers, thus something Suleiman can accept.
As for the internal divisions, since so many of our states formerly held the title of Kingdoms, it was my idea for them to retain their title and Luciano to become King of said states while being the King of Italy. The only exception being Naples where King Cosmo is King-in-Naples while swearing fealty to Luciano as "King of Italy". As for the existence of republics, basically at the provincial level, Genoa and Venice are run in a Republican fashion but swear fealty and sovereignty to Luciano similar to the HRE Republics.
Legend
Beige: Kingdom of Rome
Pink: Duchy of Savoy
Dark Blue: Republic of Genoa
Green: Duchy of Milan
Blue: Republic of Venice
Red: Republic of Florence
Purple: Kingdom of Naples
Dark Green: Kingdom of Sicily
Light Blue: Kingdom of Candia-Morea
Orange: Kingdom of Cyprus
Gray: Knights Hospitaller
Okay, so after my admittedly mid map last time, I used a better base and did more research to make a true definitive map of our borders at this current time. Al of the mainland Italian territories correspond with the Itlaian states leading up to Unification historically with a lot of the smaller states being annexed into the greater states. The inclusion of Venice gave us their Dalmatian territories, Ioanian islands, Venetian Albania, and Cyprus as well.
As for the new additions, well there's some retcons. Since the Ottomans owned none of our territorial demands in the peace treaty, I asked and received permission from Magoose to make some changes. First of all, Rhodes asked for annexation by us as they need our Navy to carry out their duties, so Rhodes was annexed along with them getting the Ottoman North Aegan islands. Secondly, the island of Euborea and the peninsula of Morea are annexed during the war. This is due to them being historic Venetian territories that fell to the Ottomans in the last 50 years, so this is reclaiming rightful Italian clay and that was ruled by our fathers and grandfathers, thus something Suleiman can accept.
As for the internal divisions, since so many of our states formerly held the title of Kingdoms, it was my idea for them to retain their title and Luciano to become King of said states while being the King of Italy. The only exception being Naples where King Cosmo is King-in-Naples while swearing fealty to Luciano as "King of Italy". As for the existence of republics, basically at the provincial level, Genoa and Venice are run in a Republican fashion but swear fealty and sovereignty to Luciano similar to the HRE Republics.
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Gioco Di Guerra
Demand Charles to come back home and deal with it.
Gioco Di Guerra
Figlio Stratega, an Officer of His Majesty's Royal Forces of Italy, looks at the nearly empty meeting room with a frown.
Today is the set time and place for the weekly-held meetings that coordinated many officers of the Italian Military to dictate potential paths towards reforms – with the humiliation of the Army in their performance during the Italo-Ottoman War leading towards a budget-bias towards the Italian Navy and their Naval Academies throwing tantrums at each other.
With the Italian Navy receiving more of an increased budget than the Army will ever have unless convincing the Parliament and Senate for a second chance to prove themselves with an overhaul to their spending to be as equal as the Navy, led to the lessened numbers of potential applicants as the Navy is more shed in the positive to the people's eyes than the failed Military state.
So far at the moment, the Italian Army is understaffed, with the majority still being mercenary veterans that decided to join the Military for consistent pay and to be able to settle down rather than moving place to place for more questionable customers. The rest being newbies that were appointed to their high positions through these Old Guard Officers..He is part of the new generation.
While Mercenaries can be compared to an actual Army of a nation (with Italy practically and officially the only country to have one), they do not mean they are professional enough to not cause any grievances to the common people in a proper way and instead act like brutes that think they own the place..
That leads back to the issue of being seen in a negative viewpoint by the population.
Figlio pinches the bridge of his nose in irritation at the dire straits of the Italian Army before turning his sights at the current chess game that was being played between his few colleagues.
'An idiotic game that pretends to be a battlefield is fought on a chess game that has no meaning.' He thinks to himself with a frown. 'While a game that teaches strategy, it does not take into account different factors that can make the difference between victory and defeat.' He glares at the board game with disdain.
'Chess is a beginner's game.' He thinks to himself bitterly..remembering of the past operations that the Italian Army fought in against the Ottomans when he was just a Pikeman. Opportunities not taken due to the commander's focus towards a turn-based fairness that is practised by most of Europe..often even utilising Chess to showcase their plans for their soldiers to understand.
How he could wish to do away with a static system, one that encourages nations to lose against others on the basis of 'Chivalry'..
He stands out from the chair, and heads towards the other room that has maps being placed in storage. He looks through the different types of maps and its different locations before stumbling on one that shows the physical features and the overall defensive layout of the City of Rome. Once thinking over it, he brings it back to the meeting room and notices some of his colleagues looking at him with curiosity.
Not wasting any time to speak as he keeps a grip on an idea he had come up earlier, he goes back to the meeting table to place the map on it. He goes through his pockets to find two pieces of dice – used in minor gambling sessions.
"Antonio, Alessandro." He calls out as he sits down on a chair, placing the paper on the empty part of the table with an ink and quill there, his set of dice near the ink pot.
"Figlio? Have you finally gotten bored of us for a letter of resignation?" Antonio quips in humour as he and his friend walk towards the one who called them. "A map of Rome?"
"Aye, just had a thought to do something." Figlio shrugs before turning to Alessandro. "We'll be needing some Chess pieces for this new trick."
"Just saw some lying around." Alessandro points out as he walks to the back of the room, where there are some Chess containers. "Most of them, dusty."
"Get a set, or two." Figlio then turns to his intrigued friend that was studying the already collected items that are on the table. "A simple game to test, I just want other's opinions about it."
"A simple game?" Antonio asks with intrigue, fishing out a Knight once a set of Chess was placed on the table.
"We'll be playing a new game where we utilise this battlefield as our..you can call it 'Chess Board'..without any grid system as it'll be based on the terrain of the City or Region." Figlio explains as he takes the black pieces of the Chess set. "I'll command the defence of Rome, you'll command a siege on Rome."
Antonio nods, before frowning and looks back at Figlio.
"What do each piece represent in this new..game of yours?" He asks as he looks at Figlio, who's setting up his pieces already.
"Pawn represents Pikemen, Knights represent Lancers, Rook represents Cannons, Bishop represents Riflemen, Queen represents Scouts." Figlio explains without stopping, placing some rooks on the walls on the map.
Antonio nods in understanding as he places the King's piece behind a formation of pawns in front of him, a Chess at the flanks..
"I'll oversee it." Alessandro declares with an unimpressed face at the two indignant players of the experimental game. "Tell me your orders, and I'll oversee the action."
"An arbiter?" Figlio questions with curiosity in his tone, however he looks at the chaotic battlefield with disdain. "He shouldn't be able to shoot through walls."
9Scene Change9
Antonio looks at the Ink pot as a new inspiration reaches him, he grins as he takes out a piece of paper and begins writing down a set of instructions – he gives it to the brow-raised Alessandro who looks at the paper in amusement.
"I got an idea, friends." Figlio announces to his colleagues with an excited look in his eyes. "The three of us kept on having problems dealing with the idea of casualties and how to settle them rather than simple 'I hit means death'..such a concept ignores the possibilities of dodging and blocking..instead we can settle this through mathematical calculations with other variables accounting the battlefield's conditions and the commander's orders."
"Good thing to you, I've been educated before becoming promoted to Officer." Alessandro quips as he pulls out a piece of paper..
"Your soldiers hear the roar of cannons coming from a nearby hill." Alessandro reveals to Antonio as two pieces of Rooks are placed on the terrain, thereby revealing the units Figlio hidden to the enemy.
Antonio smirks as he writes down a new order on the overwritten piece of paper, giving it to his friend.
Eight Riflemen are split from the main army as it heads towards where the Artillery pieces were located from.
Filgio writes his own set of commands on his paper, before handing it over to the Umpire.
Artillery reloads, while five knights reveal themselves as they rush down towards the upcoming group of Riflemen.
Antonio writes down his command with a growing grin on his face.
Four Lancers reveal themselves to the artillery coming from behind, hidden units that were deployed from the start of battle on the off-chance of an enemy surprise attack.
"Great victory, good friend." Figlio laughs as he shakes his hand to the victor of the match.
"It's quite fun, if I do say so myself." Antonio replies cheerily as he looks at the conquered City of Rome. "Do you have a name for this new game of yours?"
"Gioco Di Guerra." Figlio names it with a smile on his face. "After many months working on this..exhausting game..I think I can say it needs more improvement."
Alessandro snorts in amusement.
"Always improvements for you, friend." Antonio shakes his head in exasperation.
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