…We are basically corporate spec ops paramedics aren't we…
That is honestly something that sounds crazy, yet makes sense, that we are basically a spec ops paramedic PMC.
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Servant Heart: You are the Servant
- Thread starter Magoose
- Start date
- Original Modern
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- Tags
- original action-adventure
That is honestly something that sounds crazy, yet makes sense, that we are basically a spec ops paramedic PMC.
I'm grinning now, because in my opinion it is likely that Malcolm is acquainted with the Aristovs and Shens, and may be competing with them or offering services to them. Or both.
I'm starting to get Triumvirate vibes…in order to protect themselves from their enemies, all three families may enter into an agreement with each other (assuming they haven't already).
But we know how the Roman Triumvirate turned out…
Nonsense! Why, she hasn't got an evil laugh yet, nor a timely lightning strike whenever she makes a big proclamation!
- Pronouns
- Reader
She's twelve. Give her time.
Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
No we're the doctor. The end point of the very short list of people that are seen.
The paramedic is the guy with the largest gun, and the twitchiest trigger finger.
After all, there are a lot of people in the world who want the very rich and powerful dead...
Well more then usual.
because there are multiple conspiracies likes to fucking kill entire families just to seize their assets, patents... and other things.
And no, they don't have a moon base where they secretly control the planet.
yet
I mean, he's one of the richest most powerful men in the world. He's acquainted with lots of people. And he's no xenophobe, so he dosen't give a rats ass about anything like... well whatever Russia is doing right now with its... policies of rapid forced population growth.
good god.
Yeah, but guess what... i does not fucking matter, because all the families have different interests... and those interests contridict one another every time.
Training, that is the key word.
Or give her more trauma.
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Was more referring to the team in general. Given they are to enter combat zones(More specifically assasination attempts in progress) to rescue VIPs and keep them alive, by both taking down assassins and medical care….
…It also seems that this verse has those that takes hostile takeovers as wiping out whole families to force assets loose to be 'acquired'. So, bets that less stable areas might have stuff like the rail wars and newspaper conflicts fought between rival businesses?
- Location
- California,USA
I'm thinking much more insane.
Hyper Reality and Science Fiction leads to only one thing.
Whacky Colorful Villains, only this isn't a world of Superheroes.
Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
THink of the great corperate conflicts of the last few centuries...
Or think of the east india company's take over of the Bengal region, and then later, all of India.
now apply that to the entire earth... and how there are some governments that are so weak, that the citizenry, think that a corperation should take over ruling the regions.
YEah, things has gotten dystopian, but its not so bad as the corpos are taking over.
After all, there are some people who think the only way forward, is in the past...
Hence the Aristov's being rather compelling to certian sectors of modern Europe vs... the current russian regime.
YEah, there are no super heroes, only bad people, and worse people.
And of course... that one nick fury type who is the only hero left.
Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
The Family:
Name: Malcolm Vine
Age: 47
Skills:
Business and Pleasure: Your knack for balancing professionalism with charm is unmatched. Whether negotiating contracts or navigating high-society soirées, you blend savvy business acumen with a personable touch, earning trust and respect in equal measure. Your ability to seamlessly transition between roles ensures that deals are closed with minimal friction and maximum gain. (Gain +10 to all rolls in Diplomacy and Intrigue Actions.)
Research and Development: You possess a natural affinity for innovation and discovery, complemented by a sharp analytical mind. Whether supervising high-stakes experiments or ensuring compliance, your presence brings clarity to chaos. You excel at translating complex ideas into actionable strategies, making you an indispensable asset in any cutting-edge environment. (Gain +10 to all rolls in Learning and Intrigue Actions.)
Diplomacy and Skullduggery: A master of subtlety, you navigate the murky waters of politics and covert operations with finesse. Your silver tongue and sharp instincts allow you to disarm even the most formidable adversaries, while your strategic mind ensures you're always three steps ahead. Whether brokering alliances or uncovering secrets, your expertise turns challenges into opportunities. (Gain +10 to all rolls in Diplomacy and Intrigue Actions.)
Traits:
I Build the Future: Your unwavering dedication to progress has positioned you as a visionary within the household. Whether through innovation, mentorship, or tireless work, you strive to leave behind a legacy that benefits all. Your drive inspires those around you, making allies out of skeptics and motivating others to believe in your vision. (Begin with Strong Relations with all innovators and visionaries in the company and gain an advantage on Learning and Planning Actions.)
Trapped (Force Unknown): You are bound by an enigmatic force or obligation, one that both empowers and limits you in ways you don't yet fully understand. This force compels you to act in certain ways, shaping your decisions and interactions. It may grant you unique insights or abilities, but at the cost of personal freedom and clarity. Others may sense the weight you carry, fostering intrigue or mistrust. (Begin with Mysterious Relations with UNKOWN and gain unique opportunities in Intrigue and Learning Actions, though with unpredictable consequences.)
YOU KNOW MY NAME!-If you take a life do you know what you'll give? Odds are you won't like what it is. (When faced with the impossible, He will find a way to turn it into possibility)
Name: Yukimaru Vine
Age:21
Skills:
Detective Work and Corporate Espionage: Your sharp intuition and keen analytical mind make you adept at uncovering hidden truths and unraveling mysteries. You can piece together seemingly unrelated information to expose secrets, whether in a boardroom or on the streets. When it comes to corporate espionage, your skills extend to identifying vulnerabilities in rival operations and exploiting them with precision. (Gain bonuses to Intrigue and Investigation rolls, and receive unique options during scenarios involving covert intelligence or sabotage.)
Tier 1 Training: You have completed foundational training in multiple disciplines, making you a versatile operative capable of functioning in high-stakes environments. This includes basic combat techniques, crisis response protocols, and operational readiness under pressure. While not specialized, your adaptability allows you to handle a broad range of challenges effectively. (Improves rolls for Martial and Intrigue Actions, particularly in reactive or survival situations.)
Criminal Networking: You maintain connections with a variety of underworld figures, from smugglers to hackers to enforcers. These relationships provide access to illicit goods, sensitive information, and services unavailable through legitimate channels. However, navigating this world requires finesse and vigilance to avoid betrayal or exposure. (Unlock unique Intrigue options and gain advantages when leveraging black-market resources or negotiating with unsavory characters.)
Traits:
Ruined Reputation (Murder): You have been accused of a heinous crime: murder. Despite the court's verdict of innocence, the stain on your reputation remains indelible. The whispers of suspicion follow you wherever you go, casting a shadow over your every action. To many, you are a monster, and regaining their trust—or exploiting their fear—will be a monumental task. (Imposes penalties on Social Actions with unfamiliar characters but grants bonuses when intimidation or fear is advantageous.)
The Bat and the Cat (Jessica Pearl): Your relationship with Jessica Pearl is a chaotic dance of attraction, rivalry, and moral ambiguity. Like the vigilante and their criminal counterpart, you find yourselves drawn to one another despite—or perhaps because of—your opposing natures. This strange dynamic makes collaboration both thrilling and frustrating, as trust is a fleeting currency between you two. (Grants unique opportunities during actions involving Jessica, with heightened risk-reward scenarios tied to her unpredictability.)
"Total Eclipse of the Heart"-Every now and then, I get a little bit restless And I dream of something wild. (Increases bonuses to bold, high-stakes actions, while introducing potential risks for impulsive behavior or ignoring caution. You were born for more then this LIFE!)
Name: Cecilia Vine
Age:12
Skills:
Research and Development: You possess a natural affinity for innovation and discovery, complemented by a sharp analytical mind. Whether supervising high-stakes experiments or ensuring compliance, your presence brings clarity to chaos. You excel at translating complex ideas into actionable strategies, making you an indispensable asset in any cutting-edge environment. (Gain +10 to all rolls in Learning and Intrigue Actions.)
Social Media Influencer: You wield the modern-day power of the digital world: social media. Whether through charisma, strategic branding, or sheer persistence, you've cultivated a loyal following that hangs on your every post, tweet, or video. Your platform grants you influence over public opinion, enabling you to shape narratives, sway decisions, and amplify causes—whether for good or personal gain. (Grants +10 to actions for diplomacy. Allows unique access to Social Media Actions to influence or gather information. Beware, a poorly managed scandal can impose penalties to your reputation.)
Traits:
"Traumatized"- The Scar of Loss is often hidden, inside the mind. You see Mama's head…LAUGHING…She's always laughing at you. (Unknown effect)
"White Rabit"-And if you go chasing rabbits…And you know you're going to fall. (Let's unleash the Wonderland of your mind, and all it's horrors.)
Name: Futaba Vine
Age:10
Skills:
Martial Arts: You have dedicated yourself to mastering the physical and mental discipline of martial arts. Whether through rigorous training in ancient forms or modern combat techniques, you are building a foundation of skill, balance, and power. While you are still on the journey to mastery, your determination and growing proficiency make you a formidable opponent and a disciplined individual. (You gain +20 to Martial Actions.)
Traditional Living: You thrive in environments where simplicity and self-reliance reign. Whether it's tending a garden, crafting tools, or surviving off the land, you find peace and purpose in embracing the practices of those who lived in harmony with nature. This connection to traditional living grounds you, offering skills that many in the modern world have forgotten (You gain +10 to Learning and Personal Actions)
Traits:
Bastard: You were born out of wedlock, and that stain will follow you forever.
"Martial Arts Prodigy"-The Way of the Fist is known to you, in many forms. They shall face you and know fear!" (Bonus Roll to Personal Combat rolls)
"THE PARAGON OF HOPE AND JUSTICE!"-In a world of Evil, you stand alone with the candle in the dark. ( ???)
"The Final Countdown"-We're leaving together, but still, it's farewell And maybe we'll come back to Earth, who can tell? (Your Life is a Short Candle in the Wind…BURN UNTIL THEIR's Nothing Left to Burn)
Age: 47
Skills:
Business and Pleasure: Your knack for balancing professionalism with charm is unmatched. Whether negotiating contracts or navigating high-society soirées, you blend savvy business acumen with a personable touch, earning trust and respect in equal measure. Your ability to seamlessly transition between roles ensures that deals are closed with minimal friction and maximum gain. (Gain +10 to all rolls in Diplomacy and Intrigue Actions.)
Research and Development: You possess a natural affinity for innovation and discovery, complemented by a sharp analytical mind. Whether supervising high-stakes experiments or ensuring compliance, your presence brings clarity to chaos. You excel at translating complex ideas into actionable strategies, making you an indispensable asset in any cutting-edge environment. (Gain +10 to all rolls in Learning and Intrigue Actions.)
Diplomacy and Skullduggery: A master of subtlety, you navigate the murky waters of politics and covert operations with finesse. Your silver tongue and sharp instincts allow you to disarm even the most formidable adversaries, while your strategic mind ensures you're always three steps ahead. Whether brokering alliances or uncovering secrets, your expertise turns challenges into opportunities. (Gain +10 to all rolls in Diplomacy and Intrigue Actions.)
Traits:
I Build the Future: Your unwavering dedication to progress has positioned you as a visionary within the household. Whether through innovation, mentorship, or tireless work, you strive to leave behind a legacy that benefits all. Your drive inspires those around you, making allies out of skeptics and motivating others to believe in your vision. (Begin with Strong Relations with all innovators and visionaries in the company and gain an advantage on Learning and Planning Actions.)
Trapped (Force Unknown): You are bound by an enigmatic force or obligation, one that both empowers and limits you in ways you don't yet fully understand. This force compels you to act in certain ways, shaping your decisions and interactions. It may grant you unique insights or abilities, but at the cost of personal freedom and clarity. Others may sense the weight you carry, fostering intrigue or mistrust. (Begin with Mysterious Relations with UNKOWN and gain unique opportunities in Intrigue and Learning Actions, though with unpredictable consequences.)
YOU KNOW MY NAME!-If you take a life do you know what you'll give? Odds are you won't like what it is. (When faced with the impossible, He will find a way to turn it into possibility)
Age:21
Skills:
Detective Work and Corporate Espionage: Your sharp intuition and keen analytical mind make you adept at uncovering hidden truths and unraveling mysteries. You can piece together seemingly unrelated information to expose secrets, whether in a boardroom or on the streets. When it comes to corporate espionage, your skills extend to identifying vulnerabilities in rival operations and exploiting them with precision. (Gain bonuses to Intrigue and Investigation rolls, and receive unique options during scenarios involving covert intelligence or sabotage.)
Tier 1 Training: You have completed foundational training in multiple disciplines, making you a versatile operative capable of functioning in high-stakes environments. This includes basic combat techniques, crisis response protocols, and operational readiness under pressure. While not specialized, your adaptability allows you to handle a broad range of challenges effectively. (Improves rolls for Martial and Intrigue Actions, particularly in reactive or survival situations.)
Criminal Networking: You maintain connections with a variety of underworld figures, from smugglers to hackers to enforcers. These relationships provide access to illicit goods, sensitive information, and services unavailable through legitimate channels. However, navigating this world requires finesse and vigilance to avoid betrayal or exposure. (Unlock unique Intrigue options and gain advantages when leveraging black-market resources or negotiating with unsavory characters.)
Traits:
Ruined Reputation (Murder): You have been accused of a heinous crime: murder. Despite the court's verdict of innocence, the stain on your reputation remains indelible. The whispers of suspicion follow you wherever you go, casting a shadow over your every action. To many, you are a monster, and regaining their trust—or exploiting their fear—will be a monumental task. (Imposes penalties on Social Actions with unfamiliar characters but grants bonuses when intimidation or fear is advantageous.)
The Bat and the Cat (Jessica Pearl): Your relationship with Jessica Pearl is a chaotic dance of attraction, rivalry, and moral ambiguity. Like the vigilante and their criminal counterpart, you find yourselves drawn to one another despite—or perhaps because of—your opposing natures. This strange dynamic makes collaboration both thrilling and frustrating, as trust is a fleeting currency between you two. (Grants unique opportunities during actions involving Jessica, with heightened risk-reward scenarios tied to her unpredictability.)
"Total Eclipse of the Heart"-Every now and then, I get a little bit restless And I dream of something wild. (Increases bonuses to bold, high-stakes actions, while introducing potential risks for impulsive behavior or ignoring caution. You were born for more then this LIFE!)
Age:12
Skills:
Research and Development: You possess a natural affinity for innovation and discovery, complemented by a sharp analytical mind. Whether supervising high-stakes experiments or ensuring compliance, your presence brings clarity to chaos. You excel at translating complex ideas into actionable strategies, making you an indispensable asset in any cutting-edge environment. (Gain +10 to all rolls in Learning and Intrigue Actions.)
Social Media Influencer: You wield the modern-day power of the digital world: social media. Whether through charisma, strategic branding, or sheer persistence, you've cultivated a loyal following that hangs on your every post, tweet, or video. Your platform grants you influence over public opinion, enabling you to shape narratives, sway decisions, and amplify causes—whether for good or personal gain. (Grants +10 to actions for diplomacy. Allows unique access to Social Media Actions to influence or gather information. Beware, a poorly managed scandal can impose penalties to your reputation.)
Traits:
"Traumatized"- The Scar of Loss is often hidden, inside the mind. You see Mama's head…LAUGHING…She's always laughing at you. (Unknown effect)
"White Rabit"-And if you go chasing rabbits…And you know you're going to fall. (Let's unleash the Wonderland of your mind, and all it's horrors.)
Age:10
Skills:
Martial Arts: You have dedicated yourself to mastering the physical and mental discipline of martial arts. Whether through rigorous training in ancient forms or modern combat techniques, you are building a foundation of skill, balance, and power. While you are still on the journey to mastery, your determination and growing proficiency make you a formidable opponent and a disciplined individual. (You gain +20 to Martial Actions.)
Traditional Living: You thrive in environments where simplicity and self-reliance reign. Whether it's tending a garden, crafting tools, or surviving off the land, you find peace and purpose in embracing the practices of those who lived in harmony with nature. This connection to traditional living grounds you, offering skills that many in the modern world have forgotten (You gain +10 to Learning and Personal Actions)
Traits:
Bastard: You were born out of wedlock, and that stain will follow you forever.
"Martial Arts Prodigy"-The Way of the Fist is known to you, in many forms. They shall face you and know fear!" (Bonus Roll to Personal Combat rolls)
"THE PARAGON OF HOPE AND JUSTICE!"-In a world of Evil, you stand alone with the candle in the dark. ( ???)
"The Final Countdown"-We're leaving together, but still, it's farewell And maybe we'll come back to Earth, who can tell? (Your Life is a Short Candle in the Wind…BURN UNTIL THEIR's Nothing Left to Burn)
…So, we got a future mad scientist and, apparently a future hero in the same family…
And then that final countdown trait. We are gonna have to help her not just burn herself out aren't we.
Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
This family is all sorts of fucked up
- Pronouns
- Reader
Don't forget the anti hero and his anti-villainess girlfriend.
- Location
- California,USA
SO GM what can you tell us about Sylvia and Jessica that isn't a Spoiler, a nice and long info dump!
Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
Well if you want to know.
Sylvia is based off... one of my favorite charecters in fiction. Anyone who knows Black Lagoon knows the Terminator maids are the best... though in saying that. She is not a one for one expy of Roberta.
After all, that would be not that interesting.
as for Jessica. I made the trait that bascially makes her the Catwoman to Yukimaru's batman... so, I will leave it for you tofigure out what that means.
Family patriarch: "I am a good guy."
Now I am worried.
Couldn't have been easy. And Toole was sent to study there for a reason. Now she is back and immediately is given a high position within the corporation.
There are likely to be people who would dislike or resent Toole's role, feeling that this is a case of nepotism due to her personal relationships with the family (and let's be honest, they would probably be correct). Which means Toole is going to have to prove her worth.
So much could have happened in that time.
Anything could happen. All three families are going through tough times and it wouldn't be difficult to have simply forgotten to pick up an individual from the train station.
Science in my opinion is what truly changes the world. Never say that anything is impossible. Those sci-fi movies and TV shows in which humanity lives in multiple planets and star systems and everyone flies around in spaceships? It can absolutely become a reality. We can achieve that.
Hm. So that's when the Vines started to become famous.
I love this. I know a lot of people are apprehensive about A.I., but in my opinion there is no avoiding the trend that is going to just keep growing. Artificial intelligence isn't very functional right now, but it will be more so in the future. Ukrainians are already utilizing A.I. in their drones, as well as automated turrets.
Yeeaahh, urm...look, progress requires that some sacrifices be made. (pause) I'll just move on, shall I?
Perpetual Testing Initiative.
Malcolm wants to lead mankind to the future, but unfortunately outside forces as well as his own failings and inner demons have something to say about that.
You don't achieve this level of progress and success at such speed without making enemies. And now it seems the consequences of the decisions Malcolm made are starting to catch up to him.
Three guys in a shed.
...people are going to want to talk to Toole, the family doctor. Parasitic journalists eager for something, anything, to say that the family is not doing well health-wise. Having to deal effectively with paparazzi is a necessity when you are a family as famous as the Vines.
No doubt the Vines have government contracts.
Hiram Stevens Maxim sold machine guns to both sides in the First World War.
Hostile business takeover.
...I am just staring at my laptop screen now.
Ok. So. How dangerous is it to be a Vine Innovations employee?
Many of the powers in charge want things to stay the same, and Malcolm is a threat to the status quo; his actions threaten to upend it, for better or for worse.
Ah, yes. California.
Biggest U.S. state in terms of population.
Richest U.S. state in terms of GDP.
Second-largest U.S. state (not counting Alaska) in terms of landmass, behind Texas.
If it were an independent country, it would have the 4th largest economy in the entire world. Let that sink in.
Malcolm Vine in my opinion is not a monster, but he has nevertheless done a lot of bad things.
And each one of them alone would be a hell of a headache to try to deal and work with in terms of helping them with their problems and struggles.
Now I'm imagining Yukimaru phoning Toole in a panic and telling her that he needs her to help him with something very sensitive and that it is imperative that Malcolm does not learn about it.
Who is Malcolm? Where did he grow up? What was his childhood like? Who taught him, mentored him, inspired him?
This is your fault, Magoose, for making these characters so interesting.
"Impossible is a word to be found only in the dictionary of fools."
- Napoleon Bonaparte
Unfortunately he could not control himself, and now his wife is gone and his family is dysfunctional as hell.
...what.
A year ago...so Toole was likely still in medical school at that time.
Who murdered her, and why? What happened? Is the case officially closed by law enforcement, or is it still an open investigation a year later?
He is no longer the same person that he was before.
"They go after Jonah Vogelbaum. V.A.C. pulled him outta Germany in the thirties. His family was meant to join him stateside, but someone f-ked up an' they died in the camps. He's the one came up with Compound V. Didn't wanna breed super-f-ks for the Nazis, so he got in touch with Vought. Been workin' for 'em ever since. The Seven are his triumph, after a lifetime of trial an' error...but he never seems to give a shit. Could be the work matters more than the result. Could be his wife an' kids are on his mind, every day for over forty goddamn years..."
- The Boys comic series, issue 20
(looks at the Umbrella Academy) Well, Reginald Hargreeves was a scumbag from the start.
By the way, the reason that the fourth and final TV season is so bad is because the comic series is not yet finished, so the TV writers decided to just write their own half-assed ending.
What is Malcolm willing to give up, to sacrifice for the sake of his family? What matters to him more than anything else?
Hm. What is his relationship with Cecelia?
Something happened that day. Something very bad. Mrs Vine's death was not an accident.
Toole has not abandoned the family. But she was not present when all this was happening.
If you fall, get back up. Don't ever give up.
Huh. So he has turned away from trying to build himself as the heir to the Vine empire and instead has branched off to working as an investigator and security guy.
So he's a young Mike Ehrmantraut.
...
Now I'm imagining Yukimaru doing a security inspection during the day, then a clean-up during the night.
This is your fault, Magoose. Curse your talent for writing fascinating characters! (shakes fist)
I love this. And who knows, it might be true!
Oh god. She's going to be a problem, isn't she? Like Malcolm but so much worse.
Oh lord, she's a mega-genius. A genius among geniuses. And eccentric and crazy as hell. How do you rein in someone like that. She's twelve, for Christ's sake!
I'm just blinking repeatedly now. This entire family is crazy. And Toole is right in the middle of it. How do you keep all this from spiraling out of control.
I think that of the trio, Cecelia is the one that Toole should focus the most on. She is easily the one who could do the most damage. Scientific geniuses like her are the people who change the world more than anybody else...for better and for worse.
Wait, what? What the hell did she do??
So how many people are now refusing to purchase Vine Innovation products out of fear and terror?
No mention of her father here. That says something.
Jon Snow, is that you?
Darn it, Malcolm...
It should not be. She should not have to suffer for the actions of her parents.
I feel very judgmental toward that woman now. She has no right to call herself Futaba's mother.
That's something that (hopefully) no one would dare criticize him for. He at least took responsibility for that. It's clear that he feels guilty about having cheated on his wife.
A lot of violence and anger in her. At least she's channeling it in a positive way. I hope.
"Let me give you some counsel, bastard. Never forget what you are, for surely the world will not. Make it your strength. Then it can never be your weakness. Armor yourself in it, and it will never be used to hurt you."
- Tyrion Lannister to Jon Snow
However, in the books Tyrion fails to follow his own advice.
This family is a whole plethora of personal issues...
Yukimaru is not being a very good older brother.
At some point Toole may need to say something like this (below) to Malcolm and/or Yukimaru:
"Even if she hates you, you gotta let her hate you...this ain't about how you feel."
Unfortunately for Futaba, this family - and two others - are about to be plunged into Very Interesting Times.
Hoo boy. Here we go.
Toole may be able to understand Yukimaru better by learning to understand who and what Jessica Pearl is. If that even is her real name.
She's the reason Yukimaru switched over to "security", isn't she?
This does not surprise me.
You don't mix business with pleasure. This is a romance that should not have been.
But what's done is done. And I don't think it would be wise to make Jessica a bitter enemy of the Vines. Not with everything she already knows.
They are either going to marry and have kids, or kill each other. Or both.
It seems that Toole gets along with Sylvia, which is good. Toole is going to need all the allies that she can get.
She's the Senior NCO. Ensures that everything is running smoothly in the household.
Oh no...
The past has a way of catching up to you...
Sylvia is a protagonist-character in her own right.
Now let's move on to a family that is going to have an impact on this story despite Toole not being employed to it.
So they claim to be Russian but are actually German, like practically all the Tsars.
Nope, they are German. Don't care, that's how I see them now. (Vasily glares at me and goes on a long explanation of how he is most definitely Russian and certainly not German) Yeah, yeah, sure, whatever you say, Herr Aristov.
Ah, Tsar Nicholas the Second.
I will give him this; he was brave enough to go to the frontlines of the First World War. And he reportedly pleaded with the Bolsheviks in the basement to kill him but to spare his family's lives.
Someone did an amazing job organizing and overseeing their evacuation from the Empire.
They could easily have just settled anywhere they wished, lived comfortably. But Vasily is not satisfied with that. He is a proud Russian (coughcoughGerman) and wants to restore what is effectively an era that is long past.
The Aristovs have been fighting for a long time.
But what even is the ancestry, the culture of Russia?
I feel now that the Aristovs kind of represent Russia itself; a society that does not know who or what it is, where it is going, and what it wants to be.
'Who are you, Rus? Give us an answer! She does not answer...'
- Nikolai Gogol
Different label, same rulers.
So they can only come back to Russia if they allow the state to collectivize everything they own. No wonder Vasily refused.
Problem with being a mercenary is that you cannot trust one, ever.
And it is no secret that Vasily wants to seize control of Konigsberg for himself. He likely has already attempted to cut deals with the Polish government; let me take it, and you will have a Polish-friendly government in charge of the place. But it seems the Poles do not trust him, and for good reason.
(does Italian gestures)
Probably spent time there watching the daily protests and riots.
That is a lot!
I suspect that one of the reasons that his men are so loyal to him is because he leads from the front. Vasily is not someone to be underestimated. He likely can take care of himself.
French: "To the guillotine!"
Darn it, now I want to know what Vasily thinks of a certain Corsican.
A lot of people respect him, but also fear and/or are very wary of him. His ambition is clear to all. He is not content with mere wealth.
In my opinion, it is inevitable that Toole would be crossing paths with the Aristov family sooner or later.
For most of human history, the world was ruled and run by autocratic regimes. And under those autocracies, there were constant wars and atrocities.
The sort of man who would never ask his subordinates to do anything that he wouldn't do himself. A man who leads by example.
You can bet that the Kremlin see him as a threat, and probably have already attempted to assassinate him more than once.
And I am fully convinced that it isn't just about money for him. What Vasily wants is power and influence.
Jesus Christ, he goes in there himself. Personally participates in combat. Holy hell.
Right now, in Sudan, there is a civil war between the government and rebel forces.
Both sides are alleged to have committed atrocities.
Ukraine supports the government, Russia supports the rebels.
War is ugly. It is neither clean nor honorable. The Western Allies worked with the Soviet Union, and did a lot of unsavory things themselves, in order to win the Second World War.
Vasily is a warrior, and he understands that war is a terrible business. Not a good person. Perhaps he never was.
But perhaps many see him as a necessary or lesser evil.
Polish government: "They are not there. And if they are there, we have nothing to do with it. What? Polish tanks, airplanes and artillery guns? They could have gotten them from any store anywhere."
That's what being a regime of post-truth and grift gets you.
The Soviets had corruption, of course, but they were at least somewhat competent and capable.
It also helped that many of their best personnel were Ukrainian.
He may already wish to effectively create a new country. People's Republic of Konigsberg.
He loves his family, but his ambitions often clash with their own wishes.
I say again; Toole is going to have to deal with this family sooner or later. And in my opinion, as she is now, she is not ready for it.
Behind every great man, there is a woman.
By the way, the person that Javier Milei is closest to is his sister, Karina, who now serves as General Secretary in the Argentinean government.
They clearly love each other very much. And perhaps that love is part of what drives both their ambitions; they want their children to be safe and to live in comfort and security.
But someone needs to tell them; is this really about their kids, or about themselves? What legacy are they actually fighting for?
Why do I get the feeling that this is going to get Zima into trouble?
I'm just going to play this song now: Red Right Hand.
Now I am imagining Zima getting into an argument with the Number 1 racer on the team who while an amazing driver is also an arrogant and insufferable prick.
"They ran their own soccer team...America de Cali, one of the best teams on the continent."
(looks at Zima being heavily involved in international sports) Hm. She is a very cunning and crafty person. Which means I doubt she's doing all this for leisure.
"It ain't boxing, kid. It's politics."
Now I am imagining Zima frowning upon noticing someone sitting at the very front row in a huge sports arena; she has no idea who this person is, and that bothers her.
Yep. Sports ain't just sports. They are politics.
Politics is something that cannot be avoided. They are everywhere no matter where you go or what you do. Try to abstain from it...well, just look at Russia now.
She knows what the world is like.
Who is Zima? What is her maiden name? How did she and Vasily meet?
She may be even more formidable and dangerous than Vasily, in a way.
She's the family's Chief-of-Staff.
It seems that Vasily and Zima are overall good parents...but being a parent is hard.
Damn...he's just a kid. He shouldn't have to be dealing with all this.
I feel bad for him now. He loves his family, but at the same time he feels suffocated.
This is not what he wants. His dream and passion lies elsewhere.
Do what you want for yourself, or sacrifice your dream for the sake of your family?
(looks at Yukimaru all but ignoring Futaba and seemingly distant from Cecelia) Yeah, I'd rather have Alexi as my brother than Yukimaru.
I suspect that Alexi would have already told Dmitry that being the heir to the Aristov legacy is most certainly not something that he would enjoy.
Again; he's just a kid. He's freaking 16.
'I just need more time to express my love
These days I have come to love would just disappear
In this constantly spinning Everyday World
We get lost in our fleeting youth, I can't reach out to you
I go my own path and wish you were with me.'
- Everyday World.
No pressure, kid!
Ah, dynasties.
I recently finished watching all 6 hours of this video of the Rise of the Ottoman Empire. Succession crisis, civil wars...
Doesn't matter how capable he is. He is not the first-born, which automatically means he is inferior, lesser.
All the work and none of the reward. Why is he even loyal to this family.
In my opinion Alexi and Dmitry need to sit down and have a heart-to-heart. But of course they are going to need a mediator...and thanks to the vote they aren't going to have it, as Toole is a servant to the Vines instead. Which means in all likelihood the tension between the brothers is only going to grow.
So they're an Asian family?
Heck, if he were to learn of it, Alexi may even want to help him. But there's no telling how their parents would react...
There is both good and bad for him here.
Why am I most worried about him now?
And Alexi and Dmitry are both unhappy about it.
Be your own man, Ivan. Find something you enjoy, and git gud at it.
I intend to move to another country in the near-future.
People have told me that I should just stay in Singapore, where I would have a safe and comfortable life. I do not want a safe nor comfortable life. I want to push myself.
Then eschew them, Ivan. Go out there without the family wealth or even the name. Sink or swim.
Never settle for being content. Keep moving.
This is the era that Vasily craves, doesn't he?
Ah yes, the Russian nobility where you are expected to join the military and do literally nothing else. And the military itself is a rip-off of the Prussian military.
There is beauty in Russia. Some of my favorite artists, philosophers and musicians are Russian. Tchaikovsky is one of my favorite composers.
All of the siblings are unhappy and resentful.
He loves her, but does not understand her. Vasily strikes me as someone who is not inclined to listen to the opinions of most other people.
Nope. Your accomplishments are your parents' accomplishments, and your money is your parents' money. Children are just property and assets. All hail Confucius!
Is anybody going to tell Vasily that the greatest ruler that Russia has ever had was a woman?
Use a pseudonym, Valentina.
Liberte. Egalite. Fraternite.
She spent a lot of time in France, didn't she?
I like her.
Wait, so she's allowed to be involved in the family's operations, but Valentina isn't? Vasily, you hypocrite!
...if she one day turns treacherous, she could bring down the entire family in perhaps the span of a few hours.
Again; I like her.
...her father is never going to allow her to leave. Because she knows too much.
Everything in the family. Nothing outside the family. Nothing against the family.
Alfonso. That's a Spanish name.
(sees that there is an Irishman in the Aristov PMC) Heh. Que viva espana!
Hoo boy.
I wonder if he can empathize with the kids wanting to break free and to become independent.
He loves combat. Cannot get enough of it.
"I am from South Armagh."
Now I am imagining Toole going, "I am negotiating an arms deal with a psychotic killer. How did my life get to this."
I think David would like Toole. She is Irish-Romanian.
Alfonso seems to be mostly muscle. Very capable muscle, but just that. David on the other hand is something else.
This is someone who needs to be kept in line. He has been at war for so long that he now enjoys it too much.
"Money makes the world go round."
A King has no friends. Only subjects and enemies.
She owes a lot to the Aristov family.
Criminal enterprises cannot sustain themselves without effective money laundering.
Lilia the banker.
Right now in real life, the most competent person in the Kremlin - as well as the only honest one - is Elvira Nabiullina, the head of the Russian Central Bank.
She called Putin an idiot to his face in March 2022. And tried to resign multiple times, but was refused and then threatened to not try to leave Russia. Also she speaks French.
No one is untouchable. No one.
I wonder what Tanya thinks of her.
I'm honestly not surprised that this family got practically no votes. And to be even more honest, for me, I see the Shens primarily as future antagonists to the Vine family.
It didn't collapse.
The Empire, long divided, must unite.
Long united, must divide.
Thus it has ever been.
Managing to survive through the ages...but can they survive this one?
Merchants in ancient/medieval China are typically placed at the very bottom of the so-called social pyramid, with even peasants and farmers being placed above them.
It's a lie, of course. All are merely Human Resources of the state.
"Without a decisive naval force we can do nothing definitive. And with it, everything honorable and glorious."
- George Washington
I agree with George. Naval power is everything. The planet is 70 percent water. (looks at the Chinese Ming dynasty burning their own navy) WHY.
The Secret Chinese Company That Owns Everything.
As a Singaporean of Chinese (and Korean) descent, I raised my eyebrow at this. You are not a REAL Chinese warlord until you have done at least three betrayals!
Asian parenting. Sorry, I'm...emotional about this, being an Asian myself.
I was told to hate the British, cos former British colony. I don't. I love learning about Perfidious Albion.
I am...not a fan of China. I'll just lay that out here.
But I'll try to be civil.
I am not smiling while reading this.
Who do I see as the toughest people in all of Asia? I say Vietnam.
And this no doubt includes California.
They have to be very, very careful with everything they say, do, write and type.
In my opinion it wouldn't really matter if China in this story is dynastic, communist or something else like, say, the Chinese Federation. China is still China. The Shens have to tread carefully.
Hong Shen wants power. Wealth is not enough for him. This makes him a threat to the Chinese government.
There are no PMCs in China, so I dunno if Hong could make a run on Beijing. Unless of course in this story there ARE PMCs in China.
China is a country that I can see being easily written in a fiction setting as a cyberpunk dystopia. Hong Kong in Deus Ex: Human Revolution.
No doubt they will cross paths with the Aristovs.
Same for the Vines. These three families are almost certainly set for a collision course at some point.
Friendship Without Limits!
I'm going to take a guess and say that none of them have healthy relationships with each other.
A shipping tycoon with damn-near a monopoly on sea freight in China.
This man is going to be a problem for both Malcolm and Vasily.
Goes without saying, it's China. Seriously, you have to be impressed with Shen for having gotten this far without the CCP deciding to put its boot on his neck.
This sets him apart from the vast majority of Chinese business leaders. And that makes him even more dangerous.
Definitely a threat to the CCP.
And Malcolm and Vasily are very prideful and egotistic men themselves. If they do anything to offend or anger Hong, he is not the sort to forgive or forget.
This could be a potential weakness; lure him into attacking someone he really shouldn't go after.
I'm getting Tywin Lannister vibes.
Instead of elevating his family to greater heights, Tywin's actions brought it to ruin.
Silence, children! Don't you know you only exist to serve the whims of your parents?!
I don't think he would ever be satisfied. He could become General Secretary of the Communist Party of China and it still won't be enough.
Honestly, more than Malcolm or Vasily who have at least shown good/positive points, I'm getting narcissism-vibes from Hong.
I can relate to this. Nothing is ever enough. Nothing. No matter what you do, how much you accomplish, how far you've gotten, it's still never enough. There will always be something to criticize, to belittle.
I am getting...let's just say that I've been playing the Yakuza games, and Wei Shen now makes me think of certain characters in the series.
This kid's got guts. Either that or he's just plain crazy.
I LIKE the brawls in the Taiwanese Parliament. I prefer them to everyone just standing up, clapping, all voting yes, then clapping again for the General Secretary.
He may become even more powerful than his father. And Hong being Hong, he cannot allow that.
This does not surprise me.
While he runs his mercantile empire like, well, an Emperor. He claims to reject politics while behaving like an autocratic ruler.
How dare Wei do something, anything, without the consent of his almighty parent!
Wei believes that the Shen family must gain power within the government to survive, because at any moment the CCP could just decide to nationalize the Shen businesses, collectivize their wealth, and resocialize them to a concentration ca-I mean reeducation facility.
Can't say I blame him. Heck, good luck to him. If he makes it to the top of the political ladder in China, props to Wei.
So he is actually Hong's equal, yet Hong refuses to acknowledge this and will never treat him as such.
Eh, what's a little betrayal between brothers?
Kevan Lannister. Kevan never had a problem with anything that Tywin did. He was a complete sycophant and toady to Tywin, and after Tywin's death he expressed an admiration for Tywin and wanted to be more like him.
I am glad to say that of my two siblings, I have a good relationship with one of them. The other one, not so much.
Doing his own thing, not giving his brother, the patriarch, a cut. Still loyal, but at the same time he isn't.
Being a woman in China means you have to be ten times as capable, cunning and ruthless as the men if you want to survive.
And I'm guessing that Hong has failed to acknowledge her contribution as well.
It's fascinating to see that Hong and Jian are actually equal in terms of skill, capability and even charisma, but because Hong's the older brother he gets all the credit while Jian gets nothing.
For obvious reasons, Li wants to see Jian supplant Hong and become the family patriarch.
Hong may resent her for it and perhaps even attempted to turn Jian against Li.
I like them!
Isn't this a Black Lagoon character?
Well, that's it. It's headcanon for me now; this story has the characters of Black Lagoon in it. Roanapur!
Of course the Shens were aware that they were being watched. They'd be complete idiots to assume otherwise.
How dare you, Shi! You are merely a Human Resource, stop having your own thoughts and wishes!
If they learn of her defection, the CCP will attempt to make her disappear. Shi knows this.
If Jian and Li want to supplant Hong, they need to get Shi on their side.
I get the feeling that Hong wouldn't hesitate to get rid of her if he decides that she has become a threat. He did not get this far in his career by being hesitant.
Crew Expendable.
He chose this. It wasn't forced on him. I suspect the middleman knew who Lu was before he approached him.
I wonder if Lu ever had to do something like this:
"Have you got a shorter name?!"
"If you want something done right, do it yourself."
- Napoleon
Interesting. So he is friends with Wei, not with Hong.
"Someone paid you not to (steal the ship)."
He has not allowed greed to consume him. I suspect he's not really doing this for money. He wants something else.
Hong cannot be happy about this.
If he is compromised, he could bring down the whole family.
Now I am thinking of the Lord of the Skies, Armado Carillo Fuentes.
Unfortunately for Lu, the Shen family is experiencing...internal disputes. And they will affect him. He is going to have to pick a side sooner or later.
Hong may decide to get rid of Lu for the sole reason that Lu is loyal to his son instead of him.
Well, A.I is honestly a more murky topic that the A.I. hype train wants to admit. After all, it's a term often used for video game 'independent actors' that, is just lines of code covering many possibilities.
Which is kinda the problem of the 'A.I. Revolution', the simultaneous overestimation and underestimation of it, as A.I. chatbots and 'A.I. artists' takes center stage with the companies shoveling money and power into growing computing power to maintain a sense of improvement to the investors and the world, in order to keep the investments flowing in.
- Location
- California,USA
All of these people are in some ways insane. Or ambition incarnate.
- Pronouns
- Reader
Fortunately, we have a bonus to diplomacy.
What? No. Don't be silly. Cecilia is great. She has Toole as a role model, and that has her a bit more self aware on her worst day than Malcolm is on his best.
With hugs, cocoa, and a smile.
Fucking media vultures.
We could have been getting personal training from this man. Like, I'd still prefer his grand war ambitions and shit to Malcolm's nonsense. Like, I'm gonna try to work my way to a marriage alliance, but, uhh. At least Futaba is a badass.
Malcolm has always been the kind of dad who loves his family and showed it by trying to build them a better world, never quite realizing that an environment is more than just the quality of life you have, it's the presence or absence of people critical to a healthy mindset.
Indeed. Their all men with a great chip on their shoulder about changing the world for the better in a way which feed into their personal glory. Their very different chips, but they all have one.
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Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
Oh yeah, but I will save the many things that you will learn about Toole till later.
But most of the company know that Toole is extremely competent and trust her.
YEah, but there is a reason many scientists and engineering companies have ethics boards.
There are lines that people should not cross, even for... the future of mankind.
I choose robotics, genetic engineering, and other stuff instead of focusing on AI because its important to the plot.
Malcolm is the man who, in a thousand years will be talked about as the man who changed all of history.
If he can get his shit together and not fall to despair.
Oh its even worse then that. Malcolm wants to stop working for this conspiracy.
They won't let him because they see him as their personal inventing slave.
He is stuck in a cage that they never want to be opened.
Yep.
But his government contracts aren't like others.
But here is the thing... he can science the shit out of a lot of shit to make America's or another nations millitary fucking sci fi... like i'm talking power armor.
depending on where you work?
Corprate office? You're mostly safe.
RND team? You have to sign waivers to even work for them, because you will most likely die, or get crippled for the rest of your life.
Or both.
Once again, The conspiricy see him as an inventing slave that will do what they want no matter what.
If you knew about some of the things Malcolm did... you would see him as a monster.
At least from a certain point of view.
That will be answered eventually.
yeah, its true.
The overarching mystery in Yukimaru's story.
But the case has been closed by public law enforcement as the technology caused her death...
I will say this because this isn't a spoiler.
Malcolm wishes that he didn't make a choice in his garage in 1991 that set him down his path.
Because now that has threatened his children.
With lots of coffee and lots of luck.
Things... both good, bad, and unethical.
Things that broke her.
That maybe, but she did give birth to her, and it was a pregnancy that Malcolm forced her to carry to term.
He was a lot better before the crazy shit happened last year.
Let me tell you this... before his mother's murder, he was the one who really cared for his sisters.
Now he can't even look at Cecelia without breaking down into a panic attack.
Yep.
Yep.
In the previous idea where she appeared, lets just say that it dosen't matter what she does, her past is always going to be catching up to her.
the only difference here, is the how.
No they would rather claim to be, in this order. Russian, Polish, Ukrainian, then German.
They fucking hate Germany as a concept. For very good reasons, at least in VAsily's mind.
he would hate that.
Duke Ivan Aristov saw the writing on the wall in 1916, and prepared accordingly.
In fact, he and his family escaped Russia, two days before the febuary revolution ended the Tsardom.
But it got worse before it got better for them.
They have... and they don't know how to stop fighting.
Because if they did... what would they be, but lost nobles without a home.
One thing I read about is that, during the formation of Russian culture, it was disrupted by their near destruction by the Mongols. and that it traumatized them in a way that they still haven't gotten over.
And because of that Russia never developed the same way other cultures of Europe and asia did.
YEah, same shit different day.
Poland dose not want to back a losing horse. So they want him to prove it to them before they support him.
And that was what the quest is about. if you chose them
VAsily thinks he's different then his ancestors. that he is above the autocratic excesses of the past.
He might be, but his successors might not be.
147 times ever since Vasily was 12.
They have tried to kill him ever since he inherited the title of Duke of the House of Aristov since he was 12.
He has some very personal reasons to hate the Kremlin.
Well here is the thing.
Most states don't like it when a badass warlord is running around, fighting in wars and ending the wars that make them money or profit, or influence in regions.
He's only considered a war criminal because he ends wars, not caring about the consequences. He ends them, gets paid, then goes home.
And the Hauge can't haul him to war crimes tribunals... because that would require them to haul a lot of other people there.
The Good ending.
no, he wouldn't try to hide it like that. It would be the Grand Dutchy of Konigsberg.
He would not hide the fact he is in charge, and he's setting back the clock.
And its really profitable.
and will be there.
Zima Karlow is her maiden name. as for how she and Vasily met.
She saved his life when they were both kids.
He fell in love with her, and they made a simple childish promise that he would make her his wife to repay her for the kindness.
She fell in love with him because he was a romantic that listened to her, rather then controling her like the other men in her life were.
And they clicked.
that is the question.
I think they are both to stubburn to talk about their feelings to eachother.
Because they are all they have.
Well they are russian?
in some ways. Because he wants to make sure she is protected financially, politically, and emotionally.
Because he wants her to be.
Vasily would say Pytor the Great was Russia's greatest ruler.
Yep.
Well in Vasily's mind, Tanya has the skills to help.
Whereas Valentina is good to serve his public relations campaign.
YEp.
Yep, but well... a king has his family.
To his family, it might have.
Also Hong had a fairly rough childhood, what with all but his brother dying horrifically to Maos Cultural revolution.
but some are more equal then others.
You think Hong hasn't betrayed everyone who he has ever known at least once for power?
Same.
Well that depends on your perspective of healthy?
Shen made himself an asset.
and on the surface, he is a loyal, and competent asset to the CCP and chinese state.
But if you look deeper... you'll see that man has been doing things that they would not approve of.
no shit.
Why not both?
He's not wrong.
But Wei also is to naive that once he gains power... he won't see that stuff.
He most likely won't. At least, not withotu some dramatic changes in china.
Because unlike the many CCP insiders... he has resources that they don't have. and can escape if he wants to, with all that stuff to another nation.
Yep.
Lets just say that Li wants to secure her husband's future, and being the man in charge.
But Jian isn't ruthless enough to take it, because he won't kill his brother.
expy of one, but yes.
Probobly.
But hong is not wasteful. He sees a tool and won't throw it away unless he has to.
Yep.
You think Cecilia is better then her father?
No she's younger then her father. She hasn't made the mistakes that turned her father into... whatever he is now.
*sigh* Considering how many times I'm seeing it made clear that several of our Quest's participants don't recognize the returning Magoose characters, I would advise a reread of the Vine family's prior appearances here and here (however short lived the latter was).
I believe that the Aristovs are also returning characters (I know that Magoose ran a Quest with a protagonist named Vasily before), but I don't know what Quest they're from because I didn't participate in it.
I believe that the Aristovs are also returning characters (I know that Magoose ran a Quest with a protagonist named Vasily before), but I don't know what Quest they're from because I didn't participate in it.
- Location
- California,USA
I'm on it.
The Aristov's come from here:
Blood of the Frontier (CK2) Completed. Original
The Year Of Our Imperium is 1199, and Europa is in crisis. To the south, the Warlord T’challa...
forums.sufficientvelocity.com
And Here:
Into History Through Blood and Steel: Blood of the Frontier Sequel (Ck2) Original
Part 1: The Times They Are A Changing. The Destruction of the Mongol Horde was a turning point...
forums.sufficientvelocity.com
- Pronouns
- Reader
Okay cool.
Naturally, there couldn't be a Graziani family, because there members lack self destructive ambition, as opposed to simply having power and responsibility thrust upon them.
Naturally, there couldn't be a Graziani family, because there members lack self destructive ambition, as opposed to simply having power and responsibility thrust upon them.
Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
Eh, the Graziani's might appear... just not as the suicidal madlads that the rest of these schmucks are.Naturally, there couldn't be a Graziani family, because there members lack self destructive ambition, as opposed to simply having power and responsibility thrust upon them.
They just want to build guns.
Lots of guns.
- Pronouns
- Reader
Lol. I meant as a vote option, but yeah, that would be entertaining, even if it's just a news story about the ongoing legal battle between two of the Graziani heirs over which of them has to inherit and which of them gets to just build guns.
So. Just build a Time Machine?