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The Reluctant Vassal's Guide to Living in the Frontier (with some Treason)

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Cycle 12.1
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    • [X] Plan dew it
    -[X] [Officer] Violet d'Iris, Solar Princess
    --[X] [Martial] Recruit Regiment.
    ---[X] Gawain (Camp Barracks)
    ----[X] 2nd Andernian Guards
    -----[X] (Royals) Lily Guard Battalion. A skirmish infantry unit that can hold their ground surprisingly well, and boost anti-air capabilities in addition. Requires Arms Facility (Lily Guard).
    -----[X] (Tigers) Lily Guard Battalion.
    -----[X] (Easters) Lily Guard Battalion.
    -----[X] (Panthers) Lily Guard Battalion.
    -[X] Radana, Camellia Knight
    --[X] [Diplomacy] House Divided. It's time to step in and try to negotiate with your sister to end this standoff. Requires two (2) progress. This option will begin the end of the start.
    -[X] [Character] Kat, Hyacinth Prism
    --[X] [Learning] Design Ship. Break out pencils and call up interested naval contractors to kickstart the race to create, prototype, and sell an entirely new spaceship design for your forces. Cost varies.
    ---[X] Cruiser. Large voidships that traverse the stars and make up the bulk of any fleet that crosses systems. Requires six (6) progress.

    Kat smiled widely and toothily, looking almost feral with how she addressed the assembled Prisms. "Right fuckers, here it is! Our first big job!" She hollered to them and they cheered back, the loud noise nearly blowing out the microphone of any listening bugs. "We've got the greenlight to start designing a cruiser! Hell fucking yes!"

    There was another round of celebrations before one of them paused to note the specific wording used by their leader. "Design? Not build?" They pointed out and this invoked more than a few curious looks. "Wouldn't it be best if we actually made it as well? Especially with, well…" Their voice trailed off with an uneasy note that was then picked up another.

    "The ongoing conflict within House Iris could be resolved quicker with such aid, were it to occur in time." A long pause, then they finally voiced something that had been bothered them and many others for a while. "Yet doing so, to put such greater weapons of destruction in hands that may be turned against own people, it...unsettles me so. Especially when we finally talk about a scale beyond what could be considered reasonable within a single star system."

    "But it is reasonable and necessary," A third threw back, spinning around to face them with a fierce look. "Not only that, it is our duty! Our oaths as Prisms are to make and consecrate sacred tools that which we entrust to the Brilliance Knights to fulfill their blessed undertakings. To shirk away from providing what is needed, that is sacrilege!"

    "But the very same teachings which grant us holy knowledge also provide us with cautionary tale aplenty, about the disaster that which nearly ended ourselves because of pure recklessness," They growled back and took an aggressive step. "So it is indeed not just wisdom to take heed, but a duty to refuse to provide that which would cause unnecessary escalation. We Prisms should forge only what is needed, not what is asked."

    "I wasn't aware that such traitorous thoughts could plague our order!"

    "I wasn't aware that we had such disgusting warmongers in our ranks either!"

    Kat could feel her eye twitch when once again, the assembled 'learned artisans' nearly came to blows with each other over this topic. Though perhaps she should have expected it, given that this is a very old theological debate among Prisms, the eternal skepticism of need versus want. While the Prisms would never dare declare themselves as anything but a unified collective from which blessed solarium came forth, many rightfully doubted it so. In truth, their organization was firmly divided between that fine line between tools for keeping the peace, and tools for waging a war.

    The Hyacinth Prism supposed that this argument was a rather open secret to those who know the Prisms well, that these prideful makers sometimes couldn't see eye to eye. Yet it could be pointed out that such disagreements were hardly anything novel or shocking, given that the Brilliance Knights could have their own conflicts as well. And was House Iris not in the throes of such a standoff now?

    There were divisions everywhere, and of all types. Kat mulled on this for a moment before deciding enough was enough and lifted her hammer. It slammed down on the ever-abused worktable with a loud crack and she raised her voice in tandem. "SHUT UP AND PIPE DOWN! YOU'RE PISSING ME OFF!"

    All at once, the arguments were silenced and Kat growled, definitely not happy despite being in her comfort space. "Enough with the bellyaching and whining, save that when we don't have work. Which we do and it comes straight from the top as well. Meaning that the decision's wholly out of our hands now that we've been ordered by the voice of House Iris herself." That was enough to immediately quench any further embers, even for the most passionate of doubters.

    When the command to make something came from the bloodline of the one who discovered solarium, no Prism in their right mind would refuse.

    A few hung their heads in defeat and their leader scoffed, lifting to rest her hammer against a shoulder. "If you wanna compete, then think of whatever unlucky few are over on the other side. Think about what they're doing and make something better. Hell, go even further beyond that, go and build something to kick in the teeth of whatever other power wants to face House Iris!"

    That definitely was the little kick needed to reignite the spark and soon, the Prisms were animatedly discussing their newest project. Kat regained her grin and reflected that building their first cruiser definitely fit this discussion, with how the type was what marked the start of expansion. Now it was up to these experts to make the ship perfect for the role.

    Create a Design Plan!
    [ ] Plan ____
    -[ ] Template
    -[ ] Weapons
    -[ ] Defenses
    -[ ] Name

    Choose a Template
    -[ ] [Template] Light Cruiser Mk1 The nightmare of many destroyer captains, this cruiser design focuses around anti-ship capabilities and is deadly in force.
    Hull: 60
    Offensive Modules: 2
    Defensive Modules: 1
    Hangers: 1
    Escorts: 10

    -[ ] [Template] Heavy Cruiser Mk1 Having plenty of defensive modules means that a cruiser structured around this style can withstand attacks to outlast their opponents.
    Hull: 60
    Offensive Modules: 1
    Defensive Modules: 2
    Hangers: 1
    Escorts: 10

    None

    Choose Weapons
    -[ ] [Weapons] Arrowhead Missiles Mk1 A common and versatile automated reloading system that is popular throughout members of the United Empire for its ease in usage.
    Slots: 1
    Stage: Long
    Attack Modifiers: +10 Missile
    Target: Point Defense
    Damage: 2

    None

    -[ ] [Weapons] Sword Cannon Mk1 When it comes to firing hunks of steel hurtling through space, the United Empire certainly has no shortage of lovers for the most popular design out there.
    Slots: 1
    Stage: Medium
    Attack Modifiers: +10 Ballistic
    Target: Armor
    Damage: 3

    None

    Choose Defenses
    -[ ] [Defenses] Mage Turrets Mk1 Threat detection software swiftly identifies incoming dangers and spins up linked turret systems to rapidly fill the air with a protective layer of lead.
    Slots: 1
    Defense Modifiers: +10 Point Defense
    Special: May make a +0 Ballistics attack in Close range against Armor for a Damage 1 attack.

    -[ ] [Defenses] Kite Armor Mk1 All that stands between the crew and the void is often times a simple block of steel that will shield them from being shot into the vacuum of space.
    Slots: 1
    Defense Modifiers: +10 Armor
    Special: None

    None

    Finish it with a Name!
    -[ ] [Name] ____ Class Cruiser Mk1
    --[ ] Design Company (Optional)

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------​
    - Improved offense or improved defense, that is the question indeed. But do note that these models both have more Hull and Hangers than destroyers, so either way, definite improvements. Also more Escorts. This symbolizes the 'basic' line of naval warfare.
    - EDIT: Forgot to mention this at the time, but you can double stack modules on ships unlike aircraft/troops. So if you want to go double Ballistics or double AA, so long as it fits within the available modules, it should be valid.

    14 hour moratorium to make a cruiser design.​
     
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  • Threadmarks
    • This is mostly a glass cannon plan, but I just wanted to make it for fun with guns at all ranges

    [ ] Plan Glass Cannon
    -[ ] Template Light Cruiser Mk1
    -[ ] Weapons Arrowhead Missiles Mk1
    -[ ] Weapons Sword Cannon Mk1
    -[ ] Defenses Mage Turrets Mk1
    -[ ] Name Heavy Arms Class Cruiser Mk1
     
    Given that these cruisers are probably going to be our only method for holding air wings in space, I would tend to favour multiple defenses. However... do we still make defensive rolls if we don't take the appropriate module? We just do so without any buffs? If that is the case then multiple weapon systems seem generally superior since they increase the number of attacks you're able to make, regardless of their advantages.

    Ah but I think cruisers can only actually fight in two joust attempts per round. Meaning if a cruiser gets swarmed its arguably better to have multiple defensive module to hold out? Given that cruisers will be our only Airframe holders for the foreseeable future, maybe it's best to assume they're going to get swarmed.

    I don't particularly trust my thoughts on this front though so I would particularly appreciate folks pitching in their thoughts.
     
    [ ] Plan Outwit Outfight Outlast
    -[ ] Template Heavy Cruiser Mk1
    -[ ] Weapons Arrowhead Missiles Mk1
    -[ ] Defenses Kite Armor Mk1
    -[ ] Defenses Mage Turrets Mk1
    -[ ] Name Corona Class Heavy Cruiser
    --[ ] Andernia Defense Systems Corporation

    Cruisers are the workhorse of the navy. They are the ones that are big enough to go take on brushfires by themselves and wave the flag long term. They, well, cruise around doing the bulk of the work.

    In a battle they also make up the bulk of the fleet. The battleships bring the big guns and the destroyers do specialist tasks and point defense. The cruisers are the anvil for both to work off of.

    So, a defensive heavy cruiser with a mix of defenses let's them work in a number of situations without extra support. In a battle, right now, the Wisteria class has close in ballistics covered, so long range missiles provide crucial fire support to damage the enemy before they close in and engage the escorts.
     
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    Lukepop said:
    However... do we still make defensive rolls if we don't take the appropriate module? We just do so without any buffs?
    Click to expand...
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    I feel like I've mentioned it before, but I can't find it so I'm just going to make a new ruling and then set it properly in the stat post. A ship being attacked without the appropriate module to defend can roll without buffs, but they suffer the following effects if they don't have the following module.
    Armor: Suffers a penalty on critical checks.
    AA: Cannot perform anti-air interception.
    Lukepop said:
    Ah but I think cruisers can only actually fight in two joust attempts per round.
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...
    Nah, they can initiate just one attacking joust. But remember that they can always fight on the defending side of the joust so long as they can actually fight.

    They are, however, twice as likely to be targeted over destroyers.
     
    [ ] Plan Wham Bam Thank You Ma'am
    -[ ] Template Light Cruiser Mk1
    -[ ] Weapons Arrowhead Missiles Mk1
    -[ ] Weapons Sword Cannon Mk1
    -[ ] Defenses Kite Armor Mk1
    --[ ] [Name] Sugarbag Class Cruiser Mk1
    --[ ] Heliophile Voidworks, Ltd

    In the light of the info Celeshiro provided, I feel a new design is relevant to the discussion. Armor is kinda a lot better than AA it seems, at least if you can only have one. Particularly since each cruiser should be carrying a flight of Witchfire interceptors to deal with enemy air wings anyways. Defensive modules are good but the ability to make double the number of attacks per joust just seems a lot better - particularly since cruisers are going to be the workhorses of the fleet. Sugarbags are native Australian bees. Funnily enough they don't have stingers. Which I find makes them a very funny name for a light cruiser. Plus since these will probably fill the role of carriers for the foreseeable future, I think it's fun to name them after a species of bee since attacking them will, to some extent, be "disturbing the hive". If this goes through I definitely vote that carrier classes should be named after species of wasps.

    Short of further understanding of naval warfare and weapons technology, I think an even spread is wise. It makes it harder for a theoretical enemy to specialize in what we're weak against. I have a feeling that we will want to specialize later on, however. Also I used Heliophile Voidworks again since I think it's nice to use the same design company. Please let me know CrabTravel if you would rather we didn't use them and I'll just edit it. Maybe make a new one. If folks have other names they'd like for the name of the cruiser itself or the design company please feel free to post an alternate plan.

    EDIT: For names, maybe like, the Narcissus? I don't know much about flowers I'm afraid. Or bees for that matter.
     
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    [X] Plan Wham Bam Thank You Ma'am
    -[X] Template Light Cruiser Mk1
    -[X] Weapons Arrowhead Missiles Mk1
    -[X] Weapons Sword Cannon Mk1
    -[X] Defenses Kite Armor Mk1
    -[X] [Name] Sugarbag Class Cruiser Mk1
    --[X] Heliophile Voidworks, Ltd

    I really need to start sleeping properly. Anyways here's wonderwall BEES.
     
    [ ] Plan Outwit Outfight Outlast
    -[ ] Template Heavy Cruiser Mk1
    -[ ] Weapons Arrowhead Missiles Mk1
    -[ ] Defenses Kite Armor Mk1
    -[ ] Defenses Mage Turrets Mk1
    -[ ] Name Corona Class Heavy Cruiser
    --[ ] Andernia Defense Systems Corporation
     
    Celeshiro said:
    - Improved offense or improved defense, that is the question indeed. But do note that these models both have more Hull and Hangers than destroyers, so either way, definite improvements. Also more Escorts. This symbolizes the 'basic' line of naval warfare.
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...

    Definite improvement but still using same modules as destroyers. Really wanna beeline to more module variety ASAP. Shipyard build chain? R&D?

    That said, a double-size destroyer fits our situation right now. I'm on the maximum defense side, we want our investment to last and primarily work as a hangar.

    [X] Plan Outwit Outfight Outlast
    -[X] Template Heavy Cruiser Mk1
    -[X] Weapons Arrowhead Missiles Mk1
    -[X] Defenses Kite Armor Mk1
    -[X] Defenses Mage Turrets Mk1
    -[X] Name Corona Class Heavy Cruiser
    --[X] Andernia Defense Systems Corporation
     
    Oh right I completely forgot to make mention even though I really should've in the cruiser design post. Ships are unlike planes/troops in that you can have repeated modules, so if you want to go all in with double AA/double Armor/double Ballistics/double Missiles, you can. They are unique in that regard compared to the other types.

    Kinda shows the evolution of the design system given that ship design was the first ever form, but I think it fits a niche that makes them unique. It also means they get a unique spin to balancing.
     
    I know people want to defend our air wings, but in this case I really do think that doubling our attack is much better. With the Sugarbug we still roll defense against missiles, we just do so without the +10. We also can't drive off air wings but we will have our own air wings to do that. Specialized interceptors. Right now our fleet design lacks anything with real killing power.

    The Witchfire were designed to protect our fleet and let them focus on actually killing the enemy ships. If we want to do that we need something with more firepower than a destroyer. If we'd gone for bomber air wings then I think the heavy cruiser would make more sense but it doesn't suit what we have.
     
    Wow, pretty close so far. But remember that you can definitely develop and have both designs available in good time, though it'd definitely be expensive to have a dockyard for each of them.
     
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    Vote closed
  • Voting
    • Scheduled vote count started by Celeshiro on May 20, 2024 at 12:32 AM, finished with 13 posts and 8 votes.
    • [x] Plan Outwit Outfight Outlast
      -[X] Template Heavy Cruiser Mk1
      -[X] Weapons Arrowhead Missiles Mk1
      -[X] Defenses Kite Armor Mk1
      -[X] Defenses Mage Turrets Mk1
      -[X] Name Corona Class Heavy Cruiser
      --[X] Andernia Defense Systems Corporation
      [X] Plan Wham Bam Thank You Ma'am
      -[X] Template Light Cruiser Mk1
      -[X] Weapons Arrowhead Missiles Mk1
      -[X] Weapons Sword Cannon Mk1
      -[X] Defenses Kite Armor Mk1
      -[X] [Name] Sugarbag Class Cruiser Mk1
      --[X] Heliophile Voidworks, Ltd
    Click to expand...
     
  • Voting
    • A very close vote indeed, I'm sure the Prisms were definitely on the verge of going "fuck it do both" and then being bonked by the budgeting bat of House Iris. Thank you all for voting, writing shall commence soon.
     
    Cycle 12.2
  • Threadmarks
    • [x] Plan Outwit Outfight Outlast
    -[X] Template Heavy Cruiser Mk1
    -[X] Weapons Arrowhead Missiles Mk1
    -[X] Defenses Kite Armor Mk1
    -[X] Defenses Mage Turrets Mk1
    -[X] Name Corona Class Heavy Cruiser
    --[X] Andernia Defense Systems Corporation

    It pushed the gathered Prisms to the brink, the debate strongly raging between two particular designs. Cruisers were the backbone of any fleet and their importance was only emphasized with these arguments between an offensive ship destroyer competing against a defensive rounded bulwark. Points were made, insults were hurled, and fists risen in these heated sessions. Only their leader's silent glare and promise while hefting a hammer kept the discussions between the enlightened learned ones from escalating into a brawl.

    So finally, it came down a matter of frantic paperwork, a challenge on who could scribble and put together their rough blueprints first. It was then that the Corona-class heavy cruiser took the slightest of leads, having far less complicated weapon systems to integrated in that moment. The team drawing its competitor the Sugarbag-class light cruiser grumbled but graciously accepted their defeat, for now. Few doubted that the design would immediately be presented for renewed consideration should a call for another cruiser design come out.

    There were a few who did suggest that perhaps it would be fairer to proceed with both designs as prototypes now before choosing one, such as what had occurred recently with that of the aerospace development. But then the Hyacinth Prism growled and laid into them about the vast difference in costs between putting together a large voidship in comparison to a small personal craft, let alone the already steep tag of prototype installation, testing, and reworking. Kat still had a sour expression on her face when she was done yelling at them, grumpily dismissing them all with a wave.

    "Enough blabber. Time to get to work!" She ordered and so, the Prisms began development of the Corona-class.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------​

    (Recruit Regiment (2nd Andernian Guards): 10 +14 (Violet) +0 (Wealth) = 24)

    Progress: 4/7. In Progress.

    (Recruit Regiment (2nd Andernian Guard): 91 +14 (Dorothea) +0 (Wealth) = 105)

    Progress: 8/7. Completed!

    2nd Andernian Guard has been recruited in Gawain.

    Dorothea stood in front of the assembled ranks, her gaze sweeping over them. Even though they all were now fully trained soldiers, many present still couldn't suppress the chill running down their spine at her stern eyes. Some even could feel parts of their body ache from where they had brutally experienced the Lycoris Knight's training firsthand, a mental scar and reminder that for all their glories and triumphs, there always was going to be those far above.

    Yet it was also her that pushed them to not give up or waver in the face of such opposition. Even if the odds were low, overcoming such challenges was what differentiated a good fighter from a great warrior. Her lessons were indeed humbling but also inspirational in that regard, igniting a quiet respect for the Brilliance Knight as she looked over them all. Gazes were locked onto her, awaiting parting words with bated breath.

    For her part, Dorothea was taking it all in with a projection of earned confidence on the outside, but slight concern on the inside. But it wasn't nervousness at needing to speak to so many; it was a slight fear at failure, especially when she was entrusted the task by none other than the Solar Princess! Even though she had frantically tried to insist that the blood of House Iris was the only one truly worthy to address the troops so, her Lady had declared otherwise. Oh, she could still hear the words ringing about in her ears, that unwavering trust in her own retainers!

    Wait. That was it.

    Dorothea took in a breath, then spoke, adapting those orders into words of wisdom to leave to the soldiers. "There will be times when those above cannot handle everything at once, when more serious issues require their undivided attention." She looked over the troops leaning into every single word coming from her mouth. "Then it is only natural that delegation must occur to divide responsibility and duty. However, while it is easy to simply give anybody a task, it is something else to know just who to entrust an assignment to.

    "Today, I have the honor of saying that if I ever needed comrades to fight alongside, loyal and proud troops of House Iris to depend on, then I know just who to undertake such duties!" She didn't even need to say anything before the audience snapped to attention, their boots loudly slamming against the ground in synchronized step. "Proud soldiers of the 2nd Andernian Guard, hold your head up high. Today, you are now those whom can be entrusted with the honor of House Iris! To the stars!"

    "To the stars!" The uniformed infantry chorused and Dorothea smiled, pleased. She could only hope such words would do justice to her Lady.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------​

    (Design Ship (Corona-class): 70 +15 (Kat) +0 (Wealth) = 85)

    Progress 3/6. In Progress.

    You glanced up from the report and despite your level look, Kat still wilted and shrunk in on herself. "U-um! I...we...the Prisms need just a little bit extra!" She squeaked and lowered her head. "P-please! Just some more f-funding! Please!"

    A moment passed, then you gave a reassuring smile. "Of course. Give me a moment, and it will be done." Literally. I was already in the process of expanding the budget when I noticed your accounts were about to run dry. Guess developing a cruiser really is that expensive.

    Any further thoughts were then knocked out of your head when Kat practically tackled into you in a sobbing hug. "T-thank you!" She wailed and squeezed tightly.

    You squawked and barely managed to get your reinforcement circuits active in time to avoid your ribs from being cracked. She always did tend to forget about her own strength when outside her workshop.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------​

    (House Divided: 44 +16 (Radana) +0 (Wealth) = 60)

    Progress: 2/2. Completed!

    The transmitted communique laid on her desk, the notice of a diplomatic delegation wishing to land on a hostile planet under the flag of negotiations. It was a common and regular tradition in civilized space even in the Free States, where the white flag to talk and resolve issues without resorting to a fight was still respected. Surprisingly, it could work sometimes in changing minds with both parties walking away satisfied, having finally resolved a conflict of interests with all profiting.

    Now the question was if there was a way to make even more, the appointed governor of Andernia considered. She pursed her lips and looked up to meet the look of the most trusted advisor at the moment, the talented ambitious man who had provided incredible insight all this while. From the remarkable commentary on her sister's destroyers to the lack of public response to the reactivated 92nd Intercessors, he was the only one she actually could somewhat lean on these days. Even though sometimes, it felt like it was nothing useful, his words, they still...reassured her. Comforted her.

    Convinced her that this truly was the best way forward with what she knew to be the reality of the situation.

    She needed that advice more than ever now and tapped the notice. "What do you think?" She quietly asked with a quiet sigh. "Should I refuse? Or should I hear my troublesome sister out?"

    He took his time to consider an answer. "Negotiations can only progress when both sides have something that the other wants. For you, the benefits to convincing your sibling to finally stand down and kneel is clear. But then," He carefully worded, "we must question what she has to gain now, especially with her actions in context."

    "You have a point," She muttered and leaned her temple against her fingers in thought. "She...there has to be a reason why she's doing this. She always does, the one who is always on the outside. Why she's actually trying to talk now, of all times, instead of finally raising a flag of rebellion like she has been building up to."

    "It is almost frustrating that she has not, especially when it would finally give you legitimacy to mobilize emergency forces against her."

    "Agreed." There was a long silence before finally, the daughter of House Iris decided she couldn't handle the growing tension and worries right now. It was simply too much for one human surrounded by a dwindling group of supporters who could not be trusted about the truth. She had to relieve her stress somehow.

    She rose from her chair and walked to the front of her desk, a hand reaching out to casually slide the notice to the side. Her confident seemed to swiftly realized what she wanted and gingerly approached, pausing in perhaps doubt or hesitation right before coming right up. When slim fingers reached out to tug at his jacket to pull him in closer, he realized there definitely was no such confusion or misunderstanding.

    The blood of House Iris was always clear and resolute in what they wanted, no matter how their blood was mixed.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------​
    - Hm, just realized I never actually listed what building aircraft would actually cost in terms of resources/time. I'm actually thinking of something like six (6) build time but four (4) cost. That makes sense and doesn't limit you to a single design cost-wise, but also shows a benefit of not having too many.
    - Made a mistake and forgot the House Divided is only two actions. So enjoy the bonus scene, we'll pop off shortly.
     
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  • Threadmarks
    • Celeshiro said:
    --[ ] [Diplomacy] House Divided. It's time to step in and try to negotiate with your sister to end this standoff. Requires two (2) progress. This option will begin the end of the start.
    Click to expand...
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    Celeshiro said:
    (House Divided: 44 +16 (Radana) +0 (Wealth) = 60)

    Progress: 2/3. In Progress.
    Click to expand...
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    Thank you for the update Celeshiro. Could you please clarify if House Divided had a requirement of 2 progress or 3 progress? It was listed in the previous thread mark as only requiring 2.
     
    Thank you for the update! I really hope we can solve this without having to send people to fight. But I think our forces can take them if it comes down to it.
     
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