I'd like to make the case that all the options for the EIC are useful and we should take them all when we can.
[ ] EIC: Have the Hochlander set up a shadow headquarters for the EIC in the Sunken Palace.
[ ] EIC: Have the Hochlander set up a shadow headquarters for the EIC in your fief.
These options will allow us to maintain proper intelligence infrastructure separate from mercantile networks. Where is our intel network headquarters anyway? They have to keep the paperwork somewhere. They aren't working out of the EIC's basement, are they?
[ ] EIC: Found an auditors division, to make sure the ledgers are in order.
The EIC operates in seven different provinces and two different polities. Can you imagine how divergent the accounting practices are? Someone is going to have to sort through that mess. We'll also have people to call on when it comes to forensic accounting.
[ ] EIC: Reach out to Julia to find out if she's interested in being poached or passing on information.
We're probably not going to poach Julia because we have the Hochlander. But if you want leads to poke things, know how Stirland is doing under Roswita, and start building connections in the intelligence community, this is the best option.
[ ] EIC: Reach out to Roswita, and have the EIC start passing on tips about any tax evasion or other naughtiness by the EIC's rivals.
This is a noteworthy public good, so I'm surprised this isn't more popular. White collar crime is still crime, and we and our allies benefit if a stop is put to it. Roswita gets more money, our competitors get a spoke in their wheel in a period of intense competition, and our intel network gets more experience and another achievement under it's belt.
[ ] EIC: Improve and expand the EIC's paramilitary river navy. (optional: specify how)
I know this option garnered a lot of question marks from the thread, but it's undoubtedly useful. We're in the middle of a massive outbreak of piracy, and we're transporting critical goods to Stirland's armed forces and government, as well as shipping trade goods and and luxuries to K8P. Not to mention when the canal completes, bandits will still be a concern.
As for concerns for giving them paramilitary power, who would they use it against and what for that's so objectionable? If the EIC is embroiled in some dispute, it will rely on it's connections, intelligence network, and financial firepower rather than brute force. And it's not like there won't be repercussions if it somehow gets the bright idea to achieve it's aims through violence. If it attacks the citizenry, it alienates it's customer base. If it comes to blows with the nobility, they'll close ranks and put significant pressure on it. And governments have a lot hurt to lay down in defense of their interests.
[ ] EIC: Have a blackpowder factory built in Wurtbad.
When will blackpowder ever not be needed? Roswita is in the middle of a military buildup for a siege, so she'll purchase all of it. After the siege, she'll need to refill her stores. It's good work and good money.
[ ] EIC: Have the EIC keep tabs on mercenaries so that they can be more easily hired if needed.
If you like Asarnil, this is how you get more Asarnil. If you don't want anymore Asarnil, this is how you get other cool cats. Remember the Besigers in the Battle of the Caldera? Should the need arise, we can more easily find the right men for the job.
[ ] EIC: Sell some of the Grand Urbaz Bank coins to collectors and museums on King Belegar's behalf.
@BoneyM The Grand Urbaz is gone, so is this option no longer available?
