*comment ñáéç…— *hide_reuse *advertisement *set year 1876 *set debt_check false *gosub_scene util combat_value *if independence > 40 As has become your custom, @{(independence < 55) as much as it grates on you,|} you join Carothers and Applethorp for a few hours of [i]crapaud[/i] about once a month. *else Periodically, you appear before Carothers and Applethorp to account for your actions—a necessary formality. From what they tell you, the rest of the Society is collectively holding its breath as the Senate debates when they should reconvene to once again consider the matter of a Senator for Memphis. It is on a muggy evening in early June of 1876 that Carothers greets you with a wide grin. "The Senate has set a date for the next election." *if (first_memphis_reception_attended > 1) and ((discretion > 60) and (independence < 35)) *label harsh_rejection *set carothers_rapport %-5 *set discretion %+5 *set independence %-5 *set avoiding_second_reception true *set carothers_humanity +2 You look at Carothers with barely-concealed contempt. "The machinations of the Society hold no interest for me, Quaestor. I did not attend the first reception for a reason." He looks at you in shock. "But…how can you…" "Do not waste your words. I will not be there." Carothers shakes his head sadly. "Your existence will be lonely. Long, perhaps…but lonely." "So be it, Quaestor." With that, you excuse yourself, certain that the rest of the night will revolve around the upcoming election. *goto conclusion *elseif (first_memphis_reception_attended > 1) and ((discretion > 40) and (independence < 60)) You sense that Carothers is about to try to drag you into the machinations of the Society again. There will be another round of voting soon. If you wish to avoid the affair, it would no doubt be best to end the matter here. If you let Carothers start, he is liable to bore you for the rest of the evening with the details of his preparations. *choice #I let him know, in no uncertain terms, my complete disinterest in the upcoming caucus. *goto harsh_rejection #I politely inform him that I think the Society is best avoided. *set carothers_rapport %-5 *set independence %-5 *set avoiding_second_reception true As politely as you can, you interrupt Carothers, and remind him of your general distaste for the affairs of the Society. He urges you to reconsider, but soon enough relents. *goto conclusion #I prompt him to continue. *set independence %+5 *set discretion %-5 "Oh? When will they be here?" "Next summer. August. Senators from across the continent will be in attendance," Carothers says. "Who is standing forward for the position?" you inquire. "To the best of my knowledge, it will be the same candidates. *if player_obstinate I hope you will not embarrass yourself in the same way as before?" "Embarrass myself?" "With your antics. Holding a seat long after all support has fled your company." *choice #"I have learned my lesson, Quaestor." *set independence %+10 *set discretion %-5 Carothers nods at your half-apology. *goto vessels #"I will do as I please, Quaestor." *set carothers_rapport %-5 *set independence %-10 *set discretion %+15 Carothers barely seems to register your insolence. *goto vessels #"I apologize for my actions. I did not mean to embarrass you, Quaestor." *set carothers_rapport %+5 *set independence %+10 *set discretion %-10 Carothers nods at your obsequiousness. *goto vessels *elseif player_candidate_1873 Do you intend to stand for the position again?" *label player_candidacy *choice #"Do you think I should, Quaestor?" *set discretion %-5 *set carothers_rapport %+3 *if (status > 2) *if (carothers_rapport > 60) "You would do me a great honor if you were to do so, ${mr} ${surname}." *else "You have the standing for it, I suppose." *elseif (carothers_rapport >= 45) and (status > 1) *if revolutionary_credentials > 55 "While I appreciate your politics, ${mr} ${surname}, I doubt that you will convince the Senators to support you." *elseif revolutionary_credentials >= 45 He looks at you suspiciously. "You have yet to declare your support for or against Stone, and while we may be able to work together as Quaestor and citizen, the time will come where you will have to declare your allegiances if you wish to become a Senator." *else "I'm sure you can understand that I would prefer a Senator who shares my views on Isaiah Stone, but I suppose it does not matter, as you are unlikely to succeed." *else "I think you should leave the matter to those who take the matter seriously." Thankfully, you have the good sense to bite back any retort. *goto player_candidacy #"Yes, I intend to stand for the position." *set player_for_senator true *set discretion %+5 *set independence %+20 *if status > 2 Carothers muses on this. "You are surpisingly well-respected for one of your youth. *if carothers_rapport > 60 I, for one, hope that you succeed." "Thank you, Quaestor," you reply. *elseif carothers_rapport > 45 You would be better than Pickering, at least," he grumbles. "Thank you for the support, Quaestor," you retort. *else It's a pity you have behaved so poorly since your arrival here." "A response to the circumstances, I'm sure," you reply. He scowls at you before changing the subject. *elseif status = 2 Carothers nods sagely at this bit of intelligence. "You have some standing in the Society. I suppose it is not impossible." *elseif status = 1 Carothers cocks his head and smirks. "I'm afraid, ${mr} ${surname}, the likelihoood of such an outcome is nonexistent. You simply do not have the respect of the Society. They will never accept you." You had not considered that particular angle on the matter. *else *set player_for_senator false Carothers laughs. "You will not even be admitted to the caucus! What makes you think you will be elected Senator?" You scowl at him but have no answer. *goto vessels #"No, I have no intention of doing so." *set discretion %-10 "That is no doubt a prudent decision, ${mr} ${surname}. But we will be the worse for it." *goto vessels *elseif voting_explained = false Will you be attending?" *set voting_explained true "I cannot say for certain. Tell me, how is a Senator chosen?" He looks at you incredulously, before reconsidering the isolation of your days as a young vampire. His face softens somewhat, and he explains: "There is no formal voting. Rather, the Senators gather and socialize. They show their support for their candidate throughout the evening, and if enough support is shown for one candidate over the others, then they announce their newest member." "Show support?" "Yes. Who speaks with whom. How long they spend speaking with each individual candidate. Everyone will be courteous to all the candidates, but the question is, to whom do the Senators show an outright affinity?" "How peculiar." "It is what it is." *goto vessels *else Do you intend to stand for the position?" Admittedly, you had not seriously considered the prospect before. *goto player_candidacy *label vessels The conversation soon turns to the preparations that the city will have to make for the event. *if acquiring_vessels = "success" "You will provide the refreshments once again, won't you?" Carothers suddenly asks. *if debt_from_carothers "Of course, Quaestor. And will the favor shown be the same?" Carothers only pauses a moment before responding. "There will be no debt this time. You will either do it for the honor of doing so, or you can leave it for me to do." *choice #"I will gladly do it, Quaestor." *set independence %+5 *set carothers_rapport %+10 *set acquiring_vessels_1877 "attempting" *set revolutionary_credentials %+5 Carothers nods at your decision. You cannot tell if he is pleased or disappointed. *goto party_preparations #"Then I must respectfully decline, Quaestor." *set carothers_humanity +2 *set carothers_rapport %-10 *set independence %+5 *set revolutionary_credentials %+5 Carothers nods at your decision. *goto party_preparations #"I am relieved to hear you say it. The whole matter was so distasteful last time, I will be happy to be shed of the burden on my soul." *set compassion %-5 *set carothers_humanity +2 *goto party_preparations *if revolutionary_credentials < 50 #I politely decline, then. Without the debt, there is no reason for you to aide a supporter of Stone. *set carothers_humanity +2 *set revolutionary_credentials %-20 *set carothers_rapport %-10 *set discretion %+10 *set independence %+10 Carothers nods at your decision. You have cast you lot against Stone, and you have made your disinterest in aiding Carothers clear. *set memphis_reception_planner "Dido" *goto political_preparations *elseif debt_to_carothers *set debt_check true *set acquiring_vessels_1877 "attempting" "Of course, Quaestor. And would this deed absolve me of the debt that I owe you?" "It most certainly would, ${mr} ${surname}." "Then consider it done, Quaestor." *goto party_preparations *elseif train_status *set acquiring_vessels_1877 "attempting" "Of course, Quaestor. And would this put you in my debt? It is only a moment's pause before Carothers nods in acceptance of your terms. *set carothers_rapport %-5 *set compassion %+10 *set independence %+10 *set debt_check true *set revolutionary_credentials %+5 *set memphis_reception_planner "Dido" *goto political_preparations *else *choice #I will volunteer to acquire the refreshments again. *set acquiring_vessels_1877 "attempting" *set compassion %+10 *set independence %+5 *set carothers_rapport %+15 *set revolutionary_credentials %+10 Carothers nods in acceptance. *set memphis_reception_planner "Dido" *goto political_preparations #I will offer to acquire the refreshments in exchange for a debt. *set carothers_rapport %-5 *set compassion %+10 *set independence %+10 *set debt_check true *set revolutionary_credentials %+5 *set acquiring_vessels_1877 "attempting" Carothers nods in acceptance of your terms. *set memphis_reception_planner "Dido" *goto political_preparations #I will avoid the topic, in the hopes of not being asked to do it again. I take no pleasure in herding mortals to be used in this way. *set compassion %-5 Carothers does not bring up the matter himself. *goto party_preparations #I will proactively make excuses as to why I will be unable to provide the refreshments again; hopefully, he will offer a debt to persuade me to do this. *set compassion %+5 *set independence %+5 *if (carothers_rapport > 60) or ((status > 2) or ((revolutionary_credentials > 65) or (charm > 4))) *set debt_check true *set acquiring_vessels_1877 "attempting" *set carothers_rapport %+5 *set discretion %+10 *set revolutionary_credentials %+5 The play works beautifully. Within a few moments, Carothers has implored you to provide the refreshments again, and when you protest, he offers the debt. You pretend to waver, but soon give in and accept his terms. You do your best not to hide your pride at this. *set memphis_reception_planner "Dido" *goto political_preparations *else *set discretion %-10 Unfortunately, your ploy does not work. Carothers takes your statements at face-value, and does not seek to change your mind. *goto party_preparations *if revolutionary_credentials < 50 #Why would I want to aide Carothers, who supports Stone? I decline his request. *set revolutionary_credentials %-20 *set carothers_rapport %-20 Your refusal sends a clear signal to Carothers about your position on the larger issues in the Society. He does his best to hide his disappointment. *goto party_preparations *elseif acquiring_vessels = "failed" The thought occurs to you that, were you to try again—and succeed this time—you may be able to make up for your failure to adequately provide refreshments for the last reception. *choice #Yes, I will volunteer my efforts once again. *if (carothers_rapport > 40) or (revolutionary_credentials > 55) *set acquiring_vessels_1877 "attempting" "You will not fail me this time, I trust?" "Certainly not, Quaestor." "I certainly hope so." *set memphis_reception_planner "Dido" *goto political_preparations *else *set carothers_humanity +2 "No, that won't be necessary, ${mr} ${surname}." *goto party_preparations #No, I will keep my mouth shut. *set carothers_humanity +2 Carothers, playing his part in the matter, tactfully does not mention your failure either. *goto party_preparations *else *if debt_to_carothers He gets right to the point. "I would suggest that you seize this opportunity to clear your debt to me by providing the refreshments for the event." *choice #I will offer to acquire the refreshments in exchange for clearing the debt. *set debt_check true *set independence %+10 *set carothers_rapport %+5 *set compassion %+10 *set acquiring_vessels_1877 "attempting" Carothers accepts your terms with a nod. *set memphis_reception_planner "Dido" *goto political_preparations #I refuse. I do not want to be responsible for such @{(rationalism > 60) a sin|crimes}. *set compassion %-5 *set carothers_humanity +2 Carothers does not bring up the matter himself. *goto party_preparations *else You sense that Carothers would appreciate you gathering the refreshments for the guests. *if (intelligence >= 3) and (((((combat + stealth) <= 8) and (priest = false)) and ((streetwise + charm) < 5)) and (charm != 4)) Reflecting on the matter for a moment, you are not sure how you would go about accomplishing this task. *if (lore > 2) and (status = 0) Of course, this might also provide you with an invitation to the election itself, if you can suitable demonstrate your devotion to the Society. *choice *if status = 0 #"Might this earn me an invitation to the election itself?" *set acquiring_vessels_1877 "attempting" *set independence %+20 *set carothers_rapport %+10 *set compassion %+10 *set carothers_rapport %+10 Carothers pauses a moment, and then nods. "Yes, yes it would. Accomplish this for me, and all will hear about your devotion to the Society." "Thank you, Quaestor," you say. *set memphis_reception_planner "Dido" *goto political_preparations *else #I will volunteer to acquire the refreshments. *set acquiring_vessels_1877 "attempting" *set compassion %+10 *set independence %+5 *set carothers_rapport %+15 Carothers nods at your enthusiasm. *set memphis_reception_planner "Dido" *goto political_preparations *if debt_to_carothers and (carothers_debt_wilson = 1) #I will offer to acquire the refreshments if it will eliminate my debt to him. *set debt_check true *set independence %+10 *set carothers_rapport %+5 *set compassion %+10 *set acquiring_vessels_1877 "attempting" Carothers accepts your terms with a nod. *set memphis_reception_planner "Dido" *goto political_preparations *if (debt_to_carothers = false) and ((debt_from_carothers = false) and (carothers_debt_wilson = 1)) #I will offer to acquire the refreshments in exchange for a debt. *set carothers_rapport %-5 *set compassion %+10 *set independence %+10 *set debt_check true *set acquiring_vessels_1877 "attempting" Carothers nods in acceptance of your terms. *set memphis_reception_planner "Dido" *goto political_preparations #I will proactively make excuses as to why I will be unable to provide the refreshments; hopefully, he will offer a debt to persuade me to do this himself. *set compassion %+5 *set independence %+5 *if (carothers_rapport > 60) or ((status > 2) or ((revolutionary_credentials > 65) or (charm > 4))) *set debt_check true *set acquiring_vessels_1877 "attempting" *set carothers_rapport %+5 *set discretion %+10 The ploy works beautifully. Within a few moments, Carothers has beseeched you to provide the refreshments again, and when you protest, he offers the debt. You pretend to waver, but soon given in and accept his terms. You do your best not to hide your pride at this. *set memphis_reception_planner "Dido" *goto political_preparations *else *set discretion %-10 *set carothers_humanity +2 Unfortunately, your ploy does not work. Carothers takes your statements at face-value, and does not seek to change your mind. *goto party_preparations #I will avoid the topic, in the hopes of not being asked to do it. I take no pleasure at the thought of herding mortals to be used in this way. *set compassion %-5 *set carothers_humanity +2 Carothers does not bring up the matter himself. *goto party_preparations *label party_preparations Before long, the conversation turns to the matter of the reception itself. *if memphis_reception_planner != "Dido" *if party_preparations = 0 *set memphis_reception_planner "Dido" *set party_preparations 1 You are clearly humiliated by the topic and do your best to move the conversation along quickly. Without your intervention, the matter defaults to Dido, who seems happy with the opportunity to demonstrate her organizational savvy. *goto political_preparations *elseif party_preparations = 1 Carothers seems to be of the opinion that the soirée should have been better executed than it was. If you were suitably persuasive, he might allow you to try your hand at it again. *choice #Yes, I will seek to persuade him. *set independence %+10 *if (carothers_rapport > 50) or ((status > 2) or ((revolutionary_credentials > 60) or (charm > 4))) *set preparing_for_party_1877 true *set discretion %+10 After a moment's hesitation, Carothers accepts your offer. *goto political_preparations *else *set carothers_rapport %-10 *set discretion %-10 *set memphis_reception_planner "Dido" Unfortunately, Carothers rebuffs your request to organize the reception again. *goto political_preparations #No, I have already tried my hand at that, and learned that I have no talent for it. *set discretion %-5 *set memphis_reception_planner "Dido" Without your intervention, the matter defaults to Dido, who seems happy with the opportunity to demonstrate her savvy. *goto political_preparations *else Carothers entreats you to organize the reception again. Everyone was so delighted with your preparations for the last one; they will expect your next one to be even grander. *choice *if debt_to_carothers #Yes, of course I will…if Carothers will absolve me of my debt to him. *set carothers_rapport %+5 *set independence %+5 *set debt_to_carothers false *set preparing_for_party_1877 true Carothers nods his acceptance of your terms. *goto political_preparations *if (debt_to_carothers = false) and (debt_from_carothers = false) #Yes, of course I will…if Carothers will offer me a debt for the effort. *set discretion %+5 *set independence %+5 *set debt_from_carothers true *set preparing_for_party_1877 true Carothers nods his acceptance of your terms. *goto political_preparations #Yes, of course I would be honored to organize the reception again. *set carothers_rapport %+20 *set discretion %+10 *set preparing_for_party_1877 true Carothers thanks you. *goto political_preparations #Yes, but it was so expensive last time… *set carothers_rapport %+5 *set discretion %-10 *set preparing_for_party_1877 true Carothers understands your implications, and offers to pay for the affair, if you will be so kind as to do as fine of a job as you did last time. You shake his hand, sealing the deal. *goto political_preparations #No, I am bored of such things. *set compassion %+5 *set memphis_reception_planner "Dido" *goto political_preparations *if revolutionary_credentials < 50 #No. Why would I want to make Carothers, who supports Stone, look good before the gathered members of the Society? *set revolutionary_credentials %-20 *set carothers_rapport %-15 *set independence %+5 *set memphis_reception_planner "Dido" Carothers is clearly disappointed in your refusal. Your opposition to Stone is clear. *goto political_preparations *else Dido did an acceptable job with her preparations last time around. You consider whether you should offer your services in this regard. *choice #Yes, I will volunteer my services. *set preparing_for_party_1877 true *set memphis_reception_planner given_name #No, I have neither the interest nor talent for such trivialities. *set discretion %-15 Without your interruption, the matter defaults to Dido. She seems happy to accept the responsibility again. *if debt_to_carothers #I will offer my services, in exchange for the elimination of the debt I owe to Carothers. *set independence %+5 *if (carothers_rapport > 40) or ((status > 1) or (revolutionary_credentials > 55)) *set carothers_rapport %+5 *set preparing_for_party_1877 true *set memphis_reception_planner given_name Carothers accepts your offer without hesitation. *else Carothers declines your offer. Your services are not so valued as to be equal to the debt that you owe to him. *label political_preparations The conversation soon turns to the subject of the election itself. *if first_memphis_caucus_attended and (revolutionary_credentials > 65) He remarks again on the fortuitousness of Simmons having been waylaid while [i]en route[/i] to the event three years ago. He clearly has not sussed out the responsible party@{simmons_waylaid |—if there even is one}. "I would say that one of Stone's supporters did not wish for Simmons to have an opportunity to cast his vote. It was an effective move. The longer Stone remains alive, the more support he gains; suddenly, Consul Adonis does not seem so omnipotent," he concludes. *goto unwelcome_resident *elseif heard_of_pickering Unsurprisingly, Carothers' opposition to Pickering is unwavering. *else One remark of his catches your immediate attention. "It was quite a bit of fortune that Senator Simmons was unable to attend. Had he arrived in time, Pickering would surely have been chosen." *if heard_of_pickering = false *set heard_of_pickering true *set heard_of_simmons true "Pickering?" "Yes, he is a resident of Mobile, Alabama, and the leading candidate for those who opppose Isaiah Stone." *if heard_of_simmons = false *set heard_of_simmons true "And Simmons?" "The Senator from Mobile. Once of his more ardent supporters." *if revolutionary_credentials < 40 "How could that happen?" you demand. "His traveling-coffin was misplaced on its way here," Carothers replies, calmly. "Without him, the gathered Senators were unable to reach a decision. The otherwise assured election of Mr. Pickering was cast into disarray. Unfortunately for you, by next August, the supporters of Stone will be able to make a better showing. Your associates will fail in their efforts to reverse the tide of Stone's revolution." *else "His absence—Simmons, I mean—must have been devastating." "It was. His traveling-coffin was misplaced on its way here. Without him, the gathered senators were unable to reach a decision. The otherwise assured election of Mr. Pickering was cast into disarray. It is my hope that, by next August, the supporters of Stone will be able to make a better showing." *goto unwelcome_resident *if first_memphis_caucus_attended "It was unfortunate for Pickering. I wonder how that happened?" *if simmons_waylaid You do your best to keep a straight face as you say this. "Yes, I wonder who could have been responsible. Such an individual would surely be praised by his friends, and hated by his enemies." Though you cannot be certain, you feel as though Carothers gives you a brief nod of appreciation as he finishes this statement. *else "I would say that one of Stone's supporters did not wish for Simmons to have an opportunity to cast his vote. It was an effective move. The longer Stone remains alive, the more support he gains; suddenly, Consul Adonis does not seem so omnipotent." *else *if simmons_waylaid "It was unfortunate for Pickering. I wonder how that happened?" You do your best to keep a straight face as you say this. "Yes, I wonder who could have been responsible. Such an individual would surely be praised by his friends, and hated by his enemies." Though you cannot be certain, you feel as though Carothers gives you a brief nod of appreciation as he finishes this statement. *else *set heard_of_simmons true *set heard_of_pickering true *if revolutionary_credentials < 40 "How could that happen?" you demand. "His traveling-coffin was misplaced on its way here," Carothers replies, calmly. "Without him, the gathered senators were unable to reach a decision. The otherwise assured election of Mr. Pickering was cast into disarray. Unfortunately for you, by next August, the supporters of Stone will be able to make a better showing. Your associates will fail in their efforts to reverse the tide of Stone's revolution." *else "That does sound unfortunate for Pickering. As you recall, however, I was not in attendance myself…" "Yes, yes…" he interjects impatiently. "Senator Simmons of Mobile intended to attend the caucus, and it was expected that he would support Mr. Pickering. Now, whether by intention or happenstance, Simmons' traveling-coffin was misplaced on its way here, and he did not arrive in time. With him absent, the gathered senators were unable to reach a decision. The otherwise assured election of Mr. Pickering was cast into disarray. It is my hope that, by next August, the supporters of Stone will be able to make a better showing." *label unwelcome_resident After a little further conversation on this topic, Carothers shifts to the matter of the unwelcome resident of his city. *if first_memphis_caucus_attended "This ${wilson} fellow, are you serious about catching him?" "Of course, Quaestor." "Are you prepared to do so?" "How do you mean?" *else "Are you adequately prepared to handle $!{wilson}?" "How do you mean, Quaestor?" "If you heard word of his location right now, what would you do?" You contemplate this for a few moments, before Carothers interrupts your thoughts. "I would suggest putting together a bag of tools; rope, stakes—both wooden and metal, a hammer or maul…whatever you might need to subdue a vampire. You never know when your quarry may appear, and you may not have time to prepare." "You are wise, Quaestor." You stay for a while longer, watching the roll of the dice. "There is one other thing that you should know," Carothers begins. "I will be gone from the city for a time. I am headed to St. Louis first; the Democratic convention is there in a few short weeks, and the delegates will be choosing their candidate for president. Afterwards, I will go to Nashville, and try to gain some control over the legislature there. The recent considerations of municipal suicide are unacceptable, and my agents there are consistently foiled. Dido will tend things in my absence. Should you need me, you may write to me." *if democratic_convention = false *set democratic_convention true "I shall do so, Quaestor. If you will excuse me, I must go now." *if municipal_debt > 0 As you turn to leave, Carothers stops you to thank you for keeping faith with the city. "Most have sold their bonds to speculators, further reducing the city's ability to finance itself. But you have kept faith. I am glad to have you as a citizen of this city, ${mr} ${surname}." "You honor me, Quaestor," you reply. *if municipal_debt = 0 He nods, and you depart. *if preparing_for_party_1877 *goto actual_party_preparations *else *goto conclusion *label actual_party_preparations *page_break *set independence %+10 Over the next few nights, you thoughts begin to turn to the reception next summer. It is never too early to begin your preparations! *if indifferent_to_temperance_workers_plight Unfortunately, when you contact ${memphis_reception_planner} about organizing the reception again, she instantly declines. Apparently, your indifference to the plight of one of her assistants did not go unnoticed. *if charm > 3 *set compassion %+5 *set discretion %+10 Of course, your supernatural charm is more than capable of superseding her protestations. Within moments of her refusal, she is begging you to allow her the honor of organizing the reception again. *goto decide_planner *else *set discretion %-5 Despite your pleas, she turns you away. ${memphis_reception_planner} and her temperance workers will have nothing more to do with you. *set memphis_reception_planner given_name *set party_preparations creation It is no matter, you will no doubt be able to organize a better soirée anyway. *goto conclusion *elseif (memphis_reception_planner != "Dido") and (memphis_reception_planner != given_name) ${memphis_reception_planner} is more than willing to organize the reception for you again. Will you retain her services, or go it alone? *label decide_planner *choice #Yes, she did well enough last time. *set discretion %-5 *goto conclusion #No, I will do it myself. *set discretion %+5 *set party_preparations creation *goto conclusion *if memphis_affair and (wealth > 10000) #No, I will ask Clotho to help me this time. *set memphis_reception_planner "Clotho" *set compassion %-10 *set party_preparations 3 *set wealth -10000 Clotho is thrilled to help you with the plans for the reception. The two of you spend night after night working on the preparations, designing the space, the costumes and the music. Of course, such planning sessions often devolve into enthusiastic love-making, but there is a whole year ahead of you. *goto conclusion *if (feeding_style = "socialites") and ((memphis_reception_planner != "Olivia") and (ruined_relationship_olivia_hill = false)) #No, but one of Napoleon Hill's daughters seems to have a talent for festivities. *set discretion %-5 *set party_preparations 2 *set memphis_reception_planner "Olivia" *set wealth -5000 Olivia Polk Hill is only too happy to oblige. Within moments of broaching the topic with her, you can already see her mind spinning in uncountable directions. "What a party we shall throw, dear ${given_name}! Like none that has been seen since the war!" Were you still alive, you would no doubt breathe a deep sigh of relief. Instead, you can simply smile and divert your mind to more relaxing thoughts. *goto conclusion *if memphis_reception_planner != "Harriet" #No, but surely there is someone else who can be hired to do this for me. *if temperance_movement and (wealth > 10000) *set memphis_reception_planner "Harriet" *set wealth -8500 *set party_preparations 2 You contact Mary Ann Forrest, and she introduces you to Harriet Lane, a woman instrumental in organizing the temperance events of the city. Considering the fact that none of your guests will be consuming alcohol you figure that she will not object to the task. During your meeting, Ms. Lane warns you that extravagance is not her [i]modus operandi[/i]. But she promises that no man or woman will leave your soirée disappointed. She eventually turns the subject around to her efforts at educating the papists of the Pinch, and the monetary needs that she occurs in these efforts. You wave away this stipulation, noting that "…we have many details to confirm, and little in the way of time. Please, let us concentrate on the task before us. *goto conclusion *elseif wealth > 10000 *set memphis_reception_planner "Harriet" *set wealth -8500 *set party_preparations 1 You cast about the city, seeking an individual to organize the event on your behalf. You find a local temperance advocate by the name of Harriet Lane who is willing to see you. Consider the fact that none of the guests will be consuming alcohol, you figure that she will do well enough. During your meeting, Ms. Lane warns you that extravagance is not her [i]modus operandi[/i]. But she promises that no man or woman will leave your soirée disappointed. She eventually turns the subject around to her efforts at educating the papists of the Pinch, and the monetary needs that she incurs in these efforts. You wave away this stipulation, noting that "…we have many details to confirm, and little in the way of time. Please, let us concentrate on the task before us." *goto conclusion *else *set party_preparations 0 *set memphis_reception_planner given_name You cast about, but can find no individual with any talent that is willing to take as little money as you are able to offer. It seems that you will confront this task alone and with negliable material means. *goto conclusion *else You wonder whether you are best suited to this task. *choice *selectable_if (discretion > 30) #I will handle the affair myself. *set discretion %+5 *set party_preparations_1873 "failure" *if (creation >= 1) and (wealth >= 5000) *set party_preparations 1 *if (creation >= 2) and (wealth >= 10000) *set party_preparations 2 *if (creation = 3) and (wealth >= 15000) *set party_preparations 3 *if (creation > 3) and (wealth >= 20000) *set party_preparations 4 *set wealth -(creation * 5000) You undertake this obligation with gusto. Many nights are spent organizing the space, designing the costumes and choosing the music. With any luck, this whole thing shall be a smashing success. *if wealth < 0 *set wealth 0 Unfortunately, though, you spend your last cent during the course of the preparations; you can only hope that it was worth it. *goto conclusion *if memphis_affair and (wealth > 20000) #I will ask Clotho for her assistance. *set memphis_reception_planner "Clotho" *set compassion %-10 *set party_preparations 3 *set wealth -10000 Clotho is thrilled to help you with the plans for the reception. The two of you spend night after night working on the preparations, designing the space, the costumes and the music. Of course, such planning sessions often devolve into enthusiastic love-making, but there is a whole year ahead of you. *goto conclusion *if (feeding_style = "socialites") and (ruined_relationship_olivia_hill = false) #One of Napoleon Hill's daughters seems to have a talent for festivities. *set discretion %-5 *set party_preparations 2 *set memphis_reception_planner "Olivia" *if wealth <= 5000 *set wealth 0 *if wealth > 5000 *set wealth -5000 Olivia Polk Hill is only too happy to oblige. Within moments of broaching the topic with her, you can already see her mind spinning in uncountable directions. "What a party we shall throw, dear ${given_name}! Like none that has been seen since the war!" Were you still alive, you would no doubt breathe a deep sigh of relief. Instead, you can simply smile and divert your mind to more relaxing thoughts. *goto conclusion #Surely there is someone that I can hire to do this for me. *set discretion %-5 *set party_preparations 1 *if (met_percival_little) and (wealth > 10000) *set memphis_reception_planner "Sally" *set wealth -8500 It occurs to you that Percival Little mentioned his wife's fund-raising activities on behalf of the various charities in which the Freedman's Bank once invested. Though her condition is much reduced recently, she would no doubt be eager to find employment in this matter. When you approach her with the matter, Mrs. Little is happy to oblige you and her husband's associate, Mr. Carothers. She warns you, however, that extravagance is not her modus operandi. But she promises that no man or woman will leave your soirée disappointed. *goto conclusion *elseif (memphis_haven = "beale") and (wealth > 10000) *set memphis_reception_planner "Sally" *set wealth -8500 There is a woman about town, Sally Little, who is responsible for many of the social events of the Beale district. After some pointed questions, you learn that she is the wife of one of the managers at the Freedman's Bank, and her reputation is founded on throwing parties for the various charities in which the Bank invests. When you approach her about the event, she is happy to take up the task. She does make it clear, however, that she will require a donation to one of the orphans' charities, a stipulation to which you agree with a wave of your hand. "We have little in the way of time, Mrs. Little. Let us begin discussing the details…" Mrs. Little is happy to oblige you and her husband's associate, Mr. Carothers. She warns you, however, that extravagance is not her modus operandi. But she promises that no man or woman will leave your soirée disappointed. *goto conclusion *elseif (wealth > 10000) *set memphis_reception_planner "Harriet" *set wealth -8500 You cast about the city, seeking an individual to organize the event on your behalf. You find a local temperance advocate by the name of Harriet Lane who is willing to see you. Consider the fact that none of the guests will be consuming alcohol, you figure that she will do well enough. During your meeting, Ms. Lane warns you that extravagance is not her modus operandi. But she promises that no man or woman will leave your soirée disappointed. She eventually turns the subject around to her efforts at educating the papists of the Pinch, and the monetary needs that she occurs in these efforts. You wave away this stipulation, noting that "…we have many details to confirm, and little in the way of time. Please, let us concentrate on the task before us." *goto conclusion *else *set memphis_reception_planner given_name *set party_preparations 0 *set wealth 0 Unfortuantely, your limited financial means prevent you from finding anyone of talent to plan. You are left to your own impoverished devices. As the night of the reception draws near, you grow increasingly terrified over your contribution. You are certain that—unfortunately—this is a night which the Society will never forget. *goto conclusion *label conclusion *set train_status false *if (memphis_reception_planner != given_name) and (acquiring_vessels_1877 != "attempting") *page_break *temp finance_mod (((finance + charm) * 3) / 100) Since you are not@{(memphis_reception_planner = "Dido") |directly | }contributing to the preparations for the reception, you have some time to direct your attentions to other purposes. *choice *if (municipal_debt > 0) #I want to dispose of the bonds that I have myself. Better to staunch the proverbial bleeding now. *set wealth +((municipal_debt * (0.25 + finance_mod)) * 17) *set municipal_debt 0 *set carothers_rapport %-10 *set applethorp_rapport %-5 *set compassion %+5 In saloons, drawing-room, and meeting-halls, you sell the bonds one by one. You argue, wheedle, and cajole men and women to part with with their wages and inheritances in exchange for a piece of the future of Memphis. You trade on their hopes and their dreams for a better tomorrow—it's been three years since the last Yellow Fever outbreak, after all. And things are getting better, right? More the fool them. *if (ashmore_banks = 1) #I ask Carothers if there is anything that could be done to shore up the finances of the city. *set carothers_rapport %+5 *set shepherd_credentials %+5 *set ashmore_banks 2 *set heard_of_ashmore true Carothers admits that he is at a loss himself, but is aware that Senator Rebecca Ashmore of Philadelphia has some pull with the banks there. You file that morsel of knowledge away. *if ((temperance_movement = false) and (male = false)) #I want to involve myself with the women's movement and its push for temperance and suffrage. *set temperance_movement true *set shepherd_credentials %+15 *set compassion %-5 *set discretion %+5 *set local_fame %+5 The current phase of the temperance movement has only just begun, with the Women's Christian Temperance Union organizing impromptu prayer sessions in saloons, seeking to drive those establishments out of business one by one. More than one saloonkeeper has been known to close early at the first hint of temperance workers in the neighborhood. Among these idealists, you learn much of the push for equality. Of course, almost everyone has a different idea about how that is to be achieved, but the majority agree on some basic principles, such as the right to vote. Currently, Wyoming is the only state that expressly permits women to vote, but women across the country have been registering to vote and casting ballots as a political protest for years now. *if (exposure > 5) #I worry about the stigma that has attached itself to my name; I seek to expunge it. *set exposure -2 *if charm > 3 *set exposure -2 The Rule of Reserve requires that you keep a low profile among the mortals. With time and care, you can create doubt in the minds of those who have begun to associate you with something unholy or supernatural. Undertaking such a task is not glamorous, but presumably helps to extend your life expectancy. *selectable_if (wealth > 500000) #It's time to invest my money in some ventures outside of Memphis; I don't want to lose my capital in another bank failure. Of course, businesses can be just as risky as banks. Spread carefully across multiple operations, your risk should be kept within an appropriate range. How much of your money would you like to invest? *choice #$20,000. *set wealth -170000 *set income +10 *selectable_if (wealth > 600000) #$40,000. *set wealth -340000 *set income +20 *set income +round(finance/2) *selectable_if (wealth > 750000) #$60,000. *set wealth -510000 *set income +30 *set income +finance *set laborvscapital %-10 *set local_fame %+10 *set exposure +1 Finding a home for so much money is no simple feat, but in time you find businesses and other enterprises that are in need of capital, and are willing to part with some share of their income. *if (anachronism > 60) and (knows_pb_diseased = 2) *selectable_if (intelligence > 2) #I wish to see if Stennis's theory about ${maddox} being the source of the fever is true. *set knows_pb_diseased 3 *set anachronism %+5 You spend many nights tracing the outbreaks in Memphis—interviewing the sick and those who survive the dead. As the months roll by, you come to the inescapable conclusion that ${maddox} is the source of the constant return of the disease to Memphis. The matter, of course, is not helped by the terrible water and sewer system, but outbreaks can definitely be located to place that you know he's been—and people from whom he's fed. #I continue my search for $!{wilson}. *set independence %+10 Unfortunately, all this time spent searching for $!{wilson} turns up no new news. It seems that he truly has gone to ground. *if streetwise = 0 *set streetwise +1 However, the time is not totally wasted; you learn how to better imitate the more undesirable elements of society. Your presence among them does not draw so much attention, now that you know how to ape their customs. *if (spencer_sister_status > 1) and (spencer_sister_status < 6) *if (spencer_sister_status > 3) #I seek to expose the illogic of the Spencer sisters' theology. *set exposure +1 *set discretion %+5 *if ((intelligence > 2) or priest) and (charm > 2) *set spencer_sister_status 6 After spending enough time listening to Susie's sermons, you find the flaws in their logic and the inconsistencies in their arguments. Finally, you stand one night and begin to point those out. You poke and prod, leading your quarry down a well-considered intellectual path. They try to take your points in good humor, but only too late does Susie realize the logical trap in which you have placed her. When the sisters flee their makeshift stage, the audience begins to see it too. There's muttering, disbelief, incomprehension…but there's also anger. @{((ethnicity = "african") or (ethnicity = "choctaw")) And no small amount of that anger is directed at you.|} You can feel the mood in the room begin to darken. Your mission accomplished, you depart before that anger can coalesce into action. *goto resolve_intermission *elseif charm > 4 *bug not possible (yet) *else *set exposure +1 You spend several evenings analyzing the words of Susie Spencer and preparing your pitch to her congregation. When you feel that you are ready, you raise your hand to speak. Unfortunately, the audience is disinclined to listen to you. @{(charm = 4) And while your powers of persuasion are mighty, they cannot sway such a large crowd.|} After several sharp exchanges with Susie, you are laughed out of the tent. *goto resolve_intermission #I drive the Spencer sisters from Memphis. *set spencer_sister_status 8 Through harassment both subtle and overt, you make it known that the Spencer sisters are not welcome in this city. After severals weeks of this campaign, they vanish one night, almost without a trace. You later hear that a crowd gathered at the usual time for the sisters' weekly sermon, but with no tent and no preacher, they dispersed in sorrow and dread. What is to be done when your prophets foresake you? #I murder the Spencer sisters. *set spencer_sister_status 6 *set compassion %+10 @{(spencer_sister_status = 5) You wonder to what gods false prophets pray when their end is nigh.|Whatever their connection to other worlds, it offers them no defense when you confront them one sweltering evening.} When you have finished your bloody task, you rifle their collection box and make it look like a common robbery. With so many people dead and dying from the plague, no one will spare a thought for two more corpses. *if (spencer_sister_status > 3) #I confront the Spencer sisters and demand a portion of their revenue. *set laborvscapital %-5 *set compassion %+3 *set discretion %+3 *set income +3 *set spencer_sister_status 7 It is hard for them to deny you. Impossible, really. They agree to commit a portion of their ongoing revenue to your accounts. They inform you that they do not intend to stay much longer in Memphis; despite their lofty rhetoric, they fear the plague and hope St. Louis will be a safer harbor. *label resolve_intermission *page_break *if avoiding_second_reception You soon learn from Dido that Carothers has decamped to Nashville. *if (compassion > 60) and (carothers_rapport < 50) Apparently, he can't keep his mortal servants in good order. He is expected to return before the next election. *if literate *if independence >= 40 Considering the months you have before you, before the reception, you realize that there may be ways that you can affect the election before the various Senators have even arrived. With a few well-placed words, @{player_for_senator can you ease the path for you to win the election|is it possible that you could decide the identity of the Senator of Memphis}? *if player_for_senator Perhaps you might even persuade them to vote for you? *finish Next *else The next year will pass quickly. *choice *selectable_if (discretion < 80) #I want to use the time to try and influence the outcome of the election. *set independence %+20 In order to influence the outcome of the election, you must enter into correspondence with the principals. *goto_scene memphis_1877_letters *selectable_if (discretion < 80) #I want to use the time to correspond with my vampiric acquaintances about other things. There are many things occurring in the world about which you are interested, no doubt. *goto_scene memphis_1877_letters *selectable_if (discretion > 20) #Writing letters will achieve nothing. My interactions with the other members of the Society will be face-to-face! *set independence %+10 *set discretion %+10 *goto_scene memphis_1877_reception #What do I care about elections? I have $!{wilson} to locate. *if heard_about_great_railroad_strike = false *set heard_about_great_railroad_strike true During July of 1877, a series of strikes erupt across the country, mostly centered on cities served by the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. The strikers paralyze the nation for two weeks, with people and goods no longer able to cross the Appalachians through the Cumberland Narrows. The matter is put to an end when federal troops and deputized police began murdering the strikers. The survivors went back to work. It is only a few weeks later that you receive word from Stennis that $!{wilson} has been seen about the city again. You are vaguely aware that the Senators are arriving for the reception and subsequent caucus, but you are focused on the errant young vampire. *page_break *goto_scene memphis_1877_plague *else Considering the months you have before you, before the reception, you realize that there may be ways that you can affect the election before the various Senators have even arrived. With a few well-placed words, @{player_for_senator can you ease the path for you to win the election|is it possible that you could decide the identity of the Senator of Memphis}? Of course, you will have to ask Franklin to pen these letters for you. Are you willing to endure this indignity? *choice #Yes, it is important that I correspond with the other attendees before next year's election. *set discretion %-20 *goto_scene memphis_1877_letters *if memphis_affair #Who needs Franklin, when I have Clotho? She knows how to read and she has beautiful penmanship. (Or so you imagine.) *goto_scene memphis_1877_letters #No. I cannot stand to humble myself before my servant. *set discretion %+15 *if booted_from_memphis_reception_1873 #Considering my conduct at the last reception, I doubt I will be invited back. *set independence %-5 *elseif avoiding_second_reception #I have no intention of attending the reception or the caucus, so there would be no point in seeking to influence it. *set independence %-5 *if municipal_debt > 0 *set wealth +((municipal_debt * 0.14) * 17) During this time, you receive another interest payment from your municipal bonds. @{(finance > 0) Though, from what you understand, it is likely to be the last one. The city is on the verge of bankruptcy.|} *page_break *goto_scene memphis_1877_reception