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Post by Daos on Jan 11, 2022 17:42:00 GMT -8
"Daos Soulstaff, at your service," he says with a bow, by way of introduction. "Thank you, but you go ahead," he says about the cake. "I just wanted to check and see how you were holding up, my lady. I can only imagine how frightening that whole situation was for you."
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Post by GravityEmblem on Jan 12, 2022 7:06:01 GMT -8
Julia nods. "It was really scary. Being...snatched up in the middle of the night. Like those stories about trolls. But it's not because you've been bad, but because your dad loves you so much, he'd risk his town for you..." She sniffs, and wipes away the beginnings of a tear. "I had to sleep in Mom and Dad's room last night. You...you're going to stop them, right? Or the General is, at least?"
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Post by Daos on Jan 12, 2022 13:41:13 GMT -8
Daos places a reassuring hand on the young woman's shoulder and offers her a comforting smile. "You needn't worry, my lady. Your father, the general, and myself and my companions won't rest until both gangs are dealt with, and Deppsburg is a safe place. And until then, we'll make sure you and your family stay safe from them." He adds, "One day, it will be you that presides over this duchy, and you'll need to work hard to make sure things don't backslide again. Have you put much thought in how you intend to rule?"
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Post by GravityEmblem on Jan 12, 2022 13:52:17 GMT -8
"Oh! Quite a lot! Mom was always the optimistic one, who thought that we should fight the criminals--Granny thought we should appease them, and I think Dad had just given up hope. But she's always made me read about ruling, and do exercises, and stuff...it got a bit boring, frankly. I'd prefer to read stories about brave heroes beating up criminals, of course. But all the inch-thick books about 'economic policy' have prepared me well for ruling. When Dad..." She clears her throat. "So, I'm thinking of lowering taxes and tariffs and stuff, and making some things legal to sell--because how will they make money from crime if those things aren't illegal?" Julia says. "And always make a big show of punishing gang members, so that people can see that they're weak, now, and stop paying them all that protection money. What do you think?"
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Post by Daos on Jan 12, 2022 17:01:28 GMT -8
"Those are some wise ideas," Daos says. "Crime is a systemic problem, and the best way to quell it is to address the root causes, not just the symptoms. Another idea is to look into the history of Deppsburg, and learn how the gangs came into power in the first place. Understanding this, as well as how they maintained their grip for so long, would offer solutions to make sure it doesn't happen again."
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Post by GravityEmblem on Jan 13, 2022 6:58:37 GMT -8
"I do know a lot about that--I like history a lot more than economic policy," Julia says. "It's like a story itself, you know? I think it all started with the Calamity. Demons ravaged Central Foccu for a few months before the Barrier was put up, so the Queen requested troops from Parsall and Sealand to protect the capital. The death toll was huge, and most of the survivors were from Central Foccu. And Sealand merchants were able to make a lot of money selling supplies and luxury goods to New Arcadia. Lots of targets for crime plus too small an army to stop it equals: you guessed it, crime!" She taps her cheek, considering her response. "As for why no one stopped it...well, at first, the Duke couldn't no matter how he tried. Then his successor thought she'd try to profit off the gangs, make an alliance with them. By the time a ruler who wanted to stop the gangs showed up, they had a tight hold on Deppsburg. Though it's not as if no progress has been made," she adds. "Sealand used to have bandit problems through the whole Duchy. Then in 373--or was it 78? Whatever. The King sent some troops to root out the bandits living out in the wild, hitting towns. And since then, the other, smaller cities of Sealand have been getting rid of their crime families, one by one. There's still a lot of crime there, but Deppsburg is the only one where criminals are in control of the town. For now, at least," she grins.
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Post by Daos on Jan 13, 2022 11:26:03 GMT -8
Daos nods. "I see. Once people get used to something being a certain way, it becomes harder to change. That said, though, I think the common folk are getting tired of the gangs. They were pretty quick to turn on them during that last fight. Getting the people behind you could make the matter easier than otherwise."
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Post by GravityEmblem on Jan 13, 2022 13:02:30 GMT -8
Julia smiles. "Yes, it seems that General had the same idea. Of making a militia, I mean. If being angry at someone means you're good at fighting them, the gangs don't stand a chance," she jokes.
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Post by Daos on Jan 13, 2022 16:11:12 GMT -8
Daos nods. "When the day comes for you to take power, you'll also want to surround yourself with people you trust and who have the duchy's best interests at heart. Advisors, councilors, and so forth. And more importantly, you'll need to make sure to listen carefully to what they say. If you can manage all of that, I think Deppsburg has a bright future with you at the helm."
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Post by GravityEmblem on Jan 14, 2022 7:00:38 GMT -8
"A little Elite Council of Criminal-Stopping? Nice," she laughs. "I'll be sure to do that. Don't worry, Daos. Dad and I are capable hands!" She turns back to her cake.
He finds Valerie in the guest room she's staying in, writing in a journal, which she quickly claps shut and hides when he walks in.
"Oh, hello...did I get your name?" she asks.
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Post by Daos on Jan 14, 2022 14:54:44 GMT -8
"Daos Soulstaff," he says. "We didn't really have time for proper introductions then. I just wanted to check up on you, and see how you're holding up. I can imagine things have been difficult for you--losing your home to the Hydras, being coerced into joining them, and then having them turn around and try to kill you. It's a lot to deal with."
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Post by GravityEmblem on Jan 15, 2022 13:47:07 GMT -8
Valerie smiles and nods. "It is quite a lot. But I don't expect the Hydras to keep using my house. It had a good position for hiding things, and a secret chamber, to boot--but now the King's men know about it, what use is it to them?" She shakes her head. "I've gotten into enough trouble with the Hydras that joining them or fighting them was inevitable. I just didn't realize it would be both."
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Post by Daos on Jan 15, 2022 17:31:44 GMT -8
"I understand you have family back in the capitol?" Daos asks. "If you like, I could arrange an escort to bring you back there, if you no longer feel safe here."
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Post by GravityEmblem on Jan 16, 2022 9:04:31 GMT -8
She shakes her head. "No, I can do more good fighting the Hydras here. Besides, I made a promise to my mother." Valerie smiles, reminiscing. "She used to tell me, 'Val, when I'm gone, and things turn rough, promise me you won't turn tail. If you don't fight for yourself, the toe-steppers win.'"
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Post by Daos on Jan 16, 2022 15:08:38 GMT -8
"Very well," Daos says with a nod. "However, let me know if there's anything I can do to help you out while I'm still here. And if you like, I can carry a letter to your brother back to the capital when my companions finish our business here and return there."
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