Introduction
"...during the latter half of the century. It was the ensuing political disarray, especially in the Home Resource offices, in conjunction with the influx of overseas immigration stimulated by the Second Eastern Pact that resulted in the nearly instantaneous formation of the Stock, formally known as the Stock Assemblage of Greater Territories, in 1870. The inclusion of the archaic term 'stock' was for a number of reasons: it referred first to the idea of the common man, the implicit stock citizens of the nation. It was the proletariat that would represent the vast majority of the initial membership in the assemblage, though it would be proven that their influence did not follow the same proportion nor did their level of membership stay constant over the working existence of the party. 'Stock' also included within its meaning a somewhat oblique homage to farms and the animals contained therein. As agriculture was one of the main industries credited for the revival of the economy less than a decade prior, its status as a social savior still remained in the popular culture. The term further represented the personal investment of each of its members; it was as if they held a certain figurative 'stock' in the ideologies (and, by extension, the actions) of the assemblage. Finally, 'stock' was defined in the context of ancestry, reflecting an emphasis on the past, both personal and national, as well as on the origin of all things they had come to know. However, it can be said that none of these early forces had any true effect on the final direction of the Stock as we have learned, for these were merely used as methods of drawing interest and support for the assemblage in its infancy. In fact, the core tenets during its growth and ultimate prolonged dominance were primarily the brainchild of a particularly impassioned individual, who transformed the relatively disorganized and ineffectual Stock Assemblage of Greater Territories into the resolute behemoth that stood without a worthy challenger for over three decades..."
This is the story of a great leader. This leader rose swiftly through the social and political ranks as the head of the Stock Assemblage of Greater Territories and assumed total control over the citizens, ruling with a cruel and merciless hand. In fact, it may be prudent to rephrase: this is the story of a tyrant, a dictator, a...
The character who will become the despot will not be known at the start of the roleplay. Players may create their characters with the intention their characters will assume this position eventually, and it is this competition between players vying to make their character the despot that will help drive the roleplay. It is important, however, to not let this competition extend outside of the roleplay and into the metagame; that is, players should not be trying to be the despot simply because it is the "main" character.
This story will likely involve significant elements of politics, sociology, propaganda, government, etc. Creating a piece of realistic history will be emphasized and characters and situations are expected to develop during this timeline. If this does not sound like something you would be interested in, this roleplay probably is not for you.
The excerpt at the beginning was deliberately left relatively bare-bones in terms of information about the setting and initial circumstances. Only the name of the party and vague early influences and definitions were described. The general party line, ideologies, activities, and other aspects will all be decided as the roleplay progresses, allowing the development of the despot to happen naturally. Nothing precludes the creation of rival parties, external forces, anything that you could think of that you feel would be an appropriate addition to the story.
If you can recognize it, there is an opportunity to produce a solid piece of collaborative writing here. There will be approval required to join this roleplay. A simple application sheet will suffice: name of character, short description, and some of your thoughts on the possible development of the roleplay (which you can put in any of the remaining fields of the application). The setting is akin to late 19th century Europe, to give you some basis for your characters.
- 11 posts here • Page 1 of 1
The Story So Far... Write a Post » as written by 8 authors
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Thus, it was Pleasant who was most shocked by his own decision. Yes, Broderick had nudged and encouraged, but ultimately, it was Pleasant who had chosen to take the coach. For Broderick, he would give this a try. After all, there must be something to this "Stock" business, however minor or insignificant. Shaking off his parasol, he slipped quietly into the smoke-filled room, anxious but curious.
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He creaked the door of the inn open and surveyed the opium and cigar smoke filled room. He took a deep breath in and started inside the room, giving handshakes and laughing at secret jokes as he waded deeper into the inn. "Get me something sweet, not too strong though."He asked the bartender once he'd waded through the crowd of bodies. "Can't make a fool of myself tonight."
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Dear Father,
I am glad to hear that you are well, and that the family affairs run as smoothly as ever. I am also comforted to hear that you have summoned the Dr Heringold at last, it may well do some good. Make sure my brother takes his medicine- you know how he loves to rebel against any notion of healthy living. As for affairs down here, city life is busy and rather polluted, and my heart longs to be out on the open field again, riding across the pastures. However, I cannot spare the time to return home as of yet. The courts keep me busy, not to mention the the theatre invites that seem to shoot through my letterbox by the dozen every week. Perhaps in the summer. As of now, I have just concluded the Walters family case, and am thrilled to report that they shall receive valid compensation for their mistreatment in the workhouses. Although I am happy to see this result, my heart cannot help but darken when I think of all the other families in the same situation who I cannot aid. Alas, law is fickle. As of now, I shall take some time to enjoy the culture of the capital a little more, and perhaps pursue a currently non-existing social life. The thickness of courtroom atmosphere dims one's spirits somewhat. Thankyou, once again, for the money you sent, I assure it shall be well-invested.
Henry squinted at the letter a little longer, making sure he had included everything he could think of. Then, satisfied with his work, he dipped the pen in its ink and whipped out a signature, before packing the paper into an envelope and sealing it. Sticking a stamp to the upper right corner, he scratched in the address of his home, Chettlesbirk House, the region it is in and the nearest village. And finally his father's name.
Leaving the sealed envelope on the table, he dragged himself out of his study and into the bedroom, undressing lazily, flinging his clothes to one side before falling onto the bed sheets. He needed some time out.
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Breakfast and lunch passed. An afternoon break followed - Al Albiadan culture had its perks. As evening came and the front room filled, he mingled and imbibed substantial quantities of alcohol with fellow Stockholders. His sobriety waltzed out as the night came.
Agnes sipped his absinthe and waited. Where was his friend? Dreadful thoughts flashed across his mind, had he been delayed, maimed, killed? No, he was here. A stout brick column stood between him and the Marquis until this second.
"Marquis! Marquis! Fetch your drink and sit down." He bellowed with a tone that carried intense, forcible braggadocio, yet his face retained an astute expression that signaled all was not well.
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" You seem troubled my lad, and I expect that none of us are here simply to drink and be merry. " The marquis said, his jolly face straightening up. " So, what's the trouble? "
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Now, Raz wasn't one to keep tabs on politics, but he felt a certain admiration for the growing Stock party phenomenon. Good honest citizens, looking for their rightful cut in life... He could relate. Well, almost..., Raz thought with a shrug, as he scanned the room for a chance at harvesting enough wead for a meal from nearby laden pockets. But everyone has to make a living...
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Her father was off at some bar at the capital... what had he said he was doing? Something to do with politics; all that "Stock" business. The boredom weighed more heavily upon her as she thought about it. A bunch of old men in a bar yammering on about God knows what. It seemed everyone was caught up in politics these days except for her. Parties, other social gatherings- the damned topic consumed all conversation, sometimes immediately, sometimes slowly, bite by bite, until before she knew it she'd been devoured by it.
Agitated and bored, Heather pulled the blanket around herself and went to sleep.
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Usually Elvira had the samething in mind every night as the boy had. But this time her mind wandered to all the different possibilities that nightlife in the capitol provided. Repetitiveness was mind-numbing and tragically was what many people ended up falling in too. By no means did she think consistency was a bad thing, a consistent amount of variety in action and thought was necessary she believed to live a full life. But repetitiveness in routine and thought, she observed tended to stunt one's mental growth.
She stopped sweeping and put the broom back in the cleaning closet, then grabbed her petti-coat and small black umbrella and closed the shop up early. No one would notice she had closed up early or would care to come back in the dreary weather anyways. Once out of the shop, she walked in the opposite direction of her home and meandered down the walkway thinking of a destination as she went along.
To dampen her adventerous mood though came the rain again after just a few blocks. Despite her open umbrella, the bottom of her blue skirt became soaked and droplets whipped into her face from the wind. She took shelter underneather an awning to think temporarily where she might go and to fix her hair in a barely intact bun. As her eyes wandered over the street, she saw across the way a familiar Inn. It was an infamous inn, known for its not-so-secret opium trade and booze, as well as free-thinkers, activitists, and namely "The Stock". The sort of place she would go if she were only man enough. Which she wasn't a man. Presumably any woman who walked into an inn or bar by herself was in some sort of shady business. But taboos were meant to be broken, and she would put these free-thinkers to the test.
She finished tying her bun back up and marched over to the Inn, swinging open the door boldly with a wind following her in.
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A particularly sharp and familiar laugh from across the room caught his attention. Straining to see through the haze, he was able to make out the ruddy face of Peter Mastet among those seated. One of Gill's local patients, Mastet possessed an extraordinarily weak liver and an extraordinarily immense thirst, a combination that had brought him vomiting to doctor's doorstep on more than one occasion.
Pleasant jostled his way through the crowd and slid quickly into the open seat beside Mastet. The reaction was more positive than he had expected: a hearty slap on the back and a fresh pint in his hands.
"Oy, all of ye, this is Doc Gill! You here fer the meetin', Doc, or just ta piss the nigh' away? Meself, I 'aven't decided, we'll see how it goes!"
Before Pleasant could answer, the ambient roar suddenly dropped to a low murmur. The show was about to begin.
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"Now, sit down." Agnes gestured to an empty chair beside him.
"Marquis, these elections. I, due to other issues such as... I cannot return to office. Nevermind that. More importantly- the sure to win candidate this season is... how to say it, horrible. He'd take this lodge in the wrong direction. He'd ruin it."
Agnes went silent. The bastard walked past him, entirely oblivious to the conversation that had happened.
"Him." Said Agnes.
- 11 posts here • Page 1 of 1
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View All » Add Character » 14 Characters to follow in this universe
Newest
Heather Selina Esquivel
A sexy, seductive woman from a rich family. Greedy, selfish, and never quite satisfied with what she has.
The Marquis de Carabas
An outlandish man, using his rather extreme personality and appearance to sway the public to his side
Elvira Bosede
A rising quirky young artist. She is the daughter of a well-to-do photographer and postcard-maker father.
Rasputin "Raz" Stern
A boy off the streets with idealistic visions for his country and a talent for rhetoric.
Pleasant Gill
A mild-mannered rural physician, initially encouraged to attend Stock meetings by his younger brother.
P. Laceholder
Unexceptional historian who is known only for composing the text of "History and Culture: 1850-1900", an acceptable overview of the rise and times of the Stock Assemblage of Greater Territories.
Trending
Pleasant Gill
A mild-mannered rural physician, initially encouraged to attend Stock meetings by his younger brother.
The Marquis de Carabas
An outlandish man, using his rather extreme personality and appearance to sway the public to his side
Elvira Bosede
A rising quirky young artist. She is the daughter of a well-to-do photographer and postcard-maker father.
P. Laceholder
Unexceptional historian who is known only for composing the text of "History and Culture: 1850-1900", an acceptable overview of the rise and times of the Stock Assemblage of Greater Territories.
Rasputin "Raz" Stern
A boy off the streets with idealistic visions for his country and a talent for rhetoric.
Heather Selina Esquivel
A sexy, seductive woman from a rich family. Greedy, selfish, and never quite satisfied with what she has.
Most Followed
The Marquis de Carabas
An outlandish man, using his rather extreme personality and appearance to sway the public to his side
Pleasant Gill
A mild-mannered rural physician, initially encouraged to attend Stock meetings by his younger brother.
P. Laceholder
Unexceptional historian who is known only for composing the text of "History and Culture: 1850-1900", an acceptable overview of the rise and times of the Stock Assemblage of Greater Territories.
Elvira Bosede
A rising quirky young artist. She is the daughter of a well-to-do photographer and postcard-maker father.
Heather Selina Esquivel
A sexy, seductive woman from a rich family. Greedy, selfish, and never quite satisfied with what she has.
Rasputin "Raz" Stern
A boy off the streets with idealistic visions for his country and a talent for rhetoric.
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11 posts · 14 characters present · last post 2010-07-16 19:46:26 »
The Nation Owner: Pseudosyne
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