Do you know why the sun shines?
Why do you make poster for the government and forge documents?
"Because they both pay well." He grunts.
Here's Bruce, he hates strangers, distractions, and questions. Now then, what is your name?
"[vomits unrelated exposition]"
At any rate:
1) "How did you and Esme came to know each other?" - this will touch on multiple topics. A good question.
2) "What is the form of government of Milos? Is there a prominent figurehead or are they merely a group of individuals whose interests align?" - likely will result in a useful summary of many things
3) "Was there always a rivalry between Milos and Eurstoya?" - Good followup to the previous question if we require more detail.
4) "Nice beard, Bruce. Bruce the Beard. Brucey Beard."
"She was introduced to me by some tough I was forging paintings for. Wanted a business license. Went from there."
"Democratic Meritocracy they say. Its not of course, not really. Closer to a military dictatorship but I ain't no politician. Leader used to be Supreme Commander Einland but something happened to him. They say heart attack but I don't believe em. In any case now his subordinate Julius Rand is Supreme Commander and he's got a whole mares nest of hardliners and ministries and departments under him. Only him and a few of his direct underlings really stand out in my memory.
"To a point. In the past there were other wars ya know. Trade wars mostly over shipping routes and such I think. It wasn't some grand rivalry but Eurstoya is the only country with power 'bout equal to that of Milos round here. If Milos wants to expand, Eurstoya is the only real thing in its way."
The last question makes him look at you with a combination of confusion, annoyance, and concern. "You alright there, corpse lad? Brain starting to rot a bit?"
Various questions, choose what you find interesting:
"What did you do before you were making posters for the government? Do you like this job better?""I was an artist at first. Got my training in it. Started forging after I ran up some debts. Did'em both, though the forging paid more of course. Dunno if this government work is better than work for criminals. Both might break your legs if you don't satisfy."
"Do the people support the war? Do the people support the government?""They don't have much choice, lad. But if you want their true opinion I'd say most do, or at least don't oppose it. Last government had its own problems, some worse in their own ways. For now they've got the people on their side."
"Who is winning the war right now? Who do you think will end up winning?"He shrugs, "I don't rightly know. Sounds like we are but I doubt you can really trust the reports."
"How far is the Frontline? Are we in danger of seeing conflict? Shelling or bombing?"
"No front line as of yet, least not really. Separated by the sea and no one has made that first inward push onto the main land. So far its just naval combat, bombing, and some ground skirmishes over islands. Pussy footing about."
"Is the situation better in the countryside? Would it be easier to hide there?""Maybe. Less authorities out there but you'll also stick out more as a new face."
"Do you think things are better in some other country? Ever think of moving?""Borders are closed now. Besides, I got my reasons to stay."
"Do you hate Alex? Do you think he is responsible for all this?""The powers that be want us to believe he's some master traitor; a boogey man always out there. I don't know the truth but I know they're at best exaggerating. The real reason this all happened was because the old king got corrupt, greedy and blind, let the coup happen."
"What do people do for entertainment around here?""I don't know. I drink when I have time I don't want to be filled with painting or whatnot."
"How did the current government come to be?""Coup, like I said. Einland got the majority of the armed forces to turn on the government. Called it the Red Week, crushed and killed all opposition from the old guard and monarchy in about a week. Set himself up in charge; supposed to have been temporary as they set up a real government but he died and things sort of just kept going."
"Are people getting drafted to fight? Is this leading to decreased production and shortages?""There's a limited draft and we are seeing shortages in some things but nothing bad yet."
"Is this city very old? Any reason people decided to settle here?""Despite what Esme says, I ain't that old. Ain't a historian either. City has been her for god knows how long in one form or another. Think it was settled something like 1500 years ago or earlier. Fishing and trade, grew in importance over time till it is as it is now."
"Does this city's tunnels happen to be perfectly sized for sneaking around in? I'm not really alive, I think, so I can probably go through them without risk of disease.""No idea."
"Are there other countries participating in the conflict?""The islands in the way of the war have declared one way or another and there are smaller countries allied with one side or the other but for all intents and purposes its just the big two."
"What can you tell me about <area Alex's lab is>?""I'm an artist, not a scientist. Don't know anything about it."
"Does this city have a large number of people with those supernatural skills?""I suppose. Dunno if its more than anywhere else though. More focused on by the government for sure but not sure if its actually a higher number."
"Does this city have any relation with necromancy?""Because of Alexander its seen as pretty undesirable by anyone outside of the military. Even then its not commonly used. There's no law against it mind you but I wouldn't recommend doing it publicly."
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Topic: The Left-Hand Path (Read 118864 times)