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One design, one right - a gun and all its revisions only belong to one person at a time.

Each revision creates a new gun with rights different from the original.

I have no opinion.

[evictedSaint]

Winter, 1922.  Design Phase.

Japan withdraws troops from Siberia.  California kills their last grizzly bear.  A group of terrorists assassinate the Prime Minister and several other members of the government of Ditissimus while they are leaving parliament (in addition to a barrage of rifle fire, numerous explosives detonated around the cars (police forces currently suspect some sort of home-made mortar was used)).  September 11th will live on in infamy as it marks the 1922 Revolution in Greece. Ditissimus gives the Secretary of Defense emergency powers and declares martial law.  Rebecca Felton of Georgia becomes the first female US Senator.  Japan commissions the Hosho, the first ever purpose-designed aircraft carrier. 

In a dark room, several men in dark coats toast to a job well done.


It is now the design phase.  You may post a design for a new weapon or post a revision for an existing one.  New contracts will be posted and can be bid on next phase.


Contract Bids

Spoiler: Contract Bids (click to show/hide)

Contract: Singula Arms Club #12 ($200, Spring 1925)

Submission: Cancer Adreptus D
The Cancer Adreptus is a prestigious firearm with a stunning appearance, and merely carrying it is suitable to demonstrate one's status as a gentleman. This is, after all, the gun which the communists feared to hold merely because it appeared too bourgeois in status. The elegant mechanism produces smooth recoil and excellent accuracy* and there's no other gun quite like it. It's really the most advanced pistol on the market. It has also got the advantage of actually being a pistol, so it can comfortably be holstered at the party where it will be handed out. Try shooting an apple off of someone's head for a party trick! Cancer Felicitus is not responsible for the accuracy of the firearm if the shooter has been drinking.
_{*Within a certain range}

Submission: Exemplar Semi-Auto Pistol*
Pitch: The Exemplar Semi-Auto Pistol* not only has a nearly unheard of blow-forward design but it's also arranged in a unique configuration. No other weapon in the world functions or looks like quite like it.

Pitch: Ever read a dime store western or detective novel, and dream about a Six-shooter? Do stories of the Revolutions abroad excite and terrify you? Sandblaster Inc. has THE pistol for you!
The NOPE Smasher M19B is the BEST revolver on the market, prized by any who own such an iconic weapon.

The representatives from the Singula Arms Club excitedly look over the weapons provided for their selection.  The Cancer Adreptus is closely examined, with some members noting how the weapon looks like Picasso's take on a Luger, or perhaps a Borchardt C93.  The upside-down toggle lock is interesting, and they note with some excitement that the weapon can fire with the dust cover off - it looks cool as heck, all silver and shiney!  They're not particularly worried about communist influences, though. 

The Exemplar Semi-Auto Pistol* is likewise met with excitement, as blow-forward designs are exceedingly rare.  The muzzle is an exceedingly unique design, far different from the blow-forward Schwarzlose Model 1908 or the exotic Japanese Hino–Komuro pistol (despite assurances that "no other weapon in the world functions...quite like it").  It's such a curious design, and very quickly the pistol becomes disassembled on the table as they pour over the internal workings.  The tail on the sear working as the safety is described as "clever", and the fact that the rear sight pulls triple duty is met with some amusement. 

The NOPE Smasher M19B is met with lackluster enthusiasm by all but one representative.  He quickly begins arguing for the revolver, even fanning the hammer on the range to show off the joy one can have with a "cowboy pistol".  He is, unfortunately, quickly out-voted.  The Smasher M19B is, after all, just a simple revolver.

Ultimately, the Singula Arms Club goes with the Exemplar.  The blow-forward design is just intriguing enough to beat out the curious configuration of the Cancer Adreptus.

Contract: Parvus Armory #13 ($80, Spring 1924)

bid on Parvus Armory #13 contract- we can provide the ammo immediately as soon as the contract is signed.

We have two ammo presses and this contract enables us to build more. We can get you your ammo quickly.

Parvus takes Aywen Industries offer - they simply got to the contract first, and can provide all the ammo needed immediately.


Contract: Infantry Armory #14 ($400, Winter 1924)

Weapon: B1 Holocaust
 Durable, reliable, and portable provided you're motivated enough, the B1 Holocaust is ideal for laying down ruinous sustained fire against civilian riots at long range.

Weapon: VL mg21 A1
Pitch: the VL mg21 A1 is a relatively light machine and should be portable enough for police to easily maneuver the machinegun to flanking positions to better suppress any would be rioters. While not very accurate it's wider spreed just means that the operator is able to suppress a wider area will less effort.

The B1 Holocaust has made great strides during its development.  Evolving from a boxy, heavy shooter to a more streamlined and refined machinegun, it has shed a lot of its former weight while still maintaining its simplistic and large-caliber strength.  It is, however, still water-cooled, and due to the mobile nature of the police forces this isn't well-suited for rapid repositioning.

The VL mg21 A1 is a new arrival on the machinegun scene.  The small (rifle) caliber ammunition doesn't give it as much punch as, say, the Holocaust's 15mm rounds, but this vastly decreases the weight of the ammo and the gun itself.  The quick-swap barrel leaves a lot to be desired, however, and the Infantry Armory committee admits that it likely wouldn't be used in the field.  This means the Holocaust would be able to lay down much longer and heavier suppressing fire.  That being said, the sheer portability of the VL mg21 A1 puts it head and shoulders above any other weapon on Occassio's market. 

The Infantry Armory selects Vaux and Leander Manufacturing for their contract.

Contracts

Spoiler: Contracts (click to show/hide)

Contract: Parvus Armory #15
Seeking: 12 Pistols, 12 Matching Ammo Shipments
Due: Winter 1924
Parvus needs weapons, and they need them now.  They don't have a lot of money, but they will pay what they can for as many pistols as they can.  They will - quite literally - take anything.  Their main concern is how quickly the contract taker can fulfill the shipments.
Pay: $325

Contract: Mundo Airforces #16
Seeking: 4 Machineguns, 10 Matching Ammo Shipments
Due: Winter 1926
Mundo is rebuilding their airforce.  They want guns to put on their planes.  Guns should not jam during use.  They should not be too heavy for the plane.  They should be able to kill enemy planes.
Pay: $305

Contract: Paupertas Defense Force #17
Seeking: 2 Rifles, 2 Matching Ammo Shipments
Due: Spring 1924
Paupertas is a poor, impoverished, and penurious country bordering Imperiosa.  They don't have much money, but would like to buy some rifles to help defend their country - some of their neighbors have been building rather large police forces, and it makes them as nervous as they are penniless. Their main concern is who can fulfill this shipment for the least amount of money possible.  They're not concerned about quality or features - rather, any company offering the smallest budget (under the amount listed) will win. 

They are very, very poor.
Pay: $90

Contract: Socialas Armored Division #18
Seeking: 2 Machineguns, 2 Matching Ammo Shipments
Due: Winter 1925
In response to Parvus's disturbing and unwarranted build up of weaponry, Socialas has felt the need to modernize their armored division - that is, two stolen reclaimed land ships from the Great War.  The cannons on the tanks are fine, but the machineguns are in poor condition.  They are looking to replace the on-board machineguns with something new.  The weapons need to be capable of defending the tank from encroaching infantry, and should be capable of killing any Parvus soldier who pokes his head out of his trench.  They've also requested the machineguns be capable of reloading in confined spaces.
Pay: $130

Contract: Mariti Naval Office #19
Seeking: 6 Rifles, 10 Matching Ammo Shipments
Due: Winter 1926
Mariti is concerned about borders and would like to improve the small-arms available to sailors aboard their ships.  The weapons need to be capable of being used in confined spaces, with a preference placed on low-caliber and high rates of fire.  They must be capable of holding up to harsh sea conditions - this means salt water. 
Pay: $285

Contract: Ditissimus Security Council #20
Seeking: 20 Rifles, 20 Matching Ammo Shipments
Due: Spring 1927
The recent assassination of the prime minister has resulted in a surge in the need for security in the country of Ditissimus.  The country has had martial law declared.  Police and military forces alike require additional weapons to secure the streets, and so they're looking to acquire new service rifles. 

This new rifle must be accurate.  It must be semi-automatic.  It must be quick to aim.  It must be of a caliber sufficiently capable of killing a terrorist when shot center-mass.  All other features will be judged on a case-by-case basis.
Pay: $820

Contract: Unknown Buyer #21
Seeking: 1 Pistol, 1 Matching Ammo Shipments
Due: Spring 1924
A man in a dark coat would like to purchase a a custom-made pistol.  The weapon must be capable of firing sub-sonic ammunition with absolute silence.
Pay: $100

Spoiler: Accepted Contracts (click to show/hide)

Parvus Armory #1: ($275) Gerhardt & Sons
Socialas Party Police #2: ($85) Sandblaster Inc.
Mariti Naval Office #3: ($125) Korsgaard
Imperiosa Infantry Armory #4: Expired.
Unknown Buyer #5: ($155) Rohnmodal
Imperiosa Infantry Armory #6: ($135) Cancer Felicitus
Mundo Border Defense Committe #7: ($180) Massgraves Inc
Parvus Milita Forces #8: ($335) Vaux and Leander Manufacturing
Socialas Workers Council #9: ($275) Vaux and Leander Manufacturing
Ditissimus Security Council #10: ($180) Cancer Felicitus
Unknown Buyer #11: ($100) Ursus Brachi
Singula Arms Club #12: ($200)
Parvus Armory #13: ($80) Aywen Industries
Infantry Armory #14: ($400) Vaux and Leander Manufacturing

[IronyOwl]

ACTACTACT

Massgraves Incorporated
Revision: B2 Holocaust
HMG: B1 Holocaust

The rifling process is overhauled to improve the spin, and thus accuracy, of rounds traveling down the Holocaust's long barrel.

Spoiler: Massgraves Incorporated (click to show/hide)

Company Name: Massgraves Incorporated
Market Share: $180
Cash: $34 (-$36 Weapon Manufacture, -$3 ammo manufacture) 37
Weapon Designs:
A3 Holocaust, Heavy Machine Gun ($35/shipment, 15x120mm, Spring 1921)
B1 Holocaust, Heavy Machine Gun ($36/shipment, 15x120mm, Spring 1922)

Production Line #1: B1 Holocaust
Ammo Press #1: 15x120mm

Warehouse: 1 Occassio Company Charter – Massgraves Incorporated.
A3 Holocaust
B1 Holocaust
x1 15x120mm Ammo

Spoiler: Designs (click to show/hide)

Despite the rather…unorthodox name, the A1 is a relatively standard large-caliber water-cooled machine gun.  None of the users would describe the box-and-cylinder shape as “elegant”, but it would not be out of place in the trenches of the Great War.  Recoil and muzzle flash are enormous as it fires 15mm rounds, which could place the A1 vaguely in the realm of “autocannon”.  The built-on water tanks and cooling system are absolutely required for use as the gun will quickly seize without them, or worse – begin to cook off.

If one word could be used to describe this weapon, it would be “heavy”.  It’s largely immobile due to the cooling system and size, and can not be used in places where fresh water is not largely available.  Thermal buildup requires lots of water to be cycled through during use.  Impure water (such as sea water or hard water) can cause blockages that take extensive periods of maintenance to clean out of the copper piping.  Accuracy is an afterthought, with most rounds landing “vaguely in the vicinity” of the target.  Range is impressive however, though with recoil, flash, and accuracy trying to hit anything that far is a distant dream.  Maintenance and cleaning is a chore, and many parts can become jammed as the gun cools and fouling works its way inside.  Testers describe the weapon as “vehemently unfriendly” to operate in nearly all aspects, though the stopping power is incredible to see in action.  The A1 is definitely a weapon you’d prefer to see as a bystander, rather than from either end.

-

The switch from welds to bolts is easy enough.  Slightly more difficult is breaking the weapon down into modular parts and forming the external case to more closely follow the internals - a process which requires additional stamping and tooling.  As a result the Holocaust now looks much more appealing to potential customers and can be more easily serviced.

-

The muzzle is lengthened and some simple ladder sights (purchased whole-sale and bolted to the water jacket) are added.  The A3 gets a hefty increase in range, accuracy, visibility, and weight.  It's still not a marksman weapon, but it can reliably get rounds in the same zipcode as the target now.  The increase in material increases price slightly.

-

Large portions of the case and water jacket aren't load bearing, and can safely be made out of aluminum plate.  It's not quite as durable, but we've managed to cut a few good pounds off the design.  Aluminum is, sadly, more expensive (about seven times more than that of steel), and the price of the B1 is slightly higher as a result. 

[Taricus]

ACTACTACT

Rohnmohal purchases six revisions ($90)

Rohnmohal Armoury
Revision: Rohnmohal K18c
Rifle: Rohnmohal K18b

The introduction of a dedicated field tool kit enables the end user to more comprehensively service the weapon in field conditions. While not seeking to eliminate the problem entirely, it should ameliorate a good chunk of the weapon issues with field stripping.

Rohnmohal Armoury
Revision: Rohnmohal G18d
Rifle: Rohnmohal G18c

The G18d boasts greater stopping power without compromising on recoil, though development and adoption of better propellants for the cartridge enabling much greater force to be exerted onto the bullet without affecting the weapon's recoil.

Rohnmohal Armoury
Revision: Rohnmohal G18e
Rifle: Rohnmohal G18c

Intending to keep pace with the competition, the G18's 10 round magazine is extended to 20 rounds, to give it much longer legs in a firefight by adopting a larger, double-stack,  curved magazine which extends further from the rifle.

Rohnmohal Armoury
Revision: Rohnmohal G18f
Rifle: Rohnmohal G18c

As technology (And competitors) march forward, the G18's newest feature is the development of a detachable magazine. Manufactured out of stamped metal and developed to fit into the receiver comfortably to ease reloading considerably whilst still fitting into where the existing fixed magazine attaches to currently.

Rohnmohal Armoury
Revision: Rohnmohal K22
Rifle: Rohnmohal K18b

This revision is a unification of all variants of the G18 and K18 into a K18 sized package

Rohnmohal Armoury
Revision: Rohnmohal G22
Rifle: Rohnmohal G18c

This revision is a unification of all variants of the G18 and K18 into a G18 sized package

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Company Name: Rohnmohal Armoury
Market Share: $155
Cash: $92 + 13 - 90
Weapon Designs: 1

Production Line #1: Rohnmohal K18
Ammo Press #1: 6.5x48mm

Warehouse:
-1 Occassio Company Charter – Rohnmohal Armoury

Spoiler: RA Designs (click to show/hide)

Rohnmohal G18
The Rohnmohal G18 (not to be confused with the M18 or ’18) is a semi-automatic rifle with a free-floating barrel and a ten-round internal magazine of 6.5x48mm ammunition.  The G18 utilizes a long-stroke piston; though robust, it does make the gun heavier and increase perceived recoil.  The barrel and piston float above a wooden stock, which makes testers nervous despite assurances its to increase accuracy.  This float decreases the effect of humidity on the weapon’s accuracy, but the smaller ammunition and powder load gives it decreased range and accuracy over most existing bolt-action rifles despite the addition of aperture sights.  It’s also not uncommon for the user to bump the barrel with their fingers and be burned.

The ten-round magazine sticks out the bottom of the gun and is fed by two 5-round stripper clips, though keeping the magazine at max capacity will quickly wear out the magazine spring and result in failure to feed.  The “large” magazine size and semi-auto fire makes the weapon enjoyable to shoot, at least, and the smaller caliber helps offset the recoil of the long-stroke piston.  In fact, were the barrel shorter it might be ideal for closer-range combat than the long-range it’d been designed for.  Although some thought has been given to field-stripping, the G18 still requires dedicated tools to access the internal mechanisms.  The process of loading, aiming, and maintaining the rifle requires a non-negligible amount of training.

Cost per Shipment: $18

Revision: G18a
The ten-round magazine is modified to use a stiffer rectangular spring and additional guides are added to the follower to keep it in line with the walls around it.
Cost per Shipment: $18

Revision: G18b
A perforated heatshield wraps around the floating barrel (like the M97 Trench Gun) helps keep wayward fingers from getting where they shouldn't (unless the user does something silly like stick a finger in the hole).  It's a simple part with simple machining, so our engineers narrowly manage to get the change in without requiring a price hike.
Cost per Shipment: $18

Revision: Rohnmohal G18c
We print a booklet that gives handy instructions on gun operation, disassembly, and cleaning.  It includes lots of pictures, so both the illiterate and "differently lingual" users can operate the weapon after some deciphering.
No price change.

Rohnmohal K18
The barrel is cut shorter, down to 45cm.  The resulting flash is much more noticeable now.  There's some trepidation as to whether the shorter barrel will negatively affect the long-stroke gas piston, but there doesn't seem to be any ill effects.  The rifle is noticeably less accurate now, and the effective range has been diminished.
No price change.

Revision: Rohnmohal K18a
The K model of the Rohnmohal gets a weight reduction.  The stock is shortened and hollowed out, and most other wood furniture is trimmed down.  Some of the non-stress-bearing metal furniture is swapped for lighter aluminium (which has become increasingly cheaper in the past few years).  It looks pretty slick, but the additional work required to reduce weight on K models results in a small price jump.
Cost per Shipment: $19

Revision: Rohnmohal K18b
The shorter barrel gives the ammunition less time to grip the spiral.  The K18b variant features a much tighter spiral, providing more grip to the ammo as it travels and stabilizing it further.
No price change.

[Kashyyk]

Production continues for $57.

Shipments #1 and #2 of the VL M18 A2 and Shipments #4 and #5 of 7x50mm ammo are sent to VLM.

1 shipment of rifles is sold to the Civ Market for $27.

Spoiler: KashKow Industries (click to show/hide)

Company Name: KashKow Industries
Market Share: $0
Cash: $104
 - $57 production
 = $47
 + $27 Civ Sales
== $74
Weapon Designs: None

Production Line #1: VL M18 A2
Production Line #2: VL M18 A2
Production Line #3: VL M18 A2
Ammo Press #1: 7x50mm
Ammo Press #2: 7x50mm

Warehouse:
1x Occassio Company Charter – KashKow Industries.

Spoiler: Contracts (click to show/hide)

VLM - Winter 1923
- 3x 7x50mm ammo (3/3)

VLM - Spring 1924
- 3 shipments of 7x50mm ammo (2/3)
- 4 shipments of VL M18 A2 (2/4)

[Khang36]

ACTACTACT
Vaux and leander Manufacturing
Revision: VL mg21 A1.1
Machinegun: VL mg21 A1

work is done to rework the receiver of the MG21 to make use of disintegration belt instead of a fabric belt.

Vaux and leander Manufacturing
Revision: VL mg21 A1.2
Machinegun: VL mg21 A1

rework the gun body firstly adding bit more material into the feed cover to make it more rigid, secondly mounting fixtures are added to the side of the machine gun to allow for an Ammo container to to attached. finally the bipod is now to be attached to the front of the gun body instead of the barrel shroud, the shroud will have a catch at the bottom to hold the bipod when it folded.

Vaux and leander Manufacturing
Revision: VL mg21 A1.3
Machinegun: VL mg21 A1


reworking the quick release to use locking lugs instead of normal screws which should resolve the issue of the threads binding when over heated. The latch is still retained to ensure the barrel does not rotate out of position during operation.


Vaux and leander Manufacturing
Revision: VL mg21 A2
Machinegun: VL mg21 A1

VL mg21 A2 consolidates all of the above revisions into one design

Sub-Contract offer
VLM is looking for a sub contractor to manufacture 6 shipments of VL mg21 A1 and 6 shipments of 7x50mm ammo to be delivered by winter1924 VLM willpay $300 on signing an agreement.

produce two VL M18 A2
produce one 7x50mm ammo

Spoiler: VLM (click to show/hide)

Company Name: Vaux and leander Manufacturing (VLM)
Market Share:  $610 + $400
Cash: $189 + $400 - $3 - $34 -$60= $492
Weapon Designs:  VL M18 A2

Production Line #1: VL M18 A2
Production Line #2: VL M18 A2
Ammo Press #1: 7x50mm

Warehouse: 1 Occassio Company Charter – Vaux and leander Manufacturing 
11 x VL M18 A2
10 x7x50mm

Spoiler: design (click to show/hide)

Vaux and leander Manufacturing
Rifle design: VL M18
7x50mm Ammunition

The Vaux and Leander Manufacturing’s VL M18 (not to be confused with the ’18 or the G18 or the other M18) is a ten-round straight-pull bolt action rifle for standard infantry use.  In order to fit a ten round internal magazine, it extends vertically through the bottom of the rifle next to the trigger guard.  The magazine is prone to mis-alignment, resulting in an internal jam if dropped or jostled.

The M18 uses a straight-pull action.  This means the user does not need to lift the bolt or lock it back down, simplifying the action and increasing firing speed.  The M18’s straight pull action does leave a little to be desired, however – the user must be certain the action is all the way forward before firing or the rifle may experience an out-of-battery fire.  In this case, the rifle can be damaged or even wound the user, and the stiff nature of the M18’s bolt makes it difficult to be certain it’s fully forward without visually checking.  The accuracy of the M18 is sub-par, though the reason is as-of-yet unclear.  Though it won’t be winning any sharp-shooting awards, the VL M18 can reliably hit a man-sized target at up to 300m or so.  The rifle can be field stripped with some difficulty, as the straight-pull bolt is reluctant to leave its housing and testers often resort to using leverage to pull it free.

Cost: $16 per Shipment
Vaux and leander Manufacturing
Revision:  VL M18 A1
Rifle: VL M18
Gunsmith engineers adjust tolerances on the straight-pull bolt of the M18 (no, the other M18).  The bolt slides much more smoothly now and it's obvious once it reaches all the way forward - though it is still possible to fire out-of-battery if the bolt isn't seated all the way forward for some reason.  The bolt can be removed without the use of leverage now, assuming the user knows what they're doing.
No price change.

VL M18 A2
Minor flaws noted in the rifling are likely the cause of the VL M18's poor accuracy - particularly near the muzzle, where the rifling simply...stopped.  The rifling is improved and the barrel is lengthened slightly, giving the weapon accuracy comparable to most major rifles of this era.  The extra attention to performance and material slightly increases the M18's expense.
Cost per Shipment: $17


 

Design: Machinegun VL mg21 A1
    7x50mm Ammunition
    The VL mg21 is a belt fed machinegun chambered in 7x50mm, and operates with recoil action. To keep the weight down the machinegun is air cooled, in order to ensure sustained fire it has a heavy barrel and a barrel shroud to help disapate heat. Additioanly the barrel is designed to be quick change to ensure that once the barrel does over heat a machinegun crew can quickly replace the barrel with a fresh one instead of having to wait for the gun to cool down. The mg21 come with two mounting points one at the end of the barrel shroud too attach a collapseable bi-pod and one at the bottem of the reciver for mounting the gun on tripods and emplacments. Much like the VL M18 the mg21 come with an adjustable sight that starts at 50m increments by 50 up to 400m. The reciver is designed to be somewhat spacious to make it easier for the guuncrew to access the internal components for ease of maiintenance.

Overall the VL mg21 is designed to be a somewhat light machine gun that is man portable and somewhat easy to maintain on the field.

Machinegun VL mg21 A1

The smallest caliber machinegun to come out of Occassio yet, the VL mg21 fires 7mm belt-fed ammunition.  The weapon is recoil-operated, which means the entire barrel rocks back with each shot in order to cycle the action.  The moving barrel gives the weapon a stiff penalty to accuracy, but this type of action is fairly common and not difficult to pull off.  The weapon is air-cooled, so the barrel is designed to be quick-swapped once heat buildup has become an issue.  A simple bipod keeps the muzzle elevated, and the sights are standard ladder sights going up to 400m.  The receiver case is large and held together with simple clasps - not particularly elegant, but easy to access.

Separating the barrel from the heat shroud proves to be a bit tricky - initial designs don't specify much in how the quick-swap is supposed to be performed, and conflicting design schematics result in the bipod, barrel, and shroud being one whole piece.  To swap the barrel, the entire front-end is unlatched and then unscrewed.  This is quite cumbersome and awkward, and the new barrel must also come with its own shroud and bipod.  This, obviously, increases weight.  Additionally, if the barrel gets too hot before it is swapped, the tight tolerance in the screw threads will cause it to bind and become stuck, making it impossible to quick-swap altogether.

The belt is simple canvas with rimless ammunition.  If the round slips too far forward or back in the canvas belt, it will cause the weapon to jam.  The mg21 does not have a box magazine, and relies on a second operator to "smooth" the feeding process.  It's not a particularly accurate weapon, and repeated heat warping can cause the lid of the belt feed cover to not close correctly.

Cost: $33 per Shipment

Spoiler: Player Contracts (click to show/hide)

Vaux and leander Manufacturing agrees to pay Alfred Nobel $56 for two VL M18 A2 and one 7x50mm ammo to be manufactured this turn and delivered to Vaux and leander Manufacturing.
x Jack Leander, Co founder of Vaux and leander Manufacturing
x Alfred Nobel, Ceo of Alfred Nobel

KashKow Industries promises to deliver, on or before Spring 1924:
- 3 shipments of 7x50mm ammo
- 4 shipments of VL M18 A2

In addition, we promise to deliver, on or before Winter 1923:
- 3 shipments of 7x50mm ammo

To VLM in exchange for $168, payable on signing of this contract, and a non-exclusive, non-shareable, non-alterable license to produce VL M18 A2s for Civilian Sales only, expiring Spring 1924.
x Jack Leander, Co founder of Vaux and leander Manufacturing

Spoiler: contracts (click to show/hide)

Contract: Parvus Milita Forces #8
Seeking: 12 Rifle, 3 Matching Ammo Shipments
Due: Spring 1924
Parvus has a sudden increase in military spending - though it's still rather diminutive, compared to its neighbors.  The Militia Forces are quite interested in cheaply filling our their stockpiles - they're not picky with what, but if they can acquire the weapons sooner than later then that would be ideal.  They're looking for simple rifles with which to train peasants on.  The rifle can be semi-auto, bolt action, anything - but it must be simple and easy enough that an unwashed peasant can use and clean it.  Due to budget constraints they're only looking for enough ammo right now to train their milita in how to use them, but may be interested in acquiring more ammo once next years budget rolls in.
Pay: $335

Contract: Socialas Workers Council #9
Seeking: 8 Rifle, 12 Matching Ammo Shipments
Due: Winter 1923
Socialas is concerned by the increase in military spending of some neighboring countries (who will not be named).  This increase in spending is usually indicative of oppressive bourgeoisie oppressors oppressing the oppressed.  Though they respect the sovereignty of their neighboring countries, they would like to increase military spending to ensure safety among all like-minded socialists out there.  These rifles need to be both accurate and precise, and a larger-caliber round wouldn't go amiss either.  Semi-automatic fire is a nice-to-have, but certainly not required.
Pay: $275

Contract: Infantry Armory #14
Seeking: 6 Machinegun, 6 Matching Ammo Shipments
Due: Winter1924
Ever looking to upgrade their police forces, Imperiosa has put out a contract for a heavy machinegun with which they will definitely load with rubber bullets and use specifically and only to put down riots, totally.  They're not particularly worried about many of the details, but they want the weapon to be both portable and capable of suppressing large swaths of cover for long periods of time.  They are willing to pay well for this "police tool", apparently.
Pay: $400

[Aseaheru]

ACTACTACT

NOPE LLC
Revision: NOPE Repeater M20*
Based On: NOPE Repeater M20

 The M20* revision aims to improve the reliability of the M20's magazines by eliminating magazine slop. The magazine slop was mostly due to the desire for tolerances that tolerated a certain amount of detritus in the magazine well and a less than secure locking mechanism. Between slightly tightening up the tolerances of the magazine well and strengthening the lugs that actually hold the magazine in place, most of these problems are solved.
 As for the issue with "magazine jams when used as a grip" and "springs wear out" yes, magazines will do that, so that is not a concern of NOPE LLC. One is a training issue, the other is a standard spare parts issue, particularly given how the magazines are designed to be mostly disposable objects.

   NOPE LLC manufactures two units of ammunition and sells them on the civilian market. NOPE LLC manufactures one unit of NOPE Repeater M20 and sells it on the civilian market.

Spoiler: NOPE LLC (click to show/hide)

Company Name: Neefs, Omloop, & Poels Engineering LLC (NOPE LLC)
Market Share: $0
Cash: $45-21-6-15 = $3(+31+12)
Weapon Designs: NOPE M18 Repeater

Production Line #1: NOPE Repeater M20($21)
Ammo Press #1: 7.65×40mm NOPE LR
Ammo Press #B: 7.65×40mm NOPE LR

Warehouse: 1 Occassio Company Charter – NOPE LLC.

Spoiler: Designs of NOPE LLC (click to show/hide)

   Current model: NOPE Repeater M20
   $21 per batch
   7.65×40mm NOPE "Light Rifle"
   The NOPE Repeater M20 is a ~5kg repeating carbine chambered for the custom 7.65x40mm NOPE "Light Rifle" round, designed to fire a 12.5g projectiles at velocities of 600m/s.
   The Repeater itself is approximately 1m in length with a 500mm barrel, loaded via 5 or 15-round detachable box magazine(although the 5-round option are not quite able to be removed in combat), capible of being reloaded through the breach via stripper clips.
   The M20 is a little on the heavier side with lots of metal components, long barrel, and fairly wide housing.  A heat shield around the barrel prevents the user from obtaining accidental burns, and a bayonet lug for a sword enables close-quarters combat.  The lever-delay action is fairly atypical; the bolt and bolt carriage are linked via lever, resulting in an increased amount of force required to open the breech after firing, thus keeping the cartridge seated until the propellant is finished burning.  After significant fouling, the bolt can become stuck and require manual cycling, but this requires negligence on the users part. High-level maintenance operates on the “don’t worry about it” principle, in which the gun (or at least the portions of it) is expected to be handed over to the armory for refurbishing and detail cleaning, while basic cleaning operations ae done at the individual weapon.  The weapon is relatively low-power compared to existing rifles.  The M18 does fire quickly however, but shells are ejected upwards through the user’s sightlines.  To this end the flip-up sights are off-set to the side of the gun, further decreasing accuracy.
   Testers report that the NOPE M18 is quite enjoyable to fire – smaller powder load and a heavier frame means recoil is not a significant issue.
   The 5-round magazine does not stick out quite far enough to be manipulated, while the magazines in general are a little loose and can cause jams if used as a hand hold. The springs also wear out if kept loaded, which can also cause jams.

Spoiler: Completed Contracts of NOPE LLC (click to show/hide)

Contract 1 | | NOPE LLC & GERHARDT & SONS
Should GERHARDT & SONS secure both the Parvus Armory contract as well as receive aid that is currently in private discussion with KashKow Industries then NOPE LLC will provide four shipments of 7.92x55mm Ammunition. G&S will provide $36 of funding next phase should they receive the Parvus Armory contract.
Contract 2 | NOPE LLC & Sandblaster Inc
>NOPE LLC grants Sandblaster Inc designs and production rights to the NOPE M18 Repeater
>Sandblaster Inc, over the next two phases(Winter 1919 and Spring 1920) pays NOPE LLC a total of $40
>Sandblaster Inc grants NOPE LLC manufacturing and civilian sales rights for the Commie Crusher '18
>Until Spring 1925, NOPE LLC is barred from selling or offering the NOPE M18 Repeater
>Until Winter 1923, any revisions made to the NOPE M18 Repeater by either company are shared by both companies
Contract 3 | NOPE LLC & Sandblaster Inc | Rules Division Compliance Contract
>NOPE LLC pays Sandblaster Inc $25
>All rights to the Commie Crusher '18(including revisions) revert back to Sandblaster Inc
>All rights to the NOPE M18 Repeater revert back to NOPE LLC
>This contract supersedes prior contracts between NOPE LLC and Sandblaster Inc
Contract 4 | NOPE LLC & Rohnmohal
>IF Rohnmohal wins their contract, then in Winter 1920:
   >NOPE manufactures one lot of 6.5x48mm and transfers it to Rohnmohal
   >Rohnmohal pays $7
Contract 5 | KashKow Subsidization of NOPE LLC
KashKow Industries pays Nope LLC $30 now, In exchange for a single Shipment of mark 1 Half-light Lance Projectors this turn.

[Quarque]

Sub-Contract offer
VLM is looking for a sub contractor to manufacture 6 shipments of VL mg21 A1 and 6 shipments of 7x50mm ammo to be delivered by winter1924 VLM willpay $300 on signing an agreement.

Alfred Nobel offers to take this contract. Please review the contract below and let me know if it is satisfactory.

This is an agreement between VLM and Alfred Nobel, to be signed in Spring 1922.
Alfred Nobel will deliver a total of 6 shipments of VL mg21 A1 and 6 shipments of 7x50mm ammo (the "Goods").
In return, VLM will pay a sum of $300 upon signing the agreement.

The Goods will be delivered according to the following Schedule:
Winter 1922: 2 shipments of VL mg21 A1 and 2 shipments of 7x50mm ammo
Spring 1923: 2 shipments of VL mg21 A1 and 2 shipments of 7x50mm ammo
Winter 1923: 2 shipments of VL mg21 A1 and 2 shipments of 7x50mm ammo

Signed:
x Alfred Nobel
x

[a1s]

provide 10 shipments of 7.92x55mm ammo, thus fulfilling the contract.

Sell CC18,  produce CC18 and 4x .38 ammo.

Spoiler:  Aywen Industries (click to show/hide)

Company Name: Aywen Industries
Market Share: $80
Cash: $53 +80 -12 -4 +14 = $131
Weapon Designs: Commie Crusher '18 (by contact from Sandblaster Inc)

Production Line #1: Commie Crusher '18 revolver
Ammo Press #1: 7.92x55mm ammo
Ammo Press #2: 7.92x55mm ammo
Ammo Press #3: 7.92x55mm ammo
Ammo Press #4: 7.92x55mm ammo

Warehouse: 1 Occassio Company Charter –  Aywen Industries.

Anyone need  ammo produced cheaply, but efficiently? AI is just a message away!

[Draignean]

Production:
Continue producing ammunition and sell
Manufacture a shipment of Halflight V:CE and sell

Offer the following the contract to all individuals.

Spoiler: Public Contract (click to show/hide)

The Ursus Brachi group will allow the non-Ursus Brachi signator of this document the following rights:

• The right to produce the Halflight Lance Projector

Provided that,

• All the Halflight Lance Projectors produced under these terms are sold ONLY to the Civilian Market
• All the Halflight Lance Projectors produced under these terms are sold IMMEDIATELY

The Signed,
- Ursus Brachi
-

Spoiler: Ursus Brachi (click to show/hide)

Company Name: Ursus Brachi
Market Share: $100
Cash: $103 (-$3, +6 -$27, +37, end state of $116 )
Weapon Designs: That's confidential

Production Line #1: Halflight V:CE
Ammo Press #1: CP-270i-BÜM Harpoons

Warehouse: 1 Occassio Company Charter –  Ursus Brachi.

Spoiler: Current Designs (click to show/hide)

Halflight Lance Projector
The Halflight is the embodiment of an individuals gut reaction and instincts overtaking their better judgement and decision-making processes.

It is a shoulder-fired break-action rifle with a one-inch bore firing impact-fuse ammunition.  Testers describe the use of the weapon akin to being struck by lightning - there's an enormous flash and boom, and you may very well find yourself on your back in serious pain.  The rounds exit the barrel with roughly the same force and speed as a run-away freight train...that is to say, not very fast, but very deadly.  The impact fuse relies on the French technology for direct-impact detonation.  A steel hammer on the end of a spindle protrudes from the end of the round and only detonates when hitting a target flat and square; deflections or deaccelerations do not result in detonation.  Moisture or high humidity results in the CP-270 ammunition fuses going bad and reaching prohibitively high rates of failure-to-detonate.  On the other hand, if the round manages to actually hit its target, detonation tends to be a bit over-kill.

The barrel is without rifling and as a result (not to understate things here) the Halflight can be "less-than-accurate".  Luckily, the ball-bearing and explosive composition makes near-misses an acceptable outcome, if the fuse doesn't fail.  The sheer concussive force of firing has been known to stress and weaken the hinge. Although our testers stopped before such a failure could occur, the Halflight's break-action will inevitably fail after a dozen or so rounds have passed through it.  Additionally, there is no extractor for the enormous brass casing, and the brass tends to tightly form-fit the internals and become hard to remove.  An "extractor rod" is provided with the weapon: a broom handle, with which the user can poke the spent round back out.  The Halflight does not come with sights, and the user must simply aim down the barrel's length.

Cost per Shipment: $25
----

Revision: CP-270i Harpoons
Ammunition: CP-270 Harpoons
-CP-270i Harpoons have their internal dynamite and igniters waxed to ward off moisture related issues. Stylish oilskin carrying pouches should be commissioned for spare ammo.
----
Revision: Unification, 'Halflight' Lance Projector, Variant: Cunoesse  (Shortened form: 'Halflight V:CE')
Rifle: 'Halflight V:C', CP-270i Harpoons, CP-270i-BÜM Harpoons
-Merges the revisions of the 'Halflight V:C', CP-270i Harpoons, CP-270i-BÜM Harpoons, into a single package.[/quote]
Halflight V:C
Simple rifling is added to the barrel - three grooves spiraling clock-wise from the action to the muzzle.  A simple ladder sight is purchased whole-sale and bolted to the top of the barrel, giving a rough estimate for drop and aim.  Rounds may now land in the same zipcode as their target.  The additional work and purchase of sights has slightly increases the cost of production.
Cost per Shipment: $26
----
Halflight CP-270i Harpoons
Waxing the igniters, fuses, and anything else sensitive to moisture drastically improves the harpoon's chances of detonating after exposure to moisture.  Additionally, the ammo now comes in oilskin pouches to further decrease the chance of moisture contamination (a clever deal with a local tannery means the oilskins won't increase the price of the Halflight, but the pouches must now include the Happy Calf™ logo on the front).
No price change.
----
Halflight CP-270i-BÜM Harpoons
The Halflight's harpoons receive an upgrade!  The fuses on the harpoons now require firing in addition to a sudden change in inertia in order to explode.  The round will still bounce and "blind" the fuses at oblique angles, but around 45 degrees or less the fuse will reliably detonate the barbed charge.  The improved charges require a minor increase in technical expertise and parts, and the cost is eaten by the Halflight.
Cost per Shipment: $26
----
Halflight V:CE
The three branches of Halflight revisions are unified under one name - the Cunoesse.  The rifling, sights, and improved harpoons all now exist under this single version.
Cost per Shipment: $27

[Light forger]

ACTACTACT
Design:Valor High Capacity Sidearm
The Valor is a compact sidearm designed for rapid and sustained firepower. It’s chambered in a new 5.5mmx25mm pistol round that offers flat shooting and low recoil when compared to other military rounds, at the expense of barrel life.

Spoiler: Operation (click to show/hide)

The pistol itself uses a unique gas-delayed chamber operation. Blowback operation has the bolt push the round into a fixed barrel/chamber and blowforward flips this with a moving barrel/chamber push the round into a fixed bolt. Chamber operation has a fixed bolt and barrel with a chamber shroud being blown forward. This is then paired with a 90% closed ‘bolt’ and a gas delay system. A full cycle works as follows, the chamber shroud is held by a sear almost closed. When the trigger is pulled it snaps back a short distance and strikes the tail of a hammer which fires the round in the chamber. The gas from the round then vents into a chamber directly in front of the chamber shroud slowing its forward movement. After the bullet has left the pistol the trapped gas vents letting the chamber shroud move fully forward and ejecting the spent round. Once fully forward the return spring pushes the chamber shroud back and causes a small feed ramp to lift up the next round. The barrel shroud then catches on the sear ready to repeat the cycle.

This operation is expected to offer the following benefits: reduced pistol length, no moving external parts, less recoil from a delayed action, improved accuracy, a crisp trigger and greater safety. At the cost of: more felt recoil, tight machining requirement, risk of light strikes from the hammer, and increased weight. Outside the action the weapon has a 14 round detachable double stack magazine. This is operated with a push button near the trigger and has a small spring that pushes the magazine out when released for quick reloading. The pistol makes use of a new horizon sight made with bright wooden strips(aka guttersnipe sight) for a quicker sight picture on the draw. A thin front blade is still included for fine shooting.
5.5x25mm
A heavily bottlenecked high velocity round designed for flat trajectory and compact size. Designed for high accuracy, low recoil and decent lethality under 200m, past that the round becomes inaccurate and underpowered quickly. Not designed with any amount of armor piercing in mind.

Spoiler: Singular Design (click to show/hide)

Company Name: Singular Design
Market Share: $0
Cash: $279(-267,+18)
Weapon Designs: Exemplar Semi-Auto Pistol*

Production Line #1: Exemplar Semi-Auto Pistol*
Production Line #2: Exemplar Semi-Auto Pistol*
Ammo Press #1: 7.5x20mm

Singula Arms Club #12: ($200)
New Production Line -150
Design -100
Production -14
Ammo -3
Ammo Sold +18

Warehouse:
1 Occassio Company Charter – Singular Design.
4 Exemplar Semi-Auto Pistol*

Spoiler: Designs (click to show/hide)

Exemplar Semi-Auto Pistol
8 round 7.5x20mm (singlestack)
Blow-forward, shrouded
Cocked via back tab/sight/safety

The Exemplar is a blow-forward handgun with an eight-round 7.5x20mm detachable magazine.  The weapon’s barrel slides forward after firing to eject the spent brass before scooping a fresh round out of the magazine.  The tab on the back of the barrel pulls triple duty as both sights, cocking handle, and a forward stop for the barrel’s recoil.

The shroud covering the barrel helps to keep moving parts from catching on debris, but tends to redirect fouling from the brass ejection back into the slide.  The trigger disconnector can break or become faulty (especially if enough fouling is present) and multiple rounds can fire with one trigger pull - or even a catastrophic mag-dump could occur.  The locking pin for the shroud can come lose or be broken during use, and in one particular case the shroud was propelled off the gun by the recoil spring when broken.  The curved handle within which the magazine sits has very little wiggle room, and a sufficiently dirty weapon will see it stick in place.

The blow-forward design increases perceived recoil, which makes rapid fire difficult.  The barrel also has a tendency to “float” if tolerances are poor or the mechanisms become worn - which isn’t a terrible issue as the weapon isn’t meant for sniping to begin with, but is something to consider.  Testers report the trigger pull is nice and easy, but there’s a significant chance of an accidental discharge when attempting to cock the barrel with a round already chambered. 

Cost: $7 per Shipment
Revision: Exemplar Semi-Auto Pistol*
The Exemplar Pistol-star features a modified sear to protect as an additional safety against multiple-round fire.  The tail on the sear securely disconnects the trigger when the barrel is moved forward, requiring it to be reset by releasing the trigger.  The addition of a simple notch in the barrel will catch the barrel on the sear as an additional safety measure against misusing the tab.

Spoiler: Contacts (click to show/hide)

Contract: Singula Arms Club #12
Seeking: 6 pistol
Due: Spring 1925
Singula is a small, wealthy country located adjacent to Mariti.  They piggyback largely off Mariti's wealth by providing transportation for goods once they've left port, but the two countries were once united prior to the Great War.  The Arms Club is a group of weapon aficionado looking for an exotic firearm to present as gifts to attendees at their annual "Gun Gala".  The weapon needs to be unusual in some way.  That's it.  Wow them.
Pay: $200

[evictedSaint]

GM Note: oh boy, surprised this happened so quick - the volume of revisions is somewhat of an issue.  As tempting as it is to make a rule change to increase costs or limit the number permitted, I'd rather not make a change that gives an advantage to people who already put in a large volume of changes vs those who haven't yet.  It'll have to be a v2.0 rule change, I think.  Just...try not to abuse it too much, please.

Spring, 1923.  Contract Phase.

French and Belgium troops occupy the Ruhr area to force Germany to make reparation payments.  The Egyptian Feminist Union is founded, and will eventually make school attendance compulsory for girls as well as boys.  Vladimir Lenin has yet another stroke and loses the ability to speak.  The Irish Civil War comes to an uneasy close, as does the Russian Civil War.  Ditissimus begins rounding up suspected terrorists and the government quickly passes the Freedom and Security Act, which waives due process for individuals arrested under suspicion of terrorist activities.

Somewhere in Occassio, a briefcase is exchanged between two non-descript men.


It is now the contract phase.  You may post bids for the listed contracts.



Designs

Spoiler: Designs (click to show/hide)

Design:Valor High Capacity Sidearm
The Valor is a compact sidearm designed for rapid and sustained firepower. It’s chambered in a new 5.5mmx25mm pistol round that offers flat shooting and low recoil when compared to other military rounds, at the expense of barrel life.

The pistol itself uses a unique gas-delayed chamber operation. Blowback operation has the bolt push the round into a fixed barrel/chamber and blowforward flips this with a moving barrel/chamber push the round into a fixed bolt. Chamber operation has a fixed bolt and barrel with a chamber shroud being blown forward. This is then paired with a 90% closed ‘bolt’ and a gas delay system. A full cycle works as follows, the chamber shroud is held by a sear almost closed. When the trigger is pulled it snaps back a short distance and strikes the tail of a hammer which fires the round in the chamber. The gas from the round then vents into a chamber directly in front of the chamber shroud slowing its forward movement. After the bullet has left the pistol the trapped gas vents letting the chamber shroud move fully forward and ejecting the spent round. Once fully forward the return spring pushes the chamber shroud back and causes a small feed ramp to lift up the next round. The barrel shroud then catches on the sear ready to repeat the cycle.

This operation is expected to offer the following benefits: reduced pistol length, no moving external parts, less recoil from a delayed action, improved accuracy, a crisp trigger and greater safety. At the cost of: more felt recoil, tight machining requirement, risk of light strikes from the hammer, and increased weight. Outside the action the weapon has a 14 round detachable double stack magazine. This is operated with a push button near the trigger and has a small spring that pushes the magazine out when released for quick reloading. The pistol makes use of a new horizon sight made with bright wooden strips(aka guttersnipe sight) for a quicker sight picture on the draw. A thin front blade is still included for fine shooting.
5.5x25mm
A heavily bottlenecked high velocity round designed for flat trajectory and compact size. Designed for high accuracy, low recoil and decent lethality under 200m, past that the round becomes inaccurate and underpowered quickly. Not designed with any amount of armor piercing in mind.

The Valor High Capacity Sidearm is a blow-forward pistol with a fixed shroud and fires specialized steep-necked high-velocity ammunition.  The powder burn pushes the barrel itself forward to cycle the action, and a spring pushes the barrel back.  A gas vent between the barrel and the external shroud slows the blow-forward action until the bullet has left the muzzle - this isn't a particularly robust system, as venting gas into the weapon's own internals rapidly increases fouling.  It's not uncommon for the barrel to become stuck after running several magazines through it, resulting in cycle failure.  However, the relative lack of finer parts means there's fewer things to wear out or break, so...silver linings.

The barrel scoops up rounds from the magazine on the way back, then catches on the sear before reaching the fixed firing pin at the rear.  If this sear were ever to fail, it would result in the Valor immediately mag-dumping all remaining ammunition, but this has not occurred during testing - five years of development experience paying off!  The 14-round double-stack magazine is ejected via push-button near the trigger.  As the magazine is double-stacked this makes the grip quite wide, and individuals with smaller hands will find it quite uncomfortable to hold.

The Valor features a surprisingly short barrel, and if it weren't for the wide grip the weapon might be quite concealable.  The small caliber ammo and short barrel length gives the Valor low stopping power, which is made up for by the high magazine size.  The relatively high powder content of the ammunition gives it a reasonable muzzle velocity (and short-range accuracy, thanks to the linear travel of the barrel) despite these drawbacks.  The relatively simple action reduces costs slightly, but the ammo requirements increase it.

Cost: $8 per Shipment

Revisions

Spoiler: Revisions (click to show/hide)

Massgraves Incorporated
Revision: B2 Holocaust
HMG: B1 Holocaust

The rifling process is overhauled to improve the spin, and thus accuracy, of rounds traveling down the Holocaust's long barrel.

The rifling is made tighter, giving more for the ammunition to grip.  The tighter spiral virtually eliminates wobble in flight.
No price change.

Rohnmohal Armoury
Revision: Rohnmohal K18c
The introduction of a dedicated field tool kit enables the end user to more comprehensively service the weapon in field conditions. While not seeking to eliminate the problem entirely, it should ameliorate a good chunk of the weapon issues with field stripping.

Revision: Rohnmohal G18d
The G18d boasts greater stopping power without compromising on recoil, though development and adoption of better propellants for the cartridge enabling much greater force to be exerted onto the bullet without affecting the weapon's recoil.

Revision: Rohnmohal G18e
Intending to keep pace with the competition, the G18's 10 round magazine is extended to 20 rounds, to give it much longer legs in a firefight by adopting a larger, double-stack,  curved magazine which extends further from the rifle.

Revision: Rohnmohal G18f
As technology (And competitors) march forward, the G18's newest feature is the development of a detachable magazine. Manufactured out of stamped metal and developed to fit into the receiver comfortably to ease reloading considerably whilst still fitting into where the existing fixed magazine attaches to currently.

Revision: Rohnmohal K22
This revision is a unification of all variants of the G18 and K18 into a K18 sized package

Revision: Rohnmohal G22
This revision is a unification of all variants of the G18 and K18 into a G18 sized package

Whoof, seeing all these made me check the Market Share total to see if the Mercy Rule was in effect.

Rohnmohal K22 and G22 (including sub-revisions)
The Rohnmohal Armoury is quite fond of their flagship rifle - and honestly, why shouldn't they be?  The company shells out a substantial wad of cash to make various improvements to their K and G rifle lines. 

A tooling kit is now packaged with each weapon - basic brushes, oils, and wires to get those hard-to-reach spots.  It comes in a nice wooden case, slightly increasing cost.

The search for better propellants is a brief one.  The weapon already uses smokeless powder - nitro ammunition is briefly considered, but the increase in pressure would require a redesign of the firing change.  A specification of exactly what propellants should be used would make this revision possible.  As far as the design engineers are concerned, it's already using the "best" propellant available.

The 10 round magazine is inflated to 20, packaged in a banana-shaped magazine.  Previous work to fix the magazine's follower benefits us here, but increasing magazine size any further will be difficult.  The internal magazine is single-stack, and switching to a double-stack configuration would require another revision.  The larger size increases cost slightly.

This 20 round magazine can now be removed, eliminating the need for four five-round stripper clips to reload. 

These improvements are applied to both gun variants.

Rohnmohal K22 and G22 increase cost by $2 each.
One Revision Fails, $15 returned. $1 fee applied.

Vaux and leander Manufacturing
Revision: VL mg21 A1.1
work is done to rework the receiver of the MG21 to make use of disintegration belt instead of a fabric belt.

Revision: VL mg21 A1.2
rework the gun body firstly adding bit more material into the feed cover to make it more rigid, secondly mounting fixtures are added to the side of the machine gun to allow for an Ammo container to to attached. finally the bipod is now to be attached to the front of the gun body instead of the barrel shroud, the shroud will have a catch at the bottom to hold the bipod when it folded.

Revision: VL mg21 A1.3
reworking the quick release to use locking lugs instead of normal screws which should resolve the issue of the threads binding when over heated. The latch is still retained to ensure the barrel does not rotate out of position during operation.

Revision: VL mg21 A2
VL mg21 A2 consolidates all of the above revisions into one design

The VL mg21 A1 features a number of revisions this turn, rapidly improving the weapons capabilities.

The fabric belt is discarded in favor of relatively new disintegrating links.  These mechanical links fall apart once the round is removed, and are discarded along with spent brass.  This requires the mg21's feed system to be redesigned, and it now will no longer be compatible with the previous canvas-based belts.  This minorly increases cost.

The bipod is moved back to the gun's body, meaning the weapon now pivots closer to the center rather than at the muzzle.  It can be collapsed and clipped to the forward shroud for easy storage.  Adopting a box magazine and reworking the feed cover would require their own revisions, unfortunately.

The barrel no longer screws into place, but instead uses quick-locking lugs.  The latch ensures it will not come lose unless disengaged.
 Testing indicates the new lugs will not bind during temperature changes.

These changes are all unified under one name: the VL mg21 A2.

Cost increase: $1

NOPE LLC
Revision: NOPE Repeater M20*
Based On: NOPE Repeater M20

 The M20* revision aims to improve the reliability of the M20's magazines by eliminating magazine slop. The magazine slop was mostly due to the desire for tolerances that tolerated a certain amount of detritus in the magazine well and a less than secure locking mechanism. Between slightly tightening up the tolerances of the magazine well and strengthening the lugs that actually hold the magazine in place, most of these problems are solved.

A tightening of tolerances in the magazine (and thicker lugs) eliminates the wobble experienced.  Though it is discouraged, using the magazine as a grip no longer results in jams.  It's not good for the magazine, of course, but at least it doesn't keep the weapon from working any more. 

No price change.

Contracts

Spoiler: Contracts (click to show/hide)

Contract: Parvus Armory #15
Seeking: 12 Pistols, 12 Matching Ammo Shipments
Due: Winter 1924
Parvus needs weapons, and they need them now.  They don't have a lot of money, but they will pay what they can for as many pistols as they can.  They will - quite literally - take anything.  Their main concern is how quickly the contract taker can fulfill the shipments.
Pay: $325

Contract: Mundo Airforces #16
Seeking: 4 Machineguns, 10 Matching Ammo Shipments
Due: Winter 1926
Mundo is rebuilding their airforce.  They want guns to put on their planes.  Guns should not jam during use.  They should not be too heavy for the plane.  They should be able to kill enemy planes.
Pay: $305

Contract: Paupertas Defense Force #17
Seeking: 2 Rifles, 2 Matching Ammo Shipments
Due: Spring 1924
Paupertas is a poor, impoverished, and penurious country bordering Imperiosa.  They don't have much money, but would like to buy some rifles to help defend their country - some of their neighbors have been building rather large police forces, and it makes them as nervous as they are penniless. Their main concern is who can fulfill this shipment for the least amount of money possible.  They're not concerned about quality or features - rather, any company offering the smallest budget (under the amount listed) will win. 

They are very, very poor.
Pay: $90

Contract: Socialas Armored Division #18
Seeking: 2 Machineguns, 2 Matching Ammo Shipments
Due: Winter 1925
In response to Parvus's disturbing and unwarranted build up of weaponry, Socialas has felt the need to modernize their armored division - that is, two stolen reclaimed land ships from the Great War.  The cannons on the tanks are fine, but the machineguns are in poor condition.  They are looking to replace the on-board machineguns with something new.  The weapons need to be capable of defending the tank from encroaching infantry, and should be capable of killing any Parvus soldier who pokes his head out of his trench.  They've also requested the machineguns be capable of reloading in confined spaces.
Pay: $130

Contract: Mariti Naval Office #19
Seeking: 6 Rifles, 10 Matching Ammo Shipments
Due: Winter 1926
Mariti is concerned about borders and would like to improve the small-arms available to sailors aboard their ships.  The weapons need to be capable of being used in confined spaces, with a preference placed on low-caliber and high rates of fire.  They must be capable of holding up to harsh sea conditions - this means salt water. 
Pay: $285

Contract: Ditissimus Security Council #20
Seeking: 20 Rifles, 20 Matching Ammo Shipments
Due: Spring 1927
The recent assassination of the prime minister has resulted in a surge in the need for security in the country of Ditissimus.  The country has had martial law declared.  Police and military forces alike require additional weapons to secure the streets, and so they're looking to acquire new service rifles. 

This new rifle must be accurate.  It must be semi-automatic.  It must be quick to aim.  It must be of a caliber sufficiently capable of killing a terrorist when shot center-mass.  All other features will be judged on a case-by-case basis.
Pay: $820

Contract: Unknown Buyer #21
Seeking: 1 Pistol, 1 Matching Ammo Shipments
Due: Spring 1924
A man in a dark coat would like to purchase a a custom-made pistol.  The weapon must be capable of firing sub-sonic ammunition with absolute silence.
Pay: $100

Spoiler: Accepted Contracts (click to show/hide)

Parvus Armory #1: ($275) Gerhardt & Sons
Socialas Party Police #2: ($85) Sandblaster Inc.
Mariti Naval Office #3: ($125) Korsgaard
Imperiosa Infantry Armory #4: Expired.
Unknown Buyer #5: ($155) Rohnmodal
Imperiosa Infantry Armory #6: ($135) Cancer Felicitus
Mundo Border Defense Committe #7: ($180) Massgraves Inc
Parvus Milita Forces #8: ($335) Vaux and Leander Manufacturing
Socialas Workers Council #9: ($275) Vaux and Leander Manufacturing
Ditissimus Security Council #10: ($180) Cancer Felicitus
Unknown Buyer #11: ($100) Ursus Brachi
Singula Arms Club #12: ($200) Singular Design
Parvus Armory #13: ($80) Aywen Industries
Infantry Armory #14: ($400) Vaux and Leander Manufacturing

[Taricus]

ACTACTACT

Bid: Mariti Naval Office #19
Submission: Rohnmohal K22
Pitch: Boasting an impressive 20 round magazine that is fully detachable to enable quick loading (And these magazines can be used to their full capacity), the K22 is the ideal close-quarters defence weapon any military would be proud to use. And with an easy-to-learn features and comprehensive tool kit, the K22 can be maintained effectively even in the roughest of conditions.

Bid: Ditissimus Security Council #20
Submission: Rohnmohal G22
Pitch: Terrorist problem? With the Improved G22, the solution as at hand. Accurate, easy to use and capable of stopping a terrorist dead in their tracks, the G22 is the perfect tool for the job. And with a 20-round detachable magazine, the terrorists won't have anywhere to hide from the fusillade of righteous rounds that will inevitably come their way.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Company Name: Rohnmohal Armoury
Market Share: $155
Cash: $29 + $13
Weapon Designs: 1

Production Line #1: Rohnmohal K22
Ammo Press #1: 6.5x48mm

Warehouse:
-1 Occassio Company Charter – Rohnmohal Armoury

Spoiler: RA Designs (click to show/hide)

Current:
Rohnmohal G18
The Rohnmohal G18 (not to be confused with the M18 or ’18) is a semi-automatic rifle with a free-floating barrel with a perforated shroud and a twenty-round detachable of 6.5x48mm ammunition.  The G18 utilizes a long-stroke piston; though robust, it does make the gun heavier and increase perceived recoil.  The barrel and piston float above a wooden stock, which makes testers nervous despite assurances its to increase accuracy.  This float decreases the effect of humidity on the weapon’s accuracy, but the smaller ammunition and powder load gives it decreased range and accuracy over most existing bolt-action rifles despite the addition of aperture sights.

Cost per Shipment: $20

Rohnmohal K18
The barrel is cut shorter, down to 45cm. The resulting muzzle flash is much more noticeable than the G22.  There's some trepidation as to whether the shorter barrel will negatively affect the long-stroke gas piston, but there doesn't seem to be any ill effects. Features reduced wooden furniture and aluminium parts to reduce weight compared to the G22

Cost per Shipment: $21

-Joint details:
A tooling kit is now packaged with each weapon - basic brushes, oils, and wires to get those hard-to-reach spots along with an illustrated manual.  It comes in a nice wooden case, slightly increasing cost.


Outdated
Rohnmohal G18
The Rohnmohal G18 (not to be confused with the M18 or ’18) is a semi-automatic rifle with a free-floating barrel and a ten-round internal magazine of 6.5x48mm ammunition.  The G18 utilizes a long-stroke piston; though robust, it does make the gun heavier and increase perceived recoil.  The barrel and piston float above a wooden stock, which makes testers nervous despite assurances its to increase accuracy.  This float decreases the effect of humidity on the weapon’s accuracy, but the smaller ammunition and powder load gives it decreased range and accuracy over most existing bolt-action rifles despite the addition of aperture sights.  It’s also not uncommon for the user to bump the barrel with their fingers and be burned.

The ten-round magazine sticks out the bottom of the gun and is fed by two 5-round stripper clips, though keeping the magazine at max capacity will quickly wear out the magazine spring and result in failure to feed.  The “large” magazine size and semi-auto fire makes the weapon enjoyable to shoot, at least, and the smaller caliber helps offset the recoil of the long-stroke piston.  In fact, were the barrel shorter it might be ideal for closer-range combat than the long-range it’d been designed for.  Although some thought has been given to field-stripping, the G18 still requires dedicated tools to access the internal mechanisms.  The process of loading, aiming, and maintaining the rifle requires a non-negligible amount of training.

Cost per Shipment: $18

Revision: G18a
The ten-round magazine is modified to use a stiffer rectangular spring and additional guides are added to the follower to keep it in line with the walls around it.
Cost per Shipment: $18

Revision: G18b
A perforated heatshield wraps around the floating barrel (like the M97 Trench Gun) helps keep wayward fingers from getting where they shouldn't (unless the user does something silly like stick a finger in the hole).  It's a simple part with simple machining, so our engineers narrowly manage to get the change in without requiring a price hike.
Cost per Shipment: $18

Revision: Rohnmohal G18c
We print a booklet that gives handy instructions on gun operation, disassembly, and cleaning.  It includes lots of pictures, so both the illiterate and "differently lingual" users can operate the weapon after some deciphering.
No price change.

Rohnmohal K18
The barrel is cut shorter, down to 45cm.  The resulting flash is much more noticeable now.  There's some trepidation as to whether the shorter barrel will negatively affect the long-stroke gas piston, but there doesn't seem to be any ill effects.  The rifle is noticeably less accurate now, and the effective range has been diminished.
No price change.

Revision: Rohnmohal K18a
The K model of the Rohnmohal gets a weight reduction.  The stock is shortened and hollowed out, and most other wood furniture is trimmed down.  Some of the non-stress-bearing metal furniture is swapped for lighter aluminium (which has become increasingly cheaper in the past few years).  It looks pretty slick, but the additional work required to reduce weight on K models results in a small price jump.
Cost per Shipment: $19

Revision: Rohnmohal K18b
The shorter barrel gives the ammunition less time to grip the spiral.  The K18b variant features a much tighter spiral, providing more grip to the ammo as it travels and stabilizing it further.
No price change.

[Kashyyk]

All esteemed partners interested in the Ditissimus Security Council #20 Contract. KashKow Industries has the capacity to produce that entire order ourselves. Alas we have no design.

Thus please consider us an honourable subcontractor in your proposal, with the deal below. Prices are negotiable.

We, KashKow Industries (KKI), promise to deliver the below items to ______ (___) no later than Spring 1927:

- __× units of ____ Rifles (at $40 per unit)
- __× units of ____ Ammunition (at $6 per unit)

In exchange, ___ promises to pay the full amount for the above items to KKI immediately, and provides a non-exclusive, civilian-only license to KKI, to produce the above Rifle for the duration of this contract.

Signed
____ (___)
____ (___)

In other news, Production continues. $57 spent for three units of VL M18 A2, and two units of 7x50mm ammo. Two units of rifles and one unit of Ammo is sold to civilians for $60.

Shipment #3 of 7x50mm ammo and Shipment #3 of VL M18 A2 rifles is dispatched to VLM.

Spoiler: KashKow Industries (click to show/hide)

Company Name: KashKow Industries
Market Share: $0
Cash: $74
- $57 Production
= $17
+ $60 Civ Sales
== $77
Weapon Designs: None

Production Line #1: VL M18 A2
Production Line #2: VL M18 A2
Production Line #3: VL M18 A2
Ammo Press #1: 7x50mm
Ammo Press #2: 7x50mm

Warehouse:
1x Occassio Company Charter – KashKow Industries.

Spoiler: Contracts (click to show/hide)

VLM - Winter 1923
- 3x 7x50mm ammo (3/3)

VLM - Spring 1924
- 3 shipments of 7x50mm ammo (3/3)
- 4 shipments of VL M18 A2 (3/4)

[Draignean]

ACTACTACT

BID: Paupertas Defense Force #17
Submission: Halflight V:CE
Pitch: Poor credit? Bad credit? NO credit? No problem! Ursus Brachi prides itself on an equal opportunity model of violence, and are NOT the type to gate high-explosives behind artificial barriers to affordability that Big War uses to keep the little countries in check. The Halflight V:CE is easy to use, cutting down on training costs, and we guarantee you're firing more bullet per pull of the trigger than your richest and most bellicose neighbors. Multi-purpose, it can be used as a rifle, a sledgehammer, stump clearing tool, and the ammunition itself makes a handy knife. Best of all, we're prepared to offer it all to at manufacturers cost - that's just $60 for two shipments! That's a bargain you can't afford to miss! And remember, with a Halflight, you never really miss- you just inflict different levels of collateral!

Production:
Continue producing ammunition
Manufacture a shipment of Halflight V:CE

Offer the following the contract to all individuals.

Spoiler: Public Contract (click to show/hide)

The Ursus Brachi group will allow the non-Ursus Brachi signator of this document the following rights:

• The right to produce the Halflight Lance Projector

Provided that,

• All the Halflight Lance Projectors produced under these terms are sold ONLY to the Civilian Market
• All the Halflight Lance Projectors produced under these terms are sold IMMEDIATELY

The Signed,
- Ursus Brachi
-

Spoiler: Ursus Brachi (click to show/hide)

Company Name: Ursus Brachi
Market Share: $100
Cash: $116 (-$3, -$27, end state of $86 )
Weapon Designs: That's confidential

Production Line #1: Halflight V:CE
Ammo Press #1: CP-270i-BÜM Harpoons

Warehouse: 1 Occassio Company Charter –  Ursus Brachi.

Spoiler: Current Designs (click to show/hide)

Halflight Lance Projector
The Halflight is the embodiment of an individuals gut reaction and instincts overtaking their better judgement and decision-making processes.

It is a shoulder-fired break-action rifle with a one-inch bore firing impact-fuse ammunition.  Testers describe the use of the weapon akin to being struck by lightning - there's an enormous flash and boom, and you may very well find yourself on your back in serious pain.  The rounds exit the barrel with roughly the same force and speed as a run-away freight train...that is to say, not very fast, but very deadly.  The impact fuse relies on the French technology for direct-impact detonation.  A steel hammer on the end of a spindle protrudes from the end of the round and only detonates when hitting a target flat and square; deflections or deaccelerations do not result in detonation.  Moisture or high humidity results in the CP-270 ammunition fuses going bad and reaching prohibitively high rates of failure-to-detonate.  On the other hand, if the round manages to actually hit its target, detonation tends to be a bit over-kill.

The barrel is without rifling and as a result (not to understate things here) the Halflight can be "less-than-accurate".  Luckily, the ball-bearing and explosive composition makes near-misses an acceptable outcome, if the fuse doesn't fail.  The sheer concussive force of firing has been known to stress and weaken the hinge. Although our testers stopped before such a failure could occur, the Halflight's break-action will inevitably fail after a dozen or so rounds have passed through it.  Additionally, there is no extractor for the enormous brass casing, and the brass tends to tightly form-fit the internals and become hard to remove.  An "extractor rod" is provided with the weapon: a broom handle, with which the user can poke the spent round back out.  The Halflight does not come with sights, and the user must simply aim down the barrel's length.

Cost per Shipment: $25
----

Revision: CP-270i Harpoons
Ammunition: CP-270 Harpoons
-CP-270i Harpoons have their internal dynamite and igniters waxed to ward off moisture related issues. Stylish oilskin carrying pouches should be commissioned for spare ammo.
----
Revision: Unification, 'Halflight' Lance Projector, Variant: Cunoesse  (Shortened form: 'Halflight V:CE')
Rifle: 'Halflight V:C', CP-270i Harpoons, CP-270i-BÜM Harpoons
-Merges the revisions of the 'Halflight V:C', CP-270i Harpoons, CP-270i-BÜM Harpoons, into a single package.[/quote]
Halflight V:C
Simple rifling is added to the barrel - three grooves spiraling clock-wise from the action to the muzzle.  A simple ladder sight is purchased whole-sale and bolted to the top of the barrel, giving a rough estimate for drop and aim.  Rounds may now land in the same zipcode as their target.  The additional work and purchase of sights has slightly increases the cost of production.
Cost per Shipment: $26
----
Halflight CP-270i Harpoons
Waxing the igniters, fuses, and anything else sensitive to moisture drastically improves the harpoon's chances of detonating after exposure to moisture.  Additionally, the ammo now comes in oilskin pouches to further decrease the chance of moisture contamination (a clever deal with a local tannery means the oilskins won't increase the price of the Halflight, but the pouches must now include the Happy Calf™ logo on the front).
No price change.
----
Halflight CP-270i-BÜM Harpoons
The Halflight's harpoons receive an upgrade!  The fuses on the harpoons now require firing in addition to a sudden change in inertia in order to explode.  The round will still bounce and "blind" the fuses at oblique angles, but around 45 degrees or less the fuse will reliably detonate the barbed charge.  The improved charges require a minor increase in technical expertise and parts, and the cost is eaten by the Halflight.
Cost per Shipment: $26
----
Halflight V:CE
The three branches of Halflight revisions are unified under one name - the Cunoesse.  The rifling, sights, and improved harpoons all now exist under this single version.
Cost per Shipment: $27

[Aseaheru]

ACTACTACT

   Bid: Paupertas Defense Force #17
   Submission: NOPE Repeater M20* (as joint effort)
   Pitch: Well, it appears that no less than three companies are interested in supplying arms to Paupertas at just under cost, dont suppose you chaps would mind, no?
   
   Bid: Martini Naval Office #19
   Submission: NOPE Repeater M20*
   Pitch: With its short length, lower-powered rifle round, high rate of fire, easy maintenance, and features dedicated towards close combat, the NOPE Repeater seems almost ideal for naval use in shipboard combat. In any event, please send back your thoughts on the weapon and copies of any test reports completed. In particular, we are interested in knowing how the tinplate construction of the magazine handles typical naval conditions.

   NOPE LLC manufactures two units of ammunition and sells one on the civilian market. NOPE LLC manufactures one unit of NOPE Repeater M20*.

Spoiler: NOPE LLC (click to show/hide)

Company Name: Neefs, Omloop, & Poels Engineering LLC (NOPE LLC)
Market Share: $0
Cash: $46(-21-3-3) = (19+6)
Weapon Designs: NOPE M18 Repeater

Production Line #1: NOPE Repeater M20*($21)
Ammo Press #1: 7.65×40mm NOPE LR
Ammo Press #B: 7.65×40mm NOPE LR

Warehouse: 1 Occassio Company Charter – NOPE LLC.
NOPE Repeater M20* | One Unit
7.65x40mm NOPE LR | One Unit

Spoiler: Designs of NOPE LLC (click to show/hide)

   Current model: NOPE Repeater M20*
   $21 per batch
   7.65×40mm NOPE "Light Rifle"
   The NOPE Repeater M20* is a ~5kg repeating carbine chambered for the custom 7.65x40mm NOPE "Light Rifle" round, designed to fire a 12.5g projectiles at velocities of 600m/s.
   The Repeater itself is approximately 1m in length with a 500mm barrel, loaded via 5 or 15-round detachable box magazine(although the 5-round option are not quite able to be removed in combat), capible of being reloaded through the breach via stripper clips.
   The weapon is a little on the heavier side with lots of metal components, long barrel, and fairly wide housing.  A heat shield around the barrel prevents the user from obtaining accidental burns, and a bayonet lug for a sword enables close-quarters combat.  The lever-delay action is fairly atypical; the bolt and bolt carriage are linked via lever, resulting in an increased amount of force required to open the breech after firing, thus keeping the cartridge seated until the propellant is finished burning.  After significant fouling, the bolt can become stuck and require manual cycling, but this requires negligence on the users part. High-level maintenance operates on the “don’t worry about it” principle, in which the gun (or at least the portions of it) is expected to be handed over to the armory for refurbishing and detail cleaning, while basic cleaning operations ae done at the individual weapon.  The weapon is relatively low-power compared to existing rifles.  The weapon does fire quickly however, but shells are ejected upwards through the user’s sightlines.  To this end the flip-up sights are off-set to the side of the gun, further decreasing accuracy.
   Testers report that the weapon is quite enjoyable to fire – smaller powder load and a heavier frame means recoil is not a significant issue.
   The 5-round magazine does not stick out quite far enough to be manipulated, while the magazines do suffer if used as a hand hold. The springs also wear out if kept loaded, which can also cause jams.

Spoiler: Active Contract(s) of NOPE LLC (click to show/hide)

Contract 6 | Paupertas Defense Force Joint Supply - NOPE LLC, Massgraves Inc, Ursus Branchi
   Each party supplies one unit of weapon and one unit of ammunition for cost-$1 because we think this is funny or something...

Spoiler: Completed Contracts of NOPE LLC (click to show/hide)

Contract 1 | | NOPE LLC & GERHARDT & SONS
Should GERHARDT & SONS secure both the Parvus Armory contract as well as receive aid that is currently in private discussion with KashKow Industries then NOPE LLC will provide four shipments of 7.92x55mm Ammunition. G&S will provide $36 of funding next phase should they receive the Parvus Armory contract.
Contract 2 | NOPE LLC & Sandblaster Inc
>NOPE LLC grants Sandblaster Inc designs and production rights to the NOPE M18 Repeater
>Sandblaster Inc, over the next two phases(Winter 1919 and Spring 1920) pays NOPE LLC a total of $40
>Sandblaster Inc grants NOPE LLC manufacturing and civilian sales rights for the Commie Crusher '18
>Until Spring 1925, NOPE LLC is barred from selling or offering the NOPE M18 Repeater
>Until Winter 1923, any revisions made to the NOPE M18 Repeater by either company are shared by both companies
Contract 3 | NOPE LLC & Sandblaster Inc | Rules Division Compliance Contract
>NOPE LLC pays Sandblaster Inc $25
>All rights to the Commie Crusher '18(including revisions) revert back to Sandblaster Inc
>All rights to the NOPE M18 Repeater revert back to NOPE LLC
>This contract supersedes prior contracts between NOPE LLC and Sandblaster Inc
Contract 4 | NOPE LLC & Rohnmohal
>IF Rohnmohal wins their contract, then in Winter 1920:
   >NOPE manufactures one lot of 6.5x48mm and transfers it to Rohnmohal
   >Rohnmohal pays $7
Contract 5 | KashKow Subsidization of NOPE LLC
KashKow Industries pays Nope LLC $30 now, In exchange for a single Shipment of mark 1 Half-light Lance Projectors this turn.