Acceptance was easier said than done. Darius sat in his luxurious—by current standards—room in his Lord’s Manor, drinking a bottle of liquor, one mouthful after another. He replayed the scene from just a couple of hours before in his mind, wondering what else he could have done. Sure, he could have gotten a temple blueprint a blueprint for the level 1 Temple, but it didn’t really do anything for his settlement. It helped increase Faith generation, but nothing else. He also supposed he could have just built a hut or something and called it a shrine, or a church or something. But would that have actually stopped Sylvie from abandoning the Hamlet? Would it have stopped her from taking seven other people, including Aisha and the Power Armor he’d just given to her?
“What you drinking there?” Marcus asked as he let himself in.
Darius looked at the bottle, not quite remembering what it was called. Hell, he couldn’t even read the label in his current state. “Its…” Darius looked at it again. “It’s…” Darius sniffed the bottle. “It’s… green.”
“You know, I thought you’d finally managed to put that stuff aside. You were doing so well until recently.”
“What’s the point?” Darius asked. He could feel the sense of defeat and worthlessness rising up inside him. “Why do I even try? I aint any good at this shit. Why me? Why am I responsible for everything? I never wanted this.”
Marcus moved over and sat on the bed next to Darius. “I don’t know why any of this happened. Not the end of the world, not why you were the one to get the first Settlement core. But you need to know something. It isn’t your fault. I’ve been watching that girl for the last week. She’s got the bug. He got a taste of authority and craves even more. She’s been talking to a lot of different people recently. I was never able to get close enough to overhear, but after today… I can guess.”
“What do you mean?” Darius asked. “I know she’s been more tense over time, and deep diving into religion, but…”
“In hindsight, she’s clearly been planning some kind of coup for a while, doing what she could to recruit others to her side. If I had a guess, she couldn’t get enough people to support her in taking over Zuri, so she went with a backup plan, making her own. I’d bet good money that she’ll be a problem for us in the future if they survive.”
“With Aisha with them, and that Power Armor, their chance at survival are better than not.” Darius took another swig of the liquor and stared at the floor between his feet.
“Look, there aint anything we can do about what’s already done happened. All we can do is move forward,” Marcus said, then he gently took the bottle out of Darius’s hand and placed it on the bedside table. “You are a better man than you think. I know you aren’t really worried about the suit. If I had to guess, I’d say you’re secretly glad she went with them. Especially for the sake of them kids. That’s what really has you twisted up. You’re worried about the people who left, and can't do anything to help protect them anymore. They all made their choice, and they have to live with the consequences, good or bad.”
“Those kids didn’t choose, their mama did.”
“And that choice is on her, not you. You did what you could to deter them. Again, It’s not your fault. That girl has an apprentice rank speech skill. Of course she’s going to sway people, as for Connor going… well, he’s been an ass since I meat him, and of course he went along. He’s tapping that girl, after all. Now look, you aren’t doing anyone any favors wallowing up here, drunk off your ass. Take this. We have work to do.” Marcus handed over a tan potion.
Darius looked at it. With a sigh, he popped the wax seal and slammed it back like he was doing shots at a bar. It tasted bitter, slightly oily and had something gritty added to it that ground between his teeth as he forced it down.
In less than a minute, his drunkenness was replaced with nausea and he had to rush to his bathroom. Everything in his stomach came pouring out into the toilet. Once that had passed, and he pulled the cord to flush the toilet, he felt remarkably better. His mouth tasted nasty, but that was about it.
“What the hell was that shit?” Darius asked when he made it back to his room.
“oh, that was something caused poison purge,” Marcus answered. “It’s supposed to purge any poison or toxin ingested and remove the effects of whatever was consumed. I had a feeling I would find you up here, drinking yourself to death again. By the way, all of your new buildings are done, and everyone wanted to know if you wanted them to gather back into the library so you can get that upgrade stuff taken care of.”
“Oh, right?” Darius took a steadying breath and pushed all of his worry and stress to the back of his mind. “Right, let's get this done. I feel like I need to hit some shit after.”
“Sounds good,” Marcus said before he turned and walked towards the door. As he entered the doorway, Marcus paused and looked over his shoulder. “you should know, We all stand behind you. Despite what Sylvie has said, the people who remain are all with you. Just remember that.” With those parting words, Marcus left the room and headed down the stairs.
Darius watched his uncle walk away. He was moving so easily now. He didn’t need that shoddy crutch, no cane, not even a limp in his stride. Seeing that reminder of what he’d done for his uncle helped cement the words Marcus had said.
Darius rinsed his mouth out, removing the lingering taste on his tongue, then went downstairs and then over to the Village hall. Once he was there, he wasted no time in placing the Specialization Core against his City Core. As soon as the prompt appeared again, he accepted the specialization and the upgrades that came with it. The Building menu popped up on its owned and showed him where the walls would be and asked him to place the location of Training camp. Before placing it, Darius pulled up the detailed information about it.
Training Camp
Type: Military Specialization Building
Rank: 1
Description:
The Training Camp is a critical facility that becomes available immediately upon activating the Settlement Specialization Core—Military. It is designed to transform recruits into disciplined soldiers through rigorous training while providing essential living accommodations.
The Training Camp includes:
* Barracks: Basic sleeping quarters for up to 10 soldiers, ensuring they have a secure place to rest and recover between training sessions.
* Officer's Quarters: A separate, slightly more comfortable room designated for a single officer or training commander, providing privacy and a space to strategize and plan.
* Mess Hall: A communal dining area where soldiers can take their meals, fostering camaraderie and boosting morale. The mess hall is equipped with basic cooking facilities and enough seating to accommodate all camp inhabitants.
* Shower and Bathroom Facilities: Basic facilities for personal hygiene, including showers and latrines, ensuring the troops maintain cleanliness and health during their stay.
* Training Yard: Sufficient area and equipment to train standard Infantry Soldiers.
Fortified Perimeter: Surrounding the entire training facility is a sturdy stone wall, 10 feet high, which not only enhances the security of the camp but also serves as a defensive structure in times of need.
Effects:
* Increased Training Speed: The Training Camp increases the speed of combat training by 10%, ensuring that your troops reach combat readiness faster.
* Improved Combat Effectiveness: Soldiers who train and live at the camp gain a +5% bonus to their combat effectiveness, thanks to the rigorous training and a structured environment.
* Defensive Readiness: The fortified camp contributes to the settlement's overall defensive capabilities, with soldiers trained here exhibiting greater coordination and resilience.
* Morale Boost: The combination of training facilities and comfortable living conditions boosts the morale of the settlement's defenders, granting them a +5% bonus to Mental Resistance in combat scenarios.
Blueprint Details:
* Building Footprint:
* Main Building Dimensions: 40’ x 30’ x 15’
* Training Yard: 50’ x 30’
* Total Ground Area (including wall): 120’ x 70’
* Facilities:
* Barracks: Accommodations for 10 soldiers
* Officer's Quarters: Private room for one officer or commander
* Mess Hall: Dining area with basic cooking facilities
* Shower and Bathroom Facilities: Basic hygiene facilities for all camp inhabitants
This Training Camp, fortified with a stone wall and equipped with essential living and training facilities, serves as the backbone of your settlement’s military strength. It ensures that your troops are well-trained, well-fed, and well-rested, ready to defend the settlement at a moment’s notice.
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“Huh, it comes with its own walls,” Darius muttered to himself. “That means I don’t really need to include it inside our walls. That will leave so much room to grow. But I do need to keep in mind that this will grow in size as well as we upgrade to Village and eventually beyond…” Darius looked over the building map. Currently, he could build anywhere inside their area of influence. That was a three-hundred-acre circle centered on the Village Hall. That was about two thousand feet in any direction. He didn’t want the fort to be too far away though, so he settled on placing it three hundred feet from the south-east corner of the Hamlet, leaving it far enough away to grow more later, but plenty close enough to provide support in case of attack.
As soon as he confirmed the placement of the Training camp, a series of Messages popped up in his vision. Darius focused and managed to convert them to one summarized screen.
Settlement Specialization-Military in progress…
Adobe brick building Material detected…
Upgrading basic Building Materials to Stone…
Building Quality upgraded by one rank…
Buildings upgraded.
Expanding existing walls…
Adobe Brick, Stone, Iron sheets detected…
Upgrading Basic Building Materials…
Existing Walls expanded by +50%, Base material, Adobe brick upgraded to Stone Blocks… Iron plates upgraded to Steel plates…
Wall height increased by +50%.
Wall Upgrades Complete.
Congratulations, Headman Darius Williams,
You have successfully specialized the Hamlet of Zuri with the Military specialization! Your strategic vision and leadership have ushered in a new era of preparedness and strength for your settlement.
Key Changes Implemented:
Training Camp: The newly established Training Camp will now serve as a cornerstone for your military development, providing essential training grounds and facilities for your troops.
Enhanced Defenses: The Hamlet's defenses have been significantly upgraded, with fortified walls and improved defensive structures to ensure greater security.
Increased Training Capacity: You can now train and manage a larger and more diverse range of military units, from Infantry and Ranged to Cavalry and beyond.
Strategic Upgrade Path: As you continue to advance, the Settlement will benefit from further enhancements, including advanced military infrastructure, research opportunities and specialized units.
Your commitment to fortifying Zuri is a testament to your leadership and dedication. Prepare your forces and ready your defenses; a stronger Zuri stands ready to face any challenge that lies ahead.
Your dedication to the path of military excellence is paving the way for a prosperous future.
Settlement Upgrade Requirements met.
Commencing upgrade sequence from Hamlet to Village…
Checking Requirements:
1. Population of 21 or more Citizens:
* Status: 39 Citizens detected.
* Result: Population Confirmed.
1. Administrative Building Rank 2
* Status: Confirmed.
* Result: Administrative Building Rank 2 confirmed.
2. Lord's Manor Rank 1
* Status: Confirmed.
* Result: Lord's Manor Rank 1 confirmed.
3. Workshop Rank 1
* Status: Library Rank 4 detected. Rank 4 enhanced workshop exceeds requirements.
* Result: Requirement confirmed.
4. Stored Food Supplies
* Status: 3,000 units of food detected. 1,800 units of food required.
* Result: Requirement confirmed.
Upgrade Complete:
Congratulations, Headman Darius Williams!
You have successfully met all the criteria for upgrading Zuri from a Hamlet to a Village. Your leadership and commitment to the growth of your settlement have paved the way for this significant advancement.
Village Status Benefits:
* Headman Promotion: You are now promoted to the Title of Baron, achieving the first rank of true Nobility.
* Title Bonus:
* Production: +5% increase in production efficiency.
* Loyalty: +5% to all Loyalty Changes.
* Morale: +5% to all Morale Changes.
* Onetime bonus: +2,000 experience points, +10,000 Credits.
* Area of Influence: Expanded from 300 acres to a 1-mile radius circle.
* New Options: Access to additional building and settlement shop options.
* Satellite Hamlets: You may now create two satellite Hamlets under your authority.
* Taxation: Taxation systems are now unlocked.
Requirements to Upgrade from Village to Small Town:
* Population: 101 or more citizens.
* 1—Administrative Building—Rank 3.
* 1—Lord’s Manor - Rank 2.
* 2—Workshops - Rank 2.
* 1—Resource Gathering Building- Rank 1.
* 1—Market - Rank 1.
Military Requirements:
· Complete the training of at least 2 Soldier Squads. Relevant combat skill at Apprentice Tier or higher.
· Complete the Officer training for at least 2 Corporals and 1 Sergeant.
Congratulations once again, Baron Darius Williams, on your remarkable achievement!
Darius was momentarily overwhelmed by all the messages and did his best to process everything. He was just making his way through the requirements to reach small town level when yet another window popped up.
Military Specialization Advancement
Congratulations, Baron Darius of Zuri!
With the successful upgrade of your settlement from Hamlet to Village, your commitment to military excellence has been recognized and rewarded. As part of this transition, your Training Camp has undergone a significant transformation.
Building Upgrade: Military Base - Rank 2
Type: Military Specialization Building
Rank: 2
Description:
The Military Base - Rank 2 stands as a formidable upgrade from the initial Training Camp, reflecting the growing strength and ambition of your settlement. This facility is now the heart of Zuri’s military operations, equipped to support a more diverse and larger fighting force. With enhanced infrastructure and expanded capabilities, your base is well-prepared to train, house, and maintain a disciplined, battle-ready army.
New Features and Capabilities:
* Expanded Barracks: The barracks have been enlarged to accommodate up to 30 soldiers, providing them with comfortable quarters to ensure they are well-rested and ready for battle.
* Officer's Quarters: The officer’s quarters have been expanded, now capable of housing up to 4 officers. This structured environment ensures a clear chain of command, with designated areas for each officer.
* Enhanced Mess Hall: The mess hall has been upgraded to efficiently serve a larger number of troops, with improved facilities to handle the increased demand.
* Improved Hygiene Facilities: Expanded shower and bathroom facilities ensure that the larger garrison can maintain high standards of cleanliness and health.
* Fortified Perimeter: The stone wall surrounding the base has been reinforced, now standing 10 feet high. This fortification ensures maximum security for the base and its inhabitants.
New Training Capabilities:
* Unit Types: The Military Base - Rank 2 can now train a variety of unit types beyond standard infantry. The available units include:
* Infantry: Standard foot soldiers trained in close combat and basic tactics.
* Ranged Units: Archers, crossbowmen, and other ranged combatants are trained to provide support from a distance.
* Cavalry: Mounted units trained for mobility, speed, and powerful charges.
Increased Training Capacity:
* Base Capacity: Can now train 1 Troop, consisting of 3 Squads, and assign 3 Corporals and 1 Sergeant to oversee them.
* Maximum Capacity: Can house and support up to 30 soldiers and 4 officers simultaneously.
Crafting and Maintenance Area:
* Limited Crafting Area: A dedicated space within the base equipped with basic forges, anvils, and workbenches. This area is designed for the maintenance and minor repairs of weapons and armor, ensuring that your troops’ equipment is always in top condition.
Effects:
* Increased Training Speed: Training speed is increased by 20%, allowing for faster preparation of a more diverse set of troops.
* Improved Combat Effectiveness: Soldiers receive a +10% bonus to combat effectiveness due to the advanced training regimens and diverse unit types.
* Morale Boost: With improved living conditions, and a more structured environment, morale among troops is bolstered, granting a +10% bonus to Mental Resistance in combat.
* Leadership Training: The addition of officer quarters and the ability to train non-commissioned officers (NCOs) strengthens the chain of command, leading to more disciplined and efficient soldiers.
Structure Details:
* Building Footprint:
* Main Building Dimensions: 70’ x 50’ x 25’
* Training Yard: 80’ x 50’
* Total Ground Area (including wall): 170’ x 120’
* Facilities:
* Expanded Barracks: Accommodations for up to 30 soldiers.
* Officer's Quarters: Separate rooms for 4 officers.
* Enhanced Mess Hall: Expanded dining area with upgraded cooking facilities.
* Improved Shower and Bathroom Facilities: Larger and more advanced hygiene facilities.
* Crafting and Maintenance Area: Basic facilities for the upkeep and repair of weapons and armor.
The Military Base - Rank 2 is an essential upgrade for any settlement focused on military strength and versatility. Your forces will be better trained, better equipped, and better led, ensuring that Zuri remains a powerful and secure stronghold under your leadership.
Prepare your troops, Baron Darius. The path to greater glory lies ahead!
“I thought finding ten volunteers to be soldiers would be tough,” Darius muttered. “But thirty? That’s three quarters of our population now. We really need to get out more and recruit more people.” with a shake of his head, Darius left the Village hall. It was time to look over all the changes that his little hamlet went through as it grew up into a village.