From Ardor With Love OOC Thread (TWI-ONLY) (CLOSED)

by **Kravato** » Thu Apr 18, 2024 5:12 pm

Saint Ardor Del Alba, 1970s

In a tourist's perspective, Saint Ardor Del Alba is a beautiful place. A shining gem of culture, vibrance, and wealth in the northern Mesder. Tight city streets could bring a visitor to classy restaurants, esteemed museums, golden beaches, and powerful banks. Her harbors were filled with the luxurious yachts of celebrities, bankers, CEOs, and politicians. Truly, the dream destination. Behind the scenes, nothing was dreamy. Ardor's leaders had bargained her autonomy for safety. It seemed every nation had some care as to what happened to the little island; Chances were, their money was there. Ardor's government had to give in, fold to the nations whose frigates sat in her ports. And so now, a new prime minister has come to rescue Ardor from foreign grasp. But the nature of this grasp is more complicated than it seemed.

This is the out-of-character thread to discuss plans for the From Ardor With Love IC thread.
IC THREAD

by **Takiv** » Thu Apr 18, 2024 8:17 pm

Tag for now, working on more substantial post for tomorrow

by **Takiv** » Sat Apr 20, 2024 9:25 am

So, I'm going to write a draft overview of Takiv's situation in the early 70s, where this RP would start, and talk a bit about some of Takiv's potential players in this RP depending on how it goes. This is all subject to change, depending on how the overall story progresses and what this RP's plot will be.

The Kingdom of Takiv
January 1st, 197-

Takiv has emerged from the 1960s in a precarious state. The socialist government of Chancellor Merve Akajma has been uprooted by a resurgent Takivaj Conservative Party (TCP) under returning Chancellor Dagvet Miloz and his eventual successor, Kolag Horvan amid protests over the perceived incompetence of Akajma's administration. The Takivaj economy slumped during his two terms as Chancellor, and the Takivaj left is in retreat as popular sentiment turns against them. The Conservatives run hard on anti-socialism, branding the movement as an economic failure and as sympathetic to authoritarian governments with similar policies. This sentiment extends to the newly elected socialist prime minister of the small island nation of Saint Ardor, a nation that plays a vital strategic role in the Mesder Sea and is key to Takivaj military and economic interests. The new Ardoran prime minister has campaigned hard against the nation's status as a tax haven, a status that especially benefits many Takivaj businesses and politicians, including the Takivaj Conservatives. Behind the scenes, the incumbent conservatives and many influential Takivaj businessmen are working hard to influence the Ardoran government to retain its tax haven status, including Fjunav Garnaj, a titan of the Takivaj steel industry, who uses Ardoran banks to dodge high Takivaj taxes, and Kavhan Vunjaz, a key Takivaj communications magnate who wants to expand his media empire into Saint Ardor and use it to influence Ardoran popular opinion.

Meanwhile, the Takivaj military also retains several bases on the island of Saint Ardor, acting as a way to expand Takivaj naval power to the rest of the Mesder Sea. Chancellors Miloz and Horvan have used the bases as a key part of building up Takiv's long-neglected military apparatus, which had fallen into disrepair after the end of the Imperial War and was further underfunded under Akajma's Chancellorship in favor of lavish social programs. This has given the Conservatives plenty of ammunition to batter the socialists with in the 1969, 1973, and 1977 elections, all of which gave the Conservatives comfortable pluralities in the Takivaj Parliament and stable coalitions with other anti-socialist parties. The TCP's first coalition, between 1969 and 1973 under Chancellor Miloz, consisted of the TCP themselves, plus the National Liberty Party (the Liberals, or NLP), who promote a pro-business economic policy, and the Democratic Alternative Party (Democrats, or DAP), who advocate for farmer's interests and populist causes, along with anti-socialism. This initial coalition has produced another key player in Takiv's strategic interests in Saint Ardor, the NLP's Minister of Justice, Ganjr Juzkev, who oversees the nation's domestic police force along with Takiv's main foreign intelligence service, the Office of Foreign Intelligence, or OFI. The OFI's main job is to project Takivaj geopolitical influence in places that are of strategic influence to the Takivaj government, including Saint Ardor. The OFI mostly uses its power to fund sympathetic political organizations around the Mesder. The OFI also has an ally in the form of the Military Intelligence Service, or MIS. The MIS is essentially the OFI of the Takivaj military, using its power to gain information on strategic capabilities. The MIS is a part of the Takivaj Ministry of Defense, which is run by incumbent TCP politician Razjar Tjrkog. Both the MIS and OFI would be key tools in any Takivaj strategy to retain its influence over Saint Ardor.

Key Players:

Political
Dagvet Miloz: Chancellor of Takiv from 1969-1977. Miloz exerts significant control over Takiv's overarching geopolitical strategy, and also controls the Cabinet, which carries out these strategies. Miloz is the leader of the anti-socialist Takivaj Conservative Party, but retires from public service after two full terms as Chancellor.
Kolag Horvan: Chancellor of Takiv from 1977-1978. Miloz's preferred successor and political ally. Horvan also succeeds Miloz as leader of the Takivaj Conservative Party. Horvan eventually loses a snap election in 1978 after a whirlwind of political scandals engulfs his government.
Kovraz Tsavkag: The leader of the Social Democratic Labor Party between 1969 and 1977. Tsavkag was elected after Akajma lost to Miloz in 1969, and also served as the Leader of the Opposition between 1969 and 1977. He is the main person in Parliament that is in charge of scrutinizing government actions.
Garas Mirkoz: A member of the General Assembly for the Social Democratic Labor Party, the party of former Chancellor Merve Akajma that was soundly defeated in 1969 by Miloz. Mirkoz is the vice chair of the Assembly's Committee on Oversight, which is charged with overseeing government actions and investigating government overreach and illegal actions. He becomes the leader of the SDLP after Tsavkag's loss to Horvan in 1977, where he starts to pull the SDLP away from socialism, and more towards social democracy.
Ganjr Juzkev: Minister of Justice from 1969-1978. In his role as Minister of Justice, Juzkev is charged with overseeing the nation's police forces, prosecutors, and civilian intelligence services. Juzkev is a member of the agrarian, anti-socialist Democratic Alternative Party.
Razjar Tjrkog: Minister of Defense from 1969-1977, Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1977-1978. Tjrkog is in charge of the Takivaj military, and works with his generals to develop Takivaj military strategy. He later serves as Minister of Foreign Affairs. Tjrkog also oversees Takiv's Military Intelligence Service.

Economic/Industrial
Fjunav Garnaj: The CEO and owner of the Northern Takiv Steel Corporation, or Northern Steel. He is the 4th richest man in Takiv, and is a supporter of and major donor to the Conservatives. Due to his donations, Garnaj has a lot of unspoken influence within the Conservative party, and desperately wants the government to keep Ardor a tax haven to avoid the high taxes of Takiv.
Kavhan Vunjaz: The CEO and owner of the Konev Media Corporation, which owns many Takivaj news stations and newspapers, including the Virtaz Independent and KMC News. Vunjaz feels threatened by the rise of the state broadcaster TBT, and supports the Conservatives to try to destroy TBT. He also wants to expand into Ardor, seeing it as a small step into creating a multinational media empire. Vunjaz is a fierce anti-socialist, and most of his publications are anti-socialist in nature, so he might have a hard time expanding into Ardor.

by **Kravato** » Sun Apr 21, 2024 12:31 pm

Here's a quick overview from me:

The Forumnial Kingdom of Kravato
January 1st, 197-

Kravato entered the 1970s with ambition in its heart. Throughout the 1960s, hardline antisocialist doctrines from the Kabeno Veredosten Aministration (1960-1968) were now deep-rooted. In the 1960s, Kabeno Veredosten had operated much differently from his conservative and similarly anti-socialist predecessors in the 1950s. Rather than the approaches of the traditional Luteno Tomadei Administration (1952-1956) and Catholic Democrat Hektor Kalla Administration (1956-1960), Veredosten saw Kravato as a nation that needed to proactively destroy socialism, crime, or any other issue in nearby nations before it could infect Kravato. He placed much less trust in neighboring nations, popular among Kravatoan voters. Most of all, unlike his predecessors, he gave the armed forces a free hand in affairs. In his eyes, they were a trusted institution, unlike the somewhat socialist labor and welfare programs of Kalla's years. He set up bases, such as those in Ardor, for the same reason. Kravato's businesses became more international during the Veredosten Administration. Kravato's shipping companies such as GLIISA, as well as several other industries, shopped around for new places to put their money, and found Saint Ardor del Alba the best place. Veredosten had understood this, and wanting to satisfy his donors, he put more troops and ships in Saint Ardor to safeguard their investments. At the end of Veredosten's regime, he'd accomplished little. The system appeared shining on the outside but was a mess within. Veredosten's permissive treatment of the Kravatoan armed forces and intelligence had made them arrogant and ambitious.

In 1968, Rikar Tovana entered the office of Chaliseph, succeeding the Veredosten regime. He was of the same party, the KRP, and the same ideals. But now he found that his nation had a surge in drug use, an impending recession, and millions of Sarnoes spent questionably inside of the government. He busied himself with these problems, and in the meantime the military machine grew more demanding of the office of Chaliseph. In 197-, Saint Ardor del Alba had elected a socialist prime minister. Quickly, CEOs, ministers, admirals, and generals pressured a reluctant Tovana to act. Not wanting to give in fully, Tovana promised them action in the Tsunter interior for an in turn more quiet approach to Saint Ardor.

Now, in 197-, Tovana has to do whatever he can with his intelligence to get a friendly prime minister back in power in Ardor. If not, he risks a fatal political pushback which could risk his party's political dominance since the 1950s. He needs to keep both sides content, IE, he needs to do this tactfully.

Key Players:

Rikar Tovana: Tovana was the KRP (Center-right) Chaliseph of Kravato from 1968-1976. He was the last of the KRP's antisocialist, pro-military and pro-authority faction, which lost dominance in the party due to the controversies of the Azevedo Cartel War in the Tsunter Interior from 1972-1976. Tovana spent much of his two terms preventing problems from Veredosten's administration from spiraling out of hand.
Hano Apato: Apato, a member of the centrist Charterist Party, was elected as Chaliseph of Kravato in 1976, and served until 1980. Apato represented a shift in Kravato's political attitudes, while also maintaining an overall anti-socialist doctrine and favoring Kravato's coporations. Apato was a step towards the more internally focused Kravato of the 1980s.
Jovano Karolo: Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1966-1978, throughout three different administrations. Karolo was particularly competent and very aggressive in his policy. Karolo was supportive of dominance and military involvement, which lead to his downfall in 1978 as he often opposed Apato's favored calm approach.
Petro Imbavo: NIS Director from 1970-1986, Imbavo navigated many different administrations succesfully. Imbavo was rarely disobeyed the Chaliseph and did not serve the military, like many of others in Tovana or Apato's councils. His ideology changed from Chaliseph to Chaliseph, and the only thing that remained the same was his commitment to his office. His career ended with his retirement.

by **Saint Ardor del Alba** » Tue Apr 23, 2024 12:48 pm

Absolutely love these. Will get my big post up tomorrow now that I'm back from my travels.

by **Saint Ardor del Alba** » Wed Apr 24, 2024 9:45 am

"Welcome to Hell, Blofeld"
- James Bond, Diamonds Are Forever (1971)

Saint Ardor Del Alba, 1976. A shimmering disco ball of an island, where the Mesder sun reflects off golden beaches by day and explodes in kaleidoscopic light shows over ski slopes by night. Sun-kissed beaches unfurl like golden ribbons, their warmth a stark contrast to the crisp mountain air whistling down from the chic ski slopes. Luxury yachts, their chrome gleaming in the turquoise harbor, bob beside the sleek vessels of international power players. Billionaires in silk robes sip cocktails and gamble their fortunes in the Neo-Baroque Casino del Sol , their laughter echoing against the backdrop of clinking champagne flutes.

But beneath the glitz, a darkness simmers. Saint Ardor's idyllic facade hides a chilling truth – its freedom bartered for the protection of powerful nations with vested interests. A storm brews on the horizon. The Ardoran Prime Minister, determined to break free from the invisible chains that bind the island, is getting ready for his re-election and behind all the glamour, a serpent stirs...

Hello fellow TWI residents and thanks again for taking an interest in 'From Ardor With Love', a 1970s spy thriller RP. Before getting into mapping out the plot, here is the historical context for Saint Ardor del Alba in the style of the post earlier in this thread by the very talented Takiv:

With the historical context and some key players covered, let's talk about building this story together. As this is set in the past, we are lucky to know how some of this ends going in to it. Some key developments that come out of this are as follows:

Tabés walks away from his bold international stance and maintains the status quo, yet still wins the 1977 election
Something goes so wrong in this thriller that it contributes to the electoral loses of the ruling Takivaj and Kravatoan governments of this period.

This is a really useful starting point (or should I say, ending point) as we now have a fallout that we can use to build the rest of the plot towards. A great first idea comes from this quote from Kravato on the off-site Discord:

"Socialist PM elected, Takiv & Kravato dislike this and collaborate, we try to bribe, it goes wrong, we kill someone, we have to navigate the spy networks and high life in St. Ardor to cover this up while getting our way, eventually leading to a later failure. Then, St. Ardor socialist PM would go un-neutral and Takiv & Kravato's dominant parties lose control"
- Kravato

Personally, I'm a fan of this, as I think the 'buddy cop' dynamic of having a Takivaj agent (who I will be referring to as Agent T during this early planning phase) and a Kravatoan agent (Agent K) working together is a really fertile ground for storytelling. To further expand on this outline, I've come up with a basic structure that leans on the tropes of genre and builds upon Kravato's original idea:

The MacGuffin: The 'Ardor Accord' is a document fabricated by Kravatoan and Takivaj intelligence that supposedly outlines a secret military pact between Tabés and Maurican insurgents in the Tsunterlands. This document is the key to turning Ardor's public opinion against Tabés and forcing him to abandon his neutral stance.
The Setup: Agent T and Agent K are tasked with working together to influence the upcoming Ardoran election. Their mission: to bribe key figures and discredit Tabés through a smear campaign. Their cover? High-rolling socialites enjoying the lavish Ardoran nightlife.
The Honey Trap: One of the agents uses their charms to get close to a trusted advisor of Tabés, aiming to plant the incriminating "Ardor Accord" document. The other agent, meanwhile, navigates the world of high-stakes gambling and backroom deals to secure the cooperation of a dangerous individual connected to el Tiburón, pulling organised crime into the plot.
No Plan Survives: The bribe attempt goes awry, leaving a witness to a murder. Agent T and Agent K are forced to eliminate the loose end, plunging them deeper into the conspiracy. This could be a fantastic point for our first action set piece, perhaps a chase down the ski-slopes all decked out in fashionable turtleneck sweaters? Or maybe a high-speed yacht chase through the harbor while our protagonists smoke cigars and shoot silenced pistols?
The Dead Drop: With the authorities hot on their trail, Agent T and Agent K must utilize their skills and gadgets to evade capture while finding a way to cover their tracks. They establish a dead drop location by relying on a web of underworld contacts made during the 'Set Up'.
The Moral Dilemma: As they delve deeper into the conspiracy, Agent T and Agent K become increasingly disillusioned with their superiors' motives. They discover the fabricated nature of the "Ardor Accord" and the true extent of the potential fallout if their mission succeeds. Faced with a moral dilemma, Agent T and Agent K make a risky decision. They decide leak the truth about the fabricated document to a sympathetic figure*, hoping to expose the plot and prevent a wider destabilization of Ardor. This twist could fit neatly within the 'Rogue Agent' trope, and sets the seeds for the Takivaj and Kravatoan meddling going wrong and the end result of their governments loosing their next elections.
Double-Crossed:The sympathetic figure* turns out to be a double agent working for Yago Duque Jr. and el Tiburón, Agent T and Agent K are captured. Duque Jr. reveals his own plan: to use the chaos caused by the "Ardor Accord" to end democracy in Saint Ardor del Alba.
A Narrow Escape: In a thrilling climax, Agent T and Agent K manage to break free with the help of the sympathetic figure*, who turns out to be a Double Reverse Quadruple Agent. They expose Duque Jr.'s plot and clear Tabés' name. This is a perfect chance to use whichever exciting action set-piece we didn't use at the start.
The Fallout:The Kravato and Takiv governments face public backlash for their bungled operation. The scandal weakens their hold on power, leading to their eventual downfall in the upcoming elections. Tabés, forced to navigate the international fallout, reluctantly adopts a more neutral stance to avoid further destabilization. The paradise of Saint Ardor del Alba remains, but forever scarred by the events of this epic thriller.

*The Sympathetic Figure: I think this character could be a side-kick style character that helps Agent T and Agent K navigate the island throughout the story. I picture them as the bumbling, jolly driver character. I think making them a comedic character makes the double cross more effective, and the driver idea comes from an off-hand remark I made back when I first joined NS and TWI last year, when someone asked in the RMB 'What side does your nation drive on?' and I made a joke about Ardorans being stereotyped as bad drivers, which could be a recurring gag.

In my mind, Agent T and Agent K deciding to go rogue not only fits with the 'the operation goes badly' angle we want to work towards, but would be a fun element to include after painting such a pretty picture of Saint Ardor throughout the story, essentially seducing the main characters at the same time as the readers.

This of course is just a first idea, and I'm very excited to hear what you guys think about this plot and how we can divvy it up into posts.

by **Takiv** » Thu Apr 25, 2024 5:30 pm

Character Profile: Silav Nijroz
(pronounced SEE-lahv NEE-rohz)

Age: 32
Gender: Male
Nationality: Takivaj
Ethnicity: Takivaj
Religion: Jernalism
Physical description: Well built, with short black hair, a small black mustache, and green eyes.

Nijroz is an agent within the Takivaj Office of Foreign Intelligence, or OFI, a subdivision of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that specifically deals with espionage in foreign countries. Nijroz has been an OFI agent for 7 years, serving on a variety of assignments. He is well acquainted with the high life of a socialite, growing up as the son of wealthy, well-connected parents who got him into the OFI in the first place. His father is a senior bureaucrat within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and his mother is a high-level executive at a finance company.

Nijroz knows he is a child of privilege, and works hard to offset his reputation as a “nepo baby.” More than anything, he wants to be recognized for his ability, talent, and competence, not for his parents and upbringing. He has a very good work ethic, and can speak several languages, including Takivaj, English, Spanish, and Kravatoan. He is also a talented marksman.

Nijroz is also a bit of a perfectionist, and an obsessive one at that. If he sets his mind to something, he will stop at almost nothing to accomplish it, whether it's learning a language, hitting a target, getting a promotion, etc. This often results in tunnel vision, where he over focuses on one specific task and neglects other important things. He is also used to being a solo operative, and might clash with others when collaborating on something.

Nijroz is a devout Jernalist, devoted to Jernalism, a polytheistic faith centered mostly in Takiv. He regularly uses the teachings of his faith to justify his actions, whether that be his work ethic, or for killing a man he deems ‘evil.’ Early in his life, he even wanted to become an Ulsav, a Jernalist religious leader.

by **Kravato** » Sat Apr 27, 2024 4:02 pm

Character Profile: Hano Enfonte
(pronounced HAW-no en-FONT-ay)

Age: 28
Gender: Male
Ethnicity: Kravatoan
Religion: Tchazoda (loosely)

Enfonte is an agent of the NIS (National Intelligence Sector)‘s Operations Unit, otherwise known as the Akova. Enfonte has been working in the NIS for 4 or 5 years, but only reached status as an L15 (Basically signifying him as a valuable operative and high clearance level) 4-6 months ago. He's not too acquainted with the high life, as he was born in the lower-class. He was raised without much attention or care, in a family of migrant workers. He's used to being an outsider and fending off for himself.

This upbringing made him the man he is; shrewd, quick-thinking, independent. It's what has gotten him to L15, to his status within the Akova as someone who can get things done. What he lacks is loyalty. Part of growing up in an environment like his was growing up with no one to back you up. Similarly, Enfonte grew up expecting people to betray him. It makes him a damn good spy, but difficult to be around. He's also used to movement, which has helped his career, but if he gets too comfortable, he feels the need to shake things up, and make them harder.

Enfonte's regard towards religion is somewhat distant. He was raised Tchazodist, and his father was very devout. He's never been as close to it, but he knows its scripture quite well. He reasons that his own work is fine as he's never had to kill someone who wasn't going to kill someone, or indirectly kill someone, so he had saved lives. This may change on the Ardor Operation, however.

by **Costavozka** » Sat Apr 27, 2024 4:11 pm

I keep forgetting to write my post, will get it up sometime tomorrow. I hope.

by **Saint Ardor del Alba** » Mon Apr 29, 2024 3:24 pm

Character Profile: Gabriel "Gabi" Vargas
(pronounced gah-bree-EL "gah-BEE" BAR-gas)

Age: 57
Gender: Male
Ethnicity: Afro-Ardoran
Religion: Catholic
Appearance:

Background:
Gabriel Vargas was born and raised in Saint Ardor del Alba, a hardworking and honest man who has always taken pride in his Ardoran heritage. His family has lived on the island for generations, and they have seen its share of political turmoil. Gabriel vividly remembers the brutality of the Ortega regime during his childhood in the early 1920s, a regime that would disappear more than a few of his family members, including his father.
Despite the hardships of his early years, Gabriel has always found joy in the simple things - his family, his community, and the beauty of his island home. He worked various jobs throughout his life, from fishing, to carpentry, to professional cooking and many others. His easygoing nature, vast knowledge of the island's backroads, and fluency in both English and Spanish made him a sought-after guide for tourists, even if his driving skills left a lot to be desired.

The Takivaj and Kravatoan governments, seeking a discreet and reliable local contact for their operation, came across Gabriel's reputation through their network of informants. They believed his familiarity with the island's hidden corners and his unassuming demeanor would be invaluable assets for their agents, and approached him with a seemingly straightforward job offer - to act as a driver and guide for two foreign dignitaries visiting the island. Gabriel, unaware of the true nature of their mission, agreed, enticed by the prospect of a good paycheck.

Gabriel is a humble and genuine man with a warm smile and a twinkle in his eye. He is a natural storyteller, regaling his clients with tales of Ardoran history and folklore. Despite his past hardships, he maintains a positive outlook on life, finding joy in the simple pleasures. He possesses a deep sense of loyalty and a strong moral compass. While not physically imposing, he is resourceful and surprisingly strong.

Skills:
Local Knowledge: Having lived all over Saint Ardor del Alba all his life, Gabriel possesses a wealth of knowledge about the island's culture, history, and hidden secrets.
People Person: Gabriel has a disarming charm that allows him to connect with people from all walks of life. He can blend into different social circles without arousing suspicion.
Mechanic: Years of maintaining his own vehicles (probably because he'd damage them so much) have given Gabriel a knack for fixing minor car troubles.

So, when it comes to the double crossing and later quadruple crossing of this character, a first idea I had was that when Silav and Hano tell him what's in the Ardor Accord, Gabi turns them over to Duque Jr and Tiburón thinking this is the most discreet way of saving his island home. But then, as Duque Jr has his villain monologue about ending democracy, Gabi realizes he's made a mistake and frees his new friends to prevent another dictatorship like the one that killed his father all those years ago...

by **Kaskalma** » Tue Apr 30, 2024 9:02 am

Kaskalma in the early 1970s

The 1970s were a turbulent time for Kaskalma and were a foreshadow of the economic depression to follow in the 80s. Kaskalma was wrapping up a large unconventional conflict with a small Mesder nation (NPC), and companies like Schwarzstein and Sudol were beginning to show signs of distress in their financial reports. However, despite these worrying signs, the average Kaskalma citizen was wealthier and more optimistic than ever.

The Federal Democrats (FD, right wing) controlled most of the seats in the Länder (lower assembly) and well over half of the Herren (upper assembly) and their power only seemed to be growing. The government and people were deeply anti-communist and anything they viewed as communist adjacent. The country’s largest companies were pressuring the government to stop the spread of the perceived “communist pandemic,” and to protect their privileges to offshore tax havens, like Ardor. President Arnulf Georg, vehemently anti-communist, had promised the nation to protect Kaskalma from socialist interference and to slow its spread.

The rise of a potentially socialist regime in Ardor and the conflict in the Mesder caused panic among the military’s top brass. Petitioning for a increased budget in 1965, the Navy’s budget was only a couple million short of its Imperial War record, and its eagerness to engage in conflict reflected this. Agencies like the RSS and NID were set on communist witch hunts and would likely stop at nothing to prevent its spread. No matter the repercussions.

Key characters/entities:

- President Arnulf Georg: President Arnulf Georg is a veteran of the Imperial War and a staunch anti-communist. He was the Landsprecher (speaker of the house) from 1959-1963 before being appointed Vice President during the Waldeck administration (1960-1968). Georg had a falling out with the President in 1967 over the party’s stance on increased welfare and colonial polices, leading to Georg resigning as VP and defeating Waldeck in the 1968 election.

- Reichmarine/Navy: The Reichmarine has a very large presence in Ardor, it being the second oldest naval station Kaskalma has. The Navy uses Ardor as a forward operating base/steppingstone into the Mesder and frequently launches clandestine operations from Ardor. RM Ardor’s Commanding Officer, Rear Admiral Joseph Taylor, is a powerful anti-communist with ties the nation’s largest military contractors and a questionable sense of morals.

- Reich Security Service (RSS): The RSS is Kaskalma’s internal and international security and intelligence service. Its employees are all secret and only the Director’s identity is known. RSS agents often seem to suddenly appear in a country before a crisis, and then disappear just as suddenly. Oddly enough, there seems to have been a lot of activity in Kaskalma’s Ardor embassy recently.

- Antony Martin: Antony Martin is the Consul General to Ardor and acting Ambassador. Martin is a former Landsprecher and a former Vice Admiral. He was briefly VP from 1960-1961 but was terminated for his ‘extreme,’ isolationist views, often contradicting or actively disrupting President Waldeck’s agenda. In 1969, President Georg appointed Martin Consul General of Saint Ardor del Alba, one of the most prestigious positions in the diplomatic corps.

P.S. This is just a draft, I will obviously fledge this out more. This is really my first-time doing non-military RP, so please tell if I need to lengthen my descriptions/posts.

by **Saint Ardor del Alba** » Tue Apr 30, 2024 9:30 am

Character Profile: Mara "Tiburón" Cantero
(pronounced mah-RAH "tee-boo-RON" CAN-teh-roh)

Age: 40
Gender: Female
Ethnicity: Ardoran
Religion: Catholic
Appearance:

Background:
Mara Cantero's upbringing in a small, impoverished fishing village on the south coast of Saint Ardor del Alba acquainted her intimately with the harsh realities of poverty and hardship. Determined to transcend her circumstances, Mara left her village in her teens, seeking opportunity in the bustling capital city of San Lázaro.

Navigating the unforgiving streets of San Lázaro became Mara's crucible. She quickly grasped that survival demanded not just strength, but also ruthlessness. Aligning herself with a local criminal gang, Mara ascended from a mere petty thief to a formidable figure, earning the moniker "Tiburón" for her chilling display of sharpened teeth in confrontations. Her reputation as a fearless enforcer and hitwoman echoed through the city.

But Tiburón's ambitions soared beyond mere notoriety. Recognizing the potential to reign supreme in the criminal hierarchy, she meticulously plotted her ascent. Through calculated maneuvers, ruthless eliminations, and strategic alliances, she solidified her position as the uncontested ruler of the Ardoran underworld. Her clandestine network of informants, enforcers, and safe houses shielded her operations from prying eyes.

Yet, Tiburón knew that her dominion was confined to her small island home. To expand her influence and resource base, she brokered a significant alliance with the emergent criminal syndicates in neighboring Tsunterland. Impressed by Tiburón's reputation and control over Saint Ardor del Alba, the future Corsarios welcomed her into their ranks as their woman in the Mesder. This partnership furnished her with a steady stream of weapons, drugs, and manpower, cementing her grip on the island's criminal landscape.

Driven by insatiable greed and an unquenchable thirst for power, Tiburón perceived Tabés' social reforms as a direct threat to her illicit enterprises, particularly the lucrative gambling and drug trades. Upon learning of Duque Jr.'s scheme to undermine Tabés, Tiburón discerned an opportunity. By throwing her support behind Duque Jr., she aimed not only to dismantle Tabés but also to cultivate a more favorable environment for her criminal empire under a potential new regime.

Tiburón operates as a pragmatic strategist, devoid of sentimental attachments. She commands fear and respect through sheer brutality, yet beneath her ruthless facade lies a shrewd business acumen. Understanding the importance of alliances, she is unafraid to negotiate when it serves her interests. Tiburón stands as an indomitable force, a predator poised atop the criminal hierarchy, unyielding in her pursuit to safeguard her territory and uphold her position as the apex predator in the criminal ecosystem.

Skills:
Combat Knowledge: A formidable fighter, skilled in street brawling, marksmanship and improvised weaponry. Her steel-capped teeth are a particularly feared weapon.
Ruthless Leader: Tiburón inspires both fear and respect. She commands unwavering loyalty from her subordinates and eliminates any sign of dissent with extreme prejudice.

by **Kaskalma** » Tue Apr 30, 2024 10:01 am

Character Profile: Maximilian Jäger
(pronounced MAX-ih-mee-lee-ahn Yay-gr)

Age: 30
Sex: Male
Ethnicity: White
Religion: agnostic, nominally Christian
Physical appearance:

Agent Ermanaric, alias Maximilian Jäger, is a top agent of the RSS. Raised as Gerdhart von Zähren-Mirsdorf, his death was faked in an aircraft training accident according to RSS procedure. Before joining the RSS, Ermanaric was a combat swimmer in the Navy before becoming a helicopter pilot, he was then approached by the RSS at age 25 to become a field agent. Ermanaric quickly rose through the ranks of the RSS as a competent field agent and an even better spy. Having grown up in a wealthy noble family, and having attended the Naval Academy where he studied chemistry, Ermanaric is accustomed to the aspects of high life is known in the RSS for his ability to blend in with his socially elite targets. He is a hobby historian and can speak German, English, Danish (all national languages in Kaskalma), Spanish, French, and very basic and heavily accented Kravatoan.

Ermanaric’s strong suit is espionage. Having grown up around diplomats and politicians, he can work a room like nobody else in the RSS. He is an independent, tactical thinker with an undying loyalty to the king, instilled in him by decades of private schooling at Kaskalma’s most prestigious military schools. However, this sense of independence and duty has led to a severe lack of morals and a tendency to go rogue when he sees a better way to achieve his mission. His critical lack of moral fiber and obedience has cause trouble before, and may well do so now.

Ermanaric was raised a Lutheran Christian but has personally given up religion, however he is well versed in the Bible and theology and can carry on a conversation with a target about theology for hours. While technically being agnostic, Ermanaric has shown bias towards Christianity. He has been called cold by his associates and is not generally friendly unless it serves him a purpose, however he has been known to engage in long winded debates about history or political ideology.

Skills:
- Strong diplomat: having grown up in a politically important family and spending time around many diplomats, Ermanaric is an extremely skilled diplomat, so much so that it’s joked he walked into RSS headquarters and talked them into making him a field agent.

- Excellent marksman: Ermanaric’s time as a combat swimmer in the Navy honed his marksmanship skills.

- Extremely perseverant: Ermanaric will stop at nothing to accomplish his objective, often with no regard for personal or civilian safety.

Cons:
- Immoral: Ermanaric has been described as having a twisted mind. He can be extremely cruel and immoral, sometimes at the expense of the mission.

- Arrogance: Having grown up extremely wealthy and very conservative, he can be very arrogant. He has disregarded information from informants several times either due to arrogance or to his dislike of foreigners.

by **Takiv** » Tue Apr 30, 2024 4:41 pm

Character Profile: Nizak Givlagij
(pronounced NEE-zak geev-LAHG-ee)

Age: 50
Gender: Male
Nationality: Takivaj
Religion: Jernalism
Physical description: A slightly overweight man, with brown hair that is beginning to turn grey. Brown eyes, bushy eyebrows and a large mustache.

Givlagij is the very experienced Takivaj Ambassador to Ardor, having served in his position since 1969. He previously served as a member of the Regional Assembly from Dazvin as a member of the Takivaj Conservative Party. When he was 17 years old, the Takivaj military overthrew the government in a coup d'etat, and established an authoritarian government that purged all who resisted them. Givlagij's parents were murdered in front of his eyes, and Givlagij was imprisoned. When the military government was overthrown and the war ended, Givlagij was freed. He attended the University of Virtaz, studying law, where he met the current Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kolag Horvan. They became quick friends and political allies, having a similar ideological position on many issues. Givlagij made a name for himself in politics in his home region of Dazvin, eventually becoming the region's governor and later one of its members of the Regional Assembly. Horvan, still friends with Givlagij, pulled strings to have him named Ambassador to Ardor after the Conservatives won the 1969 general election.

Givlagij quickly went to work, making friends, allies, and connections all across the island. He is well-known to many of the island's socialites, which is a boon for Agent Nijroz as he tries to navigate the world of Ardoran high society. Givlagij, being the main Takivaj representative on the island, is privy to the details of Nijroz's mission to Ardor, and is trying to feed him as much useful information as he can while still keeping the plan secret.

Givlagij presents himself as an uptight man of virtue, a devoutly religious Jernalist who would never publicly do anything that would besmirch that reputation. In private, however, Givlagij is known to be quite vulgar and also tends to drink in excess. The man's security detail in Ardor frequently trade tales of him getting wasted out of his mind. This double personality is a major weak point for Givlagij, but he has managed to keep it out of the public eye for now.

by **Saint Ardor del Alba** » Tue Apr 30, 2024 5:30 pm

Character Profile: Yago Duque Jr.
(pronounced IA-go DOO-keh)

Age: 62
Gender: Male
Ethnicity: Ardoran
Religion: Catholic
Appearance:

Background:
Yago Duque Jr. epitomizes ambition and an insatiable hunger for power. Born into privilege as the son of Yago Duque Sr., a prominent figure in the Ortega regime that once held sway over Saint Ardor del Alba until its demise in the early 1920s, he inherited a legacy tarnished by the regime's downfall. Yet, rather than succumb to obscurity, this event ignited a fierce determination within him – to resurrect his family's fallen status and wield influence once more.

In adulthood, Duque Jr. meticulously crafted a facade of respectability. Assuming the mantle of a Parish Leader within the religious hierarchy, he gained entry to the corridors of power and the trust of the devout. His eloquent sermons, delivered with a smooth and captivating voice, exuded an aura of piety and righteousness that endeared him to many Ardorans, concealing his true ambitions.

Beneath the veneer of piety, Duque Jr. operated as a shrewd and calculating strategist. He harbored an unrelenting thirst for vengeance against those who had orchestrated his family's downfall. Fuelled by this desire for retribution and an unwavering ambition, he meticulously plotted his ascent to power. Strategic alliances with conservative circles, coupled with connections to influential figures across various sectors – from politics to finance, even extending to foreign military leaders – formed the backbone of his clandestine network.

Duque Jr. proved himself a master manipulator, adept at exploiting the simmering discontent surrounding Prime Minister Tabés' social reforms. Rallying conservative factions against the government, he utilized his charisma and carefully cultivated image to forge alliances with neighboring Takiv and Kravato. Persuading their governments that Tabés' moves to abandon his nation's policy of neutrality jeopardized regional stability, Duque Jr. orchestrated the fabrication of the "Ardor Accord" document, a pivotal element in his scheme to undermine Tabés.

Skills:
Master Manipulator: Duque Jr. possesses an uncanny ability to understand and influence people. He can play the part of the pious leader or the charismatic politician, adapting his demeanor to suit his audience.
Strategic Thinker: A Machiavellian strategist, Jr. is capable of planning complex operations and anticipating potential setbacks. He is a skilled negotiator who can forge alliances and manipulate events to his advantage.
Public Speaker: He can captivate an audience with his eloquent speeches, swaying public opinion and garnering support for his cause.

by **Costavozka** » Tue Apr 30, 2024 10:09 pm

(Posting with permission of OP, I've been busy recently and unable to get this out.)

The Federal People's Republic of Costavozka*
January 1st, 1976

In most aspects, Costavozka in the early 1970s was very different, when compared to the nation known today. A true regional (as in TWI-scale) powerhouse of a nation that could easily spread it's influence across the isles. A nation with a spending problem that would make even the most corrupt politicians acknowledge that it is an issue that needs fixing. A nation in massive amounts of debt that would make even the most seasoned bureaucrat cry. The country that seemed like nothing but a beacon of democracy and an ideal for which all of Argus should model itself upon was nothing but a scaffolding of corruption and financial ruin, supported only by a cracking facade of propaganda and lies, and would nearly come crashing down on top of itself just a few decades later. While this presents an interesting story by itself, this is not what shall be told by me here. Rather, this a story of a crumbling nation's efforts to save its interests in a distant land. A story of how Ardor was affected by the events of the 1970s, and Costavozka's role in it.

Key Players:

Anders Vestersen: Chancellor of Costavozka, 1970 – 1982. The man who spent his term hard at work and somehow- despite all the opposition- managed to delay the inevitable and kick the can down the road by a few years.

Otto Lokke: Costavozkan Ambassador to Ardor. A career diplomat, who- early on in his career- was falsely accused of having been the unintentional cause of a major diplomatic incident, and thus permanently reassigned to duties in Ardor. Has a gambling problem.

Viktor Vuorinen: General and Costavozkan Minister of National Defense. Member of the Board of Directors of Costavozkan Standard Arms and known arms dealer, wishing to expand his influence abroad and make more money. Fervent anti-communist, willing to go as far as committing insubordination and selling weapons to anyone willing to fight against a regime he deems communist enough.

Sigmund Hansen: Director of Operations, Costavozkan National International Intelligence and Information Initiative (CNI4). Very little is known about him, except that he seems to know all and see all.

*Costavozka's official pretitle from 1952-1982.

Will get Post 2 out tomorrow. Sometime.

by **Saint Ardor del Alba** » Thu May 02, 2024 5:04 am

Character Profile: Ricardo Amado
(pronounced rih-CAR-doh ah-MAH-doh)

Age: 52
Gender: Male
Ethnicity: Ardoran
Religion: Catholic
Appearance:

Background:
Ricardo Amado rose through the ranks of the Ardoran government bureaucracy to Minister of the Interior more through connections than merit. Rumors swirl about his shady business dealings and ties to organized crime, particularly the Tiburón organization. He is known for his extravagant lifestyle and his fondness for gambling and expensive mistresses.

He cultivates a facade of charm and affability, but beneath the surface he is ruthless and self-serving. Loyal to himself and his own interests, even if it means betraying his country.

Skills:
█████████████████████████████ dock worker █████████████████████
█████████████ during his time in ████████████████████████████████████
████████████████████████████ surprisingly good.

This is my last character bio during this part of the planning phase. Ricardo Amado is the high-ranking official that Silav and Hano go to bribe near the start of the story, but are interrupted by Ermanaric assassinating him, hence why I made this bio much shorter than the others, as he's more of a plot device than a real character.
I've also thrown in a connection to Tiburón, which I think could function both as fodder for Silav and Hano to try to blackmail him with, and as a way to bring Ermanaric in, as maybe Tiburón considers Amado a loose end and uses her connection with the Kaskalmen agent to get rid of him, further both of their goals.

by **Costavozka** » Thu May 02, 2024 12:09 pm

Agent Ulric Hoffstad, c. 1974. Official Photograph.

Ulric Hoffstad

Age: 37
Gender: Male
Ethnicity: Solaryi Norsk
Religion: Surovian Catholic

Background:

Born in 1939 in the small coastal town of Vallingi, Ulric Hoffstad grew up in the midst of the Imperial War. At only the age of five years old, his father- a doctor- was lost at sea aboard a hospital ship after it struck a mine, leaving young Ulric and his mother- a teacher- struggling to get by on the streets. Despite their living situation, Ulric was eager to learn from his mother, and this would serve him well later in life. At the age of 22, he applied for the Costavozkan Air Corps, eventually becoming an officer and being selected to fly the SSA-14 surveillance aircraft. It would be here that he had his first brush with CNI4, albiet at a distance. At the age of 29, he was selected by CNI4 to begin the screening process before becoming an agent. One year later, he was finally requested by the CNI4 to join their ranks, of which he accepted. Due to a lack of a large number of personal connections outside of his immediate family, no cover story was fabricated, and Ulric Hoffstad was honorably discharged from the Costavozkan Air Corps at the rank of Kaptein (Captain) in 1969 to pursue classified government work.

Skills:

Clever & Resourceful: Ulric has an analytical mind and always can make the best of any situation. It's rumored that he escaped a mock interrogation using only his shoelaces and a well-thought-out plan.
Master Actor: Ulric knows how to use every aspect of his verbal and physical mannerisms to pretend that he is someone else, with it being a joke among CNI4 personnel who know him that he could gaslight the Chancellor's security that he had always been a member of junior staff.
Skilled Martial Artist: Ulric is a master at hand-to-hand combat, especially with Karate and Judo- the first he learned during training with CNI4 and the second was a hobby from before his days in the Air Corps.

by **Kravato** » Thu May 02, 2024 6:00 pm

Character Profile: Lesko Dasodta
(pronounced LES-ko Das-OHD-Ta)

Age: 53
Gender: Male
Ethnicity: Kravatoan
Religion: Tchazoda
Appearance:

Background:
Lesko Dasodta grew up in pre-IW Tuxernobli, in a time of prosperity and stability. He was from an affluent family, not notably affluent, but well-off. His father, the breadwinner of the family, was an entrepreneur who'd worked abroad. He had a youth of fun and learning, and often played war with his twin brother. As a young boy, his father taught him much about managing people, and several languages as well, skills from his work.

When he was 17, Kravato entered the Imperial War, and Dasodta went to the Army Academy. He graduated just in time to be a second lieutenant but was moved to the Army Intelligence Branch (AIB), where his talents would be put to work aiding the Tsunter resistance. He wanted to be fighting on the front lines like his brother. After seeing the results of his operations, the AIB considered him one of their best agents, made him L15, and kept him in the field. After Operation Hammer and the Liberation of Ba Barōssa, Dasodta was moved back into Kravato to AIB's headquarters. There, he could use his experience in the field to help manage operations. Later that year, his brother died near the Tsunter-Vacrusian border, which changed Dasodta forever. Over the course of the next three years of combat in the IW, Dasodta climbed the AIB's ranks. By the end of the war in 1949 and the re-configuration of the AIB and NIB into one seperate entity, Dasodta was already a superior in the newly forged NIS. The Operations Unit of the NIS was organized into the Operations Unit, better known as the Akova.

Lesko's tenacity and versatility allowed him to rapidly pass up competitors in the Akova. As he rose to command, the nature of Kravatoan operations had changed since his days in the field. No longer were they supporting resistance movements; often, Dasodta found that they were undermining or taking advantage of foreign nations. He'd wished that he could be like his brother, a simple soldier during the war, with a clear enemy and a clear mission.

This thought process led him to a disagreement with the the Akova Chief at the time, Edriko Jorvolo that nearly ended his career, over executing an operation to eliminate socialist support in the Atosudos. He felt wrong going against his fellow Kravatoans, who he'd sworn to protect when he graduated the Army Academy. He recieved harsh criticism from the brass of the Akova at the time, but the NIS Director respected his decision. He himself hadn't ordered the operation and had become suspicious of Jorvolo's autonomous actions.

This landed Dasodta as the new Akova Chief, an office which he was unsure in. His previous decision had also earned many enemies inside the Akova, something he still fears to this day. However, he took it anyways, knowing it'd get him closer to a chance as the NIS Director, something he didn't feel like he could refuse. After all, it wouldn't be fair to his dead brother if he didn't make the most of what he could get.

Skills:
Truly Skilled: Lesko Dasodta knows what he's doing. He's intuitive and has decades under his belt. He can fix most mistakes and cover up most problems.
Charming Nature: His days of youthful good looks may be behind him, but he can still settle a bar fight with a few well-placed words. he says that his words are "Management, not manipulation," yet often do they bring the same results.

by **Kravato** » Fri May 03, 2024 8:29 pm

Character Profile: Pavlo Timolo
(pronounced PAV-loh Teem-OH-loh)

Age: 62
Gender: Male
Ethnicity: Kravatoan
Religion: Tchazoda
Appearance:

Background:

On the outside, Kravatoan Ambassador to St. Ardor Pavlo Timolo appears as a quaint old man. His desk is adorned with photos of his grandchildren, he golfs on weekends, and goes fishing whenever he can. When it comes to Timolo, there is more than meets the eye. St. Ardor, especially with the foreign policy under Chaliseph Tovana, is no throwaway station. Rikar Tovana knows Timolo's hidden skill, cloaked in the pleasantries and behaviors of an old man. Timolo isn't just an ambassador. He is far more than that.

Timolo was raised in a villa on Lake Palvo, with his seven siblings. His father was rarely present, nor was his mother; Timolo had more connection to his nannies and butlers than his true parents. Timolo was the middle of the seven children, a youth that taught him he'd need to sneak by to get what he wanted. He wasn't the best at his studies, but his family's wealth got him into Kaplo Crown University. But, he didn't have what it took to pass the elite school, and failed. For this, his critical family cut his funding, and Timolo found himself on the street. Alone and without a future, Timolo signed up to join the AIB as a recruit in 1937.

Timolo had a hard time adjusting through basic training but developed a knack for marksmanship and close-quarters combat. His high-class manners and social skills were seen as an asset for the AIB, and soon he was operating as an agent, but formally as "an assistant", at the Kravatoan Embassy in Salimanasia in 1938. At the outbreak of the Imperial War, he and the rest of the Embassy staff were brought home. However, he was quickly launched back into the field, encouraging Resistance support from the Tsunter wealthy and listening in on Vacrusian military plans. Here, he met Lesko Dasodta. Throughout the rest of the war, he was moved around different in-field posts, where his skills were useful.

At the end of the war, he left, and worked in business. He'd re-connected with his parents, and they were proud that their son had served his country well. With some financial support, Timolo went back to college to learn foreign policy at the University of Tuxernobli, as his work in embassies had given him an interest. There, he met the woman who'd become his wife, Mavadima. Because of his service, he was quickly hired by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He had his first child in 1952, and two more came along in the later few years.

He'd thought he'd achieved the normalcy he sought but was not content. He reached out to previous colleagues in the newly formed NIS for an embassy with more intrigue, and in 1956 was moved to St. Ardor. There, he lived as a family man by day, while running various operations at night.

Over 19 years of diligent service, he'd crafted extensive networks throughout St. Ardor. At his position, with his time, he knows everyone. And save for those who truly know him, he's just the nice old man who was arbitrarily made the ambassador. A man that can hardly see, much less hit a target, and who can barely fight, much less kill. In Timolo's opinion, he is perfectly underestimated. His most fit days are long gone , but this grandfather has some fight left.

Skills:
Non-Threatening: Pavlo Timolo is well-known by the political class of St. Ardor. What's believed of him from observation can get him out of most situations.
Skilled Fighter: Pavlo Timolo still has the ability to be lethal. He's a marksman and remembers all he knew while in the field. Though he appears as one, he's no easy target.

by **Belantica** » Mon May 06, 2024 5:17 pm

Am I too late to this party or is there still time to put someone in?

by **Kravato** » Mon May 06, 2024 5:27 pm

Belantica wrote:Am I too late to this party or is there still time to put someone in?

Might be a little late, but I'll check with Ardor.

by **Saint Ardor del Alba** » Mon May 06, 2024 6:27 pm

"Those who remember San Lázaro in the 1970s, as I do, look back on a real diamond in the rough – decadent and corrupt, sure. But a haven for glitterati and outlaws alike, where fortunes were made and lost faster than you could say "Baccarat." The air hung thick with jasmine, cigarette smoke, and the desperate hope of a lucky roll. Sequined jackets shimmered under the hypnotic glow of disco balls in opulent casinos, while backroom deals went down in dimly lit bars where the whiskey flowed freely and loyalties were measured in ounces. San Lázaro was a playground for the rich and reckless, a city that pulsed with a dangerous allure, and the perfect backdrop for any high-stakes game."

Fasten your seatbelts, darlings, because "From Ardor With Love" is about to take you on a wild ride through the glittering underworld of Saint Ardor del Alba.

Hello once again friends and welcome back to 'From Ardor With Love'. Before I get into the some of the key locations we'll be visiting in this spy thriller RP, I just wanted to take a moment to thank you all so much for your contributions so far. These character profiles are great fun, and I can't wait to see them all in action.

So, without further a do, let's talk about some of the key locations our story will take place in:

San Lázaro, the Jewel of the Mesder

Nestled on the eastern coast of Saint Ardor del Alba, San Lázaro, the nation's capital, pulsates with a captivating energy. Though its population rests at a cozy 60,000, it packs a punch far exceeding its size. Imagine a city sculpted from sunshine and audacity, where the majestic peaks of the Sierra Esperanza mountain range surrender to a turquoise coastline studded with an obscene wealth of luxury yachts and speedboats. Picture a dazzling mosaic of architectural styles – a living reflection of the island's history. Baroque churches with their ornate facades stand proudly beside sleek, modern high-rises that pierce the azure sky. Time seems to warp and weave through San Lázaro's streets. Here, history whispers from crumbling, pastel-hued buildings, their peeling paint revealing layers of past lives. Yet, the future roars with every engine revving in the opulent harbour, a symphony of horsepower and chrome that speaks of ambition and excess.

Wander through the labyrinthine streets and you'll find vibrant cafes spilling onto squares paved with smooth, sun-baked cobblestones. Their terraces teem with life, a kaleidoscope of locals and tourists sipping strong coffee and indulging in buttery pastries. Sunlight glints off the dazzling gold-leaf detailing of ancient churches, each a testament to the island's deeply religious heritage. But beneath this pious veneer lies an undeniable allure; a city that thrives on both blessings and indulgence. Explore narrow alleyways lined with overflowing flower shops, their intoxicating aromas a counterpoint to the heady fumes of luxury cigar shops tucked discreetly around corners.

As dusk descends, a vibrant nightlife electrifies the city. Chic nightclubs pulse with the thumping bass of disco music, while opulent casinos beckon with the promise of extravagant wins and crushing losses. The harbour transforms into a shimmering spectacle, the docked yachts adorned with fairy lights that cast their reflections onto the water like scattered diamonds. Their wealthy inhabitants, adorned in their finest jewels and designer clothes, sip cocktails from crystal goblets and bask in the balmy night air. San Lázaro, a captivating paradox – a tapestry woven from piety and pleasure that dances a perpetual tango. It's the perfect playground for our unsuspecting spies, a city where secrets simmer beneath a surface of dazzling sunshine and extravagant wealth.

Casino del Sol, Old World Blues Meets New World Money

The Neo-Baroque majesty of the Casino del Sol dominates the San Lázaro skyline. A monument to opulence erected in 1880 during the Ortega regime, it stands as a shining memory of a bygone era of extravagance. Its imposing facade, a masterpiece of sculpted sandstone and glittering gold leaf, boasts intricate columns that rise towards the heavens like petrified giants. Grand arched windows, adorned with stained glass depicting scenes of biblical fortune, peek out from beneath the building's ornate cornice.

Step through the heavy, mahogany doors and prepare to be transported to a world of shimmering grandeur. The air hangs heavy with the intoxicating scent of expensive perfumes mingling with the musky aroma of expensive Ardoran cigarettes. Sunlight filtering through a stained-glass dome casts kaleidoscopic patterns on the polished marble floors. Crystal chandeliers, dripping with opulence, illuminate a sea of black-tie patrons gathered around emerald green baize tables, their faces etched with a mixture of hope and desperation. The rhythmic click-clack of spinning roulette wheels and the hushed murmurs of high-stakes card games create a captivating yearning for chance. In a secluded corner, a lone pianist tickles the ivories, his melancholic melody a stark contrast to the electric energy thrumming through the room. The Casino del Sol is more than a place to gamble; it's a theatre of human desire, a stage where fortunes are made and lost with the roll of the dice or the turn of a card. It's a den of whispered secrets and veiled ambitions, the perfect hunting ground for our intrepid agents, where the line between business and pleasure blurs as easily as the chips exchanged across the opulent gaming tables.

Galaxia, Heaven on the Slopes

A mere six months old, Galaxia hasn't just carved its place into Sierra Esperanza, it's redefined the very concept of a ski resort. Gone are the rustic lodges of yesteryear; here, sleek modernity reigns supreme. Buildings constructed from reflective glass and polished concrete shimmer like jewels against the snow-capped peaks, beautiful as they cling to the mountainside. Inside, plush armchairs in velvet and faux fur await exhausted skiers, promising an escape from the biting mountain air. Walls aren't merely adorned with art; they explode with vibrant abstract pieces, a bold counterpoint to the panoramic views of pristine white.

Open fireplaces crackle merrily, the warmth a welcome contrast to the crisp mountain air. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the enticing fragrance of expensive cigars wafting from a secluded smoking room, its air thick with masculine musks and the clinking of ice against crystal glasses. But Galaxia isn't just about physical comfort; it's a feast for the senses.

At the heart of this winter wonderland lies the Sunspot, a sprawling nightclub that pulsates with the latest disco hits. Here, après-ski revelry reaches fever pitch. Gogo dancers in shimmering outfits move in a mesmerizing kaleidoscope on raised platforms, their flamboyant costumes mirrored in the eyes of the well-heeled clientele. Forget the bulky parkas and clunky boots of the slopes; these skiers are decked out in the latest ski fashion – brightly colored suits, oversized sunglasses, and chunky knitwear adorned with bold geometric patterns. Champagne flutes clink in a toast to the hedonistic pursuit of the good life, the air thick with laughter, flirtation, and the reckless abandon of the privileged few.

Galaxia is a microcosm of 1970s hedonism, a playground for the rich and famous where money buys not just luxury, but a temporary escape from reality. Beneath the glittering veneer, however, secrets simmer. Alliances could be forged (or shattered) on a whim in hushed conversations by the fireplace or during illicit rendezvous in secluded corners of the Sunspot. Galaxia, a playground for the privileged, is also a potential powder keg waiting to explode, a perfect breeding ground for the high-stakes international intrigue that's about to unfold.

10:14; Blood, Sweat, and Glitter

Unlike the dazzling grandeur of the Casino del Sol, 10:14 doesn't announce its presence with a fanfare. A discreet neon sign, its minimalist font displaying only the enigmatic "10:14," marks the entrance – a hidden portal to a world unseen by casual observers. Step inside, and the air thrums with a potent cocktail of sweat and spilled rum. This is not a playground for the privileged few; it's a hunting ground for San Lázaro's underbelly.

Despite its illicit clientele, extravagance reigns supreme within. The dance floor, a pulsating sea of flashing lights and swirling smoke, is the heart of the action. Strobe lights bathe the crowd in a frenetic rhythm, momentarily illuminating a kaleidoscope of leather jackets, flared jeans, and miniskirts defying gravity. The air thrums with the pulsating beat of disco, a relentless bass line that vibrates through your bones. Above the din, a charismatic DJ weaves his magic, spinning vinyl that unleashes a torrent of funk and soul into the packed room. Mirrors strategically placed magnify the energy, creating an endless reflection of bodies moving in a primal, almost ritualistic dance.

Yet, beneath the surface of revelry lies a constant tension. Muscles ripple beneath worn leather vests, and steely eyes scan the room with predatory intensity. In shadowy corners, hushed deals are brokered, whispered secrets exchanged over overflowing glasses of amber liquid. The bartenders, stoic figures with razor-sharp gazes, move with practiced efficiency, serving potent drinks that fuel the night's illicit activities. Here, loyalty is a fleeting commodity, bought and sold with the clinking of ice against glass.

10:14 is a place where fortunes are made and lost not through luck at a roulette wheel but through cunning, ruthlessness, and a willingness to take risks, the perfect haunt for Tiburón and her crew under the flickering neon glow of the disco ball.

Fleure Naturelles, Flowers on a Tombstone

Nestled away in a quiet, cobbled alley of San Lázaro lies Fleure Naturelles, an unassuming flower shop that blends seamlessly with the surrounding quaint cafes and artisan bakeries. Its storefront boasts a charmingly weathered awning painted a dark shade of green. Through the window, sunlight streams across vibrant displays of lilies, roses, and orchids, their intoxicating fragrance spilling out onto the street. To the casual observer, Fleure Naturelles is a quiet haven of fragrant beauty, but beneath this idyllic facade lies a secret as dark and sinister as the rich, fertile soil that nourishes the shop's floral bounty.

Pushing aside a heavy tapestry that hangs behind a seemingly innocuous display of potted ferns reveals a hidden doorway. Beyond lies not a storage room, dim lighting casts long shadows across a sparsely furnished space, the air thick with the musky aroma of aged leather armchairs and the lingering scent of expensive cigars. Here, the floral fragrance gives way to a subtle metallic tang, a hint of the grim purpose this room serves. A large, ornately framed map of San Lázaro dominates one wall, showcasing Tiburón's control over the city's criminal underworld. A heavy oak table, its surface marred with countless nicks and scratches, serves as a makeshift conference table, surrounded by chairs that have seen their fair share of whispered secrets and brutal bargains. This is Tiburón's den, a sanctuary from the prying eyes of the city, where she gathers her most trusted lieutenants.

However, the true horrors of Fleure Naturelles lie further beyond this room. A separate, unmarked door leads to a soundproofed chamber. This windowless space is devoid of any semblance of warmth or beauty. Harsh fluorescent lights illuminate the cold, industrial feel – stainless steel surfaces, stark white walls, and ominous metal tools glint menacingly in the sterile light. This is where Tiburón's victims meet their fate – a place of screams muffled by thick walls. Here, the cycle of violence that feeds Tiburón's empire reaches its horrifying conclusion, the victims' remains transformed into macabre fertilizer, nourishing the very flowers that adorn the shop's idyllic facade. Fleure Naturelles, a place where beauty and brutality exist in a horrifying symbiosis, a perfect illustration of the darkness that lurks beneath the glittering surface of San Lázaro.

Vila Roca, In the Jaws of the Beast

A veil of secrecy shrouds Vila Roca, Tiburón's opulent mansion perched like a predatory beast on the southern coast of Saint Ardor del Alba. Far from the glittering decadence of San Lázaro, Vila Roca exudes a quiet power, a dedication to ill-gotten gains and ruthless ambition. This sprawling, neoclassical monstrosity is inspired by the island's colonial past, its whitewashed facade gleaming defiantly against the azure sky. Lush, tiered gardens cascade down the cliffside, adorned with exotic flora and meticulously sculpted topiary. A crystal-clear stream, more like a mini-waterfall, tumbles down a series of meticulously maintained steps, its gentle burble a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing within the mansion's walls.

Stepping inside is like entering a different world. Marble floors gleam under the soft glow of crystal chandeliers, their opulent sparkle reflecting in the gold-framed portraits of stern-faced historical figures who seem to disapprove of this Ardoran's lavish lifestyle. An air of opulent excess hangs heavy – velvet drapes frame expansive windows overlooking the endless ocean, while several turquoise-tiled swimming pools shimmer in the afternoon sun, each one a further proof to Tiburón's unquenchable thirst for luxury.

But beneath the veneer of opulent leisure lies a hidden purpose. A secluded study, its walls lined with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves filled with leather-bound volumes that hold more secrets than stories, serves as Yago Duque Jr.'s clandestine headquarters, where the architect of chaos spins his web. Intricate maps of Saint Ardor adorn the walls, meticulously annotated with Duque Jr.'s machinations. A hidden compartment within the desk reveals a cache of weapons, a constant reminder of the ruthlessness with which he pursues his agenda. Vila Roca is more than a home; it's a fortress, a breeding ground for conspiracy.

With these covered, we have our main locations for staging the action of this RP. Additionally, the somewhat secluded Isla del Pástor has been floated as an ideal staging ground for a dramatic 'fall-off-a-cliff' finale, with the stark and rugged natural features providing an interesting contrast to the maximalist opulence of the rest of the setting. That being said, we don't have to use it if we find it's too big of a departure from the aesthetic we're going for.

Hope this helps everyone, looking forward to hearing your thoughts on these locations and what new ideas you might have for using them.

by **The Tsunterlands** » Thu May 09, 2024 4:06 am

Don't mind me, just dropping a tag so I can find the thread again easily. Look forward to reading the rp.

by **Saint Ardor del Alba** » Sat May 11, 2024 4:54 pm

"Days go on and on. They don't end."
-Travis Bickle, Taxi Driver, 1976

Prepare to trade in your flip-flops for stilettos and your swim trunks for a bulletproof vest. We're diving headfirst into a world of international espionage where the cocktails are potent, the danger is palpable, and the lines between friend and foe are as blurred as the turquoise waters lapping at the shores of Saint Ardor del Alba. This isn't your typical beach vacation – it's a high-stakes game of power, played out against a backdrop of dazzling casinos, opulent mansions, and hidden agendas lurking beneath the glittering facade. Buckle up, because we're about to weave a narrative that's equal parts thrilling suspense, glamorous escapades, and a touch of the delightfully absurd, it's From Ardor With Love!

Now, let's delve into the three key ingredients that will make this roleplay when we're writing:

1) A Little Bit of Camp:

Embrace the Absurd: Don't be afraid to inject moments of humor and lightheartedness into the narrative. This could come through witty banter between characters, outlandish gadgets, or even the occasional over-the-top villain monologue. Think old school James Bond – a world where danger is ever-present, but the delivery is infused with a touch of playful self-awareness.
Exaggerated Personalities: Let the characters chew the scenery! Revel in their distinct personalities and show us their quirks and eccentricities.
Slightly Unrealistic Action Sequences: Suspend your disbelief a little when it comes to the action scenes. Allow for daring escapes, improbable gadgets, and maybe even a well-timed explosion or two. Remember, it's about entertainment.

2) Lots of Glam:

Opulent Setting: Saint Ardor del Alba is a paradise for the wealthy and powerful. Dazzle your readers with descriptions of opulent casinos dripping with chandeliers, luxurious beachfront mansions with infinity pools, and trendy ski resorts frequented by the international elite. Don't forget the designer labels, the overflowing champagne flutes, and the fast cars.
Glitz and Glamour: Even amidst the danger, the characters maintain a certain stylishness. Describe their designer clothes, their meticulously coiffed hair, and their expensive gadgets that double as fashion accessories. Let the opulence heighten the contrast with the darker underbelly of criminal activity. The world of international espionage is a glamorous one, even if the stakes are deadly. Make the reader feel like they're part of a world of exclusive galas, secret meetings in smoke-filled backrooms, and double agents with hidden agendas.

3) Plenty of Suspense and Raising Stakes:

Ticking Clock: Throughout the story, keep the pressure on. This will keep the reader engaged.
High Stakes for the Characters: Make the characters' motivations and goals personal. Let their actions have real consequences, not just for the world, but for their own lives and the lives of those they care about. This emotional investment will raise the stakes and make the reader care more about the outcome.

The idea behind creating these tonal pillars is that they should serve as a sort of cheat sheet to help us maintain a consistent tone across the entire RP. There's a lot to keep in mind when creating stories like this one, a lot of locations to cover, a lot of period-appropriate stylistic choices to consider, fun and creative gadgets to invent, and multiple characters to juggle.

Speaking of characters, that segues nicely into the next element to cover in this new plot outline. Not only have we added two new players in Kaskalma and Costavozka since the initial plot pitch, but we have filled out the roster with plenty of colourful characters. This of course, meant a a re-assessment of how we constructed the story, and unfortunately not every character has made the cut (sorry Gabi!), narrowing our roster down to the following characters:

While we will be group reviewing each post before it goes on to the IC thread, I think it would be a good idea to keep a tab open on the OOC thread so that you can reference these characters' bios when writing your chosen scenes. After all, your fellow writers in this RP have lovingly crafted each character, and the better a grasp you have of all of them, the easier it'll be to craft your scenes.

Now, onto the plot itself. A lot of what I covered in the initial pitch (as seen earlier in this thread) is still going to ring true. As mentioned in that first pitch, the historical nature of this RP means that the end of this RP remains set in stone:

The Prime Minister of Saint Ardor del Alba (Tabés) walks away from his bold international stance and maintains the status quo, yet still wins the 1977 election.
Something goes so wrong in this thriller that it contributes to the electoral loses of the ruling Takivaj and Kravatoan governments of this period.
The Kaskalmen government maintains military bases on Saint Ardor into the present day.
Reckless government spending in Costavozka will bring the government to near collapse in the early 1980s.

And while these are the nation-level endings, we also have some character elements that we've landed on, either through info in their character bios or through planning in the TWI Discord:

Silav and Hano lose faith in their mission throughout the story and eventually go rogue on their governments and decide to save Saint Ardor from another dictatorship.
Ulric and Jäger will have parallel arcs to Silav and Hano, we're going to show that by them sticking to their mission no matter what. Or will they...to be explained*
Amado is a corrupt greaseball who's death at the hands of Jäger will kick off the first action sequence.
Timolo despite being old, is a bad ass in a fight
Tiburón should exude menace throughout the story, and you just know we need to have a scene were we either see her use her terrifying steel chompers (or at least show the consequences of it, since overly gory violence not only doesn't fit the tone but also goes against NS forum rules)
Tiburón is not only league with international crime, but is being armed by the Kaskalmen RSS.
Duque Jr. will die by being thrown off a cliff at Isla del Pástor.

These beats have been crafted over extensive conversations about the plot, mostly on the aforementioned TWI Discord. I've made a little collection of some of these messages which you can read [HERE].

This brings us to scenes themselves, and is it currently stands I have these two slightly different version of the story as a whole. Here's two graphs I've made to help understand each one:

and

This splits this RP into 15 scenes total, with 13 ( with scenes 06 & 07 can be split in half and divvied up too) of these to be split among the 5 writers and then everyone posting their own entry for the other 2 (the intros and epilogues). Let's go scene by scene to discuss what will happen in them, what spy thriller tropes (if any) are present in the scene, where it will take place, and the rationale for each character's actions in the scene.

Scene 01 - Introductions

· Scene Breakdown:

The scene opens with the agents receiving their missions from their respective handlers. Depending on the writer's choice, the national handlers might be present, delivering the briefing directly, or they might be communicating remotely. Since this is one of the 2 scenes everyone will be writing their own entries for, feel free to be as self-indulgent as you want, as this is the only time you'll get to write just your characters.

· Writer Rationale:

This scene allows each writer to introduce their character and establish their initial personality traits, motivations, and allegiances.
The briefing details on the mission (pressuring a high-ranking Ardoran official) will differ slightly for each agent, hinting at the potential for conflict and contrasting approaches.
Including national handlers (optional) adds another layer of complexity, showcasing the international politics at play.
Kravato, you'll notice I've included Dasodta in this scene. Since he is the M to Hano's Bond, I feel like this is his scene to shine. On the note of comparing him to M from the Bond franchise, a lot of the M+Bond scenes are structured with the M character asking Bond if they are familiar with elements that will be relevant in the plot later, usually along these lines:

M: What can you tell me about [location] Bond?
Bond: [location] is a beautiful paradise with even more beautiful women I hear
M: Yes, well we have intel that [location] is being used as a hideout for terrorist, we're going to send you in to check it out. And what do you know of [bad guy]?
Bond: Ex-military, ruthless, has a facial scar. Are we expecting him to be involved?
M: [bad guy] was last seen at [location], do keep that in mind before charging in drunk on martinis...

Now I'm not telling you how to do your intro scene at all, rather, I just wanted to give you more material to take inspiration from. Really looking forward to seeing what you do!

· Spy Thriller Elements:

Meeting the Team: This trope brings together characters from diverse backgrounds, highlighting the potential clashes in personality and tactics that are to come.
Go Go Gadgets: This is the classic start of the spy thriller where we see what gadgets your agents are given for the rest of the story. The important part of writing this part is making sure you are taking the Chekhov's Gun approach to these, they should all come up later in the story.
Hidden Agendas: Even at this early stage, writers can hint at the possibility of hidden agendas or ulterior motives for some characters. This is particularly relevant to you Kaskalma, as Jäger is being sent to eliminate Tabés and other high-ranking Ardorans rather than to coerce him like the other agents.

Describe the atmosphere of your safehouses – are they high-tech and sterile, or more worn-in and lived-in?
How do the agents react to the assignment? Is there a sense of adventure, or is there immediate tension?
What details about the target and the mission are revealed in the briefing?

Feel free to show us your style here!

Scene 02 - Rendezvous

· Location:
San Lázaro airport, bustling with tourists and locals. Whoever picks this scene can choose a specific area within the airport for these arrivals to showcase the contrast between our agents– arrivals hall, luxury lounge, a bustling cafe...

The scene opens with the distinct sounds and sights of a bustling airport in San Lázaro. Tourists with colorful luggage mingle with locals in traditional dress. Our agents arrive one by one, each establishing their cover identity and blending in (or not so much) with the diverse crowd.

· Writer Rationale:

This scene provides a first glimpse of San Lázaro, showcasing the beauty and vibrancy of the city. However, the writer can also subtly hint at the underlying tension inherent in the task at hand beneath the paradise facade.
The characters' contrasting arrival styles highlight their personalities and missions. Jäger might blend in effortlessly, while Silav exudes an air of entitlement. Ulric might be observing the city with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. Is Hano already there waiting for any of them?
The scene allows for potential interactions between the agents, showcasing the tension and mistrust despite their supposed alliance.

· Spy Thriller Elements:

Undercover: Each agent is operating under an assumed identity, adding a layer of secrecy and suspicion.
City of Intrigue: The bustling airport scene establishes San Lázaro as a city teeming with activity, hinting at the hidden agendas and potential dangers.
Building Tension: The initial interactions (or lack thereof) between the agents highlight the underlying mistrust and potential for conflict within the team.
Read Between the Lines: This could be a fun time to use coded language, where the agents speak to each other in seemingly innocent sounding conversations that actually convey their true reason for being there.

Describe the sights and sounds of the city – the international crowd speaking in multiple languages, the aroma of local coffee and pastries, the contrast between old Baroque buildings and the new high-rises...
How does each agent establish their cover identity? Do they blend in seamlessly, or do they stick out like a sore thumb? Do any of the agents have a chance encounter with each other? If so, how do they react? Is there a tense exchange of glances, or do they completely ignore each other?

What might seem as a quieter scene is actually a fairly important one as its the first one to describe San Lázaro and establish relationships between the agents.

Scene 03 - Galaxia

· Location:
Luxurious ski resort Galaxia – a slopeside champagne bar, a private ski gondola, a high-end boutique...

The crisp mountain air bites at their faces as our agents make their way through the opulent confines of Galaxia. Towering glass windows showcase breathtaking panoramic views, while impeccably dressed clientele glide by on designer skis, tinkling champagne flutes, lively music, and the soft crunch of fresh snow underfoot.

· Writer Rationale:

This scene thrusts the audience into the heart of Galaxia's luxurious world, highlighting the stark contrast between the agents' mission and the opulent lifestyle the resort embodies.
The writer that picks this scene can showcase the different approaches each agent takes towards Amado. This is a perfect scene for showing Silav's feelings of ease while being surrounded by luxury thanks to his privileged background, contrasted by Hano struggling outside his comfort zone. This is also the scene that should that laying the seeds for Jäger being on a more violent mission than the other agents, and since we have character beats for the other agents, I'd give a beat to Ulric (since his bio highlights his analytic side) noticing that something seems off about Jäger's approach.
Another thing for whoever picks this scene is to remember that Amado's characterization is key here. They should paint him as a repulsive individual, flaunting his wealth and power in a way that really makes us as readers dislike him.

· Spy Thriller Elements:

Undercover Mission: Despite the luxurious setting, the agents remain focused on their mission, adding a layer of tension to the scene.
Clash of Personalities: The different approaches employed by the agents.
Target Introduction: This scene is the first encounter with Amado, showcasing his corruption and arrogance, adding weight to the mission's importance.

Describe the specific location within Galaxia – from the bustling champagne bar where Amado holds court, to the secluded boutiques where he shops for exorbitantly priced ski gear, and more..
How does each agent approach Amado? Does Silav attempt a diplomatic conversation, or does Hano resort to veiled threats? Does Jäger simply wait for an opportunity to strike?
How does Amado react to the agents? Is he dismissive and arrogant, or does he sense the danger they pose?

Scene 04 - Blackmail

· Location:
Luxurious setting within Galaxia (same as Scene 3 or a different location chosen by the writer)

· Scene Breakdown:

The scene opens with the agents confronting Amado, their approaches dependent on the writer's choice from Scene 3. Amado, initially smug and arrogant, starts to sweat as the evidence against him is laid bare. However, before they can secure his cooperation, the situation takes a dramatic turn as Jäger pulls out a weapon.

· Writer Rationale:

This scene showcases the pivotal moment when the agents attempt to gain leverage over Amado. The writer should build tension through Amado's initial defiance and then his desperation as the agents tighten their grip.
The introduction of Jäger's actions (the unexpected elimination of Amado) throws the mission into chaos. The writer can play with the ambiguity of Jäger's motives – was it a rogue decision or something more strategic?
The scene emphasizes the potential consequences of working with a team of unknown allegiances. The trust between the agents is shattered, and the focus shifts from coercion to escape.

· Spy Thriller Elements:

Blackmail Attempt: The agents' initial approach highlights the risky world of espionage, where blackmail is a tool of manipulation.
Shifting Alliances: Jäger's actions create suspicion and distrust within the team, adding a new layer of intrigue.
Sudden Violence: The unexpected elimination of Amado and the ensuing chaos heighten the stakes and force the agents to adapt on the fly.

Describe how Amado reacts to the blackmail attempt. Does he crumble under pressure, or does he maintain a defiant facade?
How does each agent react to Jäger's actions? Are they horrified by the unnecessary violence, or do they see it as a solution?

Scene 05 - Ski Chase

· Location:
Slopes of Galaxia Ski Resort

· Scene Breakdown:

The scene opens with the frantic whoosh of wind as the agents careen down the snowy slopes, pursued by a horde of Ardoran security forces. Adrenaline pumps through their veins as they weave through startled tourists, dodging trees and leaping over obstacles.

· Writer Rationale:

This high-octane chase scene is a chance to showcase the agents' diverse skills and gadgets. The writer can highlight the agents' athleticism on skis or their driving ability on snowmobiles, allowing them to utilize daring shortcuts. They could also highlight their deadly precision as they take out security forces with their gadgets or using their environment while maintaining incredible speed.
This scene also presents a good opportunity for injecting a touch of camp through over-the-top stunts, perhaps a strategically placed trap causing a comical security wipeout, or a last-minute deployment of a hidden ski-mounted parachute (think Bond's Union Jack parachute).

While the team's initial attempt at an escape demonstrates their potential for collaboration, the important plot beat of this scene is them splitting up by the end. Because the end of this scene is the set-up of the parallel narratives we're going to have for a few scenes, I'd recommend whoever picks this scene to really play up the teamwork between the agents during the escape, as it's the last time we'll see all 4 of them on the same side.

· Spy Thriller Elements:

Frantic Escape: The high-speed chase keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
Showcasing Skills: This scene is an opportunity to highlight the unique abilities and gadgets of each agent, making them more relatable and adding a layer of action movie fun.
Splitting Up: The necessity to divide the team adds an element of uncertainty and raises the stakes as the agents face potential capture or worse.

Describe the specific challenges of the ski chase – treacherous slopes, hidden jumps, narrow pathways.
How does each agent use their skills and gadgets to their advantage? How does the scene transition into the team splitting up? Is it a strategic decision, or are they forced apart by an unforeseen obstacle?

Scene 06 - New Friends

As our protagonists manage to escape from the slopes back into the city, the narrative is split into two halves. Plot A will follow Silav and Hano, while plot B will follow Ulric and Jäger. While I have grouped these as a single scene (as they serve the same function in the plot), we should treat them separately when it comes to dividing the scenes among us, with one person writing the plot A section and another the plot B section. Let's talk about plot A first:

· Location:
Backstreets of San Lázaro, leading to the Takivaj Embassy.

· Scene Breakdown:

Exhausted from the adrenaline-fueled escape, Silav and Hano navigate the bustling backstreets of San Lázaro. The events at Galaxia weigh heavily on both agents' minds, questioning Jäger's motives and the true purpose of their mission.

· Writer Rationale:

This scene establishes the dynamic between Silav and Hano. The bulk of this scene is probably best used in setting up dialogue that not only builds rapport and friendship between our two agents, but lays the groundwork for their disillusionment with the mission and their eventual decision to rogue later on in the plot. Reflecting on the sudden killing of Amado by Jäger in my mind, is the perfect foundation to start building this doubt upon. After all, as far as they knew they were just there to put some pressure on the Tabés administration. But now that important people are being killed and so many nations keeping their 'eggs' in the Saint Ardor 'basket', they worry that this could potentially escalate into a whole new, Western Isles-wide war or some other disaster.

As T and K voice their concerns to each other, they resolve to going to the nearby Takivaj embassy so they can regroup and make a new plan on how to proceed from there. This is when we are introduced to Givlagij, the Takivaj Ambassador to Saint Ardor del Alba. As this is the first time we are meeting this very important character, it's important to get his characterization right. Make sure to go over his character bio to gain a full understanding of him, and make him very likable. Now, you might be wondering why Givlagij is so important, and that's because he is going to be the 'double agent' that sells out Silav and Hano at the end of Act II.

Originally, this role was going to go to Gabi. It was only after discussing Givlagij's character with Takiv that I realized he presented a better option for this story beat. Givlagij has a terrible secret, with his alcoholism putting his comfortable job on an island paradise in jeopardy. Tiburón and Duque Jr. are using this against him. Promising to let him keep his new job and putting a good word in for him with the Takivaj government once they use the forged 'Ardor Accord' to take over the island, Givlagij will decide to risk it by siding with the villains at a crucial moment to save his job.

Not only do I think this makes more sense for a double cross than the Gabi character, but I also think it plays nicely with the Takivaj government being embarrassed at the end of the story when all this comes to light, as Givlagij's corruption is exposed.

So, if we go with this twist, it's very important to make Givlagij as likable and sympathetic (maybe Silav and Hano notice he is drinking and feel sorry for him) as we can in this scene so that his betrayal stings more when it does happen.

Now, on to plot B:

· Location:
Backstreets of San Lázaro. Fleures Naturelles.

· Scene Breakdown:

Jäger and Ulric meanwhile have also managed to escape from the ski resort back into the city. Ulric, true to his analytic nature, decides to keep his cards close to his chest and work along with Jäger to see what he can learn about the deadly Kaskalmen agent.
Jäger contacts their superiors, revealing the mission's progress so far and the unexpected complication of after killing Amado. They receive new orders and a location – Fleure Naturelles – where they are told to meet with Tiburón.

· Writer Rationale:

The conversation between Jäger and Ulric can be a fun parallel to the one between Silav and Hano in the A plot, with these agents speculating that hesitating to take action against the socialist Tabés could spell doom for the island and the wider region. Just as I said Jäger's actions at the Galaxia could be the seed of doubt in the A plot, Amado's corrupt and bad behaviour could be what re-affirms the belief in the mission for Jäger and Ulric.

As for Jäger contacting his superiors, I thought this could be a fun moment to use the 'Secret Code' trope common in the genre. I picture Jäger going to a payphone on the streets of San Lázaro, calling up a handler's phone number and then having a seemingly normal conversation about what kind of flowers he should buy for his mother. However, this is actually a coded message from the Kaskalmen RSS telling him about the location of Tiburón's hideout in Fleures Naturelles and highlighting that she will be willing to help. Just as the A plot ends its scene by arriving at the embassy, the B plot should end with them arriving at Fleures Naturelles.

This scene also introduces Tiburón, a powerful underworld figure and one of our two big bads. The writer should paint a picture of a ruthless criminal, highlighting Tiburón's connection to Kaskalma by pointing out the weapons that her men are brandishing as they hangout in the break room at the back of the flower shop. A fun way of hinting at how violent and ruthless Tiburón can be could be having her emerge from the torture room at the back of the shop, wiping blood from her chin and then tossing a finger (or two) at one of her subordinates, telling them to mail them to a victim's family. This would not only convey the violence without going into detail of describing how she severed these fingers, but effectively tells the story by heavily implying she bit them off using her steel capped teeth.

Just as with Givlagij, whoever picks this half of the scene should take extra care in nailing the first impression for Tiburón. Make them as menacing as possible, so that it is all the more satisfactory when she's taken down later in the plot.

Both plots A and B of Scene 06 are pretty crucial moments as they mark the beginning of Act II. You'll probably notice that I've gone into a bit more detail here on the plot beats I think this scene should hit compared to previous one, but don't let that put you off choosing these scene!
While the beats they need to hit as turning points in the story are pretty important to keep in place, this scene still offers plenty of space for creativity. Being so dialogue heavy, the writers that choose this scene will have the opportunity to really set the tone for the dynamic between each duo and start setting them down their eventual paths towards either going rogue or doubling down.

Scene 07 - New Plans

· Plot A:
Silav, Hano, Givlagij, Timolo (over the phone)

· Location:
Takivaj Embassy, transitioning to "10:14" nightclub.

· Scene Breakdown:

The scene opens within the embassy. Silav and Hano discuss their next move. Hano requests using the embassy's private communication device to contacts his Kravatoan attaché, Ambassador Pavlo Timolo. Timolo expresses concern about the situation and suggests a risky but potentially advantageous meeting point – the glamorous Casino del Sol. Despite reservations about such a public location, they agree to the plan, especially when Givlagij offers to accompany them as a shield, using his diplomatic status as cover. With time before the casino meeting, Silav and Hano venture into the city's underbelly, searching for leads on Jäger and Ulric. They arrive at "10:14," a nightclub known for criminal clientele. Through intimidation or perhaps a clever bribe (depending on the writer's choice), Hano manages to squeeze information from a shady character. The information they receive sets off alarm bells. They learn that Jäger and Ulric were seen at Fleure Naturelles with Tiburón, and that a plot is brewing to kill a foreign diplomat at the Casino del Sol, forcing them to rush there.

· Spy Thriller Elements:

Building to Betrayal: By making Givlagij jump at the chance to help here, the writer is continuing to build him up so that the betrayal feels even more brutal
The Mean Streets: In going to 10:14, we get to see a location where no city elites would dare go. The writer should have fun making this nightclub edgier, cooler and more dangerous than most of the other locations in this story.
Grilling the Guilty: When cornering the goon at 10:14, both Silav and Hano could use different approaches to getting info out of him, showcasing their differences.

· Plot B:
Jäger, Ulric, Tiburón

· Location:
Fleure Naturelles

· Scene Breakdown:

The scene opens at Fleure Naturelles. Tiburón, congratulates Jäger and Ulric on "taking care of Amado" at Galaxia (which should alert Ulric, as that wasn't supposed to be part of the plan). She then throws a wrench into their plans, telling them about Givlagij being a double agent working for her and their shared benefactors. She claims Silav and Hano plan to use Timolo's connections to expose Jäger and Ulric and absolve themselves from the plot, leading to repercussions from their home governments that could put the Kaskalmen and Costavozkan positions on Saint Ardor in danger.

She will then suggest that they disguise themselves as criminals and kill Timolo to prevent all their work from being wasted, and that they will be at the Casino del Sol that night. Despite reservations, they accept weapons and manpower offered by Tiburón, as the risk to their nation's possessions is too great to risk.

· Writer Rationale:

Continuing along the threads from scene 06-B, have fun with describing how scary Tiburón is and the contrast between the pretty outside of Fleures Naturelles and the austere interior of her den there. Additionally, if the rationale for pointing Jäger and Ulric in their new direction, feel free to add some kind of memo from the RSS or Duque Jr. that convinces them to go along with this plan. This should be fairly easy to do in any case, as we've already established this duo re-affirming their commitments to the mission in their dialogue up until this point. That being said, this could be yet another opportunity to highlight the difference between Jäger and Ulric as one might be more ready to go in and the other might be more hesitant.

Scene 08 - Casino del Sol

· Location:
Casino del Sol - Grand Lobby, High-Roller Room, Luxury Car Park...

· Scene Breakdown:

This scene establishes the luxurious setting of the Casino del Sol. Writers can indulge in vivid descriptions to create a stark contrast between the high-stakes gambling and the impending violence. Silav, Hano, and a visibly nervous Givlagij arrive at the casino. They discreetly locate Timolo, a distinguished older gentleman with a twinkle in his eye. Despite his age, Timolo exudes a quiet confidence that hints at his capabilities. Meanwhile, Jäger and Ulric, accompanied by Tiburón's menacing henchmen, infiltrate the casino through a back entrance. The tension builds as they make their way towards the main hall. Jäger and Ulric burst into the grand lobby, Tiburón's henchmen firing indiscriminately. Chaos erupts as patrons scream and scramble for cover. Timolo, despite his age, throws himself into the fight, surprising everyone with his agility and self-defense skills. A brutal struggle ensues. In the midst of the chaos, Hano witnesses Timolo fall under a hail of gunfire. Rage contorts his face as he recognizes Jäger. The scene ends with a dramatic standoff between the two groups – Silav and Hano glaring at Jäger and Ulric, a promise of a brutal fight hanging heavy in the air.

· Writer Rationale:

The most important element of this scene as I see it is building the tension before the violence erupts. Having party A arrive in a hurry expecting to be late starts the scene in a tense way. This relaxes briefly as we meet Timolo and see him alive. The tension is then ramped almost immediately as we cut to part B arriving alongside Tiburón's goons and setting up for their ambush. This can build gradually as we cut between party A talking amongst themselves and enjoying the casino and party B getting ready to attack.

The next thing that is important to nail in this scene is the in-person introduction of Timolo, who we want to come across as very personable in a conversation, and a total badass old man when the fight breaks out. In my mind, he's standing a bit a part from the rest of party A when the shooting starts, maybe he's at the bar or the opposite side of a gambling table?

I didn't specify who exactly kills him in the breakdown, as I think this is a cool opportunity for whoever does this scene to cook up something fun, as I could see many different directions to take that beat in.

Lastly, the violence erupting in this scene should be short, not the action itself (as the next scene is the action scene) but rather the final release of the tension this whole scene is building up to.

Scene 09 - Gunfight Roulette

· Location:
Casino del Sol

· Scene Breakdown:

The scene opens in the aftermath of Timolo's death. Screams echo through the opulent hall as patrons flee in terror and our agents clash. Ardoran security forces, alerted to the gunfire, join the fray, adding to the confusion.

· Writer Rationale:

This scene is a full-blown action sequence, where the writer can showcase the unique skills of each character. The agents could use the environment to their advantage – using overturned roulette tables as barricades or flinging chips as distractions. This is another chance for our agents to unleash an arsenal of hidden gadgets, from high-tech tasers to smoke grenades.Whoever picks this scene should create a sense of desperate struggle.

Have fun with the "environmental weaponry" trope. You could use a chandelier, dislodged from the ceiling by gunfire, crashing down on a group of Tiburón henchmen. Perhaps a spilled cocktail becomes a makeshift weapon as an agent throws a burning match into a pool of spilled liquor. Go wild!

This scene can also mirror the ski chase scene, but with a deadlier twist. Instead of working together, the two duos are now pitted against each other. Silav and Hano fight to protect the casino patrons and apprehend Jäger and Ulric, while the latter prioritize completing their mission.

I'd recommend the use vivid descriptions and fast-paced action to immerse the reader in the heart of the gunfight.

· Spy Thriller Elements:

Chaotic Showdown: Speaks for itself, this is a huge action set, have a blast!
Gadgetry and Improvisation: The use of unique gadgets and improvised weapons adds a layer of ingenuity to the action.
Impeding Betrayal: Givlagij's potential betrayal creates uncertainty about who to trust.

Scene 10 - Double-crossed

· Location:
Casino del Sol

· Scene Breakdown:

The scene opens amidst the carnage of the casino floor. Bodies litter the opulent surroundings, smoke hangs heavy in the air, and the sounds of sirens approach in the distance. Silav and Hano, battered but determined, stand back to back, facing Jäger and Ulric. Just as they seem to be getting a second wind for facing their opponents, a voice cuts through the tension. Givlagij, aiming a gun at them point blank, and demands their surrender.

· Writer Rationale:

This scene provides an opportunity to delve into the characters' motivations. Through dialogue, the writer can reveal more about the reasoning behind Givlagij's betrayal, while Jäger and Ulric might also shed light on their own objectives. This dialogue is almost as important as the actual betrayal in this scene, as it's the first time we'll see the duos defend their points of view to each other. Silav and Hano will probably decry the rapid escalation in violence, and be outraged at the death of the Kravatoan Ambassador and all the others. In their eyes, this is reckless and could spiral the delicate situation on the island out of control. Meanwhile, Jäger and Ulric can accuse the other two agents of losing sight of what is important, stoping socialism at any cost.
This is a great opportunity to lay the groundwork for Silav and Hano going rogue in the next scene.

Of course, the other important thing to nail in this scene is the act it's named for, Givlagij's betrayal. If we've done it right, this should really sting as we've built Givlagij up as a sympathetic and likable character, but even then it's important to get this moment right so all that work isn't wasted.

T he scene ends with Silav and Hano being knocked unconscious. to be taken to Vila Roca. This leaves the audience in suspense, wondering about their fate and the next steps for the remaining characters.

· Spy Thriller Elements:

Double-crossed: Check out the TV Tropes entry on writing this story beat [HERE]

Scene 11 - Going Rogue

· Location:
Vila Roca

· Scene Breakdown:

The scene opens with Silav and Hano awakening in a spartan interrogation room within Vila Roca. Duque Jr. enters the room, reveling in the capture of Silav and Hano. He delivers a chilling monologue, outlining his plan to use the Ardor Accords and Tiburón's forces to overthrow the Tabés government and seize control of Saint Ardor del Alba, boasting about his intentions to dismantle democracy and rule as a dictator. After Duque Jr.'s departure, Silav and Hano share a heartfelt conversation. They express their outrage at Duque Jr.'s plan, wrestle with their loyalties, and ultimately agreeing that they can't allow such a coup to happen. This shared moment of defiance marks their decision to go rogue.
The scene cuts to Jäger and Ulric meeting with Duque Jr. and Tiburón. Duque Jr. expresses his gratitude for their assistance, particularly Jäger, whose government's support has been crucial. He highlights the historic ties between Kaskalma and Saint Ardor, praising their help in gaining independence, all while Ulric observes in silence.

· Writer Rationale:

As the first scene of Act III, this is a massively important scene. Firstly, it introduces Duque Jr., and in classic spy thriller fashion, he gets a villainous monologue where he lays out his plans. Twisting what was meant to be a simple coercion into a full blown coup, Duque Jr. can't help but gloat to Silav and Hano, in his mind, he's beat them and wants to revel in that. He's keeping them alive to use as backdoor bargaining chips (a fun image to evoke considering the last few scenes were at a casino) for securing both Takiv and Kravato's cooperation with his new regime. He then leaves the room, leaving Silav and Hano on their own.

This brings us to the next big story beat of this scene, Silav and Hano deciding to go rogue. This is what we've been building up to for a while, so sticking the landing is important. After the death of Timolo, the betrayal of Givlagij, and the violence they've experienced, Silav and Hano decide that they can't let it go down like this, and decide to rogue.
Narratively this could also be seen as Silav and Hano being seduced by the beauty of Saint Ardor that we've been painting all story long. We can end this part of the scene with them working towards escaping their bonds.

Then, the next part highlights the contrasting motivations of the characters. Duque Jr. sees Jäger as a valuable asset, while Jäger simply wants to complete their mission and return home. Ulric's silence can be a hint at his own agenda, setting the stage for a future betrayal.*

Scene 12 - Quadruple-crossed

· Location:
Vila Roca

· Scene Breakdown for Version 01:

Uh oh did I say betrayal? That's right, we've got another betrayal, it's a spy thriller baby!
The scene opens with chaos erupting in Vila Roca. Silav and Hano, having broken free from their restraints, fight their way through Tiburón's henchmen. Meanwhile, Tiburón enters Duque Jr.'s room, urging him to escape, and proposes a getaway plan – a hidden boat on her property leading to the secluded island of Isla del Pástor just off the coast of Saint Ardor. Recognizing the importance of keeping the Ardor Accords safe, Duque Jr. and Jäger take the get away boat, while Tiburón and Ulric absolve to stay behind and hold Silav and Hano off.

From here there are two version I see that could work:

In Version 01 Ulric attacks Tiburón while they're alone. This an epic one-on-one fight, showcasing Ulric's skills and highlighting the danger Tiburón poses. Ultimately, Ulric emerges victorious. He reunites with Silav and Hano, revealing Tiburón's defeat and the escape route.
However, not wanting to go rogue, Ulric chooses not to go with them, considering his mission complete after killing Tiburón and decides to return to Costavozka. Leaving Silav and Hano to pursue Jäger and Duque Jr..

· Writer Rationale for Version 01:

In this first version, this is the final scene for Ulric. The reasoning behind his betrayal as I see it lies in both his strategic nature, and in Costavozka's goals in Saint Ardor del Alba. Ulric would see the situation spiraling out of control with escalating violence and organized crime and recognize that this goes far beyond his mission. Noting this, he takes action to stop things from spiraling further by taking out Tiburón. Since in this version this is both of these character's last scene, the writer should go all out on making this fight as awesome as possible.
Tiburón should be scary and get some hits in, but ultimately Ulric prevails in what should feel like a hard-earned, but deeply satisfying win. To make the scene flow better, the writer can cut from this boss fight to Silav and Hano taking out goons in Vila Roca.

As I've understood the character of Ulric, I wouldn't see him going rogue, instead choosing to return to Costavozka and inform his government on what has happened, trusting Silav and Hano to get the final job done.

That being said, that is only one interpretation!

· Scene Breakdown for Version 02:

In the second version of this scene I could see working, we mostly follow Silav and Hano as they fight goons before arriving before Ulric and Tiburón. Then, our rogue duo make an appeal to Ulric's logical and analytical nature that Duque Jr. needs to be stopped and that surely this isn't what the government of Costavozka would want. Ulric agrees and and brutal 3-v-1 fight breaks out between our agents and the ruthless mob boss. After a hard fight, they dash off after Jäger and Duque Jr..

· Writer Rationale for Version 02:

In this version, Ulric is in it 'till the end and no longer fights Tiburón alone, instead fights her alongside our rogue agents. In this version, Tiburón should be much scarier and capable in a fight, as to justify the fact that she could possibly take on 3 agents at once. Maybe Silav and Hano are still sore after their captivity?
There is also Ulric's motivation for joining them on the chase. Now, personally I don't see it as much, but if the writer can see an angle then by all means feel free to use it!

· Spy Thriller Elements:

Double-crossed (AGAIN!): Check out the TV Tropes entry on writing this story beat [HERE]

Scene 13 - Boat Chase

· Location:
Southern Coast of Saint Ardor del Alba - Open Ocean and Approaches to Isla del Pástor

· Scene Breakdown:

The scene opens with a heart-pounding roar of engines. The rogue agents at the helm of a commandeered boat, navigate the choppy waters in hot pursuit of Duque Jr.'s vessel. One of the agents mans a mounted weapon, taking out Tiburón's pursuing henchmen who appear on jetskis or smaller boats, another uses what few gadgets they'll have left, and together they all rush along the sunlight southern coast of Saint Ardor.
Duque Jr. and Jäger, visibly panicking, near the secluded shores of Isla del Pástor. The rogue agents push their boat's engine to its limits, determined to intercept them before they reach their sanctuary. The scene ends with a dramatic cliffhanger as the rogue agents close in on Isla del Pástor, ready for a final confrontation.

· Writer Rationale:
The very last of our high octane chase scenes, the last of Tiburón's henchmen engage in a desperate last stand. A thrilling battle ensues, with the rogue agents strategically eliminating the pursuers using their skills and tactics. This segment allows the writer to showcase the resourcefulness of the protagonists while raising the stakes by conveying the speed at which all this is happening.

· Spy Thriller Elements:

From the Slopes to the Sea: Have a look at the tropes covered in the ski chase, as they're almost a direct carry-over

Scene 14 - Paradise Finale

· Location:
Isla del Pástor

· Scene Breakdown:

The scene opens with the rogue agents hot on the heels of Duque Jr. and Jäger across the picturesque yet treacherous landscape of Isla del Pástor. Jäger, cornered and fiercely loyal to his mission, engages the rogue agents in a brutal fight. This is the "final boss" battle of the story. Jäger's fighting style and dialogue showcase his ruthlessness and unwavering conviction. He might accuse the rogue agents of being traitors.
When Jäger is finally subdued, the beaten and bloody rogue agents stand face-to-face with Duque Jr. cornered at the edge of a cliff. Desperate and afraid, he attempts to bargain for his life, offering wealth or political favors. The rogue agents, their resolve steeled, deliver a final, memorable line before dispatching Duque Jr., who tumbles into the raging Mesder Sea below, leaving no chance of survival.

· Writer Rationale:

When writing about Isla del Pástor, the writer can contrast the bare but beautiful landscape of cliffs, rocky beaches and rolling grass hills with all the overly decadent locations we'd seen up until this point. Far from the casinos, ski resorts and nightclubs, our agents' souls are laid bare and they have nowhere to hide, literally and metaphorically.
The fight with Jäger is brutal both emotionally and physically, and should reflect that. If the fight with Tiburón was hard, the fight against Jäger should be feel almost insurmountable. To heighten the stakes, maybe he even inflicts some permanent wounds or even kills one of the rogue agents before going down? This should occupy the bulk of the scene, and be the heart-racing action piece of the finale, with the one-liner into finisher on Duque Jr. being the cherry on top.

Scene 15 - Epilogues

Just as with the introductions, everyone will be writing their own epilogue. Consider what the characters from your nation get up to after this story (if they survive). How does the fallout of this story affect the government of your nation? Are these events known to the wider public? How are these events remembered today almost 50 years later?

Feel free to let your imagination run wild, there are infinite ways to use this epilogue for your nation's worldbuilding!

With a rough outline of how this plot could go, we should be ready to begin dividing the plot between us. If you consider the A and B plots of scenes 06 and 07 their own scenes, that means that we each get:

An introduction (except for me, no agents for me to introduce)
3 scenes
And epilogue each

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on this plot outline and looking forward to getting started on the IC thread!

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