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Thread: In Darkest Africa - Henry M. Stanley

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    Still warlusting... Member Warluster's Avatar
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    Default In Darkest Africa - Henry M. Stanley

    In Darkest Africa
    Sir Henry M. Stanley

    Sir Henry Morton Stanley has often been described as a sadistic, corrupt soul who tortured the innocent continent of Africa and extorted from its natural state riches and fame. Quite simply this is true because he became a mythical figure in Victorian society. To the present day, 'Dr Livingstone, I presume?', is probably one of the most legendary quotes in journalistic history. His massive contribution to world history does not come in the form of a public, self-confiding quest to rescue a lost, old explorer but also as the pioneer of the Belgian Congo State and for his late adventures back into the very heart of Africa to 'save' Emin Pasha.

    Stanley's many expeditions were strewn with unimaginable dangers and thrills. As he navigated the unknown jungles of Central Africa he was faced with massive wars, slavers tearing apart ancient communities, diseases which were long extinct in Europe as well as politics back in England and interfereing leaders who merely harboured colonial ambitions.

    His life is shrouded in baseless claims usually self invented to insure he would remain a legendary figure in history, or lies drawn up by envious opponents who stabbed him from behind as they comfortably sat in London. Stanley made some awful mistakes in his time, most of them being made by his regular correspondence with newspapers back in the States and Britain, where his statements of violence and death were met with heavy criticism – and he was unable to defend his usually innocent remarks. Well, lets wind back the clock and attempt to forge these mistakes into an even more brilliant career.

    I find Stanley fascinating, especially his 'adventures' in Africa. The last mystery of our world, except perhaps for the Polar Caps, was the heart of Africa – and Stanley was one in a long line of famed explorers. But he forged a path no other had taken – a entrepreneur, explorer and pioneer he himself had flaws of character which dominated European society for many decades.

    Either way we will be going through a 'alternative' route of Stanley's life over this game, so lets get to the actual game. This Interactive History will be a small, decision based game which is told through chapters – much like a interactive book but much more interactive! Anyone can join, you do not have to 'sign up' for roles but rather every reader is guiding Stanley through the wild jungles of Central Africa!


    Time to begin, I presume?


    ____



    ____

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    Still warlusting... Member Warluster's Avatar
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    Default Re: In Darkest Africa - Henry M. Stanley

    Reserved for now.

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    Grand Patron's Banner Bearer Senior Member Peasant Phill's Avatar
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    Default Re: In Darkest Africa - Henry M. Stanley

    I'm up for it. Let the game begin
    Quote Originally Posted by Drone
    Someone has to watch over the wheat.
    Quote Originally Posted by TinCow
    We've made our walls sufficiently thick that we don't even hear the wet thuds of them bashing their brains against the outer wall and falling as lifeless corpses into our bottomless moat.

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    Still warlusting... Member Warluster's Avatar
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    Default Re: In Darkest Africa - Henry M. Stanley

    Chapter I

    You are Henry Stanley, relatively unknown war journalist born in Denbigh, Wales.

    Your life ambition was the achievement of fame and fortune. And here came opportunity, or perhaps fate, offering that golden apple which only came once in a lifetime. Dr Livingstone was officially 'missing' in Central Africa, and this legendary icon was one of the mythical figures of early exploration. His mysterious disappearance from public view had meant that the majority of newspapers were unwilling to sponsor any expedition into Africa to retrieve him.

    You had been in luck though. For many years you have lived in the United States and through your connections and portfolio established from the Indian Wars, you now had enough influence to directly access James Gordon Bennett Junior, son of the media mogul James Bennett Senior, and one of the most infamous and rich newspaper president's in America. You soon convinced Bennett to fund a large expedition to Central Africa, at least $8 000, and rescue Livingstone from the clutches of evil local tribes intent on nothing but exacting revenge upon the foreign colonial minions.

    This view, so eagerly shared by Bennett in his merciless drive to extract every last ounce of money from the readers of New York City, was not shared in the United Kingdom. Many viewed this entire issue as a minor issue the British public would view with disdain, a perspective promoted especially by the Doctor's spectacular failure in the Zanzebi Expedition only several years beforehand. As such the British Government of Mister Disraeli also refused to offer assistance to you or any other proposed rescue mission. It did not gain votes within the public, and as it wouldn't win a election they mainly concentrated on tensions brewing in Sudan and the Cape Colony.

    The Royal Geographical Society, the main body of any aspiring explorer, had the view that the Doctor was a essential part of their society (Especially being a gold member) and as such began to organise a expedition similar to your expedition. They refused to acknowledge your 'selfish' and 'personal' quest for 'fame', and quickly had scores of volunteers and many more criticising the journalistic move of yourself.

    You powered on though, perhaps stubborn in your refusal to acknowledge any real criticism of your apparently selfish mission to rescue the doctor. You instead felt a mixture of desire to be more than a peasant child and for your family to have pride in you. Enough on this subject though, as we must focus on the approaching expedition.

    Preparations
    So, let us turn to the very fundamentals of any expedition into the deep, rich heart of Africa. As learnt from the consequences of the Zanbezi Mission, you may have all the funding in the world – but leadership is paramount to success. And so, for any mission to rescue the Doctor a good list of white, European companions is needed for the leadership aspect.

    So in February 1871 a plea was sent out to every newspaper in the United Kingdom, all mailed from your hotel in Central London. The request, smoothly written and polite, was asking for any companions willing to join in on Henry Stanley's Expedition to Rescue Livingstone. They must be very fit, enthusiastic and good leaders of men. As such, it went on, any military types would be preferred and with at least basic knowledge of fire-power. Following criticism from the RGS, you were well surprised to find at least four hundred applicants lining up to join in on 'the American's' African journey.

    This was mostly due to the spreading word of your trip. That a wealthy American businessman was funding a trip to find the legendary Dr Livingstone was now a common rumour amongst social circles throughout the Empire.

    As such you narrow the applicants down to four choices, but know in your heart that you should only take two for this journey. To have too many officers on such a mission would provide to much interference and challenge.

    There is Lieutenant Peter Kennedy. He is twenty six years old and has served in the Royal Navy since he was sixteen, having ran away from home and joined up back in 1856. Though he is merely a Lieutenant, still rather prestigious, he is the star of HMS Amadeus's crew and is legendary for his fiery tounge and pompous yet prompt manner. He is a beloved officer of the soldiers and a true trooper, recommends Captain Roderick of the HMS Amadeus, and on behalf of the Navy he requests you bring him back in healthy condition – as he will soon be Captain.

    Meanwhile there is a strange duo – Tim Worden and Blair Worden. These young lads enthusiasticlly responded to your call in the Daily Telegraph. They display a strong connection and are brilliant craftsmen. Blair has a love of sailing, and has served on many ships which go to and from Liverpool to the American Eastern Seaboard. Tim, though, has kept himself at his home town of Liverpool by serving as a capable blacksmith's assistant. They do not come from rich families, but share hard determination to succeed and good humour.

    The final applicant you believe is worthy is Richard Swimburn – a porter at the hotel you stay at. For many months he would approach you in the lobby, pestering to accompany you to Africa. Though many times he was relieved of hope by a quick flick of the hand, his stubborn determination and youthful excitement perhaps reminds you of times in Denbigh. Either way, he shows a passion for Africa and a broad knowledge of dealing with people – though not the best craftsman.

    There is another issue that must be dealt with immediately, as well. This is the issue of funding. Though Bennett Junior agreed to fund you with $8 000 USD, or 3 000 pounds, the funding still has not arrived. Without it once you get to Zanzibar any purchase of the necessary supplies and carriers will be impossible, or any cotton required to bribe unruly tribal leaders along the way. Pressure on the imperialistic Bennett could mean he relents on his golden promise – especially since is on the verge of sacking your good friend and ally, the Head of the New York Herald's British Division.

    ____

    Gordon Bennett Jnr, 'Emperor' of the New York Herald.
    ____
    You have some important decisions to make before departing to the mysterious continent of Africa – decisions which can easily impact on the expedition itself.

    I do believe that...
    a) Lieutenant Peter Kennedy is a splendid choice for accompanying me to Africa. He is a fine leader and, if succesful, shall achieve greatness within the Queen's Navy.
    b) Blair Worden has the traits this expedition needs. A good sailor can navigate around the Great Lakes of Central Africa, and he appears to be able to manage cargo easily...
    c)Nay, Tim Blair has the finest skills! His expertise in crafting fine items will be of stunning value in the wilderness!
    d)The constant determination of young Richard Swinburn is impressive, and he is of awe of Africa and our aim. Such a loyal companion, yet able, will be of great use. I would have appreciated such an opportunity!

    And that damned greedy Bennett Junior still has not messaged through the funding!
    a)Damn the fool! We don't need his useless paper – I'm sure someone else will fund our trip...
    b)He is merely late, as usual. Put pressure on the British Division and wait for it to come through.
    c)We may as well leave... set sail for Zanzibar!
    Last edited by Warluster; 04-30-2011 at 09:05.

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    Grand Patron's Banner Bearer Senior Member Peasant Phill's Avatar
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    Default Re: In Darkest Africa - Henry M. Stanley

    1.a) We can't afford to take chances. Lieutenant Kennedy seems to be the most able.
    2.b) Without funding we may as well all stay home. We can't go along without the resources and ditching him now would be premature.
    Quote Originally Posted by Drone
    Someone has to watch over the wheat.
    Quote Originally Posted by TinCow
    We've made our walls sufficiently thick that we don't even hear the wet thuds of them bashing their brains against the outer wall and falling as lifeless corpses into our bottomless moat.

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    Humanist Senior Member Franconicus's Avatar
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    Default Re: In Darkest Africa - Henry M. Stanley

    We can only take one? This German Barth is not available? Alright. I say 1c). We do not need any pompous monkey!
    And 2.b), I agree!

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    Still warlusting... Member Warluster's Avatar
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    Default Re: In Darkest Africa - Henry M. Stanley

    Good to see you guys playing!

    You do need two companions for this epic trans-Africa journey, so a second choice is required.

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    Grand Patron's Banner Bearer Senior Member Peasant Phill's Avatar
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    Default Re: In Darkest Africa - Henry M. Stanley

    I would take Tim Blair as a second choice.
    Quote Originally Posted by Drone
    Someone has to watch over the wheat.
    Quote Originally Posted by TinCow
    We've made our walls sufficiently thick that we don't even hear the wet thuds of them bashing their brains against the outer wall and falling as lifeless corpses into our bottomless moat.

  9. #9
    Humanist Senior Member Franconicus's Avatar
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    Default Re: In Darkest Africa - Henry M. Stanley

    Tim Blair and Blair Warden!

  10. #10

    Default Re: In Darkest Africa - Henry M. Stanley

    1. Tim Blair and Richard Swimburn!
    2. We'll have to wait for the money, B.

  11. #11
    Humanist Senior Member Franconicus's Avatar
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    Default Re: In Darkest Africa - Henry M. Stanley

    Last weekend I was on a trip to Salzburg. I suddenly stood in front of the tomb of Oscar Baumann, another explorer of Africa!

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    Still warlusting... Member Warluster's Avatar
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    Default Re: In Darkest Africa - Henry M. Stanley

    Lucky! I'll have to look into where his grave is, as I'm also heading towards Salzburg in October. Hopefully it gave you inspiration for this game?

    I will have the chapter up next week, but right now have some very large blocks of programming to wade through... definitely no room for extra creativity!

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    Default Re: In Darkest Africa - Henry M. Stanley

    Chapter II
    A Long Awaited Journey


    Well, it's been some time, Mr. Stanley.

    After some very careful deliberations, you have narrowed down the choice of companions to only two. Though there were thousands of applicants, the honour of this position was, well, quite limited. There was one excited applicant, Tim Blair, who received glowing encouragement from his blacksmith master and, with a shy smile, offered his application barely two weeks beforehand. Glancing over his application, you seemed to ignore his age and youthful inexperience and instead - with great confidence - agreed he could go. The blacksmith reported that the boy was ecstatic. For a second companion though... Your mind was seemingly split on this decision, but in the hand you soundly decided to employ the experienced Lieutenant Kennedy. You made way on the line down to Devon and called in briefly at the Naval College, where to a training officer of wise experience greeted you. He recounted of several tours, especially one off Holstein during the war only six years before.

    You seemed to leave quickly - he had the job.

    As the train weaved its way out of Dartmouth you consider the grand problems facing this expedition. Bennett was promising to wire through the $10 000 in the next few days, so around the 15th January, but you had no ship, no supplies and only two companions. As the ticket inspector passed your cabin, you made sure this train was going straight to London. It soon arrived at King's Cross a few hours later, where thousands milled around in business. You exit the grand old building and on the dirt covered streets you make way for West London.

    West London was the heart of theatre within the city. It was a stylish, expensive suburb which had seen much history. Not only that, but the stores there were sufficient for you to purchase luxuries. These luxuries were not going to embellish your small apartment here in London, but were instead purchased on the knowledge that explorers such as Livingstone and Burton had also traded with the native people, and secured their good faith. Of the hundreds of the small shops, each with a smiling attendant who was ever praising of your mission, a massive variety of wares were being sold - some from as far as India or the Americas. When you arrived in the downtrodden huts of the African people, you would be able to offer them wares from all over the world. It was a most challenging choice as to what, though...

    After leaving the rich area of West London, you make your way to the Docklands. As you edge past the grimy buildings of some EIC merchants, the sight of hundreds of ships all tied to moorings greets you. Some of these are small 12 pounders, while there was even one 128 pounder tied up further downstream, where it bobbed with the flowing tide. Along the edge of the Thames were many docks, most of them enclosed by the masts visible to your untrained eye. On the street of these large, warehouse buildings were stalls set up, selling off a fortune in provisions for long journeys across the Empire. You dabble amongst the locals, observing the activity and effortlessly bargaining over supplies you'll need for the rescue mission. As you look over one particularly cheap contract, from a Belgian merchant, a important decision presents itself. The exact location of Livingstone was unknown - but he had been missing for two years. Is that how long it'd take for your convoy to find him? Or perhaps, even longer? It was a tough decision, but would have a huge impact on your mission.

    As you left the Docklands, exhausted from a day of haggling and choosing, and reached your rich apartment in Central London, you were approached by a nervous, finely dressed man. You were informed that the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lord Granville, had heard whispers from West London that Stanley Morton was walking around those rich shops, inspecting any possible provisions. The Minister didn't believe these reports - since you weren't supported by the RGS - but nonetheless he requested your presence at Whitehall immediately. So you made the short foot journey to the Foreign Office and found it bustling - its reception flooded with foreigners from the Empire over. You edge your way up the levels and find yourself in the very office of Lord Granville, who is leaning back on a pine chair near the very top floor, watching you with closed palms. His face did not have the winds of kindness to them, but the steely disapproval which did not bode well. This would make for an interesting discussion...




    ____

    Decisions, decisions...

    It has been, perhaps, lucky that the expedition was halted, for there are several dangerous matters not considered yet. I would warn that Bennett has also paid the $10 000, if that adds any other weight to your choice! And only one choice per decision...

    The luxury of the Empire...
    (a) I will buy some fine cloth from the weavers of Southern France, to trade with the natives.
    (b) I must take some fur from the tundra of Northern Canada!
    (c) Gold! Beautiful gold! Who doesn't appreciate it?
    (d) Those who love silver more, of course!

    How many years will it take to find the Doctor?
    (a) Only a year, naturally. This should only cost $1000.
    (b) I expect, maybe, two years - that is how long it took for him to get lost, right? This will cost $2000.
    (c) Five years! He could be at the Atlantic by now! It will take $5000 to find the man.
    Note:It will also cost to hire any guards/expedition members in Africa.

    And, of course, Lord Granville is quite mysterious in this meeting...
    (a) Approach it with an air of caution - we need the government on side.
    (b) Damn them all! We don't need the Society, the government or Lord Granville!
    (c) Maybe if we get his good word, the RGS will come on side?

    ____

    Stanleys back! It is time to make the final preparations for Africa!
    Last edited by Warluster; 08-05-2011 at 07:31.

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