15. World Congress: A Quick Vote

After Jake admits he failed to warn Miranda about familiar faces among the top factions, the group confirms they will abstain from the World Leader vote. The results announce no leader elected due to the 60% threshold. Immediately, a new vote is declared: selecting three material categories for a limited System Store accessible to City Lords and designees, using Credits.

Jake and Miranda align on herbs as Haven’s top choice, given their professional needs and forest location. Lillian predicts wider Earth will favor wood or stone for expansion, while Neil notes demand for ores and the value of gems. A level 85 City Lord proposes coordinating votes to expedite diplomacy.

Miranda publicly declares herbs as Haven’s priority, leveraging Jake’s presence and his ties to powerful factions to create incentive for alignment. Several lower-tier cities pledge support, seeking favor while keeping room for their own needs with the remaining options.

Midtgaard’s D-grade leader supports herbs but argues for monster leather, hides, and bones to bolster defensive gear. A newly advanced D-grade woman counters, urging wood and stone to address housing and city safety. Their exchange sharpens the core divide: immediate construction versus equipment and crafting resources.

Discussion broadens as more cities weigh in; Jacob’s trade manager backs both wood and stone and notes foodstuffs as valuable if choices narrow. Attempts to downplay herbs fail as many recognize their cross-profession utility. The session ends with momentum toward wood or stone alongside herbs, but no final decision yet.