Power Objects
Shotgun
As you go about the business of occupying new territory, you need to be armed to the teeth. A scattergun should be top of your list.
Power: Keeps the belly full and hostility at bay.
Common Sense Medical Advisor
This book includes some of the common nonsense of the day and supports the delusion that there is no finer specimen of humanity than the English gentleman.
Power: Backs up your bigotry.
Handcuffs
Ratchet these tight to control anyone who gets in your way. Fearing their own loss of freedom, others will more readily obey.
Power: Extends the iron grip of imperial power.
Union Jack
These are your gang colors. The overlay of crosses celebrates previous turf wars. When you fly them, they stoke your pride and prejudice.
Power: Sends the message that you are the new game in town.
Bible
This holy book is full of good words. But even as it preaches brotherly love, it is used to mistreat those not in the club.
Power: Sooths your conscience while shoring up your sense of superiority.
Cannon
With this as your holdup weapon, your imperial gang can blow any resistance to smithereens. Engraved on the barrel is the battle cry of a dead British king: “My divine right to rule.”
Power: Allows you to push your weight around and take whatever you want.
Doctrine of Discovery
The year after Columbus stumbled onto Turtle Island, the pope issued a papal bull saying it is okay for Christians to invade and occupy the homelands of nonbelievers.
Power: Makes you think your land grab has the green light from God.
Surveyor’s Chain
This chain takes the measure of the land. Invented by an English pastor, it records numbers that divide the countryside.
Power: Turns forests and meadows into real estate that can be bought and sold.
Gin Bottle
This seductive elixir of illusion induces euphoria. Those new to its habit forming ways are caught off guard by the chaos that follows.
Power: Weakens opposition as your crew moves in and sets up shop.
Blanket
The Hudson’s Bay Company provides reconnaissance for the heist. Traders get friendly with locals while scouting for riches. They bring useful goods but fail to mention the long range plans.
Power: Puts a warm face on a cold-hearted machine.
Pre-Emption Note
Presenting this description to the authorities gets you a piece of the action. You pay taxes as protection money in order to keep the owners from recovering their stolen goods.
Power: Gets you hot property at fire sale prices.
Gold Pan
If you catch gold fever, this simple metal bowl will help you chase the gleam. Under the spell of its hypnotic swirl, you can separate the pay from the dirt.
Power: Holds the promise that even the poorest of men can strike it rich.
Home Decoration
This glass parlor dome encloses flowers that never fade. It sings an ode to an idealized nature created by human hand that knows no seasons.
Power: Aligns with the mission of shaping the land to your will.
Plow
The prodigious labor of the settler assimilates indigenous ecology into the imperial economy, transforming the landscape for the good of the gang.
Power: Puts down roots.
Bank Note
Every new colony needs its own bank. Not having enough bills to go around can sap the very foundations of your prosperity.
Power: Manages the proceeds of the crime.
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