"Well, aren't we just a happy collection of people," Brand idly remarked as he leaned back in his chair.  With a lot of luck, Brand had managed to secure a potion that wiped away the terrible scent of the sewers, allowing him to sit with the others and not offend them with his odours.  He was tempted to rock back and prop his feet onto the table, but the utter lack of etiquette would probably send someone into a fit.  Instead, he gave everyone at the table a lazy wink.<br/>"I mean, here we are, attempting to make decisions that benefit the entirety of Albion, yet already we're stepping onto each others toes, setting off howling statues, shooting howling statues and asking for special concessions.  Our primary concerns right now are the tax rate and expanding on the Royal Guard.  Anything else can wait.  And to address these concerns:"<br/><br/>"The fact of the matter is that the people of Bowerstone Industrial need a tax break," Brand stated bluntly.  "Reaver Industries works the people mercilessly and pays them miserable wages.  I'm done what I can lowering rents in the area, to make it easier for them to support themselves, but they are still barely surviving.  A tax break could be just what they need to get themselves a better life.  Attempting to recruit members for the Royal Guard there is... laughable really.  Toiling away at the factories, living amongst the muck, they are not in good shape.  Escaping the factories and joining the army was pure luck on my part, and may involve me turning into a Hero in the first place.  However, the wages garnered by being a soldier is a fortune compared to what they earn, definitely improving their lot.  I'm certain that if you were interested in recruiting there, the people would leap at the chance.  They would just require a lot of training and proper nutrition.  That bastard Reaver might not be pleased though if his workers suddenly find better wages elsewhere and would be sure to cause problems."<br/><br/>"Mind, forcefully conscripting the local criminals there might yield interesting results.  Crime is higher in that area than elsewhere in Bowerstone, and I have a list of individuals I would dearly love to see departing my quarter.  Some of them are fair shots as well, given the number of times they've almost parted my hair.  Of course, that introduces a whole new problem with morale and discipline, but I suspect that at least for some of the criminals, crime is the only exit they have.  Certainly so in my case, and I suspect there are some people with potential waiting to be snapped up."<br/><br/>Brand shrugged, sitting up properly in his chair.<br/>"I'll do what I can, and offer what I can.  The people of Bowerstone Industrial will do the same.  That's the best anyone can ask."