RML 2010/05/07(Fri)14:28 No. 174683 ID: ab583e
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>>174644
Onward, then! I have approached them, and they behold me with gently belated recognition.

>>174646
You never know when one might need rope. I will have to inquire.

>>174649
I can learn so many more interesting things by talking to them than by watching them! Inquiry is the yolk of knowledge.

"Troki, my friend!" Huml greets have a moment, muting the strings of his bass with his fingers, "You have finally left that study of yours! I only joke, of course. Come sit!"

I have known both of these people since childhood. Jeena has always harbored a quiet demure, so she merely waves at me.

I have so many questions for these two. What should I ask them, and what should I tell them?

Talk about current events. Just catch up, I guess. Ask if anything new's up with Gold Ring.

>>174683
"Yolk of knowledge." Nice metaphor. :B

So I guess you could ask what they're doing out here, if that's not something they usually do?

And I guess you could tell us a little more about them, so we don't tell you to ask blindingly obvious questions. :O

>>174683
Well, general gossip and news would be interesting. They should know stuff, considering they are merchants.
Also some tips on traveling, do you even have a map? Maybe they can sketch something for you, at least for parts of the way.
Return the favor by telling them stuff from home.

Why, ask them to tell you the tales of their travels! Ask them of the roads, and of the peoples they met in this glorious new age! Surely they have seen a great many sights they would wish to share with an old friend. huh, maybe this place isn't so terrible after all

>>174693
oh well now you've done it

Also, are there some kinda smoke columns behind you?
Seems suspicious.

>>174693
>>174695
You guys are acting like something horrible is going to happen to Troki. This is entirely unfounded.
After all, it is a new golden age of Vilous.

>>174683
Be sure you hug your friends, as it has been a while since you've seen them.

.....
You de realise there is smoke rising behid you, right?

RML 2010/05/07(Fri)15:47 No. 174706 ID: ab583e
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[[Out of quest: A reasonably accurate map is in the works, readers. Thank you for your patience!]]

>>174689
Huml:
"We only have traveled as far south as Raminklat, but we did meet a couple of spice merchants on their way to the north coast. They said that the market is finally beginning to strengthen after so long. I saw the city once as a child, and it took my breath away. I never speak to anyone who has been without hearing of its spectacle."

>>174692
Huml:
"Do not take the directed route to Gold Ring. Go due south along the mountains, then turn southeast. That way, you will have to cross the least desert."

>>174702
I see the smoke columns. Pretty, aren't they? The harvest has recently begun, so Rou has put out its fires for an early bedtime.

I decided, then, to ask them if they had anything to trade. Huml replied:

"Yes, my friend. Jeena and I bear the surplus of our dealings in Raminklat. Would you like to see?"

>Would you like to see?
Sure why not.
The longer route with less desert seems like a good idea. You're not in a hurry, are you?
Ask em about anything interesting to see on the route.

Man, that dude's got a beehive hairdo going on.

Sure, let's take a look, if they think it's that interesting.

>>174706
You're a scholar, aren't you? Would be a shame to waste such an opportunity to see a bit of the world.
Ask them if there are any other interesting locations along the way. Nobody said you had to get to Gold Ring as soon as possible, right?

Beside that, let us see their wares!

After the trading you have to whip out that lute you brought and jam.

>>174706
Jeena's giving you a pretty fangly smile, there. I didn't think you guys had teeth..

Also, though this is probably something that's usually tailor-made, but: I can't help but notice you have no gloves. Your hands look a bit on the slender side, very feminine.

RML 2010/05/07(Fri)22:19 No. 174861 ID: ab583e
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>>174713
Yes, Huml's hair has always been rather striking.

>>174734
Nevrean women have teeth. My wife has a lovely set of teeth, and boy does she know how to use them... ehem. Onto the wares:

A. Bolts of cloth
B. Bobbins
C. Various colored dyes
D. Fabric shears
E. Measuring tape
F. Green aprons
G. Tiny hats
H. Twine
I. Tanned leather
J. Gardening gloves

>>174734
I am not sure that I will need gloves. I prefer to work with the intimacy of my hands, and gloves tend to impede that.

>>174714
I am all for discovering the curiosities of this great land, but I am not sure how many places there are to replenish my supply of water in the open desert. I will have to think it over. Until then, I will stick to the mountains.

RML 2010/05/07(Fri)22:19 No. 174862 ID: ab583e
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>>174727

>>174862
haha you guys are awesome.

 

>>174864
on a related note, this is a good approximation of what I mentally constructed upon seeing that image :B

>>174867
Dude, you have a strange mind.

Twine is always useful.

Twine is useful.
The bobbins comes with a needles?
That would be also useful. Fixing clothes, fishing, desperately trying to sew your leg back on, cause a Sergal ripped it of and beat you with it for fun.
If it's early enough you should probably go on with your travel, if it's already rest-time you should stay with your friends,

Oh my god are those bagpipes

Top marks. Seriously.

RML 2010/05/08(Sat)09:49 No. 175010 ID: ab583e
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>>174893
>>174974
My friend has waved away my barterings with a chuckle, and given me a small roll of twine, and a half-expended bobbin free of charge. I hope that I shall find use for these gracious gifts in time!

Day 1, entry 3:
Huml and Jeena have allowed me to sleep next to their fire pit for the night, however they warned that they will be gone at an early hour, and that I might miss them when I awake. At that, I have thanked them profusely for their hospitality and good company.

With a yawn, I tuck myself in, and exile into the shimmering and mysterious frontier of my dreams.

>>175010
Whatever you do, don't dream about Akani's Field.

>>175010
Good night!

dream about your wife.

Or a cure for your swiss cheese tail.

Have a nice prophetic dream about the wonderful things to come, getting basted and eaten

RML 2010/05/08(Sat)10:35 No. 175019 ID: ab583e
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>>175013
Good night!

>>175014
Oh, I think about my love every night and day as it is.

>>175016
I do not know what "swiss" means.

Day 2, entry 1:
I awoke to find Jeena and Huml departed toward Rou. I hope that they farewell, and pray that I might see them again someday. Donning my backpack, storing away my newly acquired TWINE and BOBBIN, and taking up my walking stick and turban, I have continued along the trail.

It was not long before I came upon the convergence of the trail and the main trade road. This is where Jeena and Huml turned from on their way to Rou. This road runs along the river, it seems, and I am sure to make a stop in Raminklat. There will be plenty of water for me to drink.

>>175019
Check under the bridge for trolls.

Raminklat sounds good, keep an eye open for other travelers.

>and pray that I might see them again
Pray to anyone in particular?

RML 2010/05/08(Sat)13:43 No. 175099 ID: ab583e
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>>175039
I shall make a prolonged stop in Raminklat, of course! I hear that it is a lovely place to stay, and I can take water and food.

>>175075
Why, yes. I pray by the hour to that which governs all that was and shall be. I speak, of course, of Fortune. Oh, fortune! Like the moon, it is ever waning and ever waxing. It sports no deity's countenance, but is always o're one's shoulder.

Day 2, entry 2:
I have felt a resonance about my entire structure from the very moment that my foot made congress with the rocky trade road. What a marvelous thrill! I have taken the soft and exotic hand of this canvas of a world, and proceeded by my own graces to learn what there is to be, and to meet the most astounding people who ever lived.

Wonderful land, commendable day. The sun is warm this morning, and I have upon my back the furnishings to this wide-open home. I am but one of the tiny lives who rules this world with the rest.

Fortune smiles upon this zealous scholar, today and always, as the sins of history are brought to fruitious reconciliation. Gold Ring, in her delicate and resting beauty, awaits my integration.

Whistle a jaunty tune.
Nothing bad could possible happen on a day like this, to a tasty bird like you.

Don't your legs hurt carrying all that weight?

Keep on Truckin', Troki.

Truly this is a marvelous adventure you find yourself on!

RML 2010/05/08(Sat)14:40 No. 175118 ID: ab583e
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Alright, thank you to my readers and critics! I am going to take a break from updating for a short while, but stay tuned for more of Troki's fortunate fortune.

>>175118
Now it's even more swiss cheese tail...

Here's to hoping nothing terrible will happen.

>>175176
It's like Bizzaro-world Hatchquest, almost.

RML 2010/05/08(Sat)22:46 No. 175316 ID: ab583e
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I have come upon the division of the trade road. The passage to the left points directly toward Gold Ring, and the desert that separates me from it. Huml recommended that I stay the course, and take the more secure passage to the right.

I wonder whether a true scholar, that is to say, one who learns from his own experiences in the world, would take such caution. Should I take the safest route, or should I cast myself upon Fortune's cutting board, and brave the desert?

>>175316
Throw caution to the wind, and do something unexpected!

And go left, on the off chance that wasn't obvious!

A true scholar recognizes the virtues of both paths. Stay true to your friend.

Excitement's one thing. Dessication is another. Go right.

Surely your talents are applicable anywhere, not simply within the city of Gold Ring. Why cut short your journey, when there is are so many paths left to tread and something to be learned on each?

Rightward, my friend! I, um, don't really have anything to spoiler this time.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

>>175316
Go right!

What's the point of learning if you don't apply your knowledge? The right path is the correct one. Exploring the desert can wait for when we're prepared for it.

RML 2010/05/09(Sun)01:43 No. 175389 ID: ab583e
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>>175325
>>175338
>>175324
>>175368
Hear, hear! Truer words have scarcely been spoken. How could I have forgotten the simple law that there is something to be learned from everything? Everywhere there is new knowledge, even amidst those things with which we become most familiar. Such unscholarly philosophy can not possibly be indoctrinated into my being, so I would choke that near-miss to a rare lapse in judgment. Had I needed a lesson in being broiled alive, though, perhaps the left path would have been the correct passage. Ha!
In the interest of my own faith in my good friend's advice, and of course my own well-being, I shall make the WISER choice. Risks are made to be weighed, not to be taken blindly.

>>175346
Whether I end up sun-burned or frost-bitten along my travels, I will always be glad to have chosen that which is most sensible.

>a lesson in being broiled alive
You still have a long wonderful voyage in front of you, so don't fret.

>>175389
Very well then. Let's get going, shall we?

...Sometimes you really can anticipate everything you would be learning from an experience. Being broiled alive is probably one of the things it applies to.

A truly sensible choice! What could possibly go wrong?

RML 2010/05/10(Mon)22:34 No. 176030 ID: ab583e
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Day 2, entry 3:

The right path has led me down a calm and rather quaint road. I can see the rows in the path made by wagon wheels, however I have not yet come across any merchants. There is not yet been a fellow traveler since I met with Jeena and Huml.

Still, my legs do not yet tire. I have never before ventured this far from Rou, so it has come as somewhat of a surprised that the woods grow thick here.

It is a bit darker than I would have thought.

Still no traders. Is it common for the mind to convince itself to hear sounds? The whisper of the wind in the trees bears and unsettling sentience, and I feel an unfounded sting of surveillance upon me. The day is still light, yet the humid haze of woodland and the ambiguous mesh of mundane colors bids the sensation of walking into a living void.

I would sit beside myself for company at this time, or at least some assurance of security to blanket this helpless chill that I feel.

Well, there is no turning back here. I must remain single-minded.

Hooded figure at four o clock. Call out to them.

Hey, I don't mean to worry you or anything, but you might want to look behind you.

>>176030
Hey, who's that?

RML 2010/05/10(Mon)22:56 No. 176044 ID: ab583e
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>>176032
>>176033

What? WHAT?!

Please do not speak lightly of such illusion. Where did you see a figure? I do not see anything!

"Hail! Make yourself seen!" I cried out to the obscuring foliage. I waited a moment, my legs growing antsy. No one offered any reply. I felt a tension at my every blind side. I think that it is time for a jog!

What should I do?

>>176044
Run like a feathery bitch.

Quick! After him!

...when that doesn't work, continue down the path and hope nothing bad happens.

>>176044
I guess you could tentatively check over there, but I doubt you're going to find anything. :V

>>176044
Perhaps it would be better to go through the desert.

>>176044
run away flapping your arms while squawking

>>176044
Remember that even though the Great Evil is gone... there are Lesser Evils that will always exist.

And perhaps they will try to fill the place of the Great Evil. Also with the route you are taking there may those who wish to waylay travelers. Do keep your eyes open for those who may seek to steal your goods at best... your life at worse

Take out your knife, but not at the expense of not paying attention to your surroundings.

>>176783
>>176044
Your mysterious observer may simply be taking your measure. Pulling a knife may leave a bad impression, and imply readiness for a fight you have no desire to actually take part in.
Continue on your way. Be ready to ditch your pack and run. Your life is more important than anything material you have, even if they could be missed dearly.
Maybe pull out your lute and play it a little. Distract yourself and appear even less threatening.

RML 2010/05/21(Fri)21:02 No. 181075 ID: ab583e
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>>176048
I will certainly pick up my pace! Hup hup hup!

>>176782
That is utterly fallacious! No one who has seen or heard of the atrocities of the past could ever thank themselves to repeat them. Still, it is quite dark... oh, if only I was alone. If only I was alone!

>>176811
These are the fruits born of an able headpiece! Sweet-sired thoughts so dear to my heart! I had best not be so hasty to regard my living fellows with ill prejudice. They may simply be curious, and this is something to which I can unfalt'ringly drink.
I'll keep brisk my pace. These legs are narrow but they carry my litter with giving fealty.

>Distract yourself and appear even less threatening.

If only I could possibly appear less threatening. I modestly admit to a BARELY DETECTABLE degree of daintiness.

Each breath was a feat of its own. As the dim forrest flew by me, I heard undeniable rustling about my flanks and my timid heart responded with due accord.

Please refrain from suggesting until another spoiler tag signifies the end of this cutscene. Thanks!

RML 2010/05/21(Fri)21:15 No. 181080 ID: ab583e
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Day 2, entry 4 (unwritten):

Fortune, again your wheel flounders, and again its spinèd cursor points to Troki! Oh fear, fear! It strips me of scholarly thought. What are these star-eyed monsters?

Three of them encroached upon me as I jabbed my feet to the graveled road to halt myself.

"Stop running, bird!" It was a male voice which reverberated flippantly from the tree stalks behind me. I froze, and my stance at once weakened. I relied on my walking stick to be composed. "Why are you out alone?"

I could not think to speak until he demanded again with greater harshness. Then, I replied, "I am traveling to Gold Ring."

RML 2010/05/21(Fri)21:26 No. 181088 ID: ab583e
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"No you're not," he replied at once. I wondered who he was to state my business, but I dared not argue. "I will not see another life lost between here and Raminklat."

A thought came to me immediately. Huml and Jeena has just come from Raminklat! What danger could this strange possibly have been referring to? My tangent was cut short as he brought his hands to his cheeks and unveiled his face.

"We've been watching this stretch. You are the first person to come through in two weeks or more. Those before then were all taken or killed." The speaker was a fair Talyxian, though his cohorts remained obscured. My knees rattled at his deathly suggestion, my head swimming with anxious inquiry.

"What of a young Nevrean woman and husband?" The words slipped from my beak, and the Talyxians gaze, even in the bitter shade of trees, narrowed.

"We saw no one of that description. Come with us, bird, or you'll be killed on this stretch. Take this grace, or you'd be a damned fool."

Cutscene ends.

>>181088
Say yes, but ask further on what the nature of the danger is.

If they wanted to kill you they wouldn't bother to lie to you about it first.

>>181089
yes, that have you out-numbered they could of easily killed you if they had wanted to, since they have not they must not mean you harm.

>>181075
History has shown that to be wrong. Akani's Field itself is proof that there is STILL Darkness in this world. Perhaps this time it won't be made manifest in such an obvious vessel as a Sergal.

For all you know... the next Great Evil could be of your kind.

Ask how they knew the others were killed, unless they saw it themselves, in which case, why did they only watch?

>>181093
New mission, we're turning Troki into the next Great Evil.

>>181088
Why should we trust someone that has golden eyes like the great evil?

>>181088

...Did your friend totally sell you out?

>>181088
Follow them. They seem to know some interesting stuff that would be good to know and maybe worth to write down for future generations.

>>181088
Never trust a smiling Talyxian.

>>181088

Are these Talyxian the same as some other Talyxian we might know? Very warlike and rather mean generally? What do we know about this race?

>>181339
They're supposed to be quite nice. Shadran was just a rare exception.

>>181341

GUD!

Troki 2010/06/19(Sat)20:38 No. 196065 ID: ab583e
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Day 2, entry 5

They led me farther from the trade road than I ever would have willingly ventured. It was a mystery how they were able to keep their bearings. These woods may as well be endless. What could anyone be hiding from? Privacy is a boundless commodity, perhaps, but their shifting eyes and intent gaits further puzzled me.

What did Huml and Jeena forebear to inform me of? Did he lie to me? It is a nightmare to my nature to raise a dozen questions while answering none.

A scholar learns nothing in the comforts of his own mind alone, but... dare I raise my voice to accost these strange people?

No. They're not talking for a reason, just go with them until they start.

Troki 2010/06/19(Sat)21:18 No. 196085 ID: ab583e
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We've come to the white cliffs at the edge of the forest. Behind these steep clefts sprawl the foothills and the mountains. It would be a feat to pass them.


>>181339
There were few Talyxians in Rou. There were two families in residence, and a number of traders. I never did get out of my study during the market seasons. It was a frightfully busy time for me. For some reason which I never did fully grasp, my wife did not show me in public. She would leave for work and keep me at home to my work.

Sometimes I regret my many missed opportunities to have mingled with Talyxians. I am sure that there are many fine friends to be made among them.

>>181093
Well, it is a testament to shameful ignorance and hatred, but those were the days of the war. Rou is no longer a military outpost. We were once blind as citizens of the world, but now at last we can see.

>>181110
What is this...? I don't even...

Troki 2010/06/19(Sat)21:41 No. 196109 ID: ab583e
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There seemed to be a gate here, obscured in one of the numerous cave mouths along the cliff side. There is a dim light shining through. It looks ancient - ruinous even.

I followed the three people inside, watching the jagged cave walls turn to smooth stone. This is remarkable! Who would believe me to hear that there is a pass through the cliffs right under our noses? Who constructed it, and for what purpose, I still wonder. My curiosity seems tainted, still, by the thought that I may have been betrayed.

Troki 2010/06/19(Sat)21:51 No. 196118 ID: ab583e
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The unveiled Talyxian's voice shook me from my furrowed stupor.

"I find that it would be very shortsighted of my to simply trust you. I am not taking you into our quarters without conditions. If you did not look so much like a pilgrim who had no idea what he was doing, I would have you under arms right now."

His great boots clacked against the masonry. What peculiar feet these Talyxians had.

He continued, "The people that you saw must not have come through the woods. They are as dangerous as we have ever seen them. There have always been bandits, but there is something different. They have been organizing themselves over months. Congregating. Training. We had the mind to match them."

He looked back at me with those glowing, yellow eyes.

"It has been spoken to us that these woodlands would give birth to a great evil. I ask to give your fealty to us right now. Not to your home, not to Clan Shigu, and not to anyone else who hands you a tear of bread. To me, and to us."

>>196118
Consider this an opportunity to learn something of great importance. Still, see how much you can learn from them before you declare loyalty to a group you know next to nothing about. Voice your concerns.

>>196118
Tell him that you're a scholar. And your only loyalty lie with the scholary pursuits. To learn more of the world and its history. And as a scholar your place is to observe and record, not to affect the course of actions or even pass judgement on the actions of others.

Rule 1: Never agree to anything without knowing what it entails. Say that that is a -lot- to ask of someone who doesn't know anything about their motives or what they're even doing.

>>196118
I think you should probably agree to the terms.

>>196118
The Great Evil would use such tactics. Force those to serve them out of ignorance and fear. Take the sudden offer of alliance without being told why as being quite suspicious.

>>196118

"I don't even know who you ARE."

Tell him you don't even know who he is. Say that an oath made under duress doesn't typically count anyway.

Troki 2010/06/20(Sun)12:47 No. 196333 ID: ab583e
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>>196233
>>196149
>>196192
>>196302

I drew a breath as to bring my numb and befuddled limbs to rest, then coughed. "I... I am afraid that I cannot bring myself to pledge allegiance to your cause if I do not know what it is. I do not know even who you are. I do not mean to be disrespect-"

He remained silent. This was, perhaps, more daunting than any response that he could possibly have voiced.

>>196183

I decided to speak for my cause, "I am a scholar, you see... I mean to make my home in Gold Ring to extend my teachings to the students there. It is not my intention to become involved in any matters aside from that. I am merely an observer and a scribe."


There was a light at the end of this lengthy tunnel. I could see it as if a pin had breached the dullness. The Talyxian responded with such severity that even the other two, who had since removed their own hoods, recoiled in trained submission, "You are a scholar? Is that what you call yourself? You are an ignoramus. You cannot simply expect people to afford you the luxury of choice. If you want a choice, then you must have power. You are lucky that I am offering you help, so I will say this only one more time," he raised his voice again, "You would be damned and a fool to turn away this mercy."

He looked over his shoulder once again, seeming to recognize that I was trembling in fright by then. "You are weak like a child. I understand that you are fearful and confused. Just keep your beak shut, and things will be explained to you."

>>196333
Wait for the explination. Take notes.

>>196333
Stay silent, be reassured by whatever happens next, then agree.

Resist the urge to remind him that adult nevreans are like this, not just children.

>>196333

"You need to lighten up."

He is kinda rude don't ya think, anyhow just listen for now but don't get pushed into anything, remember you are light that shall bring knowledge to the Gold-ring so just stay calm.

"You do realize that finding random people and threatening them with harm unless they join you isnt a very good recruitment strategy. Unless you want everyone to hate you. Including me."