[Burichan] [Futaba] [Nice] [Pony]  -  [WT]  [Home] [Manage]
In memory of Flyin' Black Jackson
[Catalog View] :: [Quest Archive] :: [Rules] :: [Quests] :: [Discussions] :: [Wiki]

[Return] [Entire Thread] [Last 50 posts] [Last 100 posts]
Posting mode: Reply
Name (optional)
Email (optional, will be displayed)
Subject    (optional, usually best left blank)
Message
File []
Password  (for deleting posts, automatically generated)
  • How to format text
  • Supported file types are: GIF, JPG, PNG
  • Maximum file size allowed is 10000 KB.
  • Images greater than 250x250 pixels will be thumbnailed.

File 150829585877.png - (463.24KB , 1200x1000 , 85.png )
837514 No. 837514 ID: bfb318

Today's the 4th day since I became the chief of what must be the shittiest, most indefensible camp I've ever named Storm Hold.

Matron kicked me out of my own damn tent and told me to at least pretend I was managing things, so now I'm sitting under this rock in the shade and pretending. It's not all lazing about. Leaf and I spent of yesterday properly checking everyone and gauging people's ability to kick other people's asses. Oakroot and Hilt were Wind's best fighters, which is a damn shame. Oakroot's a dumbass, and Hilt is a soft dumbass.

Matron said I should write down a full list of gnolls, with a rough idea on their skill levels. That means I have to find a gnoll that can be assed to do that. All I know is that we got about 50 gnolls after all, counted up after our raid on Blacktorch. Not counting the kids, cause kids don't count.

In better news, a crap sword was just finished for me. I'd call it plain and boring, but like starvation and food, it looks good to me. Like a metal stick with a carved edge. Considering how fast it was made, I ain't complaining. Even has a sheath!

Leaf comes up to me.

>"Hey, boss. Some of our scouts got back this morning. I drew an updated map for us."
Expand all images
>>
No. 837515 ID: bfb318
File 150829587866.png - (302.32KB , 800x800 , 86.png )
837515

>"Can you read it alright?"
"It says we need a cartographer, right?"
>"Yeh."
"Then it's your finest work yet."
>"Thank."

Leaf runs me through the main gnoll clans.

Mountain Gnolls. They stay hidden, and probably move around a bunch. There's a lot of trade routes up there, so it's a good marauding spot. I hear they have that cartographer we need, and someone good with tactics.
Willow Whisperers. They'll hit anyone and anything in the entire forest. No other gnoll clan will occupy as much of a range as these guys do, so they're not even drawn in on the map. They're kind of legends, and some gnolls don't even think they exist. I'd say it was some bullshit myth too, cept that Leaf says he knows some guys in this one.
Plainskeepers. Only gnoll clan I know of in the plains past the forest. It's human territory, and they'll throw a lot of themselves at gnolls that get up that far. So either the plainskeepers are damn strong, damn sneaky, or already dead by the time Leaf made this report.
Chainlink's Clan. Hangs out near the edge of the forest. Chainlink's apparently the guy that wants to make the alliance between these four. Dunno why. Apparently they've got full on walls and forest traps and everything. Must be nice.

Or I can just not give a shit about them. Plenty of other clans around, and talented gnolls can't be that rare.
>>
No. 837519 ID: 3ce125

If Chainlink wants an alliance, why don't we go see what his terms are? An ally, even a temporary one, would make things a lot safer for us.

Also go find a gnoll who can be assed to survey the other gnolls.
>>
No. 837520 ID: bb78f2

>>837515
Honestly, the order you listed them in sounds like the perfect order to take them.
We need a cartographer to master tactics, better rangemen, and better, smarter meat. Then we need to destabilize the alliance before it finalizes.

We'll need better tactics to even manage getting better other things or we'll be trying to get lucky every time. Also the carts and tactics move a bunch so the time to strike is when Leaf's info is the most current.
>>
No. 837522 ID: 3abd97

How many camps have you named Storm Hold, now.

>Or I can just not give a shit about them. Plenty of other clans around, and talented gnolls can't be that rare.
There are gnolls everywhere, looks like. If you wait around some will probably fall out of the sky. There are sky gnolls, right?
>>
No. 837524 ID: 33b7e7

First things first, you want to make your own place defensible. For that, you need carpenters, right? Well, that seaside clan probably has boats. I mean what's the point of living beside the sea if you don't have boats? Are you gonna dive for shellfish or something? That doesn't seem like a gnoll way of living, but hunting larger fish or engaging in a bit of piracy or water raiding does. So they'd know how to carve wood and make it stick together with other wood, right?

That unknown clan on that "island" between the two rivers is another contender in that department, but they look like they have more of a terrain advantage.
>>
No. 837525 ID: c2051e

>>837519
He was specifically allying against us, as far as I recall.
>>
No. 837535 ID: 3ce125

>>837525
Oh, nevermind then.

Yeah let's hit the mountain gnolls next.
>>
No. 837537 ID: 91ee5f

>>837535
Which mountain gnolls? The ones all the way at the top of the map or the ones directly above us at Mount Something?

Either way, I was kinda thinking we make an alliance with a closer clan or conquer them and pull them into our ranks. For example, Blacktorch is pretty close to us and then there's also an Unknown Clan that kinda the same distance. Maybe we could team up with one of them? Or take them over?
>>
No. 837538 ID: 91ee5f

>>837537
that's kinda the same distance.
>>
No. 837542 ID: 3ce125

>>837537
Maybe you should ask Clamp that question instead of ME?
>>
No. 837546 ID: 19afca

Can't let them ally against us. We need to take out at least one clan while it's still isolated, and if possible spy on another to find out who's negotiating and where. Sabotage the negotiations.
>>
No. 837549 ID: 91ee5f

>>837542
I'm asking you instead of Clamp because you're the one that suggested it.

Besides, if I wanted to ask Clamp something, I'd ask him in the BTE thread.
>>
No. 837558 ID: 15e4a1

Don't give a shit about any of the main clans though keep an eye on Chainlink, incase he ever somehow manages to do it we should probably have a plan. Even if the idea itself is far-fetched. Maybe send out scouts to check the Unknown Clan in-between the rivers.
>>
No. 837565 ID: 3ce125

>>837549
Gee maybe I meant the one Clamp specifically mentioned in the list then?
>>
No. 837595 ID: 27600a

>>837515
Well, shit.
Ideally we'd like to nab that cartographer and maybe tactician from the mountain gnolls.
Doesn't help that they are some of the furthest gnolls from you and a nightmare to find besides, any actions on them will be a bloody undertaking.

Getting in contact with the Willow Whisperers might be a good first step. Consult Leaf about the viability of this idea but if you can approach and get in good with them it should be helpful for getting a better idea of what's going on in the area. Not having to worry about phantom ambushes would be nice too.

Also would the area south of the death pit be good for expansion? having the rivers as a natural barrier for the territory seems like a decent idea.
>>
No. 837629 ID: c88e6d

>>837515
An alliance risks assimilation of our tiny, incredibly shitty clan. Trade agreements would be better but we have absolutely nothing to trade.

...Did we steal a good blacksmith yet? We really need a metallurgist.

And how is work on the fortification going?
>>
No. 837780 ID: 1e7aa8

Ask leaf if there's any defensible terrain to the east or south of us. Fuck this place if we get raided, particularly if they've got competent archer-gnolls
>>
No. 837781 ID: bfb318
File 150837711970.png - (172.13KB , 1000x800 , 87.png )
837781

>There are gnolls everywhere
We are in the gnoll heartlands. Not many other races right around the local area, cause who'd want to live here?

>Did we steal a good blacksmith/metallurgist yet?
Yeah. Got him from Blacktorch.

>Also would the area south of the death pit be good for expansion?
Probably. The camp's already pretty roomy though. Too early to think about that.

"Which mountains are the mountain gnolls in?"
>"The mountains, boss."
"Yeah well, what the hell is 'mount... something'? Am I reading that right? Something?"
>"Just a single mountain. That's where the Mount Something gnolls are. Mountain gnolls are in the mountain range northwest."
"And what the hell are the Mount 'Something' gnolls?"
>"The gnolls around Mount Something. It's more of a hill."
"..."
>"The gnolls of Mount Something are a cautionary tale about giving yourself a name that's hard to pronounce or remember."
"Well I already forgot 'em. How much of a threat is this 4-way alliance to us anyway?"
>"Pretty bad if they really want to try and take us. Course, them wanting to stand up against us might be a big misunderstanding, but Wind wanted to expand, you took over Wind's spot, now they probably think you want to expand and go marauding the countryside."
"Yeah, well what if I'm happy to just sit here?"
>"Well, boss, since we raided Blacktorch the day after you became chief. I don't think you're going to convince many people of that."
"Yeah because... egh, forget it. Whatever, let's get rid of this alliance if they won't let us be. 'Cept, the only clan in there that stands still is fortified and crap. What about the mountain gnolls?"
>"We'd need to send scouts to get a pattern and try to figure out where they move. They've got home turf advantage, I don't think many of us have a lot of experience with mountains."
"How about getting in contact with the Willows?"
>"Send out a bait team to get attacked, and try to talk to them when they attack."
"That's dumb. How's Chainlink making an alliance with people like that?"
>"He probably did what I said."
"So this alliance is made up of clans that are a pain in the ass to deal with. Mountains, mythical, fortified, and those ones hanging out in human lands."
>"That's probably why Chainlink chose those gnoll clans. If he chose Mount Something, we could just kick their butts and scare off others from joining an alliance."
>>
No. 837785 ID: bfb318
File 150837753427.png - (289.85KB , 1200x800 , 88.png )
837785

I walk with Leaf to check out how fortifications are going. Damn slow, but there's at least some visual sign that they exist. Gates at the exit look like people fiddling around with sticks. The walls at the top of the cliff won't defend against a proper raid, but they will make it a lot tougher for scouts to take pot shots down at us without being seen.

"Send some scouts to check out the mountain pass. If we're going to hit any of those 4 first, it'll be them. But there's two big things I wanna know. Who the good gnolls we've got to capture are like the cartographer and tactician, and what Chainlink's thinking making an alliance. And that nearby unknown clan. Also, that seaside clan! I bet they make boats, which means they know how to make wood stick together! Shit, I'm already picking fights. I better not have to make alliances next."
>"I dunno, boss, you'd should probably ask Matron about that kinda stuff. I just, you know, wander around and tell you what I see. I'll pick out a few scouts and take care of it. Unless you want to individually manage everything."
"Hell no."
>"I'll take care of it, then I'm going to go keep an eye on Blacktorch for a bit. Uh...."
"What?"
>"Nevermind. It's just that a lot of our scouts are also good labor. Did you know that blacksmith we just got is actually a great scout?"
"Don't fuckin' send him out!"
>"I'm not!"
"Good. By the why, while you're out there, check out any camp spots that'll be easier to defend."
>"Why are we fortifying this place if we might move?"
"Look at that shitty fucking wall. All we'd abandon is a damn embarrassment."

Probably won't start getting reports about anything I care about till the end of tomorrow. Which means I've got time to kill.
>>
No. 837793 ID: 3ce125

I can think of a camp spot that's easier to defend. Chainlink's.

>time to kill
Hmm. Survey the gnolls a bit. See how everyone's doing. Maybe help with some heavy lifting.
>>
No. 837798 ID: 4aa2b6

Maybe you could actually trade and become friends with that seaside clan. Use the big alliance as a bogeyman, and your convenient position at their north side. You provide protection on that front, trade them some stuff like raw lumber, some food variety and some of the blacksmith's stuff, and they give you finished wood products and some of the fruits of their raiding or whatever, and mobility along the coast.

You should capitalize on this blacksmith you have. You basically have a mine, right? Wasn't that what the caves were for? Check that out. And make sure that bad blacksmith you had before is now learning from the good blacksmith. Get some kids in there as well. Try to spread skills around, that way the loss of one person won't hurt you so much and you'll be able to produce more goods faster.
>>
No. 837802 ID: 3ce125

>>837798
>friends with seaside clan
Yeah, maybe. ...heck, another plan could be to start attempting diplomacy with ALL the gnoll tribes that Chainlink isn't targeting.
>>
No. 837803 ID: c88e6d

Perhaps we should head north, kick Mount Something Clan's ass and then... fuck.

Okay screw it, let's fortify, get the blacksmith working on our garbage iron to make it into less garbage weapons, and send out Leaf to find us some tunnels or something that are actually worth fortifying. I am kinda suspecting that there are no good campsites in this region that aren't taken.

Why the hell are there so many damn gnolls in this region? Who are they even raiding? Someone has to be producing something of value! Are we sure there's not a really lame tribe of gnolls whose ass we can easily ki- Oh, that already happened. And we got Death Pit. Dammit.
>>
No. 837804 ID: 4aa2b6

If you have spare time, maybe you could even try pick up some blacksmithing skill yourself. It's be handy to you to at least hone your skill at telling a good weapon from a bad one, right? Maybe learn how to do small repairs and such yourself? You're a big guy, blacksmithing is a nice powerful, impressive profession. Plus it'll really bring up people's loyalty and respect for you if you're leading them to victory AND making shit they like. People respect blacksmiths.
>>
No. 837808 ID: 3abd97

>Which means I've got time to kill.
Talking to Matron about planning shit is probably smart. She knows the local clans and area a lot better than you do, and she's one of the smarter gnolls here.
>>
No. 837810 ID: 91ee5f

>>837808
>she's one of the smarter gnolls here.
That or she's without a doubt the smartest gnoll here. Which wouldn't be all that surprising to be honest.
>>
No. 837813 ID: 8d4593

Hmm... Mount something is a very defensible position... and a perfect staging point to assault chainlink... but we'd need carpenters and masons to fortify it.

Any way. Go speak with Matron. Get info on the seasides. See how things are comin along, how she's doin. And maybe bust a nut.
>>
No. 837950 ID: 1e7aa8

Talk to Matron, get as much info as possible on the nearby clans.

Waster hasn't gotten full of herself yet, has she?
>>
No. 838167 ID: 830fb7

>>837785
You could always see how good the blacksmith truly is by telling him to make the best version of your sword he can and then tell him what you think he could improve on once its finished (this both gets you a very good quality sword to use and tells you how good of weaponry he can make).
>>
No. 838169 ID: bfb318
File 150846969509.png - (304.79KB , 1000x800 , 89.png )
838169

"You know what place does sound defensible? Chainlink's place." I tell Leaf.
>"Heh. Yeah. Can never tell if you're serious."
"Wasn't at first, but the idea is growing on me fast. Shit, maybe I'm onto something. Something like... Mount Something. I bet that's a good defending point."

>Someone has to be producing something of value!
Humans. Dwarves. Maybe elves or somethin', I dunno. They make good shit. Then gnolls on the outskirts will raid 'em for that stuff. Then gnolls on the inland will raid those outskirt gnolls for that stuff. It all trickles down. We're in 'gnolls raiding gnolls' territory.

It ain't like gnolls can't make good shit. But just who are those gnolls that make good shit? Their name is Blacktorch and they get their asses kicked and raided. Shit, that means I'm next if I keep this up. But I've gotta keep it up or I'll get raided for being too weak. Now there's the circle of gnoll life.

>Waster hasn't gotten full of herself yet, has she?
Haven't seen her today.

>Test the blacksmith's skill by making a good sword for yourself
I am. It's going to take a couple of weeks, he said. The sword I'm given here was just to so I had somethin.

Leaf and I split up. Think I'll visit the blacksmith to learn a few things from 'im today, but first I go visit Matron.

She's out in the clearing where kids get all over the place. She still shoos some kids away. Fuck's sake, that one's holding the sword all wrong. The other's wielding one like a stick. Matron gives me a silent, judgemental eye that I'm starting to know too damn well.

"I ain't psychic, woman, tell me what you want!"
>"To know what brought you back to the tent before dinner."
"To learn when the hell being Chief meant dealing with politics and enemy alliances more than realigning snouts!"

She laughs. Dunno what's so funny, but it's better than judgement. I still get the eye of judgement from Shabin. Probably just her face now.

>"So just kick everyone's butts, geez, why're you worried what others think?" Shabin gives the best advice I've heard all all day.
>"Shabin, remember when you hit Lancer?"
>"His buddies ganged up on me!"
>"And it didn't go well for you, so learn your lesson. Clamp, you've inherited a clan that doesn't suit you well, but we need you to remain Chief since the only person this clan did suit was Wind himself. He made us look unassuming and not worth attacking as a target, not just because of our numbers, but because there wasn't much point. You, on the other hand, are making it look like we're worth raiding."
"How?"
>"By making this camp look important enough to build a wall around it. It suits you, more, but because you lack Wind's subtlety, you have to go to the extremes that you can manage. Make us look like we're not worth attacking as a target because we're too overwhelmingly difficult and strong to attack, despite whatever valuables we have. So I recommend you focus on making our gnolls strong in a fight. Make our walls look like a castle. Respond to attacks disproportionately. If you like the sound of that, I can give you some ideas. If you just want to laze about and have people leave you alone, then not even the gods themselves could help."
>>
No. 838170 ID: 3ce125

>>838169
That does sound good. Defending this place like a castle, I mean.
>>
No. 838171 ID: c88e6d

>>838169
Okay! Time for actual work.

Clamp! Train those kids to use weapons. Train more of everyone to fight too, you're the best fighting.

Set any scouts not out scouting to working on traplore with whoever knows traplore.

Now, you need a stake-field to stop charges. Force them to move slowly through the field getting bombarded by rocks, spears and arrows.

Maybe dig some trenches.
>>
No. 838175 ID: 830fb7

>>838169
Get the blacksmith to make a wrist band and get the gem cutter to imbed a crystal in it, give it to the matriarch and give her the title your left hand, Making her an official member of your council. You could set up this title so that when someone is given it they are no longer a person who is able to join in on future battles but takes your place as leader while you are out on your raids, they would also be one of your personal advisors who are able to speak their mind to you on any of your future judgments giving you insight you would otherwise overlook.
>>
No. 838176 ID: 830fb7

>>838175
Actually you still have that emerald don't you, so just get that embedded.
>>
No. 838177 ID: 08d976

I want to say train the kids but honestly it sounds like you need to train the adults first. Just show them how to hold a weapon right and go, you can think of proper lessons later.

Thinking about dwarves reminds me, you need to check what's in the caves. Maybe stuff that can be mined? That'd go well with your blacksmith. At the very least maybe you guys can start hacking some rocks out so you can stack some shitty rock pile walls in front of your shitty wood pile walls. Anyway get a bunch of people to watch the blacksmith work, they can learn and as a bonus they'll be on guard if anyone else tries to steal him off you.
>>
No. 838207 ID: 91ee5f

>>838169
>If you just want to laze about and have people leave you alone, then not even the gods themselves could help.
"Woman, after being stuck in bed for so long, I'm done with lazing about! If I laze about anymore then that, I really will get fat!"

>>838170
Agreed.

>>838177
>train the adults first. Just show them how to hold a weapon right and go, you can think of proper lessons later.
Agreed.
>>
No. 838208 ID: a633c6

Alright then, time to learn these idiots how to fight.
>>
No. 838241 ID: 8111b6

Maybe you could make walls around your walls. And maybe walls around those. Make the place a tough nut to crack. If nothing else, the construction team would learn how to build a fucking wall the hard way, and it would be strength training for any gnolls that are looking sticklike. Combat training is a good idea as well, but those aforementioned sticks need to be able to not snap from a hit.
>>
No. 838247 ID: 830fb7
File 150850010076.jpg - (58.73KB , 159x183 , reinforced palacade.jpg )
838247

An effective way to make crude walls is to cut trees down and to length and imbed them in the ground next to each other to make a palisade. To improve this you can do 2 walls with a small gap between them that you fill with rocks and dirt so that it is hard to destroy. Packing dirt between rocks you stabilize the construction by removing the gaps and adding support. Then you can attach support logs to the outer wood layers as a brace and attach a brace to these logs to add support against being pushed over (if you attach the outer wood layers together you make it a lot more solid in its construction). Using this style of fortification you can handle most things that could possibly do damage to the fort while still keeping it within the ability's of your current crafting force. (demonstration image attached)
>>
No. 838257 ID: 27600a

>>838169
Choose a scrap over a nap any day.
Bad news is that this sorry lot need to improve their ability to kick other people's asses quite a bit before they can even handle proportionate retribution.

Your champion system is a decent incentive. It'll help keep them motivated to not be idiots in the field, but you need more than that.
Do you have anyone from your old crew that could handle training? If there's nobody like that, you can just run practice matches until they learn intuitively.
>>
No. 838285 ID: 65dabf

Hey, i don't know shit about gnolls, how much time it takes for a child to enter adulthood? If it ticks that much that bouth the worriors and the children fight so bad, can't you just train them personally? i mean, is not like you are that busy, right? Besides, it can help to grow more "companionship" between you and your clan, and between them as well.
>>
No. 838518 ID: bfb318
File 150862816003.png - (146.82KB , 800x800 , 90.png )
838518

"I lazed about enough! I like your defense idea, but we need better damn fighters."
>"You had a good idea with making a clan champion.You can expand on that by making sparring tournaments."
".... what's this about a champion?"
>"... how old are you?."
".... shush, woman! I remember now. Champion. That thing. Who won that, anyway?"
>"Hilt."
"Hilt?!"
>".... yes, Hilt. You know what, I'll deal with the weekly champion selection when we aren't raiding. I'll make tournaments that include teamwork, since you know full well that raids aren't just a collection of one on one fights."
"Yeah. I'll start with training adults first along with a couple people in my old clan, since these idiot kids could probably beat 'em up!"

That gets the attention of some child.

>"You think so, right?!"
"No, dumbass! You're holding that sword wrong!"
>"Okay." says Matron. "Next, the wall. We're spending a lot of time hiding our position by cutting down trees far away and having to carry the lumber back. Let's just cut trees around here. If anything, the practice of cutting elsewhere is so common that just as many clans will think that the signs of chopped trees means there's not a camp nearby. I'll look at the wall. I've seen Wind study some constructions, I think I at least know what defenses should look like."
"How about these kids get useful and explore the caves?"
>"You know... the kids aren't so afraid of the caverns. Yes, I think I'll have them pull out rubble in order to help construct the wall."
"Wait, a stone wall?"
>"No, it's... nevermind, you'll see it when it's going up. I'll have the kids dig some trenches, too, and step up a stake field."
"We getting attacked by vampires?"
>"Shut up and beat up some weaklings, Clamp."

>How long does it take for a gnoll kid to grow up?
5 to 8 years. Got rites of passages to mark adulthood more than when they stop growing. I expect I'll have to deal with that at some point now.

>Embed the emerald into a bracelet, give it to Matron making her an official member of your councel
Where'd this posh ass idea come from? We got better things than to make arts and crafts. I don't even have a council.

Eh, then again, it'd look good on her, and make her look important while she takes over as much crap as she is. Why the hell not, some student blacksmith can probably make a bracelet without fucking up, so that the real blacksmith can keep making weapons.
>>
No. 838519 ID: bfb318
File 150862816996.png - (194.08KB , 1000x800 , 91.png )
838519

I walk around the camp looking for gnolls not doing shit. When I find them, I sign them up for a brief lesson in which I tell them to defend themselves and teach them how fast I can beat their asses. Doesn't take long before idle gnolls are hard to find, so I give fighting lessons in which I teach them how damn sucky their attacks are without beating them up.

Later in the evening, I get the blacksmith to gather around a bunch of people to teach them the basics of the craft. Teaching them be a regular thing until more of us could at least make something weaponlike. The more promising gnolls will get drafted in as the blacksmith's apprentices. Gotta admit, he's throwing out a lot of information with just words. I only absorb stuff when he stares at me and says certain things like...

>"And here is were we'd test the right temperature, which would matter more if I didn't have to work out in the open."

At the end of the day, Leaf comes by at the end of the day with a couple early reports.

Blacktorch is looking to retaliate. They can't attack directly, so they plan to kidnap some gnolls we have out on patrol. It'll be a nuisance, but either we can do something right away, or we can wait for them to pull something off, then retaliate back to teach 'em to just let us be.

The unknown camp still doesn't have a name, but there's probably about 14 gnolls in it, holed up on top of a modest cliffside. Doesn't look like they're significant, but also means they might be good raiding practice.

Only thing else I have left to do tonight is dinner.
>>
No. 838520 ID: 0c3362

>>838519
I think your blacksmith is trying to tell you something.
>>
No. 838521 ID: c88e6d

>>838519
Okay, first we need to set up a Retaliation for when our Gnolls are kidnapped. Basically just send some Gnolls on a patrol as bait then ambush the ambush.

As to the small camp, hell, maybe they're refugees or imperiled or something like our clan was before we conquered this clan. Let's try getting them to integrate. Otherwise we can form a non-aggression pact with them while we stomp the absolute crap out of Blacktorch's forces.

If you really want Raiding Practice, wait till we kidnap the force Blacktorch is planning to use to kidnap our patrols, then raid their camp while their forces are depleted.
>>
No. 838523 ID: 91ee5f

>>838518
>"... how old are you?"
Memory problems, Clamp? You must be getting old if you forget things that quickly! XD

>>838519
>"And here is were we'd test the right temperature, which would matter more if I didn't have to work out in the open."
I'm pretty sure he's telling you to give him a blacksmithing hut to work in because it helps him make things better or helps him make things faster or both.

>Dinner
Time to eat!
>>
No. 838527 ID: 3ce125

>>838519
You should probably try to get a basic blacksmith's hut for him.

Any losses we incur from Blacktorch will be reclaimed by retaliation, it's not a big deal.
If there's only 14 gnolls in that clan just go over there and gather them all up with a raiding party. There's room here for them, after all, and you can take everything from their camp that can be carried.
>>
No. 838528 ID: 3abd97

>which would matter more if I didn't have to work out in the open
So you need to either clear out a cave or build a building for the blacksmith to work in.

You sure that blacksmith is a he? Looks more like a flat gal to me. Then again, I see how Matron could have skewed your expectations.

>Blacktorch is looking to retaliate
Set some kind of trap, so when they come after some of your guys, you can come down with that disproportionate retaliation Matron mentioned.

>be good raiding practice
Sure, good thing to do when we have time for it.

>Only thing else I have left to do tonight is dinner.
Right, let's find a big hunk of meat or something. Someone remembered to kill something today, right?
>>
No. 838529 ID: 65dabf

>>838520
DEFINITELY trying to tell you something, and you shuld probably do SOMETHING about it, more sooner than later.
>>
No. 838547 ID: 8d4593

Make a mental note to make a proper smithy a priority after the wall is finished.

Do something about black torch right away.
>>
No. 838654 ID: 19afca

Bait the Blacktorch guys.

Also, yeah the blacksmith probably needs a hut (can't be a cave because needs a chimney) but first confirm with him that it's really what he needs here, because mistakes cost time and resources.
>>
No. 838664 ID: 830fb7

>>838519
>>838527
>>838523
>>838547
Didn't the blacksmith have a place set up in the cave before he died, then the new blacksmith moved it out here ( https://tgchan.org/kusaba/questarch/res/761819.html#766125 ), so can't we just move it back.
>>
No. 838675 ID: 91ee5f

>>838664
It's like >>838654 said, it can't be a cave because needs a chimney.

Also, they moved outta the caves because the crappy blacksmith said it was scary in there. We never even asked the new one if he wanted to go back in there.
>>
No. 838682 ID: bb78f2

>>838519
Couldn't we just kill the blacktorch chief and absorb the clan, like we did with Wind's? Or is that size unmanageable? I forget if they're too well fortified. It sounds like if they don't want a direct attack, they're small and weak enough to be absorbed.

I'd rather nip them in the bud as soon as possible then deal with constant retaliation attacks. Plus if word gets around, when we screw with another clan in the future, they might retaliate less often. Now we'd have to wait for the first or second retaliation attack. The first group being bait, weakest of the lot, then when they come for the second, they'll be our spies in Blacktorch. Then fucking BAM! ABSORBED!
>>
No. 838825 ID: 830fb7

>>838675
Well if it was previously a smithy then the previous blacksmith probably would have set up proper ventilation for his work and for the scary factor your all gnolls man up and face those fears like true hardened badasses.
>>
No. 838826 ID: 91ee5f

>>838825
Actually, if that's true, then do you think the adults are scared because there's a scary whooshing sound that the wind makes when it blows through whatever ventilation the previous smithy had set up?
>>
No. 838858 ID: e67428

>>838682
>Couldn't we just kill the blacktorch chief and absorb the clan, like we did with Wind's?

We asked that last time we dealt with them, they were described as being "real brotherly" and unlikely to accept that tradition.
>>
No. 838875 ID: d36af7

Explain to the blacksmith that getting him on your team was literally the entire reason for that raid. Good swords are important. So, if there's any way the camp's resources can be used to make that work easier... different sort of wood for fuel? Some other place to raid for better quality bar stock? Pulling workers off constructing fortifications to set up an enclosed workspace? Whatever he needs for the job, within reason, you'll make it happen.
>>
No. 839160 ID: bfb318
File 150886537018.png - (247.50KB , 800x800 , 92.png )
839160

>The blacksmith is trying to tell you something
Real subtle how he turns to me and makes eye contact as he says stuff. Not sure if I'm gonna pick up his need for a hut. Probably a he. Might just be the flattest damn girl ever. Whatever.

I tell him he can pull people off of mundane camp duties to build him a hut or whatever. Already raided his clan just to get him, so he can pull resources if it lets him do his job right.

As for Blacktorch itself, I tell Leaf to try to set up some bait and a trap when they try to nab any of us.

>Couldn't we just kill the blacktorch chief and absorb the clan?
Blacktorch doesn't go for the tradition of having the clan follow whoever bested their chief. Even if they did, the problem with big gnoll clans are the formation of subgroups. Cliques. Lesser internal clans, so on. 50 gnolls is already enough for that. Individual gnoll loyalty is easy to keep. Group loyalty is where things get to be a bitch.

If I absorb a whole clan at once, they'd all be one big subgroup. Matron said somethin' about that. Told me that Wind kept that from happening by constantly splitting cliques up across the clan, to use the numbers to the advantage. That stuff takes a lot of paying attention to the clan, so she's taking care of that too.

So I could absorb Blacktorch, probably.

I go off to dinner while I think about it. Once I get my food, I fuck off to my spot to be alone for 5 minutes.

The plan's already falling apart because Hilt is wagging his tail all over my favorite spot.
>>
No. 839161 ID: a363ac

>>839160
so move him.
>>
No. 839163 ID: 3abd97

>>839160
Sounds like maybe you want to build up the loyalty of the gnolls you have before you try to absorb Blacktooth and add a whole new mess of social problems to sort out.

>The plan's already falling apart because Hilt is wagging his tail all over my favorite spot.
Just sit down on top of him like he's not even there.
>>
No. 839166 ID: 0d45a9

Just go find your second favourite spot then?

Look at that cute face, who'd want to disturb that?
>>
No. 839167 ID: 27600a

>>839160
Wait isn't that your champion fellow?
Oh well no need to be a grouch about it, tell him good work but the perks don't include sitting in the chief's favourite spot, so shift.
>>
No. 839202 ID: 3ce125

The champ doesn't get to sit in the chief's seat. Tell him to move his butt. But also talk to him about his deeds. Where'd he pick up his skills?
>>
No. 839245 ID: 33d4be

Sit with him and get to know him. You're bigger enough that your head will still be above him and he'll look appropriately lower than you.
>>
No. 839279 ID: bfb318

Pick him up and place him in a more appropriate spot.
>>
No. 839294 ID: a633c6

Pick him up so you don't have to crane your neck to talk to him, then explain what's bugging you. After you've made yourself understood with him, pinch those adorable cheeks.
>>
No. 839304 ID: c88e6d

>>839160
Okay Clamp, let's be fair. He's probably just an idiot, and he's got his eyes shut like a dumbass while he's enjoying some kinda soup.

Bowls are expensive in resources. Get him to put it down before you give him a lovetap and reclaim your rock.

Unless you're feeling like getting Hilt to like you more. Then just tell him to squeeze over and make room, and ask him how his wounds are doing.
>>
No. 839312 ID: 53895c

Sit beside him! There's enough room for you, encourage your champ clamp!
>>
No. 839682 ID: bfb318
File 150897040144.png - (204.58KB , 800x800 , 93.png )
839682

I pick him up and move him to the side, and sit down at my own spot.

>"Hey, Chief!" he says. All... happy like. Is he ignoring me moving him?

>"How're you doing?"
"....... Fine."
>"Neat! Sorry if I was in your spot, but Matron told me I could sit in the best spot since I'm the clan champion right now. And since you sit here, that made this the best spot!"
"How the hell did you get to be champ again?"
>"By helping people!"
"How the hell does that... right, votes. Fuckin' gamed the system."
>"I just did what I normally do. Oh! Did you hear? That sea clan down south trades with orcs and lizardmen."
"And how the hell do you know that?!"
>"A wanderer showed up to camp earlier. He was kinda spooked since this place is under new management, but I said he could keep coming."
"Wanderer?"
>"Yeah! You know, the gnolls that don't have a clan and just wander around on their own? They're often really knowledgeable since they have to keep track of what places are safe to be in. That's okay, right? You don't mind if lone gnolls pass through?"
>>
No. 839684 ID: c88e6d

>>839682
Sounds like a valuable source of intelligence for Leaf.

...Also this tiny gnoll is kind of adorable and annoying at the same time. I am sure he's called Hilt because of his intimate habits. He's vaguely insubordinate, but he actually is helpful unlike Waster.

....Miiiiight wanna figure out where to steal a chair that's marginally inferior to your rock and dub it the "Champion Spot". This rock is yours.
>>
No. 839686 ID: a2507c

>>839682
As long as they're actually clanless, and they can't spend the night without someone watching them.
>>
No. 839689 ID: 3ce125

>>839682
Holy crap that is an insanely useful source of information and we can use them as spies. ...on the other hand they could also be used as spies against US. Bit of a double edged sword.

I say use them for now, but at some point you're going to want to structure the camp so that some parts are off limits to lone gnolls. Wouldn't want any sensitive information getting out.
>>
No. 839692 ID: 13fded

Hilt is the new "whatever title" of commerce.
Make sure those wanderers behave themselves and are trading something of value beside news.
>>
No. 839701 ID: 91ee5f

>>839692
News is valuable!
>>
No. 839704 ID: 13fded

>>839701
They are, but we can't exchange food and shelter for rumours from random people. Those are not our spies, if one of them bring some important new they gain a payment, other than that the news should be a bonus we pretend is less valuable than it actually to avoid raising their prices.
>>
No. 839706 ID: 8d4593

Hmm.
News is valuable.
Specially since there's not a whole lot here to spy on yet.
Still, their commins and goins should kept track of.

Sea clan sounds...
Friendly.
Thier relationships could be valuable. Too bad we can't just conquer them to gain those.
They sound like excelent candidates for trade partners or Allies.
We will need a diplomat though.

Hmm.
You know this Hilt guy's pretty personable.
He could make a good diplomat if he got training from You (Combat and Clan Direction), Leaf (Spy), and Matron(Etiquette and Minutia).
Such a regimen would be varied and brutally tough, but you'd have a dedicated and reliable voice for the Clan that was unburdened by endless administrative duties, that could be sent off to deal with other clans and people at a moment's notice.

It would strengthen Storm Hold's Legitimacy.
>>
No. 839712 ID: 65dabf

>>839706
This isn't a bad group of ideas actually, especially the alliance part, we can't go around fighting everyone, and Hilt might pull that off, with the proper training. We'll have to make our selfs get known some time, and when that happens, we will need all the resourses avaliable, and this sea clan might have just that. The thing is, what can we give them in return?
>>
No. 839713 ID: a363ac

>>839682
tell him he is too cute he needs to act tougher or the other clans might think we are weak "Show me your war face." (and then watch him fail and act even cuter while trying to be tough)
>>
No. 839714 ID: 65dabf

>>839713
YOU GOT A WAR FACE? AAAAHHHHHH!
THAT'S THE WAR FACE, NOW LET ME SEE YOUR WAR FACE!
>>
No. 839739 ID: 3abd97

>You don't mind if lone gnolls pass through?
He's probably a spy, but so long as he's spying on everybody, I guess the news helps us more than it hurts.
>>
No. 839821 ID: d36af7

Is this wanderer still here? Let's meet 'em, say hello, be hospitable. If there are a bunch of unaligned potential spies out there, might be wise to at least have them not actively hate us. Hey, if this one came from the coast, maybe he knows something about carpentry, or have some other skill we've been hurting for the lack of!
>>
No. 839852 ID: 33d4be

So long as they're not spies who are just pretending to be wanderers.
>>
No. 839876 ID: 8d4593

>>839706
Oh yeah... He would need to know how to Read, Write and Do Arithmetic as well.
>>
No. 840095 ID: 830fb7
File 150909602533.jpg - (63.21KB , 293x293 , face.jpg )
840095

>>839682
That face. I love it.
>>
No. 840514 ID: bfb318
File 150924860030.png - (188.30KB , 800x800 , 94.png )
840514

"What, is he here?"
>"Oh, no, he just stopped by for a bit then left after we shared information."
"What'd you assholes tell him?!"
>"That it's true you're the new Chief! And that we raided Blacktorch."
"Whatever, as long as people keep an eye on 'em, and we don't open up the whole damn camp. Could be spies or somethin'."
>"You really think people would do that? Just take their own clan's gnolls, and send them out as wanderers instead of scouts?"
"You... yes?"
>"I don't think that would happen much!"
"That's because you're a naive sack of bones!"

>The clan needs a diplomat
>Hilt is personable
Hrm. Everything thing about this guy. His open expression. His damn cheeks. Everything about him is so... punchable. Just looking at his stupid face makes me feel like launching a sudden raid.

Apparently people like him enough to vote for him though, so maybe that's just me. Maybe it's the angle I'm looking at him at.

"You got a war face?"
>"Excuse me?"
"Put on your snarl when you go raiding."
>"Oh. I don't see a need to snarl, because there's no hard feelings between the other gnoll and me. Unless there are hard feelings, then I'll frown, but otherwise I just go attacking like this and let my sword do the talking."

He goes into combat lookin' like.... that? That's creepy as hell. Damn, does that mean it's good? No, I'd punch this guy first. It can't be effective.

"Work on it, idiot. Can you take off that smile?"
>"I can't, because I'm happy to be clan champion!"
"Fuckin'.... if people like you so much, then I'm going to train you to be our diplomat. Negotiator. Whatever."
>"Is that a punishment? Because that sounds great!"
"Well then get fuckin' started! Train for it! Ask Matron for what's that word... politeness I guess."
>"Etiquette?"
"Yeah that sounds like a word that fits here. Go to Leaf to practice how to spy."
>"Sure thing, Chief!"

That's all I can think of for today. Probably not much tomorrow, either, unless the report coming back from the sea is some kind of revelation.

End of day: Please suggest any remaining actions to take, if any. Otherwise, time will move on to the next day.
>>
No. 840520 ID: 3abd97

>Please suggest any remaining actions to take, if any.
Say something rude to Waster if you cross paths with her.
>>
No. 840521 ID: a363ac

>>840514
fuck matron. see if waster needs another grounding.
>>
No. 840524 ID: 65dabf

HOW CAN A GNOLL BE SO DAMN CUTE?! LOOK AT HIM! IT'S GIVING ME DIABETES!
>>
No. 840528 ID: 3ce125

>>840514
Poke your nose into the caves a bit.
>>
No. 840531 ID: bb78f2

>>840514
Take inventory of Gnolls and their roles
Status updates on injuries, illnesses, pregnancies, etc.
Get your Hilt sucked by Hilt.
Train Shabin.
>>
No. 840534 ID: 13fded

I bet you would love that cute face if it belonged to a girl.

Since you want everyone to dedicate to training, you should lead by example. Use the last hours of light to exercise and practice sword fight.
>>
No. 840538 ID: 65dabf

>>840534
I don't really care if it's not a girl ;) but it would be nice, yes.
>>
No. 840540 ID: 3ce125

>>840538
That was clearly directed at Clamp.
>>
No. 840545 ID: 65dabf

>>840540
Well, nowhere it says that I can not comment too. Let's not go to insult Waster, but let's see what she's up to instead, that's going to bother her in any way.
>>
No. 840643 ID: 3740b1

>>840521
Nah, fuck Waster then go see if Matron gives us a grounding.
>>
No. 840667 ID: 8d4593

Hmm... If he's gonna be out galavanting around... he's gonna need a wingman... a bodyguard.

You'll put some fight in him sure but sending him out alone would be suicide...

It should be someone who has known Hilt for a long time. Someone who respects him...

You and Leaf could train him. Make him strong and alert and tough as nails. And Quiet.
>>
No. 840972 ID: 830fb7

Since your the chief and you now little about the whole leading a tribe thing maybe we should ask matron to teach us. It'll show her that we aren't just going to charge head long into our failure we will try to avoid it, it will also instil trust and faith in you from her, so much so that she wont feel like your a complete waste of a chief anymore. So far she's thinking she could have done anything you've done so far and more with the camp, in which she would be right.
>>
No. 843210 ID: bfb318
File 151008206556.png - (147.34KB , 1000x800 , 95.png )
843210

>Go exploring the caverns
May as well.

Cept that the two entrances to the deeper caverns below surface level are covered up. I figure there's either a gap somewhere, or someone's gonna make a gap, so the kids can go exploring.

Yeah, the cover here is too good. Nailed down with big spikes into the rock, solid wood... wait a second, it's good? This cover is actually damn good!

"Who the hell built this?"
>"It was here befo - "
"Shit! Fuckin' hell, Leaf, I was talking to myself! You stalking me?"
>"Yeh. This cover was built before Wind moved in."
"I don't give a shit anymore, the hell are you doing in here with me?"
>"I sleep here. It's a good hiding spot, and the rest of the clan sleeps on the caves opposite of camp."
"Not for long, I'm sending kids in to explore the caves!"
>"Aw... I'll just find another spot, then."

>See if Waster needs another grounding

"Go find Waster while you're at it, I want to make sure she's busy!"
>"She is. She's one of the scouts I sent to spy on one of the clans."
"... an important one?"
>"No."
"Well that's a damn relief. Go find Hilt and tell him how to spy. He's going to be our negotiator."
>"Oh. Okay."

>Get your hilt sucked by hilt
I don't swing that way.

>You'd love that face if it was on a girl
Well it ain't on a girl, now is it?
>>
No. 843211 ID: bfb318
File 151008207737.png - (139.16KB , 800x800 , 96.png )
843211

I'll spend a little time sparring with some unfortunate gnolls that make eye contact with me. Doesn't take long for the sun to set, though.

>Take inventory of every single Gnoll and all of their roles
>Go throughout the whole camp and get status updates on all injuries, illnesses, pregnancies, and more
>Spend the time personally training a grey fuzzball that'll grow up to be the size of your fist
>Fuck matron
Only got time for one of these.

Hmmm....
>>
No. 843212 ID: bfb318
File 151008209764.png - (80.05KB , 800x800 , 97.png )
843212

If there's one good thing about being the chief, it means I can fuck whoever I want without people getting bitchy. So that's what I'm gonna do.

>Get some faith and trust from Matron so that she won't feel like you're a complete waste of a chief anymore
She better not fuckin' think that! I'd love to see how well she'd do on a raid!
>>
No. 843213 ID: bfb318
File 151008210695.png - (458.10KB , 800x800 , 98.png )
843213

Next day, some girl grabs my attention.

>"Chief."
"Who're you again?"
>"Stemwalker. I'm back from scouting the sea clan. They're nomadic, but were in the area for awhile to fix up their pair of ships. You might be interested to know that they're old fashioned, too. If you beat their chief, the rest will follow you, but you'd have to do it soon. Their ships were looking in pretty good shape."
>>
No. 843216 ID: a363ac

>>843213
Probably not worth the hassle for now. and what kinda gnoll needs ships to traverse the plains anyway.
>>
No. 843218 ID: 3ce125

>>843213
Well that could be an interesting pickup but what would we do with them afterwards? Would they stay loyal even if they're out on the sea doing sea stuff? Obviously it would be a waste to make them stay inland from here on.

If we can use them for fishing and sea travel, that'll be worth a fight.
>>
No. 843219 ID: 13fded

Ask her if she think this clan would like to abandon everything to play pirate. As fun as that sound we are in much more familiar ground here, so I would prefer to stay and let the pirates do their thing.
>>
No. 843220 ID: 7152b7

hmm.
Hilt's not ready to go himself yet.

But conquering them will only get you. carpenters. You could use carpenters...
But Carpenters are also a dime a dozen.

It's their relationships that are valuable unless you wanna go be pirates.

Hmm.
Unless You are absolutely certain you could kidnap a couple knolls totally covertly...

I'd say just establish contact for now. Let them know you're here, let them know you are interested in working together in the future, and find out when they'll next return. Find out as much about the outside world as possible, too.

Go yourself, bring Hilt with you, He'll need the experience, and Waster too. Calling her a bodyguard is hilarious but... something tells me it'd be good for her.
>>
No. 843221 ID: c88e6d

>>843213
Hmmmmm... Not sure we WANT Nomad Gnolls. They might not tolerate settling down well. Also, we're currently landlocked and would probably need to become pirates to use their ships aaaaand that doesn't sound practical.
>>
No. 843224 ID: 91ee5f

>>843210
If there really is something scary down there, we might need to arm the kids or send a few adults down there with the kids to make sure nothing kills them.
>>
No. 843240 ID: 33d4be

Nomads usually follow circuits rather than just going wherever. They follow the herds - or, in this case, shoals, or trade routes if they're pirates - as they move around throughout the year, and come back to where they were later. They also usually have places where they keep some stored goods, where they can pause to do stuff that takes a while, and where injured warriors/hunters, late-pregnancy women and small children can stay in safety for a long period.

So, why not make this one of those places? Beat their chief, just to show who's boss, then offer to hold and defend this spot for them so they have a safe place to return to, in exchange for some of their expertise, and the opportunity for further trading with you.

Maybe offer them that stuff first and then only fight their chief if they don't play along with what you want, but you'd probably get a better deal fighting him first. Depends on how big a risk you think taking him is. They might require you to fight him on a boat or something.
>>
No. 843242 ID: 91ee5f

>>843240
>offer to hold and defend this spot for them
You mean we've gotta pack up the camp we've got here and move down to the coast? Because that's the only way I see us defending that place.

And sending other gnolls to live there and protect that means less fighters here. Plus, if they leave then they might get lazy without Clamp there to make sure they're doing something useful. Or they could think of trying to start their own clan and separate from Clamp.
>>
No. 843245 ID: c2051e

Depends on how badly we need skilled, specialized carpenters. They'd probably be worth it if we build a palisade or other fortifications. Let's try it.
>>
No. 843273 ID: bb78f2

>>843213
How big's the clan? If its too big, we might not be able to manage it.
Frankly, its only worth it anyway if they have skills. Boat making's useless unless we need an escape and plan to become nomadic ourselves. I mean, I guess scouting by boat might prove fruitful, and it could be cool if we could build some sort of... defensive rig out in the ocean, what's the word? Offshore Enterprise Den? A base that's forward where we can operate out of, you know? Some sort of... haven that's like, out there. Perhaps it's Maternal in a way?

Can't place the word.

>>843212
Sounds like you got it on with multiple people last night. Good. I don't how big litters are, so really, that's being productive and time efficient. Don't father too much though.
>>
No. 843282 ID: 65dabf

I think that you sould go and at least establish some contact with them, try to make a comercial deal, if they come and go, they must get som interesting goods form "trading". But, if they are hostile, beat their boss and take the carpenters and any other good gnoll they have at your discretion. That way you won't have to take all the clan.
>>
No. 843313 ID: d36af7

>>843273
>How big's the clan? If its too big, we might not be able to manage it.
In which case you could let them stay mostly independent and just pay some sort of tribute to you. Maybe dump some of Storm Hold's misfits on them and grab some of their more useful individuals, spin it as some sort of alliance-reinforcing intermarriage deal.
>Frankly, its only worth it anyway if they have skills. Boat making's useless unless we need
We need fortifications, which means we need carpenters. If they can make boats, that probably means they've got plenty of gnolls who can do basic carpentry.
>>
No. 843323 ID: 3abd97

>She better not fuckin' think that! I'd love to see how well she'd do on a raid!
Enemy stops, stares slack-jawed at her tits, she hits them with a weapon. Rinse and repeat.
>>
No. 843630 ID: bfb318
File 151019718913.png - (161.75KB , 800x800 , 99.png )
843630

I'd be real interested in this fact, 'cept I don't know what use I'd have for pirate gnolls. Chances are if they know how to build a boat, though, they know how to build some basic structures too.

"Yeah sure, and how would this clan feel if we picked everything up and played pirates?"
>"Us? We're loyal. It does not matter how we feel, we would do it."
"I'm joking, you.... the hell is with my good scouts and being awkward?"
>"Maybe it's being awkward that led us to being good scouts."
"Whatever. They probably have some good carpenters. And what kinda sea goers wouldn't have a good navigator or maps? Might even have a cartographer we don't know about. Any chance we could nab a couple of the gnolls covertly?"
>"I guess, yeah, at least they discover us with their gnolls."
"I could beat up their chief, but what the hell am I gonna do with a bunch of nomad gnolls that are used to being on the sea?"
>"Chief, can I be honest?"
"Fuckin' let me have it."
>"The sea sucks. No one likes being on a boat. Either these guys couldn't handle the competition on land, or they're so tough that they can handle the suck. Either way, I don't know many gnoll clans that don't mind a change of lifestyle as long as they can get by, so I wouldn't worry about that any."

If I take over the whole clan, we'll be getting a ton of gnolls. It'll make it tougher to manage, but if I can keep everyone busy, they may not have a whole lot of time to mutiny - er, revolt. Fuckin'... sea pirates getting in my head. So if I get a lot of gnolls, I can - no, I have to keep everyone happy by doing a lot of raiding and crap. Course, gnolls will die, but I can replace 'em with newer, better gnolls, ones that aren't incompetent oafs. Kinda obligated to that, though. So bashing the chief will be offering myself up for even more work pretty fast, but in the best case, all that work'll pay off fast.

>Maybe dump some of Storm Hold's misfits on them in return for carpenters
If I throw some misfits away, then the rest of the slackers are gonna think they're next. Gnolls do a lot of dumb shit when they think they're disposable. Then again, if it's a temporary thing... hmm.

Okay, I think that's enough information, so I got some options.

A) Go over there myself, take command, and start raiding other places with the boost in numbers and reap the benefits of wealth, experience and internal stability for doing it.
B) Go over there myself, kick the shit out of their boss, and just demand tribute, or a few gnolls, or whatever. Maybe that's some kind of mortal insult to act like I'm gonna be their chief, and then just take their shit and abandon them. Maybe just act like it's a raid, but is just me vs. their chief. Not really in the standard gnoll thing, but damn if this wouldn't be the best option if it worked.
C) Go over there myself and try to set up an alliance or trade or something?
D) Have Leaf or someone go over and try to kidnap a couple good gnolls.
E) Raid 'em like normal.
F) Ignore 'em after all.
G) ... just ask Matron what to do, I guess.
>>
No. 843631 ID: 3abd97

>>843630
Go over there, kick the shit out of their boss, and then decide what to do with your new gnolls after.
>>
No. 843633 ID: 3ce125

>>843630
A, then raid Blacktorch. You'll lose excess gnolls, teach Blacktorch to fuck off, and gain resources to handle the extras you still have. It's a win/win/win!
>>
No. 843647 ID: a363ac

>>843633
eh it works
>>
No. 843653 ID: 62a66a

Just go over there and yell about how you are looking for gnolls that ain't shit to bolster your numbers. Let them decide if that means an alliance or aggressive recruitment.
>>
No. 843664 ID: 33d4be

You can ask Matron what she thinks without having to do what she says, man. Hell, it's probably a good idea for your position and for her sense of what her place is if you took her advice, considered it, and then decided something else, so long as it was for decent enough reasons. She's smart and valuable and good to have at your side and you should definitely let her know what you're planning in case she thinks of something you don't (and managing a whole bunch of new gnolls will definitely be in her area) but can't let her or anyone else go thinking she's some puppetmaster behind you or something.

Anyway yeah the sea probably does suck, especially for gnolls. All that tar and ropes and salt air and the smell of fish and getting dunked in seawater and stuff isn't good with fur, and those feet of yours aren't so good for climbing around and keeping a grip on sails and stuff. Go do them a favour and save them from themselves with a plan like >>843633 , option A followed by preemptively making sure Blacktorch won't be a problem. Ask the blacksmith if there's anyone he wants brought back keep him company. Keep a couple of boats for the rivers, it'll help you keep control of that whole southeastern part of the map, there. Set up some hunting lodges and that sort of thing, that'll be good.
>>
No. 843671 ID: c2051e

A.
>>
No. 843673 ID: 91ee5f

>>843630
Don't go asking Matron what to do. If you keep going to her too often then she'll think you're incapable of making any decisions without her!

>>843633
This sounds good.

Although, we're only raiding Blacktorch, right?

Hopefully, we don't accidentally end up in charge of Blacktorch! Clamp is gonna have one hell of a headache trying to keep a clan of that size (ours, Seaside clan, and Blacktorch) under his control!

And if that does happen, we'd have to question exactly how the fuck Clamp keeps accidentally ending up in charge of a bunch of gnolls!
>>
No. 843695 ID: 65dabf

I am betuin A) and G). I mean, A) would be the best option, but i really want to kown what Matron thinks about that particular option. But then, it really sucks to be the chief and go arond and ask shit to others. At least when you are a gnoll.
>>
No. 843702 ID: d36af7

Option B, but bring Hilt along. If the biggest risk is an accidental insult, relentless cheerful diplomacy is exactly the skillset you'll need. Maybe Leaf too, for the spy mentor thing.
>>
No. 843704 ID: c88e6d

>>843630
I like B.
>>
No. 843749 ID: 1a9fe2

Getting a bunch of new gnolls seems like a fine idea, especially if there's a notable amount of carpenters among them. If there's a bunch of them that are total pains in the ass you can send them off wherever the heck doing some dangerous thing so either you never see them again or they do something worth while.
>>
No. 843756 ID: 3740b1

A seems to be your thing. Stick with what you're good at.
>>
No. 843758 ID: d9cd96

You don't have to ask Matron what to do, but whatever you decide on you should at least tell her that you're planning on doing it. If she doesn't slap you for being a dumb shit, it can't be that bad a plan.
>>
No. 844031 ID: 7152b7

With C we could trade gnolls for year.
A carpenter for Hilt.

We get talent, and our future negotiator gets valuable experience meeting distant peoples. Also, possible opportunity for a Hiltquest

In return, Seaclan gets an automatic Non-Aggression pack when they return (As it would be foolish to attack the clan who built our defenses) and we could throw in an intel report on the locals in a year as well, which would give them an edge in trade in the area.

If that Idea doesn't catch on though, I'll back B.
>>
No. 851134 ID: bfb318
File 151304718043.png - (187.74KB , 800x800 , 100.png )
851134

"Thanks, Stem."
>"Just my job, Chief."

I go over to Matron.

>"More questions, Clamp?"
"Ain't got a single question! Came over to tell you what I'm doing."
>"That wasn't a challenge to your independence, I welcome questions, but nevermind that. What are you doing?"
"Sea clan's the traditional type. I'm gonna walk over there, beat up their strongest guy, and take over the clan. Simple as that."
>"How many are they?"
"'bout 20."
>"Yes, we can manage that. Will you bring anyone?"
"Only takes one Clamp to beat up their chief."
>"Yeah, but it also takes one Clamp to get lost. There aren't many landmarks down there. Just trees. Even if you think you'll be fine, it won't hurt to bring someone along."
>"Yeah, like me!" says Shabin.
>>
No. 851136 ID: a363ac

>>851134
take Shabin and the cute guy.
>>
No. 851137 ID: c2051e

>>851134
Shabin can't even see more than one tree at a time, why would you bring her?
>>
No. 851138 ID: e5fd8b

Have Stemwalker guide you. And, what the hell, bring Shabin and Hilt too.
>>
No. 851143 ID: 33d4be

You need an entourage, man. Could be opportunistic fuckers from other clans sneaking around. Besides, you want these sea gnolls to be at least somewhat happy to join up with you, they'll be more on board with it if they know they're joining up with more than just one big guy.
>>
No. 851144 ID: c88e6d

>>851134
Take Shabin and Waster.

It will be funny if you die and she goes down in history as the clan's biggest loser for letting you get killed. Also she's relatively strong.
>>
No. 851146 ID: 90f3c0

You've been making a few enemies lately, walking around alone is probably a bad idea. Take a few tough looking gnolls with you to deter attacks.
>>
No. 851150 ID: 9e4723

I think Shabin and Waster, if she is available, should be enough, but it is true that Clamp is making some noise, so maybe Stem could watch your back. Oh and Hilt too, that motherfucker is creepy as fuck, smiling all the time, it's going to scare them for sure, and he needs the expirience. You know, since this is a "diplomatic" affair.
>>
No. 851158 ID: 91ee5f

>>851134
>Who to take?
Obviously, someone that knows how to get there and back without getting lost!

>Shabin volunteers herself.
Ha ha ha, that's cute! But seriously, no, you're too tiny to come with Clamp.

>>851146
>Take a few tough looking gnolls with you to deter attacks.
We don't need guys that look tough, we need guys that actually are tough!

>Suggestions of bringing Grasswind Waster.
I think that if we end up not fighting anyone, she'd just end up getting pissed off at Clamp for bringing her with him and she doesn't get to cave in someone's face.
>>
No. 851198 ID: 3abd97

>>851134
Sure, Shabin can come if she really wants.

You'll need a second gnoll so you have a different shoulder to put her on in a fight.
>>
No. 851227 ID: b4f880

>>851134
Bring one or two gnolls that keep their eyes peeled, just in case your travels take you past some idiots looking to ambush folk. Shabin can come too if she wants (and is tiny enough not to count towards the party size) so long as she knows to get out of the way if anything dangerous goes down.
>>
No. 851269 ID: bfb318
File 151310599092.png - (216.83KB , 1000x800 , 101.png )
851269

"Yeah why not, you can come with. Need another gnoll so you can occupy someone's shoulder while I fight. Hrm... hell, this is kinda classic negotiating, I'll bring Hilt along, even though his face pisses me off."
>"Really? He has one of the most gentle face - oh, that's the problem isn't it."
"You fuck'n know it. Hell may as well bring every gnoll that gets under my skin. Where's Waster at?"
>"She was on a scouting job, she'll be back later today."
"Fuck it, I ain't waiting. May as well bring a tough gnoll in case someone ambushes me. I'm taking Talon."

Talon's one of my old clanmates. Both is tough, and looks tough. Easy to find, too, nearly as big as I am. Would be as tall, if he wasn't a huncher. He's hardly better at finding his way through wilderness than I am, so Hilt's going to be our main scout.
>>
No. 851270 ID: bfb318
File 151310600695.png - (425.86KB , 1000x800 , 102.png )
851270

We set off.

>"So!" Hilt says. "Wanna get close by the sea clan, then set up an early camp to get some rest? Doesn't take all day to get there, but you can't just fight their Chief after walking for most of the day."
>"He can." says Talon.
>"He still shouldn't!"
>>
No. 851271 ID: c88e6d

>>851270
Ask why the hell Hilt would be tired after walking most of a day. Sure, it's a slog, but he's a GNOLL. Humans and Gnolls fucking LOVE walking long-ass distances and then fighting.
>>
No. 851272 ID: c2051e

So Talon's a hunchman of yours, eh. It depends on how much time you'd waste resting early, really. Also whether or not anyone knows how big and tough the sea clan's chief is. Make the judgment when you've arrived at the sea clan, there's no guarantee some shit won't happen along the way that'll actually deserve a rest.
>>
No. 851274 ID: a363ac

>>851270
That sounds like something a Waster would do wasting perfectly good time that could be spent fucking matron or teaching your new clan who the boss is.
>>
No. 851275 ID: 33d4be

You'll stop to eat something along the way and rest up then. The sea clan probably has their own scouts and you don't want them thinking you're a softy who needs to rest before he duels someone. Their chief is probably working too, since they're apparently working on their ships, so it'll still be fair or even advantageous to you.
>>
No. 851276 ID: 91ee5f

>>851269
>Yeah why not, you can come with. Need another gnoll so you can occupy someone's shoulder while I fight.
>I'll bring Hilt along
There's your answer. Put Shabin on Hilt's shoulder when the fighting starts.

>>851270
>Rest when we get there or not?
If for some strange reason your legs feel like they're going to fall off if you keep walking, you'll take a break. And for that to happen, you'll need be walking for way longer than what you're doing now. So, no, you're not gonna rest when you get there.
>>
No. 851278 ID: 3abd97

>>851270
Setting up camp right outside a bunch of other gnoll's camp is a good way to get ambushed in the middle of the night. I want to fight their chief, not every single one of em.
>>
No. 851280 ID: 214cda

Hell yeah, Talon. Gnollbro adventures.
>>
No. 851348 ID: 7152b7

Nah don't camp. Just rest for a bit before you get there. Get our head in the game. Grab a nibble. Stretch. Then it's go-time.
>>
No. 851351 ID: 38f35c

Set up camp like hilt suggested then let shabin run off to scout them out since she’s probably the least likely to be noticed.
>>
No. 851352 ID: 9e4723

>>851271
Hahaha, that is true. I mean, we don't love it, but we do it. Anyway, we'll rest when when Clamp feet get tired of kicking ass.
>>
No. 851357 ID: 13fded

Beside indulging her, is there any reason for bringing Shabin along? Her life can be at risk and the tiny kobold will make you look less intimidating.
>>
No. 851367 ID: 91ee5f

>>851357
It could also make him look more intimidating. Clamp is so confident he'll win, he brought a kid to show how much he doesn't care about the other guy.
>>
No. 851391 ID: e6994f

Don't set up camp outside, fight their chief.
>>
No. 851409 ID: e5fd8b

>>851270
You don't need a camp to catch your breath. Take a short break and then make the challenge.
>>
No. 851421 ID: 13fded

>>851367
I think other gnolls would likely see as the equivalent of a big guy with a poodle.
>>
No. 851438 ID: d36af7

Pace yourselves with short breaks over the course of the day, but don't set up any actual campsite. If the "champion" needs more of a rest after we get there, he can try diplomatizing the pirates into sharing wherever it is they sleep.
>>851421
When a man walks down the street wearing a hat like that, you know he's not afraid of anything.
>>
No. 851439 ID: e5fd8b

Mostly I think the little breather break is for Hilt's benefit.

Clamp's gonna be fine. Talon's gonna be fine. Hilt we don't know too well yet.
>>
No. 851523 ID: de6d84

A short break is probably fine, but maybe not setting up a camp break.
>>
No. 851545 ID: bfb318
File 151320368598.png - (121.55KB , 800x800 , 103.png )
851545

"Well I'm gonna. Don't tell me you can't walk all day."
>"Oh, I could walk for days." Hilt says. "But even if I didn't feel tired at all after a few hours of a walk, doesn't mean I'm in tip top shape!"
>"Yeah, it does." says Talon. "If you're tired, you feel tired."
>"I guess it doesn't matter too much, if Clamp wants to fight right away! I just think it might also be awkward for the other gnolls to suddenly get taken over then marched off into the night to camp."
"What's weird about that?"
>"Well, it'd be past their bedtime..."
>"We're taking over gnolls, not pups." Talon adds.
>"Nevermind me, I'm just thinking to myself now! It's already been decided that we'll do it all today."

We walk for a few hours. Shabin keeps clamping down on my fur whenever I try to move her to Hilt, and there's no reason to keep her off me for now. She speaks up in that tiny, squeaky voice that she's trying to make gruff.

>"So why're we going this way?"
>"What do you mean?" Hilt asks.
>"We're going west. We should be going south."
>"Naw, we're going south, and a little east." says Hilt. "You two agree, right?"
>"Yeah, that's right." Talon sure.
"I don't fuckin' know! I brought you along for that."
>"Well you're all wrong except for Clamp, he's just dumb." Shabin says. "We're going west."
>>
No. 851548 ID: c2051e

Ask the lot of them why they think they're going the directions they guessed. Also check out how you're oriented with respect to the sun/the time of day.
>>
No. 851550 ID: 3ce125

Yeah, ask everyone what their reasons are for their answers. That includes Shabin.
>>
No. 851551 ID: 38f35c

Look to the sun for confirmation of direction.
>>
No. 851552 ID: 7152b7

Holy shit It's before noon and the sun is up. If you are going away from the sun its west, toward the sun is east.

If the sun is to the left of you its north.
To the right of you it's south.

Opposite if it's afternoon
Not hard people.
>>
No. 851553 ID: 33d4be

Well, let's look at the sky, then. And ask Shabin how she knows. What is it that's saying west to her?

Anyway, you can remember the map. The rivers were all going southeastlyish. So, even though there's obviously hills and stuff, you should overall be walking kinda downhill, right? If you were going west you'd be going mostly uphill. If all else fails you can walk until you run into a river and that'll give you a better idea what's up.

You'd better try remember the way back, too, because you are going to look really unimpressive if you win this clan and then get lost bringing any of them back.
>>
No. 851559 ID: 91ee5f

>>851545
You mean you didn't bring someone that already knows how to get there?! No wonder you're going the wrong way!

Someone climb a tree and take a look around!
>>
No. 851577 ID: 9e4723

Shabin is not a fool, she must have noticed something. Ask her how can she tell. This is weird. Or a am being paranoid.
>>
No. 851578 ID: 86eb65

Ask her how she knows.
>>
No. 851586 ID: a363ac

>>851545
just find a Gnoll and beat it up till it tells you where you are.
>>
No. 851646 ID: de6d84

Shabin knows something, ask her.
>>
No. 851648 ID: 3abd97

>>851545
You brought Shabin along for directions. Listen to her directions.

"Shit pipsqueak, speak up sooner when you see someone being dumb."
>>
No. 851685 ID: c88e6d

>>851545
Ask her how she knows, and if she has a point, ask Hilt why he's so goddamned bad at directions.
>>
No. 851686 ID: 830fb7

Ask Hilt how he would feel if he was renamed happy, because he always looks so happy all the time and it annoys you.
>>
No. 851787 ID: c9f5a7

Shabin is now your ultimate compass, listen to her.
>>
No. 851791 ID: bfb318
File 151328612318.png - (267.29KB , 1000x800 , 104.png )
851791

"How the hell do you know that, shorty?"
>"Because we've been veering right right ever since we started walking!"
>"No way." says Hilt. "I'm really good at walking straight."

Talon scoffs.

>"You can't be sure in a forest like this! I know because, look, the moss grows on the north side of the tree, right? So north is that way."
>"That's not always true!" Hilt says. "Moss just grows in damp conditions. It grows all over the place in a shady area like this!"
"Speaking of shade, where the hell's the sun? Can't we just look at that?"
>"Eh, sun's pretty high up now, boss." Talon says. We have been walking for awhile. "Hard to say."
"Look, there's a river that's west of here, right? So we should be going downhill towards the ocean, otherwise we'd be going uphill if we were going west, right?"
>"Wrong." says Talon. "The water runs down, so we'd be going downhill more or less whether we were going to the river, or going down to the ocean!"
>"Doesn't matter anyway." Hilt explains. "There's so much up and down in the jungle, it's impossible to tell what the overall direction is."
>"What?" Shabin shakes a paw at hilt. "You were the one talking about how you can 'just walk in a straight line', but you can't tell if we're going uphill or downhill?!"
"We're fuckin' lost, aren't we."
>"No!" Hilt shakes his head. "Look, we have a few options! First off, even if we're going west, we'll hit that river, right? So then we can just follow the river down to the ocean. Or, we can find a clearing to look at the sun, then wait a bit and look at what direction it's going in! Shabin could also climb a tree high enough to see the sun probably. Lastly, I saw some recent signs that some gnolls walked through here recently. We could trail them! Then ask them for directions."
>>
No. 851794 ID: 12b116

>>851791
Don't listen to him, he doesn't know what the hell he's talking about obviously. Just let shabin be the guide.
>>
No. 851795 ID: 3ce125

>>851791
Sounds like we're going to be late. In that case, it might make sense to set camp before we get there after all.

Anyway, send Shabin up a tree to see what direction the sun is in. Oh, maybe she can see a landmark too? There's a mountain nearby!

...actually if Shabin was right about the group veering right, would we even reach the river if we kept walking "straight"?
>>
No. 851798 ID: 33d4be

Just throw Shabin up really high so she can see the lay of the land, and catch her when she falls down again.
>>
No. 851799 ID: 86eb65

Shabin noticed the problem so she gets to be the new guide.

Let her decide on a plan.
>>
No. 851801 ID: c88e6d

>>851791
Kick Hilt's ass. He's supposed to be a scout. He's demoted to Shabin's assistant.

Shabin is now promoted from hat to hat-that-is-a-scout. She will give directions.
>>
No. 851803 ID: b4f880

>>851791
Fast solution: toss Shabin above the treeline to get a look around.
Mountains and a sea are big landmarks so it shouldn't be hard to get the gist of where you are/going.
Just be sure to catch her, need her to relay the info after all.
>>
No. 851811 ID: c2051e

Hilt is now Assistant Hat. Shabin is now Scout Hat. Privately suspect Hilt of sabotage.
>>
No. 851816 ID: 9e4723

Solutions first. Shabin-in-the-tree-plan is useful and can complement other options. If you follow a river, you always find were the sea is, so lets do that.
Now for punishment, Hilt is going to be call "Lesser than Shabin" for 2 days for making us lose in the forest.
And we should promote Shabin for beeing smart and noticed us lost. Somthing like "Shabin the smart", is not so serius, but is not to dumb.
>>
No. 851818 ID: 7152b7

>Lastly, I saw some recent signs that some gnolls walked through here recently.

And he tells us that now?
He doesn't mention it when he fucking sees it?

Hilt's fucking with you. He's no moron. He's playing the lovable idiot on purpose.

First he get's close to you, gets you to trust him with his harmless demeanor, then he leads you astray, and now he's suggesting you walk into an ambush.

I don't know what the fuck his problem is but you need to get to the bottom of it. Now.
>>
No. 851833 ID: 12b116

>>851811
Seconding demoting Hilt to Assistant Hat
>>
No. 851841 ID: 91ee5f

>>851791
Throw someone straight up in the air and when they come back down, ask them if they saw the river or something to tell us which way to travel.
>>
No. 851844 ID: fe7355

Hold up. Remember Leaf's map of the area you read earlier. While there is a river to the west, there's also a river to the south of your clan's camp you'd have to cross to get to the Seaside Clan's site. In fact, the whole area to the south of your clan's site is bounded by rivers, so you could end up crossing a river and still be lost if it was the wrong one. Now, how did Hilt forget that, hm?

Send Shabin up a tree not just to get a read on the sun's position, but to spy the tallest tree nearby. Then send her up that tree next to look around for landmarks. The sea is close enough it should be apparent from where the jungle ends, and Mount Something might stick up enough to see from here, but the big mountains to the northwest will definitely stand out. She can look around for all those, as well as anything else that stands out like smoke rising from what might be campfires or chimneys.
>>
No. 851846 ID: 3abd97

>We could trail them! Then ask them for directions.
Asking for help might not be the best idea if we're going to kick their Chief's ass.

>Shabin could also climb a tree high enough to see the sun probably
All right, Shorty, up. Let's see if you can fix the problem you discovered.

>Kick Hilt's ass.
We can't beat him up, we need him to be pretty for diplomacy! Granted that mostly means not punching his face, but we can't spoil his ass for the gnolls who will be looking there.
>>
No. 851848 ID: 3ce125

Let's not be paranoid. The gnoll group may have been here a long enough time ago that Hilt thought it wasn't worth mentioning.
Also gnolls really aren't the sort of people to do that kind of sneaky shit.
>>
No. 851866 ID: de6d84

>>851798
>>851811
Okay, both of these are great.
>>
No. 851912 ID: c9f5a7

Promote Shabin for being better than Hilt.
>>
No. 851915 ID: 91ee5f

>>851912
>Promote Shabin
How would that work?

The only thing I can think of would be if Clamp says, "I'm promoting you from 'pipsqueak' to 'half-pint'." and from now on, he calls Shabin a half-pint instead of calling her a pipsqueak.
>>
No. 852034 ID: bfb318
File 151337952069.png - (157.75KB , 800x800 , 105.png )
852034

"You're a damn idiot, Hilt. Shabin here's promoted to Hat-That-Is-A-Scout. She at least noticed we're lost."
>"Yeah!" says Shabin.
>"No!" says Hilt. "I mean you can promote her to that if you want?"
"And you're Hat-Assistant, Hilt."
>"Okay sure, but I don't think we're lost! I think we're going the right way, and we wouldn't have thought we were lost until she said something."
"Far as I'm concerned, any more time you waste is gonna be time spent kicking your ass! Shabin, I'm throwing you up to take a look to get a lay of the land."
>"If you kill me I am going to haunt you so damn hard!"
"I don't believe in ghosts."
>"Remember." says Talon. "To get a look at where the sun's at, since we can't see it well from here."

I throw her up. She grabs a hold of a branch and starts to climb up the rest of it.
>>
No. 852035 ID: bfb318
File 151337953173.png - (298.64KB , 1000x800 , 106.png )
852035

"Hilt, you didn't think those gnoll tracks were worth mentionin'?"
>"Mm... nope. I mean, gnolls move around all the time, right? They're just an unknown group that walked by some time ago in another direction! They shouldn't have anything to do with us."
"Ugh... Shabin, you see anything?"
>"Yeah, it... ah... auuugh!"
"The hell's wrong?!"
>"It's bright!"
>"Don't stare directly at the sun!" Hilt cries out.
>"You idiots sent me up here to look at the sun! Do I look at it or not?!"
>"Just in short bursts, ya baby!" says Talon. "Get an idea of where it is in the sky! Or just look around and see if you can see the ocean."
>"Nothing but trees! Wait there's a taller tree, I'll use that one."

We wait for her to climb up.

>"The sea is that way!"
"We can't see you point, scouting hat!"
>"Augh just catch me I'm coming down!"
>>
No. 852036 ID: bfb318
File 151337954717.png - (149.75KB , 800x800 , 107.png )
852036

>"Sea's that way." Shabin gestures away with her weird face.
"If you thought we were going west before, then now you're pointing east."
>"Yeah so everyone was wrong."
>"Wait, she's just pointing the direction we were already going in." says Talon.
>"No I'm not." says Shabin.
>"I - " Hilt starts and stops at the same time. "Okay now I'm turned around. "Shabin, did you actually see the ocean?"
>"Probably."
>>
No. 852037 ID: a363ac

>>852036
fuck it just assume Shabin is right and start moving.
>>
No. 852038 ID: c2051e

>>852036
Well we'll just have to keep trying. Alternatively, is there any particular direction the winds have been blowing? If we're close enough to the sea, then during day when the ocean's cooler than land the wind blows from the sea to land, and during night the wind blows from land to sea. If you've noticed a consistent wind following that pattern in your daily life, it should point to the sea.
>>
No. 852043 ID: b4f880

>>852036
'I'll go with the recent intel that we're all dumb, it sounds about right.'
>>
No. 852045 ID: 12b116

>>852037
Might as well at this point.


Hopefully the sea gnolls will have a damn compass. But I'm not that optimistic.
>>
No. 852046 ID: 3abd97

>"Sea's that way." Shabin gestures away with her weird face.
Fine we'll go that way.

We'll have to send her up again later to make sure we're going the right direction still.

If we spend all day lost looking for the sea gnolls, maybe you'll actually need a break by the time you find them!
>>
No. 852047 ID: 3ce125

>>852036
Hilt, find our own tracks so we can find the direction we were originally going in. Shabin, keep pointing in the direction you think you saw the sea in, and compare that to the direction the sun was in. See if that gives us a good heading.

...also shouldn't we be able to tell what direction the sun is in from the gaps in the canopy? Just find some spot where the sun is shining through and put your hand in front of it. See where the sunbeam points.

I'm betting it will confirm Shabin's information.
>>
No. 852049 ID: a633c6

Climb the tree your own damn self, to find out once and for all. Whoever turns out to be wrong you will personally, literally, kick their asses all the way to the sea.
>>
No. 852050 ID: 9e4723

Throw her again? You know, to confirm.
>>
No. 852052 ID: 91ee5f

>>852036
Suddenly realize that you should've brought one of the scouts that actually know where the sea gnolls are.
>>
No. 852058 ID: 7152b7

>>837515
Think back To the map.

You assholes should be SURROUNDED BY RIVER.
IT DOESNT MATTER WHAT WAY YOU GO!
When you hit the river, follow it.
If you hit a skinny fork, turn around, if fou hit a wide fork, cross and KEEP GOING THAT DIRECTION.

If you don't hit any rivers for a while then you LEF CAMP GOING THE WRONG FUCKING DIRECTION LIKE MORONS.
>>
No. 852069 ID: 1e7aa8

Throw Sabin back into the tree. Tell her to try and find the REALLY big mountain that's in the center of this fucking place, or failing that the mountain ridges. We can approximate our location using those giant landmarks better than than the midday sun right now anyway.
>>
No. 852085 ID: c88e6d

>>852036
Let's just assume the kobold is right since Hilt has proven he's lost.
>>
No. 852092 ID: e5fd8b

>>852052
Don't blame me, I wanted to bring Stemwalker
>>
No. 852104 ID: 9e4723

>>852092
That would have been hilarious in this scenario.
>>
No. 852251 ID: c9f5a7

Just keep tossing Shabin, it's fine.
>>
No. 852426 ID: ee0c07

Keep Scout Hat mobile to confirm where the ocean is.
>>
No. 852460 ID: 12b116

I think Leaf is the only competent gnoll we have. If we need to go find something in the near future let's try to get him to be the scout.
>>
No. 852470 ID: 9e4723

>>852460
I think he might be even more competent than Clamp. The only thing i see Clamp doing good is beating the shit out of people and ordering people, under the threat of beating the shit out of them.
>>
No. 852480 ID: 3abd97

>>852058
>You assholes should be SURROUNDED BY RIVER.
>IT DOESNT MATTER WHAT WAY YOU GO!
Unless they go north, I guess, then they'll know they went the wrong way when they hit mountains eventually.
>>
No. 852486 ID: de6d84

>>852046
Reasonable plan.
>>
No. 852491 ID: fe7355

Check out those unknown gnoll tracks and compare them to your group. It's quite possible y'all have walked back around onto your own trail. ...Which at this point might be a blessing, since you could follow it back to camp and get someone who actually knows how to get where you want to go, like Leaf.

>>852480
Well, yes, but what I think that suggester meant is that, assuming Clamp and company succeeded in leaving the camp southwards, is that the area they entered is completely bounded by rivers. At least, according to Leaf's map from >>/quest/837515. So if they come up with no better way to get their bearings, like entering a clearing where they could see which way Shabin is pointing when she's up in a tree, they can just pick a direction and walk until they reach a river. Once they reach a river, they'll keep it on their left or right side and follow it 'till they reach a fork in the river.
>>
No. 854335 ID: bfb318
File 151450428964.png - (294.34KB , 800x800 , 108.png )
854335

"You think we can find our own tracks, Hilt, or are we just permanently lost?"
>"I don't think we were lost! I don't think there was a problem!"
"Whatever, I'm gonna bet on Shabin."
>"That... that's actually fine!" says Hilt. "Because all rivers should go down to the ocean, right? And we're bound to hit a river, so we can just follow that river to the ocean."
"Fine. If we get to a real river we can probably see which way the sun is, too, or at least which way the shadows are moving. The forest is too damn thick here."

We move along. The clearing Shabin saw was just a gap in the trees from a river. We reach it at a spot where it's damn violent.

"Oh look, the sun."
>"Yeah, this part of the river runs pretty straight east-west!" says Hilt.
>"And it's damn violent right here." Talon adds. "Let's find a better crossing spot."
"Yeah, don't want you shorties to get swept into some rocks."

I lead us down where the river widens up and gets more shallow. I hold up my palm to the others behind me. There's a handful of gnolls in the river. Some are fucking about, but they look like they're looking for something. I don't recognize 'em, but I don't think they've seen us either.

"Those guys the same ones that made the tracks from before?"
>"I don't think so!" says Hilt. "They didn't seem like they were going in this direction, so I think these are new."
>>
No. 854338 ID: 3b108e

Overall, if the map is accurate, from here we ought to go west until we see the fork in the river, then go straight south to find the sea clan, looks like.

For now, let's just hide for a bit and listen in for any reason to take interest in them. If they don't say anything worth noticing then just avoid them.
>>
No. 854339 ID: 86eb65

Hide in the forest for now. Watch and see what they are looking for. With any luck its something good and you can beat them up and steal it after they find it.
>>
No. 854342 ID: c88e6d

>>854335
Okay, so these guys are probably going to raid us or make a deal with another clan to raid us. Let's try and figure out who they are, then beat them up and steal their stuff if we don't like who they are.
>>
No. 854347 ID: 33d4be

Clamp, among your many great attributes, stealth is not one. It'd be a good idea to try listen in on these guys but not for you or your other two gnoll pals. Send Shabin, she can hide in the bushes really easily.
>>
No. 854356 ID: b4f880

>>854335
Is it just me or do they pretty much all have the same weapon and outfit?
Kinda weird if so.

Regardless, getting involved with that lot is hassle you don't need.
Maybe give them a look over, see if there are any identifying marks on them to ask about later, but otherwise don't interact.
>>
No. 854359 ID: 91ee5f

>>854347
The bushes are right in front of Clamp and don't go any further. She's not getting any closer than we already are.
>>
No. 854360 ID: 9e4723

They all have swords, can you tell if they are good? I go with the "not let them see you" plan just yet. Were are they heading? If they are going to our territory, we can't just let them be. even if their swords aren't good, it's going to hurt when they hit us, if they hit us.
>>
No. 854394 ID: 3abd97

>>854335
Let's not mess with them. Unless you really want to fight a whole bunch of gnolls outnumbered before you even find the ones you were looking for.
>>
No. 854449 ID: d36af7

>>854394
Nah, if we attempt stealth and screw it up, that looks hostile. Step out of cover, say hello, tell Hilt to go over and ask whether these are the pirates we're looking for. If they are, challenge 'em. If they aren't, negotiate passage across the ford with minimal hostilities (and maybe also ask for directions).
>>
No. 854481 ID: 12b116

Is there any way to tell what clan they're from?
>>
No. 855054 ID: bfb318
File 151476054416.png - (212.22KB , 800x800 , 109.png )
855054

"Shabin, get up there and see if you can't see what they're looking for."
>"What, am I your spy just because I'm small?"
"Yeah? You think the rest of us can crawl through the bushes?"
>"Ugh yeah okay fine."

>Are they all wearing the same things?
Yeah, and it's not that weird. Lotta clans will have a lot of the same shit for unity. Course, can't keep loyalty by just sharing the same pants as someone else. If nothing else, keeps it easy to tell the difference between friend and foe.

Talon, Hilt and I back up and wait.

>"Really? Not gonna just kick their asses?" asks Talon.
"Like we don't have enough enemies."
>>
No. 855055 ID: bfb318
File 151476058780.png - (177.18KB , 800x800 , 110.png )
855055

Shabin comes crawling though the bushes.

>"Yeah, those idiots are trying to ambush a shipment of gold. Apparently there's a fortune's worth traveling through here!"
>>
No. 855057 ID: 86eb65

Any info about who's shipment it is?

I sort of like the idea of letting them hijack it and then stealing it from them when they are tired after the fighting.

Assuming there is a shipment of gold and we don't have to wait all day in the bushes.
>>
No. 855058 ID: 7fad5d

>>855055
It's also heavier than the lot of you can carry and not immediately useful. Move on.
>>
No. 855059 ID: 1e7aa8

>>855058
You know what's better than gold? Influence. Wait a little bit to see if the shipment arrives and then backstab the ambushing party so whoever owns the gold shipment knows that your clan is a cut above the rest.
>>
No. 855065 ID: bb78f2

>>855055
Well, that does sound fun, but if even if we somehow get it, not like we can spend it considering our base's distance from the border of human territories, and we don't have the means to defend such a horde in our base anyway. The cost of getting it and keeping it will probably be worth more than what we can possibly gain.


However, it's tactically viable keeping that wealth out of potential opposition's hands, so lets FUCK with their plan.
>>
No. 855079 ID: 3abd97

>>855055
Well, you could ambush the ambushers, but then the few of you have to haul a big heavy pile of gold with less dudes than those guys are planning, and you'd have to fend of pursuit, then you'd have to fortify base from retaliation. And miss out on the shipbuilders you were gonna have to build stuff for you.

Yeah gold basically doesn't solve any of your problems, too bad.

Maybe you should watch what happens just to get a feel for these gnolls? We'll probably have to deal with them later.
>>
No. 855080 ID: 3abd97

>>855059
Rescuing the gold by fucking up the ambush might net you allies or resources, yeah. You'll have to wait and see how hopelessly outnumbered the defenders are before you try though.
>>
No. 855082 ID: 9e4723

We can't take the gold with us now, but if we know who has the gold, and who wants the gold, we can either sell this information, or use it to steal some gold ourselves later, we have spies to do both things. For the moment let see how this situation ends it self, then we can act depending how it desenlases.
>>
No. 855103 ID: 33d4be

>>855058

We don't need to take all the gold. I say wait for the ambush, plough into their backsides while they're busy with whoever they're ambushing, then take whatever's convenient for you to carry as "payment" for your generous assistance.
>>
No. 855106 ID: b4f880

>>855055
Eeeh, you've got a thing thing you were going to do.
Screw these guys and the guys they plan to ambush and screw their gold.
>>
No. 855119 ID: 13fded

>Apparently there's a fortune's worth traveling through here!
We are going to kick their asses, just wait for them to take the gold first.
>>
No. 855125 ID: d36af7

Approach openly, greet them, announce that you heard about their plan (but make it sound like spies uncovered the scheming long in advance) and ask if they'd like any help in exchange for a small portion of the spoils. If not, you're just passing through, not looking for a fight.
>>
No. 855157 ID: b1b4f3

>>855103
I'll agree with that, but only if gold is useful to us at all. Otherwise we should try to get some other useful object as payment.
>>
No. 855576 ID: bfb318
File 151492961013.png - (176.43KB , 800x800 , 111.png )
855576

"Only way gold's any good to us is if we start trading with anyone that gives a shit about gold."
>"Not that hard, boss." says Talon. "Hell, a lot of gnoll clans like to keep gold around just for the occasional exotic trade."
"You know what we can, and will do? Wait for these assholes to ambush the caravan, then we ambush the assholes."
>"Um..." Hilt starts up. "What about the fact that there's at least 6 of them, and 3 of us?"

Shabin gives him a glare.

"Whatever, we might not be the clan's sneakiest, but I'll be fucked if we can't do a simple ambush. If we attack right, they won't be in the position to act like it's a six on three."

Shabin smacks me. I think. I might've just brushed up against a bush.

>"Let's fuckin' do it then!" says Talon, who can't stand a day without a good fight. The fucker's probably hoping my fight with the sea clan won't go cleanly just so he can swing his sword around.
"Alright, we're doing it. I dunno if we even want the gold, but that gnoll clan's probably not friendly, and fuckin' with them is worth it. And either we get some gold out of it, or we get a good word in with humans or dwarves."
>"The hell do we care about dwarves or humans?"
"The hell we care about is that our biggest enemy has territory either in or around the dwarves and humans, and if we can fuck around those areas without the shorty races getting uppity at us, that makes our lives easier when it comes to dealing with Chainlink."
>>
No. 855577 ID: bfb318
File 151492962354.png - (299.69KB , 1200x800 , 112.png )
855577

Shabin looks ahead for us to figure out how this should go. Apparently she's gotten good in the last few days at getting all sneaky. Plus, the other gnolls probably just think she's some bug wandering around the bushes anyway; not too common for a gnoll clan to keep kobolds around here.

She comes back and leads us to a nice patch of grass we can lay low in. It takes a couple hours of waiting before we hear the caravan rolling. Humans, probably. Little over a dozen, and a few horses. Knowing humans, some of 'em probably aren't even fighters. Haven't ran into any of the other gnolls, but we're staying pretty far back to avoid it.

"Chief?" Hilt whispers. "Are we going to attack those gnolls right when they attack the caravan, or later? The caravan might confuse us if we attack right away."
>>
No. 855583 ID: 1e7aa8

Nah, let's wait about half a minute or a full one so that if there's any archers they'll have already fired once before we get into it. Less chance we end up getting shot.
>>
No. 855590 ID: 76c705

>>855577
Wait for the other gnolls to grab the loot, then attack!
>>
No. 855591 ID: 91ee5f

>>855590
Pretty much this.
>>
No. 855594 ID: 33d4be

These other gnolls decide to all wear the same thing, let's take advantage of it. Wait a moment before you attack, so that the other gnolls get entangled in the fight, then you jump out. Make it clear you're attacking the other gnolls.
>>
No. 855612 ID: c88e6d

>>855577
Wait for the humans to start losing, then jump out of the bushes and kick the shit out of the gnolls.

We can extort the humans for Technical Experts like blacksmiths and stuff if they think they're in debt to us, AND we get to beat the shit out of gnolls.
>>
No. 855623 ID: 3abd97

>>855576
Clamp you left out the obvious argument that the three of your probably can't carry six guys worth of gold anyways. Even a dumb gnoll would get that.

>>855577
Probably should wait a little bit so the racist humans can tell you're a different group of gnolls and not one group of gnolls infighting at the same time we're attacking them.

Then you can chump these gnolls in the back while they're busy with the humans.

...if the humans all go down before you can spring an ambush it's probably not picking a fight with the other gnolls while you're outnumbered.
>>
No. 855804 ID: 1e7aa8

>>855612
we *have* a blacksmith. A really good one that doesn't have proper lodging.
>>
No. 855809 ID: 91ee5f

>>855612
We don't need no stinking human blacksmiths!
>>
No. 855829 ID: 9e4723

>>855594
This.
>>
No. 855841 ID: 13fded

Only attack after the gnolls take the loot. It's not worth betting in the good will of these humans.
>>
No. 856494 ID: bfb318
File 151520808242.png - (255.08KB , 800x800 , 113.png )
856494

"Then we wait until the fight's done, or close enough that the humans won't have a moment to attack us. If the gnolls manage to grab the loot fast and run, we chase 'em. I'll give the signal."

It's too quiet to get close, but it ain't quiet when they attack. Once the noise starts, I bring us right up next to the fight. The other clan hit hard enough to shatter the human's formation and is scattering them all over around, so the fight should end fast. The humans are putting up a fight, so either they're good guards, or they know they can't outrun gnolls. If they're lucky, this clan is the kind that'll just beat the shit out of opponents.

A couple fighters get close, and I see these humans ain't lucky. This clan's all about the murder.
>>
No. 856496 ID: 86eb65

This might be a good time to jump in and attack.

If the humans are about to be overwhelmed the gnolls will be very distracted finishing them off. Bloodlust and all.

Once all the humans are all down there attackers will have nothing left to distract them and will be on the watch for people out to steal there loot.

So might be best to hit them now in the confusion were they will be stuck between you and the humans.
>>
No. 856497 ID: c88e6d

>>856494
Attack the Gnolls!
>>
No. 856501 ID: 28cb85

Two can play that game.

The being about murder, I mean.

Wait for the casualties to mount before you murder the crap out of those guys.
>>
No. 856510 ID: 13fded

Follow the plan. Even now you can't predict how the humans will react, it would be bad to get in the fight only to be surround by enemies from both sides.
>>
No. 856517 ID: 3abd97

>>856494
Well, time to get in on the action. The longer you wait, the more humans will be dead, and the more gnolls will be free to fight back.

Stab the gnolls in the back!
>>
No. 856533 ID: 91ee5f

Time to strike down the enemy gnolls!
>>
No. 856535 ID: de6d84

STRIKE DOWN THE GNOLLS
>>
No. 856577 ID: 9e4723

I think it would be wise to attack now. Make sure that the humans understand that you are on their side.
>>
No. 856603 ID: bfb318
File 151527179478.png - (221.87KB , 1000x800 , 114.png )
856603

I get us out there to get our own murder spree going. We hit as many gnolls as we can in one go before either the humans or gnolls can react.

"Fuckin' piss stain!" I yell at a newly murdered gnoll.
>>
No. 856604 ID: bfb318
File 151527182097.png - (194.36KB , 800x800 , 115.png )
856604

Talon rushes another.

>"Fuck the dirt!"
>>
No. 856605 ID: bfb318
File 151527188901.png - (204.28KB , 800x800 , 116.png )
856605

Not a peep from Hilt. At least he killed a third.

The humans managed to kill one, and they're pulling back to the caravan to get their defenses back up. Two gnolls remain, and they're starting to flee like sensible cowards.
>>
No. 856607 ID: a363ac

KILL THE HUMANS!
>>
No. 856609 ID: 7fad5d

>>856607
Come on, we don't even know how many humans there are, and more importantly, we haven't even looted the gnolls we killed.
>>
No. 856610 ID: 3ce125

>>856605
That fucking face.

Anyway, I say wipe out the rest of the gnolls so you don't have any witnesses causing trouble for you. Then ask for a reward from the humans. Which might just be looting rights, if they're very stingy, but hey, free loot.
>>
No. 856612 ID: 13fded

Congratulation! Now you got to fight the humans to get the gold. Good job.
>>
No. 856613 ID: eef407

Don't let them flee, catch them. If they are from a clan near here you should know about it. Interrogation time.
>>
No. 856618 ID: 28cb85

Looks like you jumped the gun. Well this is awkward.

Might as well finish them off.
>>
No. 856619 ID: 87353e

>>856605
Rundown the fleeing gnolls and then attempt to deescalate with the humans, send in Hilt to talk to them since he's the most sociable. If you play it off right he can advertise your clans services for protection from other gnolls (because gnolls are the best at fighting other gnolls) the next time they travel through and not make it sound like extortion.

This way you might establish future dealings with human traders and if they are heading towards the sea, also hitch a ride with them.
>>
No. 856620 ID: 3abd97

>The humans managed to kill one, and they're pulling back to the caravan to get their defenses back up
Hey there, hairless shorties. Run into a bit of trouble, did you?
>>
No. 856635 ID: 6780f5

>>856605
Clamp, that was the last thing that gnoll ever got to see. Think of the potential for psychological warfare Hilt has.
>>
No. 856637 ID: 7152b7

Sitrep on the Human Caravan. Numbers.
>>
No. 856656 ID: 33d4be

Tell your two buddies to try catch those fleeing gnolls. You want to know what group they're from, and decide if and what you want them to inform anyone else.

Lean on the humans for as much "gratitude" as you think you can push for with what they have left, and make sure to ask to see a map and a compass.
>>
No. 856658 ID: 9e4723

I think Clamp should do the talking while the other two finish the job. Lets make a deal, we can provide them protection that they actually seem to need, and in exchange we can make some trading with them. We can get tools for the blacksmith, we cans sell shit that we steal from other gnolls, buy good equipment, etc.
>>
No. 856660 ID: c88e6d

>>856605
Finish with pointing and laughing at the fleeing gnolls. Then request compensation for saving the humans in the form of a map. Ask them why they decided to send a caravan through the Gnoll Heartlands.
>>
No. 856670 ID: 86eb65

Go introduce yourself in bloody impressive fashion to the surviving humans after you loot the gnolls.

Then you can decide if you want to rob them or beat them up or shake them down for "defending" them.
>>
No. 856708 ID: 9c2d0c

See if that Hilt nerd is any good at talking to humans. He's supposed to be like a diplomat or something, right? You can chase down stragglers if you want I guess
>>
No. 856722 ID: 39a82b

Hilt is absolutely terrifying.

>"Fuck the dirt!"
Isn't the phrase "bite the dirt"?

Anyway we may want to kill the last enemy gnolls so they don't go back to there clan and we end up with more enemies then go talk with the humans first and see how well communication and bargaining go, if it doesn't then we kill them.
>>
No. 856852 ID: bfb318
File 151536595019.png - (228.45KB , 800x800 , 117.png )
856852

"Talon, chase the other fucker! Don't let 'em get back to their clan!"

Talon's already chasing, and offs one quick. The last one's fast, but Talon should catch up.

"Hilt, you creepy fucker, let's talk with humans."

The gnolls were breaking the human's limbs to take 'em out of the fight before going in for the kill. Since we interrupted 'em, most of the humans are alive, but there's only 4 that look like they're still in fighting condition. Can't see the humans themselves, but their body language is sweatin'. Looks like there's 3 wagons. The front and back ones look short.

>"What's going on out there?!" I hear a voice from inside the tall center wagon. "Is it over?"
>"Stay inside!" One of the guards says. "You, mangy bastards! Turn back."
>"Welllll," Hilt says, "We did just save you guys from those other gnolls!"
>"What proves that wasn't just some internal dispute?"
"The hell makes you think we're in the same clan?"
>"You're all wearing the same kind of shirt!"

.... need to get a tailor that can be assed to make some fuckin' sleeves. The guard keeps yapping.

>"So you could take our gold for yourselves, right, without having to share it with as many other gnolls!"
>"Oh, that makes no sense for us." says Hilt. "Gold would be shared for the clan! It wouldn't matter how many of us there are."
>"Enough. Try to kill us, and your whole clan will be hunted down like dogs!"

>"Uh wait Chief." Hilt whispers to me. "So what are we doing with the humans? Trade? I think they're merchants!"
>>
No. 856854 ID: 3ce125

>>856852
Damn, they won't believe it's a rescue. Fiiiiine, ask if they've got anything they'd want to trade. We can offer some of the stuff we just got from killing those other gnolls.
>>
No. 856856 ID: 7fad5d

"You don't know what clan we are and you were dying just fine before I came along. See ya."

Fuck these losers.
>>
No. 856858 ID: bb78f2

>>856852
We just wanted to ensure an enemy clan didn't get a hand on your gold. I suppose foreigner brownie points are good too, but secondary to limiting rival clan growth in the area.
>>
No. 856859 ID: 33d4be

"You don't even know what clan I am or where we live, so don't give me that. If you know anything you know there are different clans of us gnolls all over here, and how are guys as clearly ignorant as you going to know anything about which one I'm in? If I wanted to fight you you'd be pushovers. As in you've probably been walking in armour all day and after that fight I could literally push you over."

"You don't want to hand over any gold for gratitude, fine - gold's heavy, I don't want to carry it around. I bet you have some other handy stuff on you, though, that you'd rather give up than take the chance on how many of you we can kill. Your buddies with the broken bones, they don't need their swords and shields any more, how about those? The scabbards and straps to go with 'em, too. And I bet you've got maps, and a compass or two, if you're trudging through a forest like this. All stuff you can get again easy when you go home. Pass 'em over and you can walk out of here calling yourselves lucky."

Your clan will make better use out of some swords and shields, and you right now out of a map and compass, than whatever amount of gold you can take out of these asses.
>>
No. 856860 ID: 86eb65

Ok first things first. Respect is a two way street so if you 4 give me one more threatening word you are all going to be lying next to your friends in the dirt. Understand?

The only reason you are not all dead is because of me. If you want to keep it that way be polite.

Get your leader out here so we can talk. I think some trading is in order.

Trades to make:

1. Trading them there dead back.
2. Taxes for passing through your territory.
3. Protection money for services rendered.
4. Actual trading if your clan actually has anything worth trading.

Because you might not have anything they want. But they owe you big and had better realize it.
>>
No. 856867 ID: 91ee5f

>>856852
>"What's going on out there?!" I hear a voice from inside the tall center wagon. "Is it over?"
"Yeah, it's over! We saved you guys!"

>"You're all wearing the same kind of shirt!"
Tell him, "No shit we've all got the same shirt, we're gnolls! We're not rich as fuck humans like you! And wearing the same shirt doesn't prove that we're working together! What kind of stupid dumbass logic is that?!"

>"Enough. Try to kill us, and your whole clan will be hunted down like dogs!"
"If we wanted you dead, we wouldn't have saved your dumbasses!"
>>
No. 856874 ID: 3abd97

>"You're all wearing the same kind of shirt!"
Come on are humans blind as well as short? Those guys were all wearing the same thing, and we're not. Maybe your armor needs better eye holes.

>Try to kill us, and your whole clan will be hunted down like dogs!
Guy, chill. If I was here to kill you I'd have killed you. Or I'd have kicked back and watched as those other gnolls did. You don't have to be a genius to see you were losing.
>>
No. 856923 ID: c88e6d

>>856852
For starters, they don't even know which clan you are. Either way, politely explain that you saved their lives, and then demand directions. And an apology from the loud, complainy one.
>>
No. 856941 ID: 69d4b9

"I don't know what clan those fucks were, but they aren't Storm Hold gnolls. That's what we are. There, now you know as much as I do about which clans were involved in this fight. The other guys, and the Storm Hold."

"I'm Clamp, and I saved you because I want some human contacts. I want my clan to have access to human goods. We're willing to trade, labor, goods, and raw material. That sound good to your boss?"


>>856859
First part is fine, second part isn't.

>>856860
I think we should play it conservative. Actual trades only, we're looking for their good will here and you get that by establishing common ground.
>>
No. 856943 ID: 9e4723

>>856941
Yes, this 100%.
>>
No. 856944 ID: 28cb85

Not merchants, nobles. They talk about keeping somebody protected and disproportionate retaliation? A merchant would be happy to cut losses and run.
>>
No. 856998 ID: 5322c5

>>856852
"Enough. Try to kill us, and your whole clan will be hunted down like dogs!"

Thats stupid. You are stupid. You literally just told me you think we belong to an enemy clan, and then told me that destroying and looting your caravan would result in that enemy clan being punished. Thats stupid. You should let me talk to someone who isnt stupid while your friends quietly remind themselves never to let you talk again.
>>
No. 857383 ID: bfb318
File 151553395251.png - (156.44KB , 800x800 , 118.png )
857383

"Threaten us again, you fuckin idiots!" They brace themselves, but don't say or do a damn thing. "If I wanted you all dead, those fuckin' gnolls before us looked like they were doin' a damn good job of it! If I wanted to raid your shit, you think we'd be talkin?"

They huddle up and start talking to themselves, before the same guy turns to talk at me.

>"Why'd you get in those gnoll's way then?"
"Cause fuck the bastards!" There's some laughing from in the caravan. "Someone having a giggle fit in there?!"
>"No, no!" Someone inside talks. Part of the wall slides open and some face with ridiculous fluff pops out. "What you said just sounded too plain honest, is all. Forgive my guards, they have good reason to be on edge. From the sound of everything that's happened here, if you do anything short of looting us empty and setting the wagon on fire, we'd owe you a favor. Jonathon! Go tend to the wounded. The gnolls don't mind, do they?"
"Long as they fuckin' apologize!"
>"Jonathan?"
>"... Sorry." 'Jonathan' says.

He doesn't sound like he's fuckin' apologetic, but I don't give much of a shit either. The merchant or noble or whatever keeps yapping.

>"Now if you just did that to hinder your rivals, then we wouldn't want to take up any more of your time."
"Fuck that. I want some human contacts and trade if you idiots are trying to trade through the gnoll heartlands."
>"What clan are you from?"
"Storm Hold."
>"Chief, shouldn't I be doing some talking?" Hilt asks.
"You shut your baby mouth Hilt."
>>
No. 857384 ID: bfb318
File 151553396036.png - (181.13KB , 800x800 , 119.png )
857384

The human throws a bag of gold at me. It ain't a small amount from what I understand.

>"You all use gold, don't you?"
"If you come trade with us, then I guess we fuckin' do now."
>"We'll come and point yourselves out on the map! Thomas! Lay the map out on one of our emptied wagons, will you?"
>>
No. 857385 ID: 86eb65

Guarding sounds boring. But gives you time to learn more from this guy.

And getting a steady job guarding caravans might be nice if they decide to set up a route through here. Making allies and new friends is never a bad idea.

I say go for it.
>>
No. 857386 ID: bfb318
File 151553397267.png - (215.00KB , 800x800 , 120.png )
857386

A map half the size of me is rolled out. Words all over the damn thing, and looks like every single tree is drawn on it.

"... where the fuck are we even on this map?"
>"Right here!" the merchant says, pointing to a spot. Doesn't look like a goddamn thing like Leaf's map, but I still get re-oriented. Looks like we were more or less going in the right direction after all, 'cept we're way more east than we should be.
>"Oh!" says Hilt. "Can we keep this map?"
>"Absolutely."
"The hell are you all doing out here anyway?"
>"You see the dwarven mountains down here? The only way to get there is by going alllll the way around here, through these impassable mountains here, or simply a direct line through the area we're in now. It's the perfect balance between danger and efficiency."
"Looks like you were about to have your asses kicked."
>"Terrible luck, as I started with more guards than this. It happens. Speaking of terrible situations, if we get attacked yet again, we'll be in for it. How would you like to earn some wages by escorting us to the forest border? If we keep a good pace, we'll be there by sundown."
>>
No. 857387 ID: 3ce125

>>857386
Ehhh... is that in the direction we're going? If not, how much time would we lose?
>>
No. 857388 ID: 9e4723

"Well, we were going to make some long run deals with other gnolls to the east of here. But if you keep giving us jobs and you trade with us, you have yourself a deal.
For the record, we are probably the strongest gnolls from here, and probably the only clan that woun't try to kill you as soon as they see you".
>>
No. 857391 ID: 9c2d0c

"I don't think that's bad luck. Those assholes knew you were coming and were waiting on you. It sounds like they know your route, and somebody's trying to wear you down."

If this guy doesn't get where he's going, you don't earn any friends for this. Seems like you have an investment to protect here, Clamp.
>>
No. 857392 ID: 28cb85

Split up- Hilt and Talon can guard the caravan, you'll go kill boss with Shabin as a guide.
>>
No. 857405 ID: dc91a0

>>857392
>>857392
This works.
You have business, these two can handle this, plus it'll let Hilt get his talking in.
>>
No. 857410 ID: 33d4be

Tell him these guys were waiting here for him - this isn't a regular trading route that everyone knows they can do some banditry on, so someone knew his route beforehand. Plus, one of those gnolls that ran away is for sure going to make it out, since Talon is probably only going to be able to grab one of them. That means their clan will know him and his guards are weakened, and will still know where he's going. If he keeps on going this way he's definitely fucked.

Instead of trying to make it to the other side with only a couple of gnolls added to his guards - because you have to be elsewhere anyway, yourself, so a couple will be all they get - offer to bring him and his stuff back to your clan's hold. Stay there the night and tomorrow he can have a proper escort. If they worry about trusting you or your clan tell them they can have a couple of your kids stay with them for the night as hostages.

If he agrees, Talon or Hilt can guide them back and relay your orders to the clan about 'em, while you, Shabin and the other head over to the sea gnolls like originally planned, hopefully faster since you have the map.
>>
No. 857413 ID: 69d4b9

>>857392
It's tempting but I think it's better to delay approaching the sea gnolls. We were talking about setting up camp and taking a full day to get to them anyway, so a little extra delay is probably not a problem. Making inroads with the humans makes progress toward our long term goal of having permission to roam around human lands like the Plainskeepers seem to. That'll give us a lot more flexibility in dealing with Chainlink's Clan.

Speaking of Chainlink's clan, the route this caravan is planning on, if they're just going straight north to the road, will take us within striking range of Chainlink's encampment and the Mount Something clan.

Chainlink's encampment is the one more likely to pose trouble, both because they have the organization to have built walls and traps (and thus are more likely to also run patrols around their territory) and because they're bigger. So if we can offer input on the route to the road, warn that erring in the direction of the Mount Something clan is probably the safer bet.

We should not split the party, we're going to need the muscle if we encounter either of those clans on the road and we can't talk them into leaving the caravan alone.
>>
No. 857427 ID: 91ee5f

>>857392
No, let's not split up.
>>
No. 857471 ID: bb78f2

>>857386
Don't give the true location of your camp, instead establish a minor outpost towards a location of your choosing.

What will benefit the clan most will be a few tough spare dudes for mercenary muscle that you'll rotate out occasionally at the outpost, and keep spare food and supplies to sell to traders. More than likely, you'll happen upon a few using this shortcut just like he is, and be able to feed them or assist them with muscle and transport.
>>
No. 857472 ID: bfced3

These guys new you were coming and ambushed you, chances are other clans know about you too, change your route a bit and you should do a little better.
>>
No. 857473 ID: d36af7

Main reason we were going after the sea gnolls was carpentry, and this seems like a much better lead on that anyway. Ask about the possibility of hiring human carpenters, maybe even an actual architect or siege engineer, to help design and set up Storm Hold's defensive walls.
>>
No. 857475 ID: 91ee5f

>>857471
>Don't give the true location of your camp
I think you're too late to suggest that. It looks like that's exactly what Clamp is pointing at on the map and he's already shown them where the camp is.
>>
No. 857518 ID: 3abd97

>trade established
Well there's a good Chief thing done, that should help your camp in the long term if you have a reliable source of stuff.

>"Oh!" says Hilt. "Can we keep this map?"
>>"Absolutely."
Huh, surprising you'd think good maps would be pricey. Although maybe they really need your help.

>How would you like to earn some wages by escorting us to the forest border? If we keep a good pace, we'll be there by sundown
I mean, if we don't get them out of the woods alive, they'll never come back and trade with us. Seems like a reasonable investment, unless we're happy to walk away with just a bag of gold.
>>
No. 857526 ID: 69d4b9

>>857518
If they have some way of making high quality duplicates, they might have a dozen spares of the same map just for trading away.
>>
No. 858655 ID: bfb318
File 151606503516.png - (203.41KB , 800x800 , 121.png )
858655

Talon gets back right on time and confirms the last gnoll is dead.

"Fine, we'll go with you." We'll just get to the sea clan's place later. I'm not eager on splitting up. "Where are you headed, human?"

He points to a place east of here, so we'll be way south of Chainlink. We move out, since I'm not walking back to camp until the sea clan's walking with me.

We move on. Just walking. Somehow it's boring as hell not being lost as fuck.

Hilt at least's having the time of his life here. He's constantly chatting to the merchant when I'm not, asking about humans and all that crap. He tries to get the guards into the conversation, too, but they're even less happy about yapping than I am. Hell, I don't even think the merchant's as relaxed as he makes himself sound. The guy at least knows that showing fear isn't gonna do him any favors. He at least changes what path he was taking. Those gnolls probably didn't know which way he was going, and just split up their clan, and hedged their bets into which route he'd be taking.

>"Hey!" says Hilt. "This map we're keeping seems really good! How much money's it worth?"
>"Right about 5 gold! Those maps are just traced off..." somethin' somethin' peasant labor "... so that's accurate, if not professionally made!"

It starts to get dusk before we're almost to the edge of the forest.

>"Thank you for your company! It looks like we made it safely after all! Here you are." The human tosses another bag of gold to me. It's less than the first, but doesn't feel bad.

I count it up. It totals to 80 gold, with what I have before.

"How much would it cost to get a human carpenter or mason to get my camp fortified or at least teach my gnolls how to not suck ass?"
>"You, good sir, would be hard pressed to find a human willing to go into gnollish territory to teach! But as it so happens, I am good at finding people. A carpenter and mason have similar wages of 20 gold per week, each, so long as you feed them and supply them with what they need."

I'll still probably want to kick sea clan's ass, but there's no way to tell if any of them would compare to a human. Plus, I don't have any masons.
>>
No. 858656 ID: 3ce125

>>858655
Carpenter from the sea clan for long term use, mason from the humans for a month, maybe long enough to teach someone enough to take over after we're out of gold? Sounds good.
>>
No. 858658 ID: 86eb65

Yeah lets spend our money on a mason to get some stone walls and such set up.

The human can do the technical work and you can assign a group of gnolls to them to provide grunt labor. And one or two smarter gnolls that might learn a bit from the human.

Also we need to make sure the humans are protected and comfortable while living with us.
>>
No. 858659 ID: 13fded

For a short period of time this is worth. Ask him to bring one carpenter next time he pass through gnoll lands, I'm sure the merchant will want something for the favor but that is ok.

Where is Shabin?
>>
No. 858660 ID: 12b116

If we were too far east before, then we should be in the right direction to go see about the sea gnolls now. I also think we should get their carpenter as long as he isn't terrible, and if we can't find anybody else we could hire the mason for a month or two.
>>
No. 858662 ID: 2efe4b

Get carpentry from the sea clan and a human mason. Or any other mason, if he knows any other non-humans, so long as they're good.
>>
No. 858664 ID: 3abd97

>Hilt at least's having the time of his life here. He's constantly chatting to the merchant when I'm not, asking about humans and all that crap.
I guess that's a success? He's doing the boring diplomat stuff.

>He tries to get the guards into the conversation, too, but they're even less happy about yapping than I am.
At least the human guards know how to be guards. Yapping isn't part of the job.

>mason
Not the worst idea.

Supporting plan mail order mason and collect carpenter through ass kicking.
>>
No. 858668 ID: fda98a

Ask him where could we find him in the future if we want to do more jobs for him. Ask him that, just so we know even if we don't want to in the future. Is good to have some reliable source of gold and trade just in case.
>>
No. 858676 ID: dc91a0

Building a ship takes some serious engineering and real talent. Just maintaining one requires some real know-how.

Seaclan either got taught carpentry and shipwrighting, or they have generations of passed down, built up knowledge. Even if they just stole their boat they must know something if they can keep it floating.

Ask for masons, then go kick some seaclan ass.
>>
No. 858678 ID: 33430a

We should probably ask if he can get any healing potions or anything else that might be useful. When the guards were tending to their wounded did they use poitions on the more badly injured ones?

Also did he mention how much humans value gemstones? If we can sell the ones we have then that might give us some more gold to use, also it would make our gem polisher's skills useful.
>>
No. 858717 ID: c88e6d

We need masons more than anyone else right now.
>>
No. 859268 ID: bfb318
File 151625053568.png - (210.24KB , 800x800 , 122.png )
859268

"Yeah. I want a mason!"
>"Then a mason you will have! In at least a few days." says the merchant. He goes and fucks off.

>Where's Shabin?
Still on my shoulder, lost somewhere in my fluff.

We set up a camp to get some sleep, then head over to the sea clan. Can't see anything along the shore, but around the later end of mid-day, there's a cove that just screams 'shit's hidden here.' So we hike up into the forest to get up along the edge of the cove. There's a beautiful fuckin' wall in the way. Even has vines n' shit covering it up to disguise it from a distance, and skulls put up at the front. We walk up to it.

>"'ey! We got some tourists!" Someone's shouting from the wall.
>>
No. 859269 ID: bfb318
File 151625054729.png - (385.81KB , 1200x800 , 123.png )
859269

A couple walk up to the top of the wall and start shouting down at us. Don't know which one is even talking which words, nor do I give a crap.

>"They don't look much like scouts!"
>"They got sheeny coats! They're a pack a' pretty boys!"
>"Hey pretty boys, you get lost on your way to the beauty contest?!"
"I thought that's what this place was!"
>"Yeah?! Alright, dance! You guys can dance, right?!"
"With a fuckin' sword! Show me your chief, I'll dance his fuckin' ass off."
>"Ohh, he wants to be the new captain!"
>"The fatass is cocky 'cause he's a head taller than erry'one else around here 'cept for Stilts."
>"If fatass here fights the captain, he can be a head shorter an' decorate our wall while he's at it!"
"You assholes gonna bring out your captain or what?"
>"Hey, we're pirates! Do you know how to sail? Do you even know how to swim?! Sea raiding's all we know!"
>>
No. 859270 ID: 7fad5d

>>859267
"Goddamn you're opinionated for midgets. Shut up and get the king midget over here."
>>
No. 859275 ID: ea895e

"I couldn't fukkn care if you were a bunch of fluffy fishes with sticks. I'll deck ya captain and yall learn to walk on land or ill stick a barrel of sea water up your arse and see how well ya flat! So get ya captain out here, unless you lot are a bunch of limp dick otters and not gnolls."
>>
No. 859276 ID: a633c6

>>859269
I'll be sure to teach you some fucking manners then, just as soon as I pull off your coward captains head!
>>
No. 859277 ID: 3ce125

>>859269
What, you LIKE being on the ocean? Let me beat up your chief and you won't have to sail anymore.
>>
No. 859278 ID: 2efe4b

Well this looks like a more permanent arrangement here than we knew. Nice wall, though, that's the kind of thing you came here for.

"What do you think I want you morons for!? I'll teach you something, all right, once you shorties are done feeling tall on yer wall and go tell 'em a real gnoll wants to see how well the chief of a bunch of salt-crusted, fish-chewing, seal-mothered splinter merchants like you fights!"
>>
No. 859283 ID: 9c2d0c

Then you can be my navy, and you can tell me who built this wall for you, since sea raiding is all you can do.
>>
No. 859284 ID: 91ee5f

>>859269
“You know what I heard about you guys? You’re all a bunch of pansies that can’t handle the competition on land, so all of you run away with your tails between your legs and go hide on your tiny little boat in the ocean!”
>>
No. 859287 ID: 0b650c

>Sea raiding's all we know!
"Wow that's pathetic. Guess when I'm in charge I'm gonna have to teach you guys how to be useful."
>>
No. 859308 ID: fda98a

Shit, you all guys already said all the cool stuff. Well, let's just kick the boss ass and take them so we can make some walls. Then maybe we can just, i don't know, throw them away? Do we need to keep them? If they are pirates they "should" know how to finght. That is always useful.
>>
No. 859313 ID: bb78f2

>>859269
Nah, what I need is some shitheads that know that stuff when I NEED it, and god damn woodworkers. Ain't gonna get any better than salty furballs like you 'round here!
>>
No. 859334 ID: dc91a0

I'm here for Talent, and you know how to make a pretty wall.
Bring out your captain, I need the rest of you's alive.
>>
No. 859343 ID: c88e6d

Continue mocking them for being short, imply that they cannot hack it on land and that they, being sailors, most certainly like it up the butt one and all.
>>
No. 859346 ID: e17697

>>859269
Sure you are, looks like you all decided walking the plank was so fun you stacked a bunch of the things on land and patrol around on top of them.
>>
No. 859998 ID: 3abd97

>>859269
>"Hey, we're pirates! Do you know how to sail? Do you even know how to swim?! Sea raiding's all we know!"
The only things that you know that will matter when I'm in charge are the things I tell you to do, numbnuts.

Now I came here to fight, not to fucking talk. Can we get on with it already?!
>>
No. 860036 ID: a1b43d

So what i’m picking up from what they’re saying is that basically they have no idea how to fight worth a damn on land and are just wasting your time.
Can you see a way to quickly scale that wall befors they could push you off?
>>
No. 860046 ID: 526564

Beat them down, we're here to fight.
>>
No. 860125 ID: de6d84

"Less talking, more fighting!"
>>
No. 860177 ID: bfb318
File 151657182169.png - (200.63KB , 800x800 , 124.png )
860177

"Then I'll teach you assholes some manners, like telling me if sea raiding's all you know, where the hell'd this wall come from?"
>"Uh we built the wall, duh."
"Then there you fuckin' go, there's your land based talent!"
>"Who the hell doesn't know how to build a fuckin' wall?!"
"Why do you think I dragged myself over to you assholes?"
>"To die?"
"To get some wall makers! On land! Now shut up and get your chief to fight me, already!"
>"I don't think you understand! You gotta race the chief in a sail boat to prove you're sea worthy!"
"And I told you, I'm not joining you butt fuckers on the sea!"
>"Hey! That's just some stupid rumor! Our boats have plenty of girls!"
>"Yeah we got all kinds of whores on the boat!"
>"Who the shit said that?!" I hear some woman scream from deeper in the camp.
>"Shut up Waila, you know that wasn't directed at you, cause no one'll sleep with your patchy hide!"
>"That's why you all suck each other's cocks all day!"
"Shuddup you fucking shortcakes, I don't wanna know about your shitty sex lives!"
>"Your partner sure looks like he wants to know!"
>>
No. 860178 ID: bfb318
File 151657183139.png - (221.53KB , 1000x800 , 125.png )
860178

....

>"Wh-what are you all -"
"Shut your trap, Hilt, and change your face."

Shabin taps on my shoulder.

>"Why haven't you beaten up these guys yet?"
"That's a good fuckin' question. Probably because these assholes actually like being at sea!"
>"Yeah, it's.... greeaaat!" says one of 'em, choking on that last word.

The others notice that choke, and start talking to 'emselves. Then they huddle together, and a few other gnolls show up on the roof to do the same. They take so damn long that I almost want to set up camp out here. I can hear their bitching from here, about how they're sick of getting sea sick, dealing with half rotten meat half the time, and other things that do a damn good job of convincing me not to take up sailing. They turn back to me.

>"You got a point! Hey, Chief! You got a challenger!"
>>
No. 860179 ID: bfb318
File 151657183928.png - (246.54KB , 800x800 , 126.png )
860179

>"You guys make sure this one actually knows how to sail, first?!" Their chief calls out.
>"Actually, no, because we kiiiiinda want to give land a chance!"
>"Who the hell is 'we'?!"

All the people on the roof raise their hands.

>"All of you line up for an ass whooping! Open the gate for whatever dumbass wants to fight me so that he can get in line first!"

What a sight, goddamn. An actual working gate. Also their chief is standing under it. Apparently chiefs are scrawny these days.
>>
No. 860180 ID: c2051e

>>860176
"Goddamn you sure look like Hilt's type."

Sword him until he stops fighting back.
>>
No. 860182 ID: 3abd97

>>860179
Just stab him. No more banter time, now is stabbing him with your sword time.

After you've stabbed him, we can banter.

"You're bandaged before we even start, and you're not even carrying a weapon, runt. What kind of Chief are you."
>>
No. 860183 ID: 6780f5

Enough of this inane bullshit. Plant the fucker's head through the ground and lets get back before something more stupid happens.
>>
No. 860187 ID: 91ee5f

>>860179
>Also their chief is standing under it. Apparently chiefs are scrawny these days.
“I said send your Chief out here, not some scrawny little kid wrapped in bandages!”
>>
No. 860191 ID: 027a87

>>860180
>>860182
It's not stabbing time yet until he draws a weapon. Which means, of course, that now is punching time. And kicking time. And--
>>
No. 860192 ID: 2efe4b

Don't attack him right away, do you want more Wasters being all "you didn't REALLY win" and thinking they have a shot at you? You've got to fight him where his clan can see and you both need to be equally armed.

"I'm your challenger, goldie. You wanna fight right here or have you got a dirt circle or somethin' somewhere the rest of you can see? I don't want to have to crack ten more skulls after you just to prove what shoulda been obvious, and if you're delusional enough to think you can win you should want everyone to see that, too. No fuckin' boats."

When you do fight him, he's probably a slippery fast fucker so watch out for that. These pirate types love being able to jump and climb and swing all over the place.
>>
No. 860194 ID: c88e6d

>>860179
Ask Hilt if there's something in the water nearby that makes Gnolls look pretty and big hipped.

Then step up and begin the duel by beating the absolute shit out of their chief. Careful, he might look like a twink, but sailors do have to spend all day pulling on ropes connected to heavy things. He might be a strangler.
>>
No. 860195 ID: bb78f2

>>860179
You look like a gnoll who spends more time primping than fighting.
>>
No. 860198 ID: 214cda

Wind was scrawny too and he almost killed you. Something to keep in mind.
>>
No. 860200 ID: 3ce125

>>860179
Punch that mother out! He's probably a complete wimp in combat since he doesn't do anything but sail.

Hmm, the gnolls didn't say who built the wall. It'd suck if you killed the chief only to find out HE's the carpenter.
>>
No. 860204 ID: a633c6

Make a mental note to pinch his bling. If it's too small for you maybe Matron will like it.

Step forward, I dunno what kind of ancient rules of combat you've got to abide by here but do be sure to kick his ass.
>>
No. 860220 ID: 830fb7

>>860187
I want to see his reaction to this.
>>
No. 860227 ID: fda98a

>>860200
That is not very probable, but it would sock if is the case.
Ok enough with the chitchat, i want to see some blood, fight already.
>>
No. 860231 ID: 91ee5f

>>860178
>>860179
From the way these guys are talking, it looks like Stemwalker was right, the sea sucks and these guys are sick and tired of it! So if you can beat the chief, then these guys will not only be loyal to you, they’ll also be grateful to you for saving them from having to go back out to sea!
>>
No. 860232 ID: dc91a0

Look bud, you're more valuable to me alive than dead so when I break all your bones, keep breathin' eh?
>>
No. 860251 ID: 12b116

Punch him in the snout to establish dominance
>>
No. 860311 ID: c0641d

“Seriously? And your guys up top called me a prettyboy!”
>>
No. 860378 ID: 35089a

he has more bandages the matron you dont want whats under there though
do you
>>
No. 861966 ID: c472f0

>>858655
I bet Hilt wants to cuddle humans to keep them warm since they have no fur
>>
No. 861972 ID: 13fded

Say, will this be a fight to death or will captain bandages want to surrender?
>>
No. 862073 ID: 9c2d0c

he CANT be as worthless as he looks, he put this pack together SOMEHOW.
>>
No. 862246 ID: de6d84

STAB HIM
>>
No. 864343 ID: bfb318
File 151770174428.png - (145.19KB , 800x800 , 127.png )
864343

Then again, Wind was scrawny, and that fucker was the toughest one on one fight I've had in a long time. Should learn my lesson about underestimating this guy, and take this fight real careful. I approach him, makin' sure his clan ain't doing any shit, but mostly watching their chief to see his movements.

>"Alright, fatty." He reaches behind the wall. Looks like he had his sword around the corner, there. "Let's see your bladework!"
>>
No. 864344 ID: bfb318
File 151770175617.png - (206.92KB , 1200x800 , 128.png )
864344

>Punch him in the snout to establish dominance
>>
No. 864345 ID: bfb318
File 151770176949.png - (176.46KB , 800x800 , 129.png )
864345

Fucker goes down fast, and I slam his head into the ground to knock him out.

>Will this be a fight to death or will captain bandages want to surrender?
That's a real good goddamn question.

Shoulda asked in advance I guess, but I'm their chief now, which means it's up to me if I kill 'im or not. He looks real goddamn worthless, but he put this pack together somehow.

Either way, I'm taking his accessories.
>>
No. 864346 ID: 3abd97

>Shoulda asked in advance I guess, but I'm their chief now, which means it's up to me if I kill 'im or not. He looks real goddamn worthless, but he put this pack together somehow.
Just ask him now while he's face down in the dirt.

"So is this a fight to to death, or am I your Chief now, captain?"

If he gives the wrong answer you can just kill him anyways.
>>
No. 864347 ID: 86eb65

Take his stuff and give one of those gold jewelry pieces to your daughter. She might be able to use a wrist bangle as a belt.

Then ask your new pack if this guy is worth keeping.
>>
No. 864348 ID: 12b116

All right, get some carpenters and anybody else who wants to make themselves useful. What kind of possible recruits do we have around here? Their chieftain doesn't look like much of a fighter, but does he have any other sorts of useful skills?
>>
No. 864349 ID: c88e6d

>>864345
Whack him against the ground a few more times to stun him, then announce you're in charge now and sailing is for suckers. Ask how the dweeb kept them all in line.
>>
No. 864350 ID: b1b4f3

Yeah you don't know anything about this guy but you took him down unarmed when he was armed so there's no doubting your strength. Ask his clan if he was good for anything other than sailing.
>>
No. 864351 ID: 6c2cf5

“I want all of you to line up nice and orderly, i’m going to come around and ask you all about yourselves! I don’t care about your life stories, just tell me what skills you have and how good you think you are at it and the people to your left and right will either confirm or deny your claims!”
>>
No. 864352 ID: 2efe4b

Take his gold and give it to Matron when you get home. For right now, drag this guy into the middle of these guys' camp, tell everyone you won and ask if anyone else wants to step up.

Then tell them they don't have to live on the sea any more. If any of them want to mess around in boats, and there probably will be at least a few, then fine, you'll find some use for it, but most of them will be happier with dirt and rock under them like proper gnolls.

First item of business, find out what they're doing here, what problems they have (do they have all the food they need, et cetera), and tell them to stop doing old stuff you don't want and to start doing stuff you do want. For the first big project, get out that fancy new map and figure out the best route from here to your main camp. If there are any big slow rivers they might be able to put their sailing expertise to make river boats. If not, or if not the whole way, tell them to start clearing a road between here and your main camp and to bring the wood they get along, bridging any rivers between here and there and taking whatever's left over to Storm Hold. Leave your two gnolls here and bring a pack of these with you back there. A decently big pack, with some kids, so they don't get so many ideas. You'll be sending some of your own back here for the same reason.
>>
No. 864353 ID: a633c6

Man, just stomp his neck in. Even if all indications are wrong and he is useful for something, if he isn't useful for you as a leader he'll be a pain in the ass, and that position is filled quite ably by waster.
>>
No. 864355 ID: 91ee5f

>>864343
>"Alright, fatty."
These guys need to come up with better insults or they need to learn the difference between fat and muscle.

.....or maybe you are a little fat? Damnit, now you’re suddenly worried about how in shape you look now!

>>864345
>he put this pack together somehow.
What if it’s something lame, like he’s the previous cheif’s son and when that guy died of old age or something, nobody bothered to challenge this guy, so he just automatically became chief?

>I'm taking his accessories.
Don’t take the cloth. Nobody wants to be staring at his dick the whole way back to camp! .....well, ok, maybe someone does, but you don’t!

>>864347
>Daughter
What daughter? You mean Shabin? Because he doesn’t have a daughter.
>>
No. 864357 ID: 86eb65

>>864355

Shabin is his adopted daughter.
>>
No. 864362 ID: bb78f2

>>864345
Talon is probably bored. Throw him to Talon now, then see if Talon wants to give him mercy or not after their fight. It's up to him. We might want Talon leading these chumps as a surrogate chief, so after your chump slam, having these sorts respect then have greater respect for Talon. Should be easier delegating some power to him so long as Talon doesn't get too ambitious.

If scrawny kills or at least wins against Talon, well, hell now we know it's worth sparing him by adding him to our ranks.
>>
No. 864364 ID: deec6e

Keep him. You want better gnolls and he's prooobably one of their better ones, although you might want to test him a little on that first, and you most certainly want to keep him from getting bright glowing dumbass ideas.

Drag him up, get him standing, then ask him whether he wanted the fight to be to the death or not. If he says yes, punch him down again and ask him why he didn't specify or kill you then, because it's too late for him now that you, Chief Clamp, have got better uses for him. If he says no, then nod and say good, because you, Chief Clamp, etc.

Consider the pros/cons of keeping the pirate clan raiding, sans the carpenters you need and anyone who wants to bail out of that business. Get Hilt to start yapping with the clan to find out about population (should be 20-some, no?), skills and resources, and Talon to review their combat experiences. Ask them why they kept bothering with piracy - what was in it for them other than glitzy trinkets for their chief?
>>
No. 864369 ID: c2051e

Keep him alive just in case he can carpent.

>>864346
>I slam his head into the ground to knock him out.
>>
No. 864370 ID: dc91a0

If he sails, he can navigate. If he can navigate, he can teach leaf to make better maps. Maps more like the ones you got from the humans.

If it's true that he has contacts across the sea, then he's useful for teaching Hilt and useful as a liaison for those contacts.

He could be a great swordsman for all you know, he just underestimated your ferocity.
>>
No. 864400 ID: 10c408

Loot the unconscious knoll and then get inside the perimeter. Get some introductions and skills out of all the gnolls present and a general idea of how this whimpy seadog became chief and also the gate.
>>
No. 864450 ID: fda98a

HE IS YOUR BITCH. AND SO IS EVERYONE ELSE HERE! THESE MOTHER FUCKERS ARE GOING TO COME WITH YOU AND MAKE YOU SOME GODDAMN WALLS! MAKE THEM UNDERSTAND THAT! We wasited enouhg time with this shit.
>>
No. 864452 ID: edf392

Have Hilt strip him of everything except his cloth pants then keep the skull necklace cause the rest of the stuff probably won't fit you, give it to hilt instead. By the time we're done with Hilt he will be the prettiest pretty boy.
>>
No. 864453 ID: d36af7

Pick up the unconscious guy, sling him over your shoulder like a sack of potatoes. Tell your new packmates to start packing what they can carry - especially any carpentry tools - and then follow you back to Storm Hold. "We call it that 'cause when there's a storm, it holds still instead of flipping over and making everybody puke!"
>>
No. 864472 ID: 1c8358

Damn. Even if Clamp is a steel-fisted motherfucker that was an embarrassingly fast loss.
>>
No. 864482 ID: de6d84

"I'm chief now!" Knock him out.
>>
No. 865921 ID: bfb318
File 151813746832.png - (224.11KB , 800x800 , 130.png )
865921

I throw this guy in the center of camp. It'll probably be no more than 30 seconds till he wakes up again, but I ain't waiting. I take his valuable stuff, and pass it to Shabin for safekeeping until I can give it to Matron. Shabin'll just lose it if she keeps it for too long.

"Hey! How'd this asshole keep you in line?!"
>"He knew how to sail a boat!" says one of them. "I mean, the rest of us aren't bad, but he know where he was going, because he knows how to navigate, make maps, and all that. He made the best calls, that's why he was chief. He was a good swordsman too, but apparently can't take a punch to the face!" says the bigger one from before.
"Hilt, ask him who the chief is when he wakes up. If it's anyone but me, kill the fucker. The rest of you! Give me a headcount already! Then you guys'll come with me back to Storm Hold."
>"What, do you have a fortress or something?" one of the seaclans asks.
"We will once you quit dawdling! It's called Storm Hold 'cause it doesn't flip over in bad weather!"

A bit later, I get a good idea of what this clan has.

21 adult gnolls, 8 kids. A decent handful of 'em know carpentry. Their chief was also their navigator, so he's good as a cartographer. Also had someone who did trades. He can teach Hilt about that stuff.

They bring out a chest with their good crap. Seven hundred something gold coins. Various magic scrolls that I try to take a look at but I get yelled at that I'll waste 'em. Apparently the lizards are able to put objects in stasis and hold 'em in a scroll. If the scroll is used up, the item pops back out. Also got a few healing potions.

"Where the hell'd you guys get all this stuff?"
>"Lizardfolk have some pretty good mages, and they pay pretty great to have people fight their battles for 'em. I guess that's the end of that though, if we're going to move inland."
"There's some rivers inland, can't you guys boat through those to get to the ocean to keep trading?"
>"Nah. The boats'll work on bigger rivers, sure, but we're sitting ducks on inland rivers. Too many gnolls that'll light an arrow up for fun and see how long the ship's on fire before someone notices."

>Leave Talon as a surrogate chief
Never heard of that kind of shit working.

But then again, this place is already built up, and they got rich off trading and sea raiding. Hrm... I could just take a few of the skilled guys with me back to Storm Hold, and keep this place as like... somethin', I dunno. It's a nice place.

Then if I build a road I can act like they're all one clan and one just lives nextdoor to the other. That, or I set up Talon as the chief of these guys, and I'll be the real chief or somethin' weird like that.

Or just fuck that whole line of thinking and just bring back the entire clan to get absorbed.
>>
No. 865923 ID: f6785d

Hmmm, if you divide the forces they will be hard to cotrol, and you have to go and come with messengers and it takes time. BUT, this way you have the otpion of sailing and apropiate the sea trade that this guys had. And if you can find mages and people willing to pay for mercenary work, you will have a great profit. You could potentially, if you want, make yourself the bigest chief with the most powerful clan ever. IF you can deal with all that of course. Take in mind that you will look to powerful and someone is going to either try to take your shit, or take you down entirely because you are dangerusly powerful.
But this is human thinking, i still don't really know how gnolls work.
>>
No. 865933 ID: c2051e

Yeah, we're already being attacked for being a threat, let's not stretch ourselves further. Consolidate before you go a-splitting up. Might be worth maintaining the place as a bolthole if it isn't overwhelmingly likely that it'll just get taken over or burnt down.
>>
No. 865939 ID: 2efe4b

Remember Clamp, you've got another rival gnoll leader fucker who's trying to unify a bunch of clans together against you, and I'll bet you he's not gathering all his gnolls in one place. Having a couple of places means 1) Anyone attacking you has to watch their sides and back for your buddies, 2) You'll be a bit less likely to get surrounded yourself, 3) If someone pulls some dirty tricks and manages to drive you out of your original home you have somewhere good to go, and 4) Your gnolls won't eat everything in one area and then starve themselves. Gnolls won't stay happy if they don't have plenty of food.

Besides, this IS a nice place and having a "port" gives you some nice options. Like, say, what about that merchant you did a deal with? Bet he'd like to be able to sail out around this whole gnollzone, and pay for the privilege. You'll be able to control the land in between your two spots decently, as well. Move quickly along the coast. You'll get to add the occasional fish and shellfish to your diets, because fuck if you won't want a little change now and then just to renew your appreciation of proper meat. And any of these gnolls (or any of your own gnolls) who turn out to want to sail the briny will have something to do.

So suss out who the top gnolls are in this pack, bring most of them back to Storm Hold with you along with the carpenters you wanted, and the old chief if he's smart enough to live just so you can keep an eye on him. Once you get there you can send some of your old gnolls back. Leave one of your guys here so he can watch for them and tell the gnolls here they're good. A road's a good idea, too. Build a hunting lodge or something in between so the two groups will meet regularly without having to travel the whole way, and have somewhere they can rest and restock on their trips/patrols between the two places.
>>
No. 865941 ID: b1b4f3

>>865921
>cartographer
Hey cool, he can make decent maps then. For if we need to anyway-- don't we have an accurate map now?

I favor absorbing the clan, but here's another idea: you could just move here? Check the place out a bit more, see if it's better defensively and is in a convenient spot for various things we need. Do they have access to ore?
>>
No. 865944 ID: 13fded

We only need a few carpenters. I would be satisfy to take a few and let whoever want to keep playing pirate with captain bandages with the fort intact. That said we are neither a charity or social engineers, the well-being of a rival clan doesn't concern us and leaving the part of the clan behind will make they feel humiliated and robbed no matter what rationalization you make.
If you want to divide your clan the most important thing is that the people in charge are trustful, and this guys haven't even integrate yet. Maybe in the future you can divide your clan either as this difficult to maintain subaltern clan or as an independent ally clan, maybe you will even be able to to conquer this fort from whoever take over and organize your version of gnolls pirates, but right now this isn't your priority so just take everything home and prepare for war.
>>
No. 865955 ID: dc91a0

>That, or I set up Talon as the chief of these guys, and I'll be the real chief or somethin' weird like that.

The term your looking for is Vassilization.

It's a good idea, but Not Yet. Talon is loyal but he probably lacks the talent to lead.
You'd be better off gaining the loyalty and respect of their old chief over time and reinstating him and his clan as your subjects at a later date. Alternatively, you could train up a new lord.

In either case [b]Bring everyone back for now[/i]. The wall and the smithy won't build themselves, and you'll probably want some sleeping accommodations for the human workers that are coming built too. Something about cold nights and lacking fur.
>>
No. 865959 ID: c88e6d

>>865921
Do not split up, consolidate. We're living in Storm Hold and that's final.
>>
No. 865963 ID: be0b68

>>865921
It's a shame to let go of the good thing going here, but there's no point stretching yourself thin and allowing for bullshit splits and such. Once you've had the measure of this lot, better fortified on Storm Hold's end and link this place up with a road or something, yeah come back and restart the pirate shit.

But not before.
>>
No. 865971 ID: 91ee5f

>>865941
>you could just move here?
There is no way in hell Clamp’s entire clan is going to fit here in this location!

>>865959
This.
>>
No. 866002 ID: 12b116

First, state you're taking carpenters no matter what, capture the chief as we desperately need somebody who can draw maps, but give the option to stay behind, or follow you. A bunch of them will probably decide to go, especially if you're taking their chief. The rest of them will either decide to come along as well, or run off. Either way it looks like you gave them the chance to do as they wanted, and they'll be more inclined to actually be loyal in the future.

Having this place as a fortified outpost isn't a bad idea but we don't have the resources to do that right now with our main settlement unfortified.
>>
No. 866030 ID: a633c6

Sounds like a good idea, but not one you can act on now. Once you're certain you can keep influence outside stormhold, then you can do it. If you do it before it'll just cause more problems.
>>
No. 866032 ID: 9c2d0c

Those fuckheads who are mad at you have allied clans. They probably have to deal with this too, and they are fuckheads, so it can't be that hard. Just like, swap some clan members between forts and have everybody teach eachother not to suck at things.
>>
No. 866043 ID: deec6e

>>865921

Huh. Not so much pirates as mercenaries travelling by sea, then? Unless they were raiding other boats on behalf of the lizards? It's a nice haul they've got, mind you, so it seems lucrative. And this IS a nice place... so maybe it'll keep for later.

If you can get them to hide their boats, you could make it look as if the sea clan had simply fucked off on a new voyage. They had to have left the current base abandoned before, or at the very least dangerously poorly defended, when they were out sailing, and apparently no-one abused the fort in their absence. So do that. Then we can come back when we want and not have to start from scratch - and we also have a fallback/expansion place to keep in mind later.

Sending out trade and mercenary sailing expeditions to the lizardfolk is an option worth having on the table for the magical shit alone, but it's also an option for when you aren't facing an alliance of other gnoll tribes and need every able-bodied gnoll you can get. Unless you want to send out an expedition right away to spend some of that gold for stuff that'll give you an advantage.

The lizards could also be a good place to offload some of Gempusher's cut gems for better prices than the humans might give - get Hilt to ask the sea clan's gnoll trader about it.

Another thought.

Do all of these assholes know how to swim? Is swimming handy for amphibious assaults and fording deep rivers for tactical strikes and flanking maneuvers? If so, you could get 'em to teach your clan not to be sobbing babies that are afraid of a little water. ... actually, I'm just assuming they are. Are they?
>>
No. 866046 ID: d9e63d

You could always leave hilt in charge here after hes had some trading training.
You get the bonus of not having him and his face in the same camp you live in.
>>
No. 866047 ID: 10c408

Surely you can leave Talon in charge with breaking down the encampment while you take the spoils back to stormhold? The lumber that went into the walls will be really damn useful for sprucing it up.
>>
No. 866097 ID: b27006

we should sort out our current problems at stormhold before we create new ones at some other place. Though we should hide or store the boats if we can so that option’s available when we’re good and ready.
>>
No. 866121 ID: ce27f7

>>866046

Leaving Hilt in charge of a newly subjugated clan? That...

Fuck. Might actually work, if we want to go down that route. These guys were all sensible-like in letting the best person for their situation lead the clan, so they're probably not gonna mind a guy who was made clan champ for being NICE being their immediate superior for a while, not when rebelling means getting the Clamp. Hilt also seems loyal, cuz' he likes us for some reason and probably can't think a single traitorous thought unless it was for the express purpose of being too goddamn nice. Heck, he'd probably be keen on this job if it lets him go to strange and foreign lands on the regular. That would remove him from being Storm Hold's main diplomat, but it's not like we can't get someone else to substitute for when he's not around.

Alternatively, if we want to send out a trade n' raid mercenary expedition at some point to get more magical stash and spend some of that gold, Hilt would be the perfect second to send along, because he'd actually want to go and he's our diplomat. It'd be on-the-job training. Ask these assholes how long a round trip to the lizards and back takes.

Oh, and ask someone what is stasis'd into the scrolls. Surely they remember.
>>
No. 866181 ID: 48b9a0

I agree with several of the upper statements. Hide the boats, bury them if you need to, and bring the Gnolls back to Storm Hold. Have them fortify it. As soon that is done, and the attack of the enemy Gnolls has been beaten off or pre-emptively destroyed, we send Hilt down with what remains of the Boat-builder clan and re-create their entreprise. Then we use the clan to partly control the Gnoll territory by the rivers through trade and force projection, partly to enrich ourselves with overseas trading.
>>
No. 866222 ID: f6785d
File 151822374820.jpg - (63.21KB , 293x293 , Cute Hilt.jpg )
866222

Leaving Hilt in charge be like:
>>
No. 866233 ID: bb78f2

Hilt can't be in charge because I'm almost certain one of these guys might be able to kick his ass and then become new chief and then we gotta come ALL the way back, recheck that asshole, then go back home.

If we left Hilt here I'm ALMOST certain he would be passed around as a fuckboi within a day or two. After all, these men just pissed off all the women they have here. Hilt will be all they have, and they all know he looks good.
>>
No. 866235 ID: 91ee5f

>>866233
Agreed, don’t leave Hilt here.
>>
No. 866417 ID: bfb318
File 151830503771.png - (175.46KB , 800x800 , 131.png )
866417

I wander somewhere else to think. They all do whatever the hell assholes from the sea do. Shabin goes to play with the other kids around here. Cept for Hilt, he just gawks at me.

Can't think while his dumbass face is pointed at me.

"The hell you lookin' at?"
>"What're you thinking about?"
"About punching what little snout you have back into your face!"
>"Want help thinking?"
"No I don't want help thinking you asshole. Turn around already and go fuck a wall!"

Goddamnit I don't even remember what I was trying to think about

>Live here maybe
It'd get crowded. Already nice and walled up. Eh, current clan'll also get mad at having to pack up and walk over to this smaller clan like I'm playing favorites or whatever.

>Leave Hilt here
No that ain't right, I was gonna leave Talon here cause he could beat up anyone wanting to be chief. Hilt not as much. Probably. There better be a gnoll in this new batch that can fight better than Hilt.

Fuckin... trying to think all complex shit. Human shit. Shit that humans probably have words for.

>consolidation
>vassalization

And I don't fuckin' know the words, so screw it.

"All you guys are coming with me! The boats are useful so bury them or something I dunno."
>"Bury? A boat?"
"What, is it gonna sprout arms and claw back out?"
>"Uh no, yeah I guess we'll do that."
>>
No. 866419 ID: bfb318
File 151830514954.png - (2.81MB , 2000x1550 , 132.png )
866419

We pack our shit and start walking back so that we can get back to Storm Hold before night.

>You own accurate maps
Which makes the old chief a more useless asshole, cept I guess he can read it better than the rest of us and tell where on the map we're at. Now if we find a magic map that tells us where we are on the map, then I couldn't give a shit about him.

"Hey, boaty!" I get the scrawny ex-chief over here. "I got a map. Tell me where I am on this thing."
>"Right in here, chief."

Too much damn information on this thing. I ignore most of the crap on the human kingdoms so that I can focus on everything else. Based on Leaf's shitty maps, we're able to figure about where the other clans are on the big map.

>What's in the scrolls?
Apparently two small houses, a couple of small boats some storage containers, and several cut stones.

>Do all of these assholes know how to swim?
Who the hell doesn't know how to swim? Gnolls can swim at the age of whatever.

>Chances of someone taking over the abandoned fort
Apparently the whole thing is a trapped, and there's a big ol' secret passage leading right underneath the fort, so whenever they come back from a voyage, they just sneak in into their own place at night and kill whatever assholes squatted there.

>Ask these assholes how long a round trip to the lizards and back takes.
3 weeks on land or so. Apparently a lot faster via sea, so once I get a port going I can think about trading with the lizards for magic items.

>Check gem prices among lizards/humans for Gempusher to offload/trade
Apparently both species hold gems in high regard, but neither one is a better option than the other for selling them.
>>
No. 866420 ID: bfb318
File 151830516351.png - (219.13KB , 800x800 , 133.png )
866420

The trip back to Storm Hold goes smoothly enough. I show up back to my tent by evening.

>"Welcome back, finally. What happened?"
"Kicked Sea Clan's chief's ass, took his necklace. Here." I toss it to her. "Seaclan's by the meeting pit, told 'em to wait there."
>"Did you kill the chief?"
"Nah. He can draw maps. Name is, uh... boat something. Boatdancer."
>"Really. I wonder if he'll have hard feelings if I wear his old clothing like a trophy."

Some of the seaclan kids and our kids start roughhousing each other. Matron barks at all of them to not beat the shit out of each other too much.

And I ain't expecting any better out of our 'adults'.

"Ain't much of a trophy if you didn't earn it."
>"That just makes me your mantelpiece. Oh don't give me that look, Clamp. I'm amused at the idea of getting an article of clothing for every chief you beat. It might piss off some chiefs, but those chiefs you should just kill."
"Well figure out if Boatdancer should be put under, 'cause I aint' a judge of character."
>"I'm confident in that, and we should talk with them anyway and introduce them to our clan no matter what. Plus, we need to get the 'Seaside Clan' to not think of themselves as the Seaside Clan, and rather as one of us. It'll happen over time, but right now, they're almost half as many as us, and so it'll be easy for them to stick together and persist in thinking themselves as outsiders. If you have any idea about how to prevent that, my ears are perked. I was thinking to mix them in our group for raids, but we need to finish the wall fast to prepare for any retaliation that'll cause. The trick is just to keep them moving and so busy that they forget that they're outsiders."
>>
No. 866421 ID: 10e2b3

Arrange marriage with Hilt and Boaty mcBoatFace to cement union of clans.
>>
No. 866423 ID: 2efe4b

What did you do with the other gold stuff that guy had?

Anyway, we just need to split them up for jobs and make them mix. We want them to build proper defenses, yeah, but there are different parts to that project. 1) Get some wood, 2) Make walls, 3) Make a watchtower. You also have your own jobs that always need doing, like hunting.

So put your hold gnolls on woodworking teams with those guys at about 2 to 1, it'll slow things down because the seasiders will have to instruct them but in the end you'll have a lot more competent gnolls. Do the same for some mixed hunting teams, you're going to need a lot more food and things will go a lot better with the new people if you have a nice big tasty feast tonight to show them that moving in with you means good times. Also see if any of the sea gnolls have a talent for metal and send them to that blacksmith you got. Again, it's about letting them see the benefits.

Also say that you're going to observe the woodworking teams (they'll stay nearby and you should stay near them for now to reinforce that you're the new chief), watch and listen and ask around, and tomorrow you'll pick out the three gnolls who made the most trouble and kick their asses.
>>
No. 866425 ID: bb78f2

>>866420
A raid sounds best. These guys mainly want to see and have fun on land and a good old fashioned raid will create bonds and then... something about loot.

I don't think we've ever established looting rules. Fuck.
>>
No. 866427 ID: be0b68

>>866420
have ones working on the wall teach some of the storm hold lads at the same time or rotate out. the training gets them interacting and gradually lessens the amount of them clumping up working on the walls.

Outside of that, maybe a small welcome/growth ceremony or celebration or something to encourage camaraderie right off the bat.
>>
No. 866429 ID: c88e6d

>>866420
Set up a full-force construction project and get everyone to teach each other their skills. Get Leaf some more apprentices in his creepy ways.
>>
No. 866431 ID: 91ee5f

>>866420
Tell Matron about your run in with a group of humans that you ended up rescuing from another group of gnolls. Then you ended up escorting those humans out of the forest. They paid you with a fancy map, 80 gold, and human mason that’ll show up sometime in the next few days to help fortify the walls or at least teach some of our gnolls how to do mason things.

>"That just makes me your mantlepiece. Oh don't give me that look, Clamp. I'm amused at the idea of getting an article of clothing for every chief you beat. It might piss off some chiefs, but those chiefs you should just kill."
Well, you heard the lady, any chiefs you beat up, you give Matron a piece of jewelry that chief was wearing.

>Walls or raids?
This: >>866423 , sounds like a good mix. Put some of them on wall building and some of them on raiding and the rest can go hunting for food.

>Looting rules?
I think following the Riddick rule of “You keep what you kill.” might work best.

Unless that’s actually a terrible idea?
>>
No. 866434 ID: 86eb65

Pair up the new folks with the old folks and have the new folks train the old folks on wall building.

Keep them spread out and busy. Raid together if need be.
>>
No. 866438 ID: 13fded

We can't really organize a large raiding with the fortifications incomplete, but we can lead a tiny group so we don't need to stay idle watching the wall been build. They said Boatdancer was good with his sword, let's take him and two more gnolls for a quick attack at a minor target.

The new carpenters should start working immediately. Divide them in small groups to cover different sections simultaneously and put our shitty carpenters to be their apprentices/assistants. Each group could have three sea guys and two of our normal duded. Talon can keep them on line, give him some authority after all.

The guys that have experience with commerce will talk with Hilt. He better learn something about trade. After that they should figure out what do we have to trade with the humans and what value we are going to ask.

The guys who don't get any task will train with our warriors. We need to figure out what they are worth in a fight and improve it. Just don't go too rough.
>>
No. 866441 ID: 3abd97

>Boatdancer
This is his name now, no one is allowed to disagree.

>I'm amused at the idea of getting an article of clothing for every chief you beat.
I mean Matron's got enough space on her for clothes that that could work. What the hell. Why not.

>integrate seaclan
Grouping them with other guys should help. Even if we need the sea clan carpentry skill building the wall, they could have other gnolls cutting down wood, hauling wood, digging holes for the stakes, etc. Get them working together on the project. Maybe the land guys and the sea guys can start teaching each other the shit they don't know.

Another way to break down barriers is just get everyone drunk together.
>>
No. 866471 ID: dc91a0

We need Walls yesterday, a Smithy proper now.
Two construction teams should be formed. One for the walls and one for the smithy.

Also, looking at this good map, two human towns are right on this very river. Good for trading with. Since we have boat building expertise now, A Riverboat dock can be built as well.

AAaand speaking of humans we are going to be needing Guest worker quarters for the masons, since they lack the fluff to sleep comfortably outside.

Aaand if we are going to be making buildings we'll need a carpenters shop/Saw mill after the smithy is set up.

Aaaand we need all of that (Minus the dock) set up before the human masons show up, so we have what we need to set up a quarry and a stone cutters yard, and/or brick kiln.
>>
No. 866489 ID: 4ac1a7

mix them in and get them working on walls.

Maybe get Matron to pair some eligible couples up
>>
No. 866521 ID: f6785d

Don't forgetto tell Matron about the humas you did business with. Ask her if making everyone work in the fort could make then intagrate better. They get to acept each other and we make the fort faster. And as a plus, we have more people with wall-making knologe. Then you can group them toguether in the raids, explain how rewards work and all that old song to the new gnloss. You explain them that they have to work together now becouse if they don't, firstly, you will kick their asses, and secontly, the other clans are going to kill us all. Easy peasy.
>>
No. 866522 ID: f6785d

On a side note, you should start training Hilt on something. Fighting, strategy, trading and "politics", anything you can teach the sucker so he can be an useful vassal or something. Not lidership tho, becouse you are the lider. Talon would be your right hand right?
Also, what is the deal with Hilt? Why is he so interested in you? He acts like if he was your little brother or somthing.
>>
No. 866562 ID: 10c408

Mix it up. Have some of them and some of ours work on the walls while other teams of half and half go foraging/hunting or some shit. Also, if two adults are gonna fight they are gonna do it in the same spot where you kicked waster's ass so there's less clean up.
>>
No. 866674 ID: a633c6

Make sure everybody eats together at the same time, and don't let anybody get the impression they're slave labor.
>>
No. 867877 ID: bfb318
File 151874993551.png - (105.35KB , 800x800 , 134.png )
867877

>What did you do with the other gold stuff that guy had?
Threw it in the treasury.

We have a treasury now.

>Arrange marriage with Hilt and Boaty mcBoatFace to cement union of clans.
Like I should encourage Hilt! Bastard's weird as hell, acting like my little brother or somethin'.

The other gnolls apparently eat it up.

I head over to the main communal area while telling Matron about the business with the humans. Then I stand up on a ridge and yell down at the rest of these dumbasses.

"Start some fires! Far as I'm concerned it's a good thing these new bastards are with us, so we're going to make a feast of it. Tomorrow, I'm sending a buncha people on hunting parties and wall duty to make sure you all get to know each other. Top 3 troublemaking gnolls get an ass beating! If you have a problem with one another, take it up in the arena. Anyone who kills another gets killed."
>"Hey!" says some asshole. Doesn't sound familiar, so probably a seasider. "We barely have any booze in this whole place!"
"Where's the fuckin' dwarf that said that?!"
>"This dwarf!" some Seasider raises his hand. "Alcohol goes past species, you know! Nothing passes the time from a raidless day like booze!"
"Well we'll fucking work on that when you pull your weight!"
>"Hey!" says one of Wind's assholes. "Want me to kick his ass?!"
"If you want your ass kicked, do it in the arena! Talon, make sure these children act like adults!"
>>
No. 867878 ID: bfb318
File 151875004687.png - (199.22KB , 800x800 , 135.png )
867878

During the feast, I talk with more gnolls than I care to and learn some names so that I can call them out for what they're doing tomorrow. Once I'm sure I've got it, I get get everyone's attention.

"Before I forget tomorrow, I'm assigning duties! We need that wall built yesterday, so everyone in the Seaside clan by default is going on wall duty, with a few exceptions. Cleaner, Shieldwall, Swordbringer, and Crow, you're on teaching carpentry duty, so follow them around and make us look like we have any goddamn clue what we're doing! We need a watchtower, wall, and blacksmithing hut, so figure it out amongst yourselfs. Oh, and wall duty includes chopping down wood to make the wall."

Then some scouts.

"Runner, Loafer, Mast, Runner, and Guarder! You were all called 'not awful' by Leaf, so you guys are on on hunting duty with some of ours to get a lay of the land, and maybe apprentice under Leaf."

Lessee.. gold.... oh, yeah.

"Goldpincher, teach Hilt how to trade. Lastly, Boatdancer!"

Half the seaside clan springs to attention. Probably think I'm gonna publically shame or kill him or somethin', like I wouldn't have done it already if I was going to.

"Teach Leaf how to draw a legible map!"
>"Boss, you can barely even read."
"Fuck your words, leaf."

With that done, I go ahead and forget every last one of their names. Except Boatdancer. Apparently I hear right and that was his name.

I head off to bed after the feast dies down. Only about 12 fistfights broke out, and most of 'em were even in the fighting pit, so it all went pretty well.
>>
No. 867879 ID: bfb318
File 151875006761.png - (602.69KB , 893x859 , 136.png )
867879

I want to raid, but I spend the next day or two just getting shit done around camp. I'm drawn up a map of the stuff we're gonna build, and about how long it's going to be.

I'm told that with a camp name way out in the open that's named something like Stormhold, it's almost silly to bother to hide. Once the walls are done, it might be easier to defend the place if we purposefully de-forest the area right around our camp. That way, they gotta be out in the open, and if we have good guard towers, we can even take shots at any fuckers that try to sneak in.

I'd call the whole setup un-gnollish, but considering the gnollish way is to charge in and get yourself killed, it doesn't sound too bad to me.
>>
No. 867880 ID: bfb318
File 151875009472.png - (502.65KB , 928x434 , 137.png )
867880

So to get my raiding itch scratched, I gather up all the scouting information we have. In the last couple days, we got a few more details, and Leaf made the scouts give estimations on populations, not counting any kids. We also found one more unknown clan to our southeast.

Question is, who do I raid, and what am I doin' with them? Looting, slaughtering and looting, or absorbing more gnolls into the clan. Or anything.
>>
No. 867895 ID: 13fded

We could just sack something. Cliff and Ruin seem like the guys with better stuff to steal.
Let's raid the Cliff clan. If their encampment is in anyway similar to ours the strategies we employ to bypass their defenses will help the planing of our own defenses.
>>
No. 867898 ID: f6785d

What ever you are doing, you should stop absorving for a while. You have too many gnolls allready.
I would sugest to kip doing whatever tou had in mind with Blacktorch.
>>
No. 867905 ID: dc91a0

>>867898
We are quite populous.
Hows the food outlook doing?

Also, if we clearcut the forest around the pit, there could be flooding and mud issues. Flood control ditches and canals might have to be built before next rainy season, and the sides of the pit will need to be reinforced eventually.

Also, that tower up top Is gonna have to wait for the quarry, It's gonna need a solid foundation.

All that said, if food is stable Black Torch Should be finished off.
If it's not then the dock should be a priority as fishing boats are a thing.
>>
No. 867907 ID: 12b116

Let's scout out the unknown clan to the southeast and see what their deal is.
>>
No. 867910 ID: 2efe4b

Man, we're big. We really could probably do with reclaiming the sea fort eventually, as suspected.

In the meantime, those southeast archer gnolls are top suspect for the gnolls who attacked the humans, and even if they're not they're in the way of where the humans want to go and clearing them out would make things quieter in that direction so we can focus north and west more.

We've done enough integration, we're pushing it. Just go raid them, kill them or chase them out and anyone lucky enough to live and hurt/dumb enough to not run afterwards can be considered for membership. You'll need to take steps to minimize the archery issue, though. How about some nice simple shields, since you've got carpenters now? Not exactly a gnollish implement but is anyone going to turn it down when they know they're up against arrows?
>>
No. 867912 ID: 91ee5f

>>867880
>Looting
Yeah, let’s do that!

>absorbing more gnolls into the clan.
We’ve already got a bunch of gnolls here, so I don’t think we should absorb anymore for now! Growing our population too fast might not be a good thing because it might provoke an attack from that enemy alliance that we’ve heard about! And with us having no defensive walls, that wouldn’t be a good thing!
>>
No. 867940 ID: c88e6d

>>867880
Let's try the Ruin Clan. Sure, they've got a dozen tough bastards, but we've also got a dozen tough bastards, plus another sixty-ish normal gnolls I guess.
>>
No. 867955 ID: 0f62bb

Blacktorch are holding a heavy grudge, so hit them. Kill their best fighters, then consider keeping them in their base as a dependent group. Hit them then, if they get uppity, reward them with masonry, carpentry, jewelcrafting, or whatever fits, if they decide fighting under you is fine. Or chase them off.

We need to be careful with expulsions, though we could work it in our favour. If sufficiently many Gnolls are forced northwards, the humans may want to pre-emptively attack us.

Finally, if we raid, the Alliance will want to retaliate. Talon-trained scouts need to constantly keep tabs on troop movements.
>>
No. 867958 ID: 8a55a9

Also, What's waster been doing?
>>
No. 867959 ID: 10c408

Black torch is closest, is only a smidge above having the least amount of gnolls in their clan and they just don't like us.

So raid them, see if we can't bait some of the survivors into doing something stupid and then squash them over the next several days.
>>
No. 867973 ID: 399e9e

Wait didn't the old blacksmith, the one that got killed in the attack the that got you gut stabbed and made chief, originally have his workshop in the cave? Didn't his barely competent apprentice take most of the stuff out cause he was scared of the cave? Did he leave stuff in there? And why didn't the new blacksmith just move back into the cave?

>>867880
I say we hit closer to home against clans that cant retaliate too well. Either Blacktorch or the unknown clan.
>>
No. 867997 ID: deec6e

Subjugate the archer clan down southeast if they're dumbasses enough not to have fortifications or shit to take proper advantage of their archery - I'd say to do so by challenge, but something tells me an archer clan isn't gonna stick with melee fisticuffs traditions. They'd probably challenge you to a bow fight or something stupid. Prepare a bunch of wooden shields for it, you've got carpenter power to spare.

Alternatively, you could raid someone else and send Hilt to try the whole diplomacy thing to try to make an allied clan out of them. Could give 'em a payoff and have 'em work as mercs, or arrange something more permanent, like wool trade or proving that you'll fuck with anyone who fucks with them if they do the same for you.

One thing's for sure, extra archers would be real useful for manning your up-and-coming walls and towers, especially if you chop down the surrounding forest and create an open field. It'd also leave the southeastern part of the map as a more exclusive hunting grounds for Stormhold, since you've taken out most of the nearby competition for that area and anyone wanting to get a piece of that is gonna have to send hunting parties through or near your territory. And if they do, you can just snipe them as they come.

You're really occupying prime real estate here, even if the location itself needs work.
>>
No. 868072 ID: 3abd97

>>867879
Clamp you can't have trees right up to the walls like that. If the trees provide cover right up to the wall the wall doesn't work too well.

You need a cleared area in front of the wall so your enemies have to cross a field without cover and they don't have things to climb to get over the wall easy.

>>867880
I don't think you should pick a fight with blacktorch, we got new gnolls from that clan, we don't want to deal with split loyalties.

Let's go for a raid. I say raid one of the three clans to your north.
>>
No. 868723 ID: bfb318
File 151908732571.png - (188.88KB , 800x800 , 138.png )
868723

I get up the next morning.

"Matron, what's the date?"
>"Somewhere in the 9th week of spring."
"How's food?"
>"We're sending out our better archers far off. The scouts should feed themselves."

>What's waster been doing?
Scouting.

>Why didn't the new blacksmith just move back into the cave?
Cause he wants to have his own damn house. Temperature control or something.
>>
No. 868725 ID: bfb318
File 151908734901.png - (221.89KB , 800x800 , 139.png )
868725

I get one of the kids nearby to go fetch Cleaner for me. Supposedly he's our best carpenter.

"Tell me what's the progress."
>"Like we talked about, Chief. Think we can deforest the area right around us?"
"Walls ain't gonna do shit with trees in the way."
>"Yeah. It'll speed things up a little bit."
>"Just a little?" asks Matron.
>"Trees keep dirt stable. If we deforest the area, we'll need to work with those cliffs so we don't get any mudslides on us. Especially this spot. The towers up top, too, need a good foundation."
"I want some shields."
>"... who the hell wants to cower behind shields, chief?"
"I ain't asking anyone if they want to cower, I'm tellin' 'em to cower! Lotta fuckin' archers around here."
>>
No. 868726 ID: bfb318
File 151908737070.png - (207.11KB , 800x800 , 140.png )
868726

"Leaf."

Bastard's been right outside my tent.

>"Boss."
"I want to finish off Blacktorch. I also want some archers since our defense is all about 'em. So figure out what's going on to the southeast."
>"You got it."
"How much do we need for Blacktorch?"
>"You and 8 of our best. Or 20 of our worst if we wanna weed out some weaklings. It's kinda noisy here. More gnolls if you wanna be safe about it, in case they run into trouble or somethin'. Remember Irontree? We got about 55 gnolls around camp, the rest are scouting."
"No."
>"Okay."
"What about 'em?"
>"Nothing, just checking. They're probably long gone. Or sneaking back on us to get their couple of archers back, who knows. Anyway, you don't need to go on the raid if you don't wanna."
"Why the hell wouldn't I wanna?"
>"So no one gets any big ideas while you're gone."
"I'd be gone for like 8 hours, leaf!"
>"Only takes 8 seconds to punch a guy."

...

>"If they're 8 seconds away."
>>
No. 868730 ID: 86eb65

You are the man in charge. As the clan gets bigger you need to spend more time managing and less time fighting.

As for the trees we just want to cut them down. Not uproot the damn things. Leave the stumps and make sure that long rooted grasses seed gets spread around the tops of the cliffs. The stumps will hold things together for years and by then the grasses will have been going long enough to keep everything nice and sturdy.

And when I say deforest I mean a fucking fire break. Not cutting the forest down. Just the nearest trees to the cliff for 25 yards or so.
>>
No. 868744 ID: 2efe4b

This is going to be your first impressions battle for all the new gnolls, so you want a good victory. Trouble is, if you're going after someone you've hit once already, you come across like you're not really taking on a decent opponent, it's more like you're kicking them when they're down. So, I wouldn't lead it yourself. Talk about it like it's just cleanup and send a good amount of gnolls to do it, including a good few who went there last time. Next time you go into battle yourself, make it a nice impressive fight where you can show off and win with a nice big bunch of gnolls to see.

See if you can get people to think of the shields as an anti-cowardice device rather than something you'll really cower behind yourself. You use them against archers and the rest of the time you can wear your shields on your backs and it'll protect against backstabbing. Bonus: get everyone their own shield with their own name-based picture drawn on it, and now all these gnolls who don't know each other that well will be able to tell who everyone is from behind. You might even be able to set up some sort of honor system where gnolls who do impressive stuff get to mark their shields to show it, maybe get some nice furs to nail on or other decorative stuff.
>>
No. 868761 ID: f6785d

He has a point tho.
>>
No. 868798 ID: c88e6d

>>868726
Leaf has a point. Send 20 dudes without you. Meanwhile, maybe we should move the walls further out to keep the trees closest to the cliff, that way we can have cover on OUR side of the walls, while deforesting the area outside the walls. It'll mean bigger walls necessitating more guards, but we are BASICALLY THE LARGEST GNOLL CLAN at this point.
>>
No. 868817 ID: ceab96

Is Leaf doing alright? Guys always been off, but never looked so exhausted, does he eat, or is he just a full vampire or somthin?
>>
No. 868819 ID: cbc125

Is Leaf doing okay he looks kind of ragged?
Send 20 of the worst to get rid of some of the shittier guys and maybe 5 of the best to make sure it dosen't go to shit.
>>
No. 869016 ID: bfb318
File 151917247853.png - (184.16KB , 800x800 , 141.png )
869016

>As the clan gets bigger you need to spend more time managing and less time fighting.
Gnolls don't like following chiefs who don't fight.

... might be another reason why this is an abnormally big clan.

Still, just means I gotta give a good fight later. Beating up Blacktorch is just cleanup.

"Send 20 of our weakest. And, eh, a few of our good ones just to make sure they don't fuck everything up. And save a few gnolls that look like they're worth anything.
>"Okay. Loot everything else?"
"Damn right."
>"Uh..." asks Leaf. "Am I one of the best?"
"Do you even fight? You look ragged as hell."
>"Don't like the sun. Its better when I'm in the shade."
"You a fuckin' vampire, Leaf?"
>"Yeh."
"Whatever, go suck Blacktorch's blood then."
>"Try to learn some names and remember them, boss. Remember when you forgot Slicer's name?"
"Fucker attacked me right off the bat!"
>"How many gnolls can you name off the top of your head in our clan, right now?"
"I dunno. 10?"
>"That means we have about 60 people who could be called Slicer. Please don't kill 60 of us. Just learn something about them so the name sticks."

Follow Clamp - Get to know various gnolls
Follow Leaf - Attack Blacktorch

>>
No. 869017 ID: d0bba6

>>869016
Clamp. We need to help him rename some gnolls.
>>
No. 869023 ID: c88e6d

>>869016
We should probably follow Leaf so he can avoid getting shot full of arrows.
>>
No. 869035 ID: 10c408

Let's go with leaf. Make sure the pillaging gets done properly.
>>
No. 869036 ID: 90f3c0

Leaf.
>>
No. 869038 ID: 499d93

Let’s see how leaf works
>>
No. 869041 ID: f6785d

Oh shit, we get to be Leaf? Shit, i don't know. Clamp is Clamp, but Leaf is like, a ninja or something. Ok fine, let's go with Leaf. This should be fun.
>>
No. 869075 ID: 69d4b9

>>869016
Let's follow Clamp.

Leaf is competent for a fight, and fights aren't as much fun as character development IMO.
>>
No. 869076 ID: 2efe4b

Be the leaf.
>>
No. 869083 ID: 3abd97

>>869016
Forcing Clamp to socialize should be hilarious.
>>
No. 869086 ID: deec6e

>>869016

Man, I really want to be there for both. Leaf to [s}see if he really sucks blood[/s] get to know him better, Clamp for brain exercise hilarity. Errgh... this is fucking Clamp quest, so let's go with Clamp. Also, since I'm a masochist, let's get the party started with a review of all gnoll names Clamp SHOULD know and see if there's anyone he perhaps should spend quality time with. Say. Clamp remembers all of his old tribe's names, right? He better, there's just 10 of 'em left. Talon, Leaf... who else is there?

Anyway, brace for your brain remembering bullshit, Clamp. From Wind's old tribe of 40 or so, we've got...

Matron
Your 'morale' officer and second-in-command. Can't solve all your problems, but makes a decent attempt.

Waster
One of Wind's daughters. Stubborn, strong, spirited. Hates your guts. Used to be Grasswind, might still be again if she shapes up. If she keeps being full of hot air, you said you'd break her jaw.

Hilt
Hideously nice gnoll with an extra punchable face. A decent fighter. Your likely diplomat-to-be on account of elevated levels of Foreign Bullshit Tolerance. Current clan champ, thanks to fuckin' democracy.

Patch & Stitch
Two tanners. You'll probably smell 'em coming. Patch is female and a bit sassy.

Lasher
Bowyer. You should probably put a face to that name. He might have an opinion on recruiting those archers to the southeast - for example, if we get a lot of extra archers, is he gonna need apprentices to keep 'em stocked?

Gempusher
Gemcutter. Cuts gems. Hasn't got more gems to cut. Gave you an emerald. Sounds wussy, but not dumbassy. Can craft a little with other things, metal, wood, stone. You told him to go make a stone statue or something. Check up on that.

Hitstick
Tailor. Stupid name. Talk to him about clothes, everyone's shirts were in tatters last you heard and you've been thinking about getting shirts with sleeves. Rename him something less stupid.

Sheepweaver
Shepherd. Keeps the sheep that keeps the clan in extra wool and meats. Could talk to to see if we risk those sheep getting raided from out under us if a gnoll alliance attacks/sieges/raids.

Stoneback & Pawdigger
Couple of sassy young jackasses. You mistook Pawdigger for a shovel and made him eat dirt. Stoneback is strong fighter potential, made clan champ after the first Blacktorch raid. Pawdigger is a scout needing a survivable mistake to learn from. You could tell Leaf to find him one someday if he hasn't already.

Sharpsteel
Apprentice smith, needed more training. Lots more training. Probably gonna continue being apprentice smith under the new smith, unless the new smith doesn't want him. In which case, maybe you should find something he'd be good at.

Oakroot
One of Wind's best fighters. A dumbass.

Stemwalker
A good scout. Loyal. A bit awkward.

Yours and Wind's clan was integrating well, Waster being the exception.


Ex-Seaside clan people, 20 or so:

Boatdancer
Ex-chief navigator. Cartographer. Good swordsman. Glass jaw. Used to make the best calls.

Cleaner, Shieldwall, Swordbringer, Crow
Carpenters. Cleaner's the best one, apparently.

Runner, Loafer, Mast, Runner, Guarder
Not-awful hunters, might become scouts. And goddammit, we really have two Runners? Change the name of the one. Or have them run against one another, and rename the slower one Chaser.

Goldpincher
Trader. Probably knows how to speak with Orcs and Lizardfolk.

Ex-Seasiders was half tired of life on the sea, so probably got some loyalty to spare among those who weren't huge fans of it. Lot of 'em, though. Keep 'em busy with work.


Ex-Blacktorch clan people, 8 or so:

Blacktorch Blacksmith
An actual good Blacksmith. A great fucking scout. Should probably make it a priority to learn this guy's name. If he ever wants to go scout again, he better train up a useful apprentice fast.

Leaf said the Blacktorch folks gnolls were very loyal towards one another, stupidly so. Hope you're doing that whole split 'em up across the clan thing.


ex-Irontree clan people, 5 or so:

Two Ambush Archers
From that one nomad sneak clan, Irontree. Called themselves good archers, were actually good archers. Not very loyal when threatened with death. Kind of uppity. Might want to figure out if they've been made less uppity yet, and get to know their actual names.

Besides the archers, it looked like you ended up with 3 more gnolls from Irontree, presumably same level of loyalty. Could question 'em more about their clan leader and the big-ass sword owner you had to let go.

And that's all the gnolls you kinda know and remember. Hooh, feel those brain cells creaking? Well, go out there and abuse 'em some more.
>>
No. 869088 ID: bfb318

Follow Leaf, Clamp is an expert at getting to gnow gnolls.
>>
No. 869115 ID: 9c2d0c

Leaf is a better plot device if his methods remain mysterious and unknown to both gnoll and man
>>
No. 869130 ID: 13fded

Leaf. I like this undead weirdo and would love to see his perspective.
>>
No. 869140 ID: 4e4ab9

I don't think Leaf and his super scouting magic will be needing us.
Lets help poor stupid Clamp.
>>
No. 869143 ID: dc91a0

Leaf. I'd be pissed if he died of camara to some bullshit.
>>
No. 869185 ID: 12b116

let's follow Clamp, see if he can get his brain in gear.
>>
No. 869189 ID: c0641d

Is it viable to do one, then the other?
>>
No. 869399 ID: bfb318
File 151927312982.png - (180.51KB , 800x800 , 142.png )
869399

I leave Clamp be.

He was talking like he wants me to round up the attack party. I'm even worse at talking with other gnolls than he is. He's deep in thought. He must be struggling to remember all the gnolls he knows about. I'm guessing that I'm going to come back to a lot of gnolls that are re-named to something he can remember. If I'm lucky I can get back before he's done.

At least Clamp wanted a few strong ones, which means I can talk to Talon and get him to get the weaker guys.

There's Talon. I need to get his attention. I don't like shouting, so I get close.

....

Maybe I'm too close. This is too close. If I say anything now I'm going to scare him. Maybe I should step back? I don't know. Why isn't he turning around? What's he even looking at? Actually him turning around right now would be bad. Man I've really got myself into a social bind now.
>>
No. 869400 ID: 86eb65

Bite him lightly on the back of the neck.
>>
No. 869401 ID: 730337

Move back until you're at an arm's length or two and then say his name.
>>
No. 869402 ID: b1b4f3

Yeah step back then try saying something.
>>
No. 869404 ID: 13fded

Walk around him until he notice you.
"Hey Talon, want to come with me on a raid?"
>>
No. 869405 ID: 91ee5f

>>869399
He seems like the kind of gnoll that’ll turn around and punch whatever scared him.

So you should probably step back far enough so that he can’t punch you if you do end up scaring him.
>>
No. 869406 ID: 830fb7

stand next to him look in the same direction he is, if you don't see much say to him "What are you looking for" or "What are you looking at".
>>
No. 869409 ID: deec6e

Resist nibbling on that beautiful neck. Back off out of immediate punching/wrestling range and deflect social awkwardness by telling him he's dead. Again. It keeps happening. Maybe he should clean his ears and not stare into the sun all day.

In less bad 'you're blind-deaf' news, Clamp wants a raid on the Blacktorch to take all of their good shit and good people, but the big lug's not coming along for this one, so Talon's up. Twenty of the youths and a few experienced warriors were the orders. You'll nab some extra scouts for insurance, maybe Stemwalker and one or two of the newbies, while Talon herds/leads the raiders. Sound good?
>>
No. 869411 ID: 69d4b9

>>869399
Just move around him until you're in his line of sight. Address him when you're plainly visible, and even if he's distracted he'll be less likely to react poorly.
>>
No. 869414 ID: 499d93

h-hey
>>
No. 869419 ID: bb78f2

>>869399
Perhaps we should do what Hilt would do, he's GREAT with people
Give him a BIG OL' HILT BRAND SMILE
>>
No. 869427 ID: dc91a0

Eh. Talon knows you though. You'll startle him a little sure but let's be honest:
He expects this of you.
>>
No. 869429 ID: 6780f5

He can't punch you if you latch onto him from behind!
>>
No. 869434 ID: c88e6d

>>869399
Go around the other side of the cliff, show up in front of him.
>>
No. 869489 ID: f6785d

Wait, before you do anything, what is he looking at? Can you tell?
>>
No. 869502 ID: b7a952

He can't punch you if YOU'RE ON FIRE!
Yeah just walking up next to him should do.
>>
No. 869511 ID: 10c408

This is the kind of distance someone uses if they were going to shiv someone, leaf. take several steps back and then announce yourself like you aren't a frigging gnoll-ninja.
>>
No. 869513 ID: 3abd97

>>869399
You know how you sneak up and stab people with a knife?

Do that.

Only you know, with your finger. Poke him.

This will resolve all confusion I'm sure.
>>
No. 869515 ID: 2efe4b

Say "Hey, Talon" and duck.
>>
No. 869612 ID: 12b116

tap on his shoulder, dodge the punch, then ask if he wants to come on a raid
>>
No. 869618 ID: bfb318
File 151936462111.png - (194.46KB , 1000x800 , 143.png )
869618

>What is he looking at?
Don't know.

I guess I'm at more of a killing distance than a talking distance. I could just bite his neck. I shouldn't give people more reason to think I'm a vampire gnoll though. A poke? No, pretty much any surprise physical contact with Talon will make him try and punch me. He should expect me to be behind him at any point, but instead, he expects me to know he'll punch me if I do anything like that.

I'll step back to a couple of arms length or so away, I heard that was appropriate.

He turns around then does a double take as he finally notices me.

>"Fuck!"

>"Goddamnit Leaf, I told you to approach me from the front, you creepy bastard!"
"You're standing in front of a cliff. It'd be weird."
>"Speaking of weird, what the hell are you doing?"

He's looking at my arm.

"Oh. I was measuring a distance between you and me."
>"Forget I asked, I don't care! What's going on?"
"Clamp wants a raid on the Blacktorch to finish them off, take their stuff, and the rest of their good people. It's just clean-up, so Clamp's not coming."
>"That fucker, thinks he's too good for attacking with us?"
"Well, it's kinda true... uh, anyway, we're going to bring some of our weaker guys to test them. It's got to be a mix of the new clan and the old. Bring 2 or 3 other of our strongest though just to make sure the party doesn't spill everything trying to clean up."
>"Why the hell do I need to gather the twenty? You know the strength of gnolls better than me. You go get them."

I wonder if I can just finish off Blacktorch myself.

I guess it doesn't matter since I probably can't carry everything they have back to camp.

"Because I need to gather scouts to look ahead and give you guys directions."
>"Says who?!"
"People who know basic tactics."
>"Fuck you, fine I'll get the real fighters."

I said that I'd gather scouts just because I don't want to talk to twenty some gnolls. Stemwalker might be in camp. I should get her. That would be enough, but technically it would be safer with more scouts. There might be a few mediocre ones that are still in camp if I want to get that many more.
>>
No. 869619 ID: b1b4f3

>>869618
Take one extra scout.
>>
No. 869622 ID: c88e6d

>>869618
Try Stemwalker.
>>
No. 869623 ID: 91ee5f

>>869618
When you go find Stemwalker, make sure you purposefully try to scare her! Then tell her that was an awareness test because scouts have to be aware of everything around them at all times.

If she manages to detect you before you could scare her, then tell her she passed your test. If you manage to scare her before she could detect you, then tell her that she needs to improve her awareness.
>>
No. 869624 ID: 499d93

Well since this is basically getting rid of the crappy fighters and bringing the clans together why not do the same with the scouts if they aren’t working together already.
>>
No. 869625 ID: 8a55a9

Get Stemwalker and 1 or 2 others you actually have hope for.
>>
No. 869627 ID: 10c408

>>869625
>>869623
Both of these.
>>
No. 869644 ID: e351b5

You and 2 other good scouts. That's it.
That follow Talon around to make sure he's getting the right meat.
>>
No. 869661 ID: f6785d

Where is Waster?
Wasn't she in scouting duty last time?
>>
No. 869741 ID: 3abd97

>I wonder if I can just finish off Blacktorch myself.
I mean you probably could but then you'd have to carry all the stuff back by yourself. And the new idiots would go untested.

>Stemwalker might be in camp. I should get her. That would be enough, but technically it would be safer with more scouts. There might be a few mediocre ones that are still in camp if I want to get that many more.
Stemwalker, and then maybe a newer scout or two to test or train on the job.
>>
No. 869747 ID: 1c8358

Make sure to drink some blood during the raid to keep your powers up.
>>
No. 869771 ID: f6785d

>>869747
Or to at least keep fooling everyone to think you are a vampire. That would be funny.
>>
No. 869951 ID: de6d84

Stemwalker and maybe a scout or two.
>>
No. 870413 ID: bfb318
File 151970143714.png - (163.82KB , 800x800 , 144.png )
870413

Hmmm.

Hm.

Apple and Orange are the Irontree gnolls we got while attacking Blacktorch the first time. They could use practice, but they've got good aim, so I want them to learn before risking their life. It'd be a waste if they died now.

Waster's off helping fill out our map with information, along with most other scouts.

I'll choose Splinter and Firewood. The former is from Wind's old clan, Firewood is one of my own older clanmates, except he sucks. He should suck less so I'm going to put him to work.

I go to Stemwalker, who's keeping guard at the top cliff over the camp. She pretends to not be caught off guard by me.

>"What's going on, Leaf?"
"Blacktorch raid. I'm gathering you, Splinter, and Firewood as scouts."
>"Okay then. Can we leave Splinter and Firewood to be the information gatherers, and us two stay behind to pick off some gnolls that don't stay in sight of camp?"
>>
No. 870415 ID: b1b4f3

>>870413
Seems like a solid plan. Should try to keep them safe as well though.
>>
No. 870422 ID: 91ee5f

>>870413
Yeah, that’s sounds like a good idea.
>>
No. 870442 ID: f6785d

Easy peasy, as long as the other two don't fuck up. We will have to have an eye on them to, to keep them safe.
>>
No. 870443 ID: c88e6d

>>870413
Let's go for it.
>>
No. 870502 ID: deec6e

>>870413

Think about it.

You want to give these gnolls a chance to improve. That usually means mentoring, and being there to cover for fatal rookie mistakes. If both Splinter and Firewood are at the stage where information-gathering on their own is something they'd benefit and learn from, then Stemwalker's suggestion is fine and has merit. It would certainly give you a chance to directly mentor Stemwalker, which also has merit.

If Splinter and Firewood could learn more from sneaking up on other gnolls, you should consider letting them take part, at least if they're not so incompetent as to guarantee to bungle it. Since the risk of discovery is probably increased, you should also make sure they're covered by a better scout, who could stand ready to interfere, distract or KO/kill the enemy. Stemwalker could support the trainees in ganking gnolls while you go gather information - or vice verse. Whoever's more likely to teach them useful lessons should stay with them.

Now, the following might not be easy, but the ex-Blacktorch blacksmith is a good scout. He'd probably know who the other good Blacktorch scouts are. If you could convince him to spill the beans ("Hey, you want us to take any of your old buddies alive?"), then your party can recognize whether they've (hopsefully) spotted a good or a bad scout. Then you'd also know if you'd be able to use them as training material for Splinter and Firewood or whether you and/or Stemwalker should move to take them out - KO'd if possible since, hey, good scout.
>>
No. 870581 ID: dc91a0

>>870413
Sure. Whoever kills or subdues the most takes the lead during sex later?
>>
No. 870612 ID: bfb318
File 151978793687.png - (159.94KB , 800x800 , 145.png )
870612

"Okay. That's fine."

Information gathering would be fine for the other two. Even if it wasn't, trying to pick off people behind lines is risky. If we get seen taking out the wrong gnoll, then the camp will be on guard from that point on.

Which is why I don't make it a contest for who kills or subdues the most. Those kinds of games are best left to the raiders.

Stemwalker tells Splinter and Firewood what's going on while I get my equipment. Then Stemwalker and I head out together. Splinter and Firewood will follow soon.

We get about to where Blacktorch is. We circle around the perimeter once. I run so the camp is on my left. Stemwalker the other way, where the camp is on her right. We meet at the other side, then again at the start.

Their camp is in a small outcropping of rock that make natural walls. At the top of the trees, I can see inside. There are 8 gnolls visible, but there's a few tents, and a few overhanging rocks that probably have some gnolls underneath.

There's two nearby scents. One from a heavy gnoll, one from a lighter one, heading in opposite directions.

Two guards are overlooking the camp. They look attentive, but not actively focused, looking away from the camp. Gnolls inside of the camp can see the guards.

I probably have an hour or so before the raiders get here.
>>
No. 870614 ID: 12b116

Can you and Splinter take out any or all of them in the encampment itself and make the raiding party have to haul loot back? Clamp wanted the rest of their good people as well, though, do we know which ones we want to capture instead?
>>
No. 870617 ID: 13fded

Stemwalker could guide the raiding party to the least guarded area to optimize the surprise attack and you could locate and neutralize one of the stray gnolls.
If the goal is a nom lethal takedown go for the smaller, if it's lethal go for the larger. Do we have any reason to make prisoners? No? Than kill the big guy.
>>
No. 870705 ID: deec6e

Bring Stemwalker and go hunt the slim gnoll. If successful, hunt the big gnoll. When/if you find them, consider the errand they're on. If they look like they'd be missed before the Stormhold raiders get here, you may want to let them return to camp. Unless they seem like a priority target, like if their fuckin' chief was stupid enough to wander off on his own.

If you spend more than half an hour fruitlessly hunting the outside gnolls, return to the Blacktorch camp to get a status report from Splinter and Firewood. They should've tried to figure out why there's a massive hole in the Blacktorch perimeter to the south and east (is it trapped, or the wall unscalable?), and you can spend the rest of the time getting into position to spy on the Blacktorch and deal with the sentries as your raiding party arrives.
>>
No. 870778 ID: 3abd97

>>870612
So would it be a bad thing if you lit the whole camp on fire before your backup got here.
>>
No. 870784 ID: 91ee5f

>>870778
Yes, it would be bad because the whole point of the raid is to take all their skilled gnolls and valuable loot. Setting them on fire defeats the purpose of the raid because all the skilled gnolls would be killed and the valuable loot would be destroyed.

Also, the gnolls from our team were promised a chance to fight and denying them that would piss them off.
>>
No. 870788 ID: bfb318
File 151986579390.png - (218.73KB , 800x800 , 146.png )
870788

>Clamp wanted the rest of their good people as well, though, do we know which ones we want to capture instead?
I have no idea. The ones that put up a decent fight I guess.

Talon will probably get pissed off if he gets here and finds out I killed everyone though. It'd be a pain to kill the people in the main camp though, so I'll go for the wandering ones.

I signal to Stemwalker that we're going to go after the slim one.

We find him in about 20 minutes. He's setting up a snare to catch something. Stemwalker gets closer and signals to me that she's going to take a shot with her bow. That or she's flipping me off, but it's probably the bow thing.

I dunno if this guy's strong or not, but he's definitely Blacktorch.
>>
No. 870792 ID: 6780f5

Get ready to cover for her in case the shot doesn't go as planned.
>>
No. 870793 ID: f6785d

You two are going to have to change Your signals language. I bet there is a funny story behind that particular signal. Stay close to the target in case it doesn't die instantly, to secure the kill.
>>
No. 870801 ID: dc91a0

Hmm. It might be a good idea to get a closer look at the camp to see who is doing stuff.
That or capture and interrogate this guy.
Clamp has a talent shortage. Good fighters can be trained it just takes time, but useful skills are hard to come by.
>>
No. 870805 ID: 3abd97

>>870788
If she misses, stab him to death before he can raise the alarm.

If she pulls it off, give her a thumbs up middle finger whatever in appreciation.
>>
No. 870809 ID: 91ee5f

>>870788
Be ready to assist if her shot misses. Try to kill him without letting him scream!
>>
No. 870814 ID: bfb318
File 151987147714.png - (197.58KB , 800x800 , 147.png )
870814

>I bet there is a funny story behind that particular signal.
The story is that it's supposed to look like a drawn bow. The middle and thumb is outstretched like a bow, and the index finger is the arrow. The other two fingers are just there because we don't remove fingers for the sake of signals.

I move into a position to cover her if she misses, and give her the okay.

She pulls her bow back. Her bow gives off a loud 'crick' as she draws it back fully, and the guy jerks upright. Stemwalker corrects the shot but misses his head as a result. His attention is on where the arrow came from, which means he's showing his back to me. His reaction time, awareness, and response is all mediocre.
>>
No. 870815 ID: bfb318
File 151987152054.png - (215.78KB , 800x800 , 148.png )
870815

I stop what was about to be a bark to warn his clan.
>>
No. 870816 ID: 3abd97

Be on the alert to kill more dudes if they heard that "crick" and come to investigate.

If they don't, let's see if Stemwalker can do better on the next one.
>>
No. 870819 ID: 91ee5f

>>870815
Take his shit, he don’t need it anymore. Lick his blood off your knife to keep up your vampire appearances.

If there isn’t anyone else around, go get into position to tell the raiding party about what to expect when they attack.

Also, clear out any traps that the raiding party might run into.
>>
No. 870823 ID: 8a55a9

Don't let his body hit the ground, just in case.
>>
No. 870837 ID: f6785d

That was absurdly fast. No wonder everyone is uneasy when you are behind their backs. I am starting to respect Clamp a lot more, having you around him without him getting nervous.
Ok, it is time to nag Stemwalker about her missing the shot.
>>
No. 870840 ID: 13fded

We need better bows.
Do we have enough time to go after the big guy?
>>
No. 870846 ID: 1c8358

Leaf is a boss in henchmens clothing. Blacktorch has no chance.
>>
No. 870979 ID: deec6e

>>870815

Yikes.

Show up behind Stemwalker again and clean your blade so the smell of blood won't linger. That sound... bows don't normally make those, right?

"Shame, that would've been a good shot. Your bow might be cracking. Try not to use it again until you've had Lasher take a good look at it."

The Blacktorch guys had good stuff, so make sure to loot the fallen hunter and pass a spare weapon to Stemwalker before you move back to the camp to see what information Splinter and Firewood have collected.
>>
No. 871059 ID: cf5a32

>>870979
Did he use a blade? I thought that was just a very well placed arrow shot.
>>
No. 871069 ID: bfb318
File 151996545362.png - (203.46KB , 800x800 , 149.png )
871069

This guy was all alone, so any sounds of the arrow missing and hitting the tree, or the body falling down, isn't going to be heard by anyone. I'm not even sure if Blacktorch would've been able to hear a bark. He's trying to make some noise, still, but he doesn't have anything that'll work.

>Clear out any traps that the raiding party might run into.
There were no traps around the camp. I don't think many clans in this region like setting up traps.

Stemwalker looks at me all weird. Maybe she didn't see me go to kill him.

Maybe it's because I'm licking the blood off the knife I used to do it. Or maybe it's because I put the whole knife in my mouth to lick it off. I dunno. I like Clamp, he doesn't stare at me weird even though he'd be really easy to kill. At least from behind. I couldn't do it while facing him. I should help him work on keeping his guard up, since I can't watch his back all the time.

>"I even checked my bow, too. It wasn't creaking earlier." she says.
"Blacktorch may have a bow. They were supposed to have good stuff, but this guy just had a sword."
>"Weird for a hunter. Maybe they raided good stuff but never found bows? Anyway, what now?"

I could make sure Splinter and Firewood don't mess up scouting. But if I trust them to do their jobs right, then I can go take out the larger gnoll from before. Dunno if there'll be time for both.
>>
No. 871072 ID: f6785d

Leaf, there is nothing wrong with you and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Unless is Clamp, he is kind of smart... and Matron, she is really smart, and she knows best.
Now, maybe yo can let Steamwalker go and chek on the rookies, while you gou and kill the other guy. She should beable to take care of them, right? It doesn't matter if the bow makes noice, she won't have to use it if nothing goes wrong.
>>
No. 871073 ID: 12b116

take out the larger gnoll, stemwalker can check the others and report back on how they're doing.
>>
No. 871074 ID: 13fded

One one hand we want some of our guys to die, on the other it would be our fault if they die because of bad scouting...
As fun as it would be to kill another target we should make sure any failure will belong sole to the raider party.
>>
No. 871076 ID: b1b4f3

This is almost like a distraction, but Blacktorch isn't clever enough for that. Head back and see if anything's changed.
>>
No. 871089 ID: 91ee5f

>>871069
>Maybe it's because I'm licking the blood off the knife I used to do it. Or maybe it's because I put the whole knife in my mouth to lick it off.
Now make up some bullshit about that guy like, “This guy never got laid in his entire life. I can tell from the taste of his blood.” or something else that’s just as funny.
>>
No. 871098 ID: a43366

Stemwalker can check on them while you go get Clamp his sword.
>>
No. 871173 ID: deec6e

"Tasting a bloody blade wards off bad luck. Or something."

>>871069

Yeah, Stemwalker should probably not be using that bow - it snapping at the wrong moment can get real painful, perhaps even debilitating, not to mention loud. Give her the sword and tell her to keep an eye on the large gnoll, but not engage alone, especially if she's a better bowgnoll than a sword one.

She's just to warn people so that if he returns to help his clan during the scuffle, he doesn't flank and surprise anyone - and if he DOES engage them from behind, well, after she's warned them, she's welcome to help flank and shank in turn.

And if he cowardly flees after he hears the rest of the clan get hit, Stemwalker can follow so we get to know where/what direction he went.

Leaf himself should go check on Firewood and Splinter. They're relative rookies and could probably use tutoring/saving.
>>
No. 871208 ID: bfb318
File 152003279633.png - (252.35KB , 800x800 , 150.png )
871208

I think it's too late to try to pass off me licking off my knife as anything but what it is.

"Go make sure Splinter and Firewood are doing their jobs right. Take this guy's stuff if it looks good."
>"You don't trust them?"
"Eh."
>"You know, Matron always told us we had to trust one another, because we'll never look at what's in front of us if we're all watching each other's backs too hard."
"Trust is earned."
>"Okay, you're the boss, here. I'll do it. You're going to go to the larger roamer?"
"Yes."

I jog over to the trail, catch it, and follow it to a gnoll that's just wandering around here, waiting for something. He looks alert, so I'm careful.

This is definitely the guy, but he doesn't look like blacktorch.
>>
No. 871210 ID: dc91a0

Subdue and interrogate. He could be an advance scout for another raiding party. If two forces raid Blacktorch at the same time there will be chaos!

That many losses would be unacceptable.
>>
No. 871212 ID: 86eb65

This guy looks huge and he has shiny stuff. That means he might be a chief.

Watch him for a bit.
>>
No. 871224 ID: deec6e

Could be a wanderer, but since he seems well-equipped, well-fed and tough, he seems to be from a wealthy clan, maybe one of the enemy alliance gnolls. Chainlinker, perhaps? If the camp map is following the compass, he'd be heading north-westish, so maybe he's actually from the mountain clan? Unless he's a rep, going from camp to camp, talking to gnolls. Seems weird he'd do so alone, then. Uh. Double-check for Willow-Whisperer escorts?

Killing him could mean 'diplomatic' trouble later if he's with an unaffiliated clan. That is to say, if he goes missing right as your clan was raiding the Blacktorch, dots are gonna get connected. Best verify where he's from before deciding on whether you're killing him.

I see two ways to do this. First is to ask the guys from the camp you're about to raid, and then chase him down afterwards if it turns out he was important. Second is to approach him, and ask him.

'Ask him' being an euphemism for hamstringing him, disabling his swordarm and putting a knife to his throat.

Or, well... I mean, if you wanted to be CRAZY you could just also go up and ask him.
>>
No. 871256 ID: bfb318
File 152004492003.png - (252.35KB , 800x800 , 150.png )
871256

>Check for Willow Whisperers
I'm not sure I could spot them easily if they were around, but I look again and don't see anyone.

I cut his sword off from his belt and kick it down before he can grab it. In the same move, I put a knife to his throat.

"Don't move."
>"Fff. Uck. What fucker'm I talking to?"
"Actually instead, you tell me who you are?"
>"Why would I?"
"Because I have a knife on your throat."
>"So fuckin' what, bastard? You don't think I can snap your neck with a slit throat? Now who the hell are you?"
".... you've been on the plains, huh?"
>"Fine, you want first question? I'm of the Plainskeeper Clan. Now let me guess - Willow Whisperer?"
>>
No. 871258 ID: c8ffa1

>willow whisperer?
Nah. My turn again, what are you waiting for?
>>
No. 871259 ID: 78a3e5

No.
>>
No. 871260 ID: 8a55a9

Nope; my turn.
Why are you here?
Hey, this would be a fun game if I didn't have to have a knife to your throat.
>>
No. 871262 ID: deec6e

No, but you know a couple, so you ain't gonna disrespect 'em by pretending. What's he want with their like? For that matter, what's a tough-as-nails plainsgnoll doing in the big bad forest all on his own? He's pretty much an all-you-can-ambush buffet. He step on his chief's toes, or something?

Also, knife bonus question. What's your name?
>>
No. 871263 ID: 3abd97

>Willow Whisperer
What kind of name is that. Maybe I should cut your throat just so you can't give me any more terrible names.
>>
No. 871264 ID: deec6e

>>871263

Mythical sneaky clan mentioned in the second post in this thread, part of a supposed alliance of four clans against us. Also mentioned were the Plainskeepers - who look like they're leaning more into the 'damn strong' subset than the 'damn sneaky'.

>>837515
>>
No. 871266 ID: b1b4f3

>>871256
Tell him you're from Storm Hold, if he must know. What's he doing here?
>>
No. 871268 ID: 3abd97

>>871264
Doesn't stop it from being a bad name!

That was more a suggestion to be a jerk gnoll than it was an honest request for information but since you provided the information thank you.
>>
No. 871284 ID: 91ee5f

>>871256
>You don't think I can snap your neck with a slit throat?
Who said I was only going to slit your throat? I was going to completely remove your head.

>>871266
Shh! Don’t tell him where we’re from!
>>
No. 871287 ID: 10c408

Okay Leaf, you have to get better at being social. This is an interrogation and you are letting him ask questions? No go.

Also I really hope you've got a way to knock this guy the fuck out because if not we might as well kill him before he can make due on his threat.
>>
No. 871289 ID: cb585b

>>871266
Telling an enemy where you live is practically begging them to come wreck your place looking for you, i mean that alliance is probably bad enough without others raiding us...
>>
No. 871299 ID: de6d84

I should hit you for making me hear such a dumb name.
>>
No. 871300 ID: b1b4f3

>>871289
If he knows where Storm Hold is by name then he already knows there are gnolls there.
>>
No. 871308 ID: cb585b

>>871300
Well duh, but there's a difference between "a clan of gnolls" and "a clan of gnolls that one guy who tried to kill you is from"
>>
No. 871318 ID: b1b4f3

>>871308
Not much difference apparently. Also we haven't tried to kill him. Probably won't, by the look of things.
>>
No. 871343 ID: c88e6d

>>871256
Uhm.... Maybe we should just shank this guy, but I dunno. We should probably try to get information out of him, but he seems like a meathead.
>>
No. 871361 ID: dc91a0

No, just a local clan. It's not safe here for you.
Soon black torch won't exist.
>>
No. 871394 ID: f6785d

This one is no joke, be ready for anything!
Don't mention your clan, but say that it isn't the one he said. What is he doing here?
>>
No. 871463 ID: bfb318
File 152012938246.png - (132.72KB , 800x800 , 152.png )
871463

>What kind of name is 'Willow Whisperers'?
I dunno but gnolls aren't really renowned for their sense of style.

>You have to get better at being social
Yeah...

"No, another clan."
>"You're a hundred times more sneaky than any of those loudasses at blacktorch, so I know you aren't from there."
"Why are you hanging around here?"
>"Just taking a stroll 'round the forest."
"You can answer better than that."
>"I could say the same for you, freakeyes."
"Okay, knife bonus question. What's your name?"
>"Goldhunter. Now what're you doing here? If you aren't blacktorch, and you aren't a willow, that must mean you're one of Clamp's idiots. Which means you're sneaking around here to try to figure out how to finish off Blacktorch, huh? Well you're too late, we're here to kill the weak ones, then ally with the survivors. So unless you got a bigass raiding party already on their doorstep, you're too late."
>>
No. 871465 ID: 3abd97

>>871463
Okay cool he told you everything you can kill him now.

Now you need to find a way to get the 20 chumps you have with you from getting killed by plains guys who are probably tougher than the Blacktorch dummies.
>>
No. 871468 ID: 13fded

Firstly, he is an idiot.This confidence must be because he think he have a chance to either escape with his life or kill Leave after his neck get open. Those are good reasons to cut his neck before he try to make the first move and escape his grip before he can react.

After dealing with the danger you can consider what he just insinuate: there is an enemy raider party moving toward the Blacktorchs. You have to warn our raider party.
If we are going to use this information in our favor we either need to conclude the attack before the enemies get here or wait to ambush them after they start the raid. I prefer the second option.
>>
No. 871469 ID: dc91a0

Commence stabbing and torture.

Find out his clan's positions.
>>
No. 871473 ID: 2efe4b

"Well, Goldhunter, if somehow we weren't too late, I'd have a choice to make. Cut a deal with you guys to split Blacktorch between us, or kill you, let your buddies attack Blacktorch, and have my pals wait until everyone's been worn out a bit. That second one seems like the smart one to me, but I can see how it'd be unpopular with you, and might not seem like a proper fight to my buddies, either. I don't know, though... you think the first option would be any more popular? In this... imaginary scenario."
>>
No. 871474 ID: 2efe4b

If you do kill him, take his gold and give it to Matron, that seems like the hot new trend these days.
>>
No. 871476 ID: 13fded

>>871469
Can't. He is stronger than Leaf.

Just kill him before he try anything.
>>
No. 871478 ID: f6785d

>>871468
Yeah, fuck him, he just call your whole clan idiot. But i am really sure cutting his throat won't be enough. Be ready for anything, go all out, with out mercy.
>>
No. 871484 ID: deec6e

>>871463

Despite the knife to his throat he's fishing for information as much as you are. Not sure if we can completely trust anything he says, but I don't see why he'd be lying about there being plainskeepers soon to raid Blacktorch. What's for sure is that he went talking, alone, with the Blacktorch. If he actively threatened them, they'd probably have seemed more on guard than their sentries looked, so he's sneaky enough to leave 'em with the feeling they wouldn't get attacked.

Guess we've found ourselves something of a Plainskeeper diplomat/spy.

My proposal is that we keep questioning him about his clan for as long as he'll let us push him, and then 'let' the guy escape when he makes a move. Leaf can then run away as if we can't stomach a straight fight (and to be fair, it's not Leaf's style). Then we hold up our own raiding party and wait for the Plainskeeper group to attack the Blacktorch - and hit them hard when they do.

... thought. If he seems confident and not that afraid of getting neck-sliced, it might be because he's got something bullshit, like a healing potion, on him.
>>
No. 871486 ID: 86eb65

That's all the info we need. Kill him hard and fast.

Then get to the raiding party and turn it into a ambush party. Hit them after these idiots hit them.
>>
No. 871491 ID: 91ee5f

>>871478
>But i am really sure cutting his throat won't be enough.
Well, if he can still break necks with a slit throat, then we’ll just have to cut deep enough to remove his head completely. I’d like to see him try and break necks without a head!
>>
No. 871497 ID: b1b4f3

The best way to kill this guy would be to sever an artery and get the fuck away from him at the same time, then keep away until he bleeds out. He won't go down instantly so Leaf has to get out of arm's reach before he knows he's cut.
>>
No. 871505 ID: c88e6d

>>871463
Say "Thanks" in the process of stabbing him to catch him off guard.
>>
No. 871506 ID: c8ffa1

Kill him, go home, get a big raiding party.
By the time you get there the fighting should either be in full swing or finishing up. By then most will be dead or injured and we can probably handle the survivors from both sides assuming we aren’t too outnumbered.
>>
No. 871560 ID: 9c2d0c

The Plainskeepers were noted for being either damn strong or damn sneaky, and I think we can rule out sneaky here. This guy was a notable enough member to be sent on a solo mission. He's probably not bluffing about being able to do some damage or blow our surprise even with a slit throat. If killing him was guaranteed to be clean, I would be more okay with it.
>>
No. 871610 ID: 29b83c

Okay, hang on. If they are that ready to strike, there's a good chance this raid is going to get complicated too. If we do nothing, it is likely they will roll up just after we have tired ourselves out and taken prisoners. Can we do anything to stop that? Give him some message that will slow them down? Bait Blacktorch into leaving camp in the direction of our forces?

That might be workable actually, if we kill a sentry and run while they chase us, and have our guys ready to meet them. We lose surprise, but hopefully don't have to fight two clans.
>>
No. 871641 ID: c0641d

Think you can go for the full decap? After you deal with this guy; how fast can you bolt back to camp and get Clamp to mobilize a larger routing force?
>>
No. 871741 ID: dc91a0

Wait... What's he lookin' at?
You may not be alone.
>>
No. 871782 ID: b0879a

Ya know Leaf could always just stab him in the back of the neck severing the spine.
And we already have like 20 Gnolls on the way here, that's a pretty big raiding party already.
>>
No. 871786 ID: 2efe4b

>>871782
Gnolls probably have much sturdier necks than humans, since they have those big bitey jaws on them.
>>
No. 873052 ID: bfb318
File 152082270292.png - (270.60KB , 800x800 , 153.png )
873052

>What's he looking at?
I check, and I don't think it's anything. He just can't easily look at me.

"I'm t - "

I stop my false sentence to slice his throat while bouncing off of him. He tries to leap back at me, but doesn't chase.
>>
No. 873053 ID: bfb318
File 152082272482.png - (238.37KB , 800x800 , 154.png )
873053

Instead, he clutches his neck and starts stumbling back into the woods. That's not right. Someone who is as calm as he is about having his throat slit shouldn't be doing something so vain as crawling away so miserably. I was expecting to have to outrun him.

I don't like wasting time on dying gnolls, so I start to leave. He watches me disappear behind the bushes. But... he grabbed his sword, which is not what someone resigned to their death would do here.

>He might have a healing potion
>>
No. 873054 ID: bfb318
File 152082273138.png - (254.20KB , 800x800 , 155.png )
873054

I stalk him. He looks around before taking out a healing potion. I throw a rock to break it. He coughs up some blood in what was supposed to be an expletive. His face isn't so calm anymore.
>>
No. 873055 ID: bfb318
File 152082274364.png - (219.14KB , 800x800 , 156.png )
873055

It'd be most reasonable to die, but instead he leaps to the ground and starts chewing and clawing up chunks of earth doused in the healing potion.

He's actually doing it pretty well. He might almost get it to work, and he's managing to swing his sword wildly at me to keep me away at the same time. I guess I'll just throw more knives at him. Then go do something else.

It's not my place to make calls on the raid. Talon is in charge of that, I'm just hassling the enemy and giving information.

Talon's almost definitely going to want to keep the attack on so long as I don't outright lie about their numbers and ability. So my call is how to hassle the enemy raiding party. If the plains gnolls are really raiding Blacktorch, then there must be scouts. If I can find and intercept them, then they won't be able to give the Plainskeepers any information. But if I can find the Plainskeeper's raiding party, then I can try to pick off a few gnolls.
>>
No. 873057 ID: b1b4f3

>>873055
Don't spend too many knives here. Unless you have like 20 of them somehow.

Take out their scouts, that will at least delay them. You can warn Talon, she'll be able to adjust plans to compensate. Then I think you should try to get a look at how big the raiding party is and report that information too.
>>
No. 873058 ID: 86eb65

Fancy clothes nice weapons and a healing potion?

Yeah you just found someone important. Or there clan is rich.

So finish off this guy and loot him. Then see if there are more of these rich idiots you can steal potions from.
>>
No. 873060 ID: 23fa44

kill the scouts. If you manage to talk to talon you might be able to get him to team up with Blacktorch to take out the new invaders, and then whoever is left after the battle gets absorbed into your clan.
>>
No. 873062 ID: dc91a0

Hmm. This guy is good. Can you cripple him from a distance? If so, he could be a useful abduction. He doesn't need those tendons in his legs, right?
>>
No. 873063 ID: 0f7290

These guys seem pretty wealthy, if a guy equipped like this is out scouting. Make sure you stash his stuff somewhere you can find it again when you're done with him. Guys this rich are probably well-organized, so they're likely to notice when their scouts go missing, be aware. That means taking out their scouts might spook them into being more cautious, which you might not want if your plan is to have them wear themselves out against Blacktorch before your team swoops down on them both. They are gnolls, so they're not likely to be scared away completely.
>>
No. 873064 ID: deec6e

>>873055

Knew it. Goldhunter was too calm about his situation. Still not completely losing his cool either. Guile and competence, even in the face of dying, eh? Clamp wanted good gnolls, so I guess you've got yourself a keeper here. Let him eat his healing dirt until he looks just past well enough to survive his throat wound.

Assuming it works, keep him disabled with a few knives to the back of his legs so he can't run, with maybe one in his sword arm's shoulder for good measure. Bleed him non-lethally and once he's weak enough from bloodloss to collapse, wrap up his worst wounds and tie him up if you've got the rope.

"Name's Leaf. Boss told me to get some decent gnolls and I guess you'll do, Goldhunter."

Reflect that his new name should probably be Dirteater. Especially if he keeps up trying to resist you.

If you succeed, raiding party can haul Gold/Dirt's ass home later for treatment, and he can get used to his new clan - and possibly name - while he recovers. Then you'll have a Plainskeeper gnoll's perspective to draw on, a decent one that their clan considered worth giving a healing potion to and send off on their own. Another pro is that this guy might look like he could give Clamp a run for his money while sparring, and I bet Clamp will appreciate getting his wreck on properly on somebody. He's been grumbling about the lack of decent fighters.

>Harass or blind

Blind. Take out their scouts, so they don't know quite what they're walking into. They'll be suspicious, since their diplomat-gnoll and their scouts didn't report back, but it does mean Talon's group can set up whatever ambush they want to make up for their deficiency in experience and training.

>>873057

He can always take the knives back.

>>873058

Doubt he had more than one - or he'd be using it right now. Worth checking, one way or another.
>>
No. 873065 ID: 13fded

Are you sure Talon is too stubborn to take advantage of the situation? Fine... I was questioning the capacity of our shittiest gnolls to stay in position undetected until the attack begin.

If we can't prevent our colleagues from doing something stupid let's increase the chances of our enemy having even worst decision capacity. Let's hunt and kill Plainskeeper's scouts, or any random gnoll that might inform our enemies, starting with this guy.
Hope you aim is good, the back of his neck and his right arm are great targets to debilitate this mountain of flesh. It would be nice to conclude this business at a safe distance, but with an enemy so big there is a good chance he will survive the trowing knifes. Move around outside his line of sight so he won't know where you are coming from for the final blow.
>>
No. 873071 ID: 91ee5f

>>873055
He’s swinging his sword on his right side, so come in around his left side and see if you can make the cut on his neck even bigger or stab him in the eyes.

>>873057
>Don't spend too many knives here.
Leaf can just pick them back up after he kills this guy.
>>
No. 873077 ID: deec6e

>>871256

>I cut his sword off from his belt and kick it down before he can grab it.

>>873052
>>873055

This seems to contradict your earlier action, Leaf. Is there magic/illusory bullshit going on as well all of a sudden? Stay on your guard.
>>
No. 873078 ID: 5c850a

Shoot him in the head before you go. Then go and pick off the enemy scouts. You ALSO need to at least get someone on your side to pass word to Talon so he doesn't walk right into this brewing cluster fuck.
>>
No. 873081 ID: 91ee5f

>>873077
He was crawling away here: >>873053 . Crawling on the ground would give him an opportunity to grab his sword off the ground.
>>
No. 873086 ID: bfb318

>>873077
Art error, it's been fixed now, thanks for the catch. No sword is visible in 1/4, and he grabbed his sword while crawling away.
>>
No. 873089 ID: c88e6d

>>873055
Disarm him then try and knock him out. He's too competent to eliminate so quickly, it might be better to kidnap him with our band of gnolls.
>>
No. 873115 ID: c0641d

>>873089
I think he's pretty dead at this point if we stop him from eating the dirt. We can't afford to waste time here. Make sure he doesn't survive this encounter, then take out more scouts and warn Talon, do whichever is closest first. Possibly suggest teaming up with Blacktorch in exchange for a more permanent merger.
>>
No. 873126 ID: 91ee5f

>>873089
Not worth it.

Let’s just kill him.
>>
No. 873130 ID: 10c408

>>873062
>>873064
>>873089
Guys, really. We cut his throat open and intentionally broke his healing potion and NOW you want to save his life to recruit him?

That ship sailed, caught fire and then sunk when a meteorite smashed into it.
>>
No. 873141 ID: 329741

>>873130
you must not be familiar with how this place works. 50% of the voices, minimum, will always try to save/recruit.

It even works out sometimes.
>>
No. 873148 ID: deec6e

Our mission was to crush the Blacktorch and get a few good gnolls for the clan.

Here's someone who's proving himself to be a good gnoll - probably better than most of the ones in the Blacktorch camp - and that we might get to spill details on our enemies once/if we get him to come around. He has better fighting instincts than the Blacktorch hunter earlier and he had a healing potion, which means that he's got skills that his clan consider would be worth the loss of that potion to preserve. He has the guile to go with his brawn to pretend that he didn't have it in the first place, even though his cockiness and arrogance indicated something was off. He even ate dirt while keeping Leaf away to survive, speaking well to his quick reactions and fighting awareness.

Killing Goldhunter robs Clamp's self-proclaimed enemies of a skilled gnoll and I certainly don't mind that, but we definitely still have the option to take him alive.

And what does Leaf really need to sacrifice to bring him in? A little time, mainly. Leaf's very much in charge of the situation and all he needs to do is to ensure that Goldhunter is weakened enough from bleeding and crippling wounds that he A) can't get away and B) can't resist getting trussed up and kept from dying. We should have enough grace time for that, no? And we can get a couple of our excess raiders to bring him back to Stormhold as a VIP capture immediately if we want to negate the risk of Gold getting free of his bonds or freed by anyone looking for him. Or we could just stuff him somewhere until we've dealt with both Blacktorch and the Plainskeeper raiding party.

If things go real pear-shaped against the Plainskeepers (who are reputed badasses) and this guy's actually somewhat important we might also be able to use him as a bargaining chip to get them to back off or stop killing our dudes. Probably can't do that with a dead gnoll.
>>
No. 874106 ID: 3abd97

>>873055
Finish him. That's too competent an enemy to leave behind.
>>
No. 874108 ID: f3fe9b

If he were competent enough to recruit, he wouldn't be eating broken shards of glass off the ground right now. Don't mistake his well-equippedness for skill.
>>
No. 874130 ID: de6d84

>>873055
He needs to die, kill him.
>>
No. 874168 ID: bfb318
File 152132680671.png - (226.61KB , 800x800 , 157.png )
874168

Mighta been a good gnoll to be in our clan, but it's too troublesome now. I throw more knives at him to the point that even if he had two healing potions, he'd still bleed out. He lasts a pretty long time, but whether it's immediate or not, he eventually stops moving. I throw one into his head, then check his body to make sure he's dead. Then I collect my knives.
>>
No. 874169 ID: bfb318
File 152132687663.png - (364.08KB , 800x800 , 158.png )
874169

I stuff the body in a nearby natural pit just so the body isn't so easy to find. Plainskeeper scouts need to be silenced, so I go search for them.

...

...

I can't find any. There's only signs of Blacktorch scouts that have passed through a while ago. No signs of the plains, and nothing recently.

Plainskeeper scouts are either really good, or this clan doesn't scout. The only clans I've seen like that either don't scout because they're stupid and aren't even raiding, or stupid and are overconfident in their raiding.
>>
No. 874170 ID: 86eb65

It could be that guy was just making shit up to try and scare you.

Keep on doing your job. Scouting and clearing out watchers.
>>
No. 874174 ID: f6785d

I could have been a lie. But You have no why of knowing that now. Keep doing what you were supposed to do. Worst case scenario, we warn Talon about the other raiding party.
>>
No. 874179 ID: deec6e

Hope you patted him down to see if he had something other than healing potions squirrelled away.

Head back to the Blacktorch camp. Maybe Goldhunter lied, maybe he didn't. Should be careful about a potential incoming force of Plainskeepers.
>>
No. 874185 ID: c8ffa1

Maybe go take a peek at plainskeeper group that’s going to be raiding soon? We should at least go take a look to get a more accurate idea of what we’re up against and if we find any scouts along the way then they can be dealt with too.
>>
No. 874187 ID: c88e6d

>>874169
Possibly he was a lone scout.
>>
No. 874327 ID: 3abd97

>Plainskeeper scouts are either really good, or this clan doesn't scout.
What the heck was that guy you killed if he wasn't a scout, though?

Time to hook back up with your other guys I think. Share information, see if anything else has gone wrong.
>>
No. 874334 ID: deec6e

>>874327

He might have been acting like a diplomat-spy, given how cunning he seemed to be. It looked like he'd come from inside the Blacktorch camp, too, so he must've been there to chat.
>>
No. 874570 ID: de6d84

Regroup with the others and let them know of this.
>>
No. 874672 ID: da1652

>>874169
Maybe some of the blacktorch scouts betrayed their clan to try and save their own necks.

Maybe the plainskeepers are a bunch of rich idiots and think sending a large enough group with healing potions is enough to wipe out all the smaller gnoll camps.
>>
No. 875465 ID: bfb318
File 152203624220.png - (172.39KB , 800x800 , 159.png )
875465

>What the heck was that guy you killed if he wasn't a scout, though?
I have no idea. Didn't act like a scout or anything.

He didn't have anything much of value on him other than the potion and some gold, which I'll go back for later.

I go back to Blacktorch's area and find Stemwalker.
>>
No. 875466 ID: bfb318
File 152203625106.png - (191.71KB , 800x800 , 160.png )
875466

>"Ff!"
"Please be quiet." I whisper.
>"Scared the... fuuuuck. Did you get rid of the big guy?"
"Yeah, but he was a Plainskeeper."
>"... uh, what are they doing around here?"
"Dunno. Said they there was a raiding party coming for Blacktorch."
>"That's kinda weird. You see that guy on the north end of camp?"
"Yeah?"
>"He just got up a few minutes ago. He looks like he's waiting and looking around for something, doesn't he?"
"Could be."

He doesn't look like he's on watch, and the rest of the camp doesn't look like they're expecting a raid.
>>
No. 875467 ID: bfb318
File 152203626470.png - (208.12KB , 800x800 , 161.png )
875467

Firewood comes back.

>"Hi."
>"Hey." says Stemwalker.

.... he speaks so loudly.

>"I just told Talon what we see." Firewood talks. "He's right around the corner, so he's going to come charging down in just a minute."
>>
No. 875468 ID: b1b4f3

The guy who's waiting out front is waiting for their scout, who is dead. Or he's waiting for the dead Plainskeeper who was actually some kind of diplomat or representative.

Either way just go ahead with the raid.
>>
No. 875470 ID: c88e6d

>>875468
Yeah, let's just raid.
>>
No. 875476 ID: deec6e

Hrm. Tough to say what's up, but if guy to the north seems to be waiting all antsy and expectant, that's probably because he's expecting someone to come along from that direction. If they're not preparing to get attacked, it must be because they're thinking it'll be friendlies. They're also thinking the friendlies should be coming soon.

My guess is that Goldhunter talked big about allying with 'em, and his raiding party was waiting in the wings somewhere. They might still be waiting, since you killed 'im before he could report back, but they're probably not gonna do that forever.

No explanation for the lack of scouts yet. Maybe they're just that dumb/strong.
>>
No. 875501 ID: f6785d

Tell him that he is too noisy.
>>
No. 875516 ID: a70f54

You go tell Talon what you saw, then.
>>
No. 875528 ID: 3abd97

He's too noisy. Hold up a finger to his lips.

Whups that was a knife. Same difference!

Hold back and keep an eye out. If something goes wrong with the raid maybe you can turn things around by stabbing the right person in the back. Like if those plains jerks show up.
>>
No. 875810 ID: bfb318
File 152232476920.png - (216.73KB , 800x800 , 162.png )
875810

I hold my finger to my lips to try to get him to be more quiet.

I'm holding a knife though so it's a knife at my lips. I don't think he thinks it means the same thing.

"Be quiet, Firewood."
>"O... okay, then."

I go to Talon, next, who's coming up over a ridge with the party ready to pull their weapons out.

>"We good?" asks Talon.

I give him the thumbs up.

"Uh, I killed a plainswalker gnoll. They might be showing up, but they haven't yet."
>"Then we better hurry the hell up. All you pups, we're jogging the rest of the way!"

He's so loud. He's destroying the whole point of the element of surprise.
>>
No. 875811 ID: bfb318
File 152232478302.png - (232.77KB , 800x800 , 163.png )
875811

I circle around the Blacktorch camp and look down at them. They somehow didn't hear Talon's approach. Or they're pretending not to, but if they're pretending, then when Talon and the rest jumps down into the camp's pit, they're doing an amazing job at pretending to get caught off guard.

I'd join in to help but...

There's gnolls coming up from the north end, where Goldhunter was.
>>
No. 875812 ID: bfb318
File 152232489339.png - (355.63KB , 800x800 , 164.png )
875812

That's a caster? Oh. That's a caster. That's a pain. That's a huge pain because I don't know what they're capable of. They can't do everything, but they can do some of anything.

>"Guess you were right. It i'nt Blacktorch that's got a price for killin' Goldy." the woman on the left says.
>"I'm sure Goldhunter's spirit is insulted." An old voice from the caster. "Insulted that you'd think any of those uncoordinated Blacktorch fellows could ever get the drop on him."

They're walking down a natural path, and they'll be getting within about 15 feet away from me if I stay in my current spot. They're not walking quickly at all.
>>
No. 875814 ID: f9d2b4

>that's a pain

I think you mean an opportunity. Put capturing him on The List.

If he hasn't found you yet you can assume he doesn't have magic that lets him do that. That poleaxe is glowing, which in combination with that last guy having a potion and them having such nice equipment overall, makes me think this guy is probably an enchanter/alchemist type. That holds up with him needing a bodyguard, as well, though since they actually let him out instead of keeping him out of harm's way he probably has some combat capability. That pouch on his belt looks like it might contain small vials? In any case, if those two guards are all he has then they're probably serious business.

However, from what the lady said, I think they've heard that there's a battle going on, and it seems like they don't particularly care, since they're not hurrying anywhere. The phrase "got a price" suggests they intend to remember they lost someone to you, though. Interesting that they know for sure he's dead. Could they have found his body already? Perhaps this caster can find items he's enchanted, and "goldy" was wearing some? Or they equip their scouts with some item that alerts them when they die?

I don't think you can take them on right now, not by yourself. That leaves you with a few choices: Run, hide, sacrifice (step out and identify yourself as the guy who killed their guy so they can have their shot at you and the rest of your clan gets off the hook), honesty (just step out and tell them what's going on and ask what they intend to do about it), and bluff, which comes in two flavours: pretend you have them surrounded to chase them off, and/or trick them into thinking you're a different clan.
>>
No. 875815 ID: 830fb7

>>875812
The lady gnoal with the ruby necklace is looking in your direction while the others are looking forward, there is a slight possibility she knows your there. Maybe she has an enchantment that helps her find hiding people.
>>
No. 875816 ID: 10c408

Yeah, this just got tricky.

Try and slip away if you can. IF you do get some distance, get behind the plainswalker party and shoot one of them in the back. Then run and/or hide like fuck.
>>
No. 875821 ID: 86eb65

Well this sort of proves what the first guy was saying. He was the advanced scout of a "diplomatic" mission.

And judging by how rich they all are there whole party is probably just this group. A caster with two bodyguards and a scout can handle a whole lot. I mean all of them have fancy clothes and probably potions and magic weapons.

It's disgusting how rich they are I tell you.

How good are you Leaf? Cause unless you are supernatural good you need to be very very careful. If it was darker and you had better positioning your odds would be better. They must have just seen your group jumping down into the pit. So they will be focused on them. I would slink into the shadows as hard as you can and keep hidden as best you can. If you have to move so be it.

Then stay in there blind spot watching how they react. If the caster starts doing something to attack your group you will have to knock his ass out. Capturing him would be ideal but magic gnolls are old gnolls and delicate. So don't waste a ton of effort keeping him alive if it would get you killed.
>>
No. 875822 ID: 6780f5

The weapons are glowing, so they're probably enchanted. Safe to say you don't want to get hit by those. Or possibly even touch the working end. This is not a fight you can win on your own. Stay hidden and just keep an eye on them.
>>
No. 875824 ID: 4ba5d9

If there is any scouters nearby you might want to warn the raiding party, but only if doing so won't get you too far from those guys trail. The most important thing is to follow them unnoticed until they engage in battle.
This mage could be the biggest prize, but is also the largest potential threat. Keep him as the priority target and kill him first if there is a good opportunity before reaching your allies. Otherwise focus on the guards, attacking and running behind your friends repeatedly.
>>
No. 875826 ID: 91ee5f

>>875812
Just assume that they’ve all got healing potions and/or the caster has healing magic.
>>
No. 875829 ID: eeb7d9

So they know that there is a third party in this raid. That is bad as well. And, even with Talon with the raid party are in a disadvantage.
We need to get them out of here. If they get the jump un Talon's group, it's not going to end well. They have the element of suprise, and power superiority with good wepons and enchanmets.
How many other gnolss you see?
>>
No. 875835 ID: c88e6d

>>875812
Holy shiiiiiiit they have magic crap oh god. Okay so there's a squad of gnolls decked out in magical crap coming. We need to get the raid force out of here quick-like, but we're at risk with them so close by. Once they move on a bit can you circle around the long way and warn the other scouts?

Also, careful, that asshole's ghost is probably haunting you and telling them where you are.
>>
No. 875884 ID: ceab96

Old people and teenagers have the best magic. If you think you can kill the old lady and get out immediately than do so.
>>
No. 875891 ID: d55249

It goes without saying but i’ll say it anyway, that caster is currently the highest priority target and needs to be dealt with immediately. Capturing them would be great, but we don’t know anything about nullifying magic and can’t guarantee she’ll be cooperative.

We should just try to take her out hit and run style by climbing a tree and getting the drop on them later on their walk. Try to kill her as quickly as possible and run back off into the forest before they can effectively respond, make sure she’s dead or a potion will just put her back and put everyone on guard from the attack, meaning we would only have one shot at that.
>>
No. 875892 ID: dc91a0

Oh man. That caster though...
She'd be worth a king's ransom to Clamp...
If only you could separate her from her escorts...
>>
No. 875896 ID: 9aca35

>>875812
Are red eyes common in gnolls? if not, there's a pair looking in your general direction.

Considering that along with the red glow on the newcomers weapons, I bet this caster has at least a few abilities based on empowering allies.

Reposition, decide if you think getting word to Talon's lot about the incoming force will be early enough to be helpful, or if making a distraction here is better.
We know they stock potions, if you can nail the caster with a thrown knife they'll probably stop to heal them go on the defensive.
>>
No. 875897 ID: 6139f5

>>875812

Tch! We'll lose gnolls here if these guys get involved.

I'd say to hazard a knife throw against caster, but they might have magic defenses up, and it's proven they have healing pots. You need to figure out what kind of magic's in play and try to divide and conquer or chain-kill/KO them. Capturing any elites would be nice, a caster especially, but this isn't even close to the kind of advantage we had against Gold, so let's be happy if we can take them out or drive them off.

Are the other scouts nearby? Then pass word (fake bird whistle, hand gesture, whatever) for Firewood to go warn Talon enemies are coming from the north (and get Firewood's stomping to distract the bodyguards) and for Stemwalker to go into hiding, ready for ambush. If you can, indicate to Stem that she should try to land an arrow in the caster at your signal, or if they start targeting Talon's troupe. She can then draw the bodyguards' attention and act as a feint for you moving up against the caster, either with your own ranged attack or sneaking through the tall grass.

And uh... one of the bodyguards might be aware of yours presence. Climb the tree if you must. Be the Leaf.
>>
No. 875901 ID: 5c3123

See if you can steal that necklace with the big ruby and get away. If our guess is right and it carries a sensory-enhancement effect, then that's a big loss to the bodyguard team's effectiveness, particularly against someone super sneaky. It might be user-friendly enough to be an asset for your own side, and if the caster has some way of tracking their items, but not actual scrying (as that dialogue implies) then it's also bait for a trap.
>>
No. 875904 ID: 6139f5

>>875901

They both have necklaces, looks like.
>>
No. 875915 ID: 3abd97

>They can't do everything, but they can do some of anything.
It looks like this one can make her friend's weapons glow. That's bad. They're probably super-sharp, or hit super-hard, or they light things they hit on fire, or some dumb thing like that.

>Goldhunter
Hey you know his name now!

>what else
In addition to the glowing weapons, note one of the gnolls has a necklace. If we're assuming these plains people are competent, and that's not a smart thing to do in a fight, probably assume it's more magic bullshit.

I don't like your odds of being able to sneak and stab the caster to death. If that guy had a potion, they got something at least as good for a rare and valuable caster.

Still, these guys could turn the tide of the battle if they got involved, you probably need to distract them somehow.
>>
No. 875931 ID: 9c2d0c

kiiiind of want to distract them with talking and stall for the raid. I don't think you win this fight, and I don't feel good about your chances if they get involved in the raid. Think you could manage talking at them without giving away your position?
You can be like "Look, I'm sorry about Goldhunter. By the time he convinced me he wasn't just another worthless scrub he was already bleeding out."

And then relocate anyway, because staying in one place is no way to hide.
>>
No. 875936 ID: b1b4f3

Distract them. Don't engage directly, there's three of them. If possible you could throw a couple daggers to inflict injuries that would slow them down. It'll also give crucial info-- namely, does the caster have anything to counter knives.
>>
No. 876380 ID: bfb318
File 152259861798.png - (165.85KB , 800x800 , 165.png )
876380

>Can't take them
Which is why I don't like fighting wizards much. Maybe I can, maybe I can't, I never know what they have up their sleeves.

>Could they have found his body already?
Yeah. I didn't try to hide it that hard.

>Are there other gnolls?
Not that I see.

I can hear them walk. If they're looking at me, they're not moving to me.

My position isn't all that bad. So far the plainswalker people have been big and bulky, focusing on heavy weapons. It's real bad in a heavily forested place like this, so as long as they're chasing me, I have the advantage even if it's daytime. The wizard is what makes things more dangerous, but only by so much. It's just been too long since I fought magic users, but it's starting to come back to me. Yeah, I'm probably worrying too much here. It's possible, for instance, that the wizard is able to spoof sound so well that it only sounds like they're all walking together down the path, but one is actually coming over to my hiding tree. That would mean hiding the sound of a set of footsteps, creating another sound of footsteps identical to how they were before, and also making the sound of a gnoll rustling through bushes, their breathing... it would take a lot of complex casting, and also need a lot of scouting skill to mimic everything.

Plus magic does need to be casted, and casting takes time and it's usually obvious they're casting. So even against the wizard, if I'm by the trees, I can dart out of sight before anything bad like a slow spell would hit me.

It's possible the wizard has something to counter thrown knives. I can find that out easily enough, and that'll serve as an ambush and a distraction. If it works, they'll have to waste a healing potion, and if not, stop them for long enough for Talon to clean things up.

I'll send out a warning call for Stemwalker. I don't want to do the bird call signal right next to the wizard, so I wait for them to pass by me.

Once they do, I back up and call. Hopefully Stemwalker is paying attention and recognizes it as the call for an approaching enemy. The timing of the wizard's group is thrown so slightly off, but they keep moving.
>>
No. 876381 ID: bfb318
File 152259862599.png - (313.94KB , 1200x800 , 166.png )
876381

I look around, and all of their backs are turned. It's too easy, but what the hell. I fling a knife at the wizard's back and get under a bush to hide before the knife gets to the target.

It gets about 5 feet away from the wizard before I see an anti projectile bubble pop up and bounce the knife away into the forest. I've seen this kind before. It doesn't work well on larger, heavier objects, like people.

There's also a limit to how many projectiles it can block in a limited period of time.

>"The hell was that?!" asks the bodyguard.

The wizard scans the forest. I think he's casting something.

>"I didn't see. Probably an arrow, but the moron is too far away to sense."

... they keep walking, but are on alert now.

Options.

First is to climb up on a tree and drop down through the magic shield to put a knife in the wizard's spine. Won't kill him instantly, but will keep him from using a potion on himself. It'll probably work, but also I'll be between two tough gnolls. They're nearly on Talon. I don't have the time to call for backup to set up a multi person ambush.

Second option is to just step out and call out to them. If I'm by the trees, I shouldn't be in that much danger. Plus, I can throw my voice pretty well.
>>
No. 876385 ID: 3abd97

>... they keep walking, but are on alert now.
The bubble moves with them? Too bad, if the shield was fixed in place you could have tied them up.

>Options
Any trees around here look like they could be knocked over? Dropping something heavy on the shield sure would break it.
>>
No. 876391 ID: 4ba5d9

Can you trow stones and sticks until the magic stop working? At best this could give you the opportunity to trow a few knifes, at worst would just make them chase you like in plan B.
>>
No. 876399 ID: c0641d

Do the drop down, and if possible, start a fire at everyone’s feet during or after that. You’re slippery enough that the worst they can do is wound you a bit as you dart back out in the chaos.
>>
No. 876401 ID: c0641d

>>876399
Also, maybe cut a tendon or two on the way out.
>>
No. 876427 ID: eeb7d9

I am going to stick to the idea of making them chase you so you can take them as far way from Talon's group as posible. Don't worry about fighting them, just distract them long enough so Talon can do his part. Then retreat and go back with the raiding party.
That was our main goal. Finishing off the Blacktorch clan. We will deal with this other clan later.
>>
No. 876455 ID: 5c3123

Can you take down the bubble with, say, a fistful of gravel, then follow up with another knife?
>>
No. 876487 ID: deec6e

>Mage tries to detect leaf
>fails

Huh.

I think we can do this, then. If you can throw your voice you can turn them in the wrong direction for a critical moment. Sneak up as close as you can in their currently alerted state, then throw your voice and another knife to make the shield flash.

Get up close and cut the akilles tendons of BOTH bodyguards, then barrel into the mage, grappling and stabbing. KO the mage if you can and/or stick a knife in them so they can't cast or fight as easy, then fireman carry/drag them off into the woods while the two bodyguards get healing pots to heal themselves or are left forced to stagger after you. Heck, if the shield follows the mage, they can't even throw stuff after you without it bouncing.

Even if you can't get away with the mage in the end, that should get them plenty distracted from the Blacktorch fight and as long as you keep the mage out of commission there's no way the brutes will be able to follow you through the forest.
>>
No. 876503 ID: d55249

The caster just revealed that they can sense you if you’re too close. Whatever your distance from them is it should be maintained. Hassle them as much as you can to buy time without making your location too obvious, throw your voice and throw things from different directions to keep them guessing.
>>
No. 876650 ID: 10c408

Oh, that's just super convenient for them and absolutely terrible for us.

B. It'd be absolutely stupid to drop down and attack someone in the murder bubble. They wouldn't even have to attack us with their enchanted weapons, just grab Leaf by one limb each and pull.

B. Since we can't kill any of the bodyguards at range we're going to have to distract them.

Hopefully they're unfocused morons willing to chase down the gnoll who killed goldhunter and won't ignore you baiting them and exploit their range-proof bubble to get to the camp and start wrecking our raid's shit.
>>
No. 876658 ID: b1b4f3

Distract them. First talk to them so they know you're the one that killed Goldhunter. Then lead them on a merry chase.
>>
No. 876927 ID: bfb318
File 152277455091.png - (189.50KB , 800x800 , 167.png )
876927

I'm not so lucky that there's any dead trees or loose boulders or stuff to bring down on them, and unless this is the shittiest shield spell ever, throwing gravel or other stuff like that won't work.

>Can you throw stones and sticks until the magic stop working?
Yeah, but a lot of the sticks around here are too crappy to throw. I just have knives.

I have a lot of knives though so I can throw some at them even if I can't get them back right away.

"Back off!" I throw my voice to their left, then throw a knife at them from their right. I get down and roll to the side while the knife hits.

>"Whoa!" says the girl.
>"Who's there?!" the wizard shouts over her. "Are you the one that killed Goldhunter?"

I pause slightly trying to come up with a response or lack of one, but he starts talking a second later.

>"And if you throw one more knife at us, we're going to attack your raiding party."
>>
No. 876931 ID: 671023

"Got it in one, (insert appropriate gnoll insult here)"

Don't throw more knives at them.
>>
No. 876932 ID: b1b4f3

>>876927
Hmm. Okay, don't throw more knives. Engage them in conversation. Yes, you killed Goldhunter. It was a terrible waste.
>>
No. 876936 ID: deec6e

Stop with the daggers - for now. Can you pretend as if you are multiple gnolls if you move about, change up your timber and throw your voice about some more?

"These are warning shots, blind mage."

"We've got enough to overwhelm that barrier."

"Gold? The clutz fell on some knives."

If not, try to sound out the mage without giving away your location.
>>
No. 876968 ID: 9c2d0c

>>876932
Agreed, and reiterating "By the time he convinced me he wasn't just another worthless dumbass he was already bleeding out."
adding "These are warning daggers. That raiding party is supposed to be either thinning out or improving our very worst fighters anyway, but we didn't come here to pick a fight with you."

>>876936
I feel like giving the impression of one guy who can solo an elite like Goldhunter without noticing he's good is more intimidating than a team of cocky assholes who overpowered him with numbers. Also probably easier for Leaf to pull off. He's not the most socially skilled of gnolls.
>>
No. 877001 ID: 3abd97

>>"And if you throw one more knife at us, we're going to attack your raiding party."
I'm tempted to keep attacking to try and pretend you're not with Clamp's guys, but I expect them to call that bluff.

>what do
We're trying to stall them. So if they want to try to talk to you, let them.

Stop throwing daggers, stay silent. Let them pause, waiting to see if you'll talk, then they'll waste more time saying something else trying to draw you out. That's when you can start responding.
>>
No. 877012 ID: dc91a0

Keep throwing your voice around.

He wasn't Cooperating and he was too strong and well trained to capture by force.

Also, I'd like it if you didn't devolve the raid into chaos.
Speak.
>>
No. 877059 ID: c88e6d

>>876927
Oh, okay. It seems like they might be willing to be reasonable about this. State that you are willing to discuss things if they do not attack your raiding party.
>>
No. 877067 ID: 300f7e

They're raiding the same gnolls we're raiding and we've already killed one of their own. What exactly do you think we'll gain out of talking to them? They'll peaceful leave and let us raid?
>>
No. 877123 ID: c0641d

>>877067
We’ll be stalling. If nothing else, time is our most valuable resource right here and now. We attack, they begin the interception. We talk, we could by a minute or so at least.

> What say.
“Same applies vice versa. That was your last warning shot. Did I kill Goldhunter? Perhaps. It was a waste, to be honest; by the time he convinced me he was worth the effort to capture, he was dead. What did you hope to accomplish by coming here? Blacktorche is pitiful enough that I don’t see a loaded tribe like yours having any need of their stuff.”
>>
No. 877128 ID: deec6e

>>877001

Alright, I think I'm going to have to back down on distracting them with multiple voices and instead agree with the strategy of largely staying silent and letting them talk back at you. Let's hear what they've got to say - but let's also not let the caster get too many chances to see you and cast spells. Shit's gonna suck if they've got a charm spell or something - although it's more likely they've spells that can target larger groups of gnolls, if they were gonna take on the Blacktorch with just Gold, the two bodyguards and the caster.

Communicate your understanding of them wanting to talk by planting a knife in the ground between them and the raiding party. Leave it implicit that if they cross that line, it's sneak attack o' clock again.
>>
No. 877236 ID: 7a524b
File 152294508593.png - (214.14KB , 800x800 , 168.png )
877236

"Hi. Yeah it was me." I hide behind trees more. I don't hear them moving. "I killed Goldhunter. Sorry about that." Wait, no, not sorry... "I mean it was a waste. I thought he was lame, then he was bleeding out, then I learned he was kind of tough."
>"You're with Clamp, yeah?"
"What makes you think that?"

The more I think about it the more I want to capture this guy. I have to assume he can do anything and it's not much to work with. Magic has to have some rules, some limitations, so even if he wasn't a great add for Boss, I'd want to learn from him so I don't need to act like wizards have killing words.

>"Cause Clamp's the only clan who thinks that shitty torch clan is worth walking to."
"Oh are you guys just here to pass through?"
>"... shut the fuck up. I didn't know Clamp got a whisperer on his side."
"I'm not a whisperer."
>"I'd wonder, but that doesn't matter too much. Here's the issue. If Goldhunter was killed by you fair and square, that's just life, but we've got respect for our dead, and we don't want him to die pointlessly. Either we hurt your clan as much as you hurt ours, or better yet, Goldhunter's death gets us something good out of it. You're a good scout. We normally raid the human plains, and we could use a scout that's as invisible as you are to see what the humans are up to. You live with us for 2, maybe 3 weeks, and if you bring us valuable information and loot, we'll consider Goldhunter's death paid for. How's that sound?"

What a weird deal, but he sounds honest.
>>
No. 877237 ID: 86eb65

That's a one sided deal. Cause if you hurt my clan then all three of you will die today. Then your clan will get pissed and all sorts of fun stuff will happen.

Why don't you just haul him off for a proper burial or something?
>>
No. 877240 ID: 5f3f48

I dunno, no one's ever paid us for killing our guys. And living with some guys right after I killed their bud sounds like a great way to get knifed in my sleep.
>>
No. 877241 ID: 092c63

"How about a deal where you get even more than that? You guys have some good stuff, stuff that we'd like, and if you're walking out here then there's things in this direction that you want, too. Tell me what it is and let me talk to my boss. Then, when I come out to work for you guys a while like you want, maybe I can come with something extra for you, and leave with some nice things in return. Maybe we keep that trade going after."

"I mean, you'd need to let me talk to my people anyway, just so they don't think I just got nabbed, 'cause that'll cause trouble for you. So I might as well tell them something that might be profitable for both of us while we're at it, right?"
>>
No. 877242 ID: b1b4f3

>>877236
Tell them that sounds like a good deal but you can't decide for your Chief. They'll have to talk to him.
>>
No. 877244 ID: eeb7d9

>>877242
Yeah, pretty much.
>>
No. 877245 ID: cf5a32

Learning more stuff about humans actually sounds useful. Chief made a few allies, but knowing more about who all's good for allies or who's good for raiding will help advance that even further. Even if nobody's worth raiding due to breaking friendships, the information will still help get trades and talks through.
>>877242
But yeah, you'll have to talk with Chief about it first.
>>
No. 877253 ID: 7a524b
File 152294995383.png - (228.37KB , 800x800 , 169.png )
877253

"Isn't a proper burial good enough?"
>"No."
"Oh... it's a weird deal. Who pays others for killing their gnolls?"
>"Ones that think with their heads."
"Hmm... I'd need to talk to my boss anyway."
>"No one likes misunderstanding. If you agree, you talk with your chief. If your chief agrees, you meet us within a week. If you don't show up, your hunters will start having 'accidents'."
>"By that we mean we're going to kill your hunters." says the other guy.
>"I don't think he's that stupid to need it spelled out." the wizard says.
"If I go with, then I don't need to sleep with you guys, right?"
>"Our cuddlers will just have to live with their disappointment."

I wonder if that was a joke.

I wonder if they're playing a game with me, but on the other hand, knowing what the humans are up to might help us out in the long term. Plus, if I do a good job, it might help us get friendly with another gnoll clan instead of us against everyone.

Sounds like Talon's wrapping up, and my clanmates are going to start wandering around here soon.
>>
No. 877255 ID: b1b4f3

I say agree. If you remain safe through the arrangement, then the scouting information benefits both your tribes.
>>
No. 877257 ID: bbbaf9

Agreed in principle. Bonus points if you can go the whole 2 weeks without them actually seeing you.
>>
No. 877258 ID: deec6e

>>877253

Sounds interesting. Let's take it.

"Fair. We'll discuss the wergild in a week, then - come to this area, we'll find you. One more thing - you human territory gnolls got anythin' good to trade? We got a little gold stashed away and it does us jack shit good out here. Don't even have to be fancy enchanted stuff, we could use metals, basic goods, cloth."
>>
No. 877260 ID: c88e6d

>>877253
This seems like a good deal, especially since it appears that their whole clan is like twenty guys decked out in armor and magic. We don't exactly want to get into a direct conflict, and that's what we'd be heading for otherwise.
>>
No. 877261 ID: dc91a0

Wait. Doesn't Clamp wanna train Hilt to like... Talk to people better? He's already pretty good.

You should ask if you could bring one other person.
>>
No. 877263 ID: 5f3f48

I really don't like this deal, and honestly it's a bad one. But saying yes in the moment costs us nothing and gets our guys out, we can always backstab them later.
>>
No. 877267 ID: 91ee5f

>>877253
If these guys are raiding humans, then wouldn’t that be a problem for us?

After all, Clamp said that a human mason is supposed to come to Storm Hold in a few days to teach some of our gnolls how to do mason stuff. If we let these guys keep raiding the humans, then there’s a pretty good chance that they’ll end up killing the human mason we’re waiting for!
>>
No. 877276 ID: 7a524b
File 152295623704.png - (206.57KB , 800x800 , 170.png )
877276

>Clamp wants to train Hilt
I'll just ask him about it later, if he wants to send Hilt over too. I don't really like it though. I can keep on my guard in cause the plainskeepers backstab me, but Hilt...

>Aren't they raiding humans?
They'll do that with or without me. I'm probably just going to be scouting and stealing stuff.

Oh, right, talking.

"Yeah I'll do it if my boss'll do it. Just meet me here in a week. By the way my clan's got some gold and stuff if you want to trade too."
>"How much gold is in question?"
"I guess we'd trade with... I dunno, a hundred?"
>"A hundred... coins?"
"Yeah."

They pause, then start snickering to themselves.

>"Starting to get second thoughs about our deal!" the wizard says, choking back laughter. "But if you're good enough to kill Goldhunter, you should get a lot more for us in the weeks to come. Yeah, bring some gold, and we'll see what you can buy!"

They walk off, so I walk back to locate Stemwalker.

"Hey."
>"Hey." She gets tense, but doesn't jump.
"How'd raiding go?"
>"Lost two of ours, gained four of their decent fighters and some decent gear. We're going to search the area and then go back to Stormhold. Did you find anything while you were doing whatever you were doing?"
"Yeah."
>"... gonna say what it was?"
"I'm going on a vacation. Don't worry about it."
>"Uh, okay, if you don't want to tell me that, then how about you tell me instead... where do you keep your knives?"
"Uh..."
>"Or at least how you throw them so well. They don't look like any throwing knives I've seen before. In fact they don't look like they're good for throwing at all."

I don't really want to tell her.
>>
No. 877280 ID: 5f3f48

Why don't you want to tell her? Because the answers are dumb? Because you don't trust her? Because you want to have an edge over her and others? Because you think she won't get it? The why sort of impacts how we approach this.

You could start putting her through hoops. Maybe make her earn the secrets? Prove she's ready for them? Wise old masters pull that kind of stuff all the time.
>>
No. 877281 ID: 12b116

Why dont you want to tell her?

Taking a vacation with the other clan seems like it's a lot more beneficial to us than it is to them in the long run as well. We get intel and possibly allies just because we killed somebody.
>>
No. 877296 ID: d2e2ce

>>877276
Tell us, the voices in your head. Then we can decide whether or not to tell her.
>>
No. 877299 ID: bbbaf9

"I don't want you to suppress your instinct to jump, I want you to hear me coming. An alert Scout is an alive Scout, and someday someone else is going to sneak up behind you."
You're supposed to be training this girl, the only thing we actually need to know is if she can duplicate this thing with your knives, or if she would be better served practicing something else.
>>
No. 877300 ID: 1722b4

You should just take your raiding party, the new recruits from blacktorch and go kill those three other gnolls to save yourself the hassle and or ambush(es).
>>
No. 877302 ID: eeb7d9

>>877299
This sounds absolutely rational and makes sense.
Do gnolls think and act like this?
If they do, then tell her, if they don't, well, don't?
>>
No. 877311 ID: b1b4f3

>>877276
It's magic, isn't it.
Tell her you'd rather not say.
>>
No. 877322 ID: c88e6d

>>877276
Tell her you'd rather not say.

She'll assume it's up your butt.
>>
No. 877327 ID: da1652

>>877276
Just tell them this isn't the time or the place. Still, passing on something to the more promising gnolls will help the clan succeed.
>>
No. 877332 ID: 7a524b
File 152296325361.png - (136.57KB , 800x800 , 171.png )
877332

"By the way good job suppressing jumping and all but I'd rather you just hear me coming."
>"I don't know how you're so quiet. Do you breath?"
"When necessary."
>"So..."

...

"When you hear me coming, I'll tell you about my knives."
>"You know that the whole mysterious parts of you are why you're creepy?"
"Uh..."

There's a regional legend about a gnoll clan that had a lot of nifty weapons, but what made them nifty was powered by killing. So they had to run across the land killing just to power their weapons so they could, uh, do a good job killing.

That's the entire story. It's simple and stupid, but since its about uncontrolled rampant murder it's a popular story to tell the pups.

The legend mentions that one of the relic types was a blade summoning sash.

I could just tell Stemwalker that I summon knives, but then she'd ask why I walk around collecting the knives that I throw if I can just summon them anyway. And I do that because I don't want people thinking I'm a wizard, or that I have an item that can summon knives. The first one's just not true, and the second one is true but saying that will make them want to know even more, and if I let them know more then it'll get out that I have a a blade summoning sash.

Also a lot of the variants of the story say that the weapons were powered with blood, and if that's the popular one around here then it won't help with the rumors about me being a vampire.

>"You keep the knives up your butt, huh?"
>>
No. 877334 ID: 3abd97

>>"You know that the whole mysterious parts of you are why you're creepy?"
What happened to mysterious being cool and sexy, huh.

>"You keep the knives up your butt, huh?"
Come on, you really think I would stick them in my mouth if I did that.
>>
No. 877335 ID: 10c408

"Ran out of him where my heart's suppose to be."
>>
No. 877336 ID: 8a55a9

"Keep that attitude and you certainly will."
>>
No. 877346 ID: d2e2ce

"No, I keep them up your butt. I don't know how you haven't noticed by now."
>>
No. 877350 ID: 7a524b
File 152296573105.png - (189.84KB , 800x800 , 172.png )
877350

"If I did, do you think I would lick them?"
>"It's already weird, it could be weird and disgusting."
"I'm going to go home and tell boss that Blacktorch is eliminated."
>"Why do you get to?"
"Because I'm faster. Tell Talon, and don't give me attitude, otherwise I'll show you how to store knives in your butt."

>You should take your raiding party to kill the 3 gnolls to save the hassle or ambush
I'm not going to get ambushed. I don't think anything will be much of a hassle compared to taking a whole raiding party to try to chase down 3 gnolls.

I run back to base.

Clamp's there, listening to some people tell him stories.

>"So you know what he said after?!"
>"What."
>"I never knew he had a shell!"
>"... that the story?"
>"Yep!"
>"Ain't ever heard anything so unfunny in my life."
>>
No. 877351 ID: d2e2ce

"You've heard Waster talk."
>>
No. 877352 ID: c88e6d

>>877350
Tell him you're now stuck on babysitting duty for the Gold gnolls because they have wizards and stuff. Also they might trade with us?
>>
No. 877353 ID: 3abd97

Try telling a funny story.

That everyone but you will just find creepy instead of funny.
>>
No. 877358 ID: 91ee5f

>>877350
Sneak up behind Clamp and say this: >>877351 .

And then tell him about the deal you made with the 3 gnolls you just met.
>>
No. 877360 ID: 092c63

"Here's a joke: I killed a wizard's buddy and he offered me a vacation, I'm thinking of accepting. Surprise! The joke is it's not a joke. Is that unfunny enough to be the new champion?"
>>
No. 877362 ID: dc91a0

Ok. Step one.
Get REAAAAAAAAAAAALY close to him before talking.

Don't forget to duck!
>>
No. 877379 ID: eeb7d9

>>877350
Say this: "He is right, that was a horrible story. Mine ar cooler". Then inform Clamp about all that occurred during the raid.
>>
No. 877381 ID: deec6e

It's Clamp. He likes it when you get straight to the point.

Say hello and give a perfunctory raid report: two of Stormhold's dead, Blacktorch torched. Tell him to get ready to learn some new names. One hitch: Plainswalker elites were coming to Blacktorch to torch 'em too, but you beat 'em there. You killed their forward guy, more tough spy than scout. Their leader - a caster - offered you a job in exchange for not getting pissy about having to leg it all the way out there for nothing and losing one of theirs. You said you'd consider it and ask the chief. You're asking now.

They want you to scout out the humans on the plains since they ain't got scouts worth spit. Might be worth checking out, because Stormhold knows little about the Plainskeepers and the humans. The 'keeper caster said they'd be happy with having you for around two, three weeks, and seemed honest about the offer far as you could tell.

Shrug and say this might be a good step to take to make one of Chainlink's desired allies a kinda-neutral neighbour instead - or at least get an idea of their strength and numbers for later. You didn't know they had a caster, for one, and their elites all seemed equipped with magic stuff - healing potions and magic weapons. They sent four to take on the Blacktorch's dozen plus - so you're guessing the caster could've pulled some bullshit if they wanted to. Would be nice if you could figure out what that would be, at least.

They want to meet in a week at the old Blacktorch camp. Might even bring some stuff to trade since you asked if they'd be up for it, although they laughed a lot when you said the clan could spend at least a hundred gold. Didn't seem to think it a whole lot, so human territory raiding must be fairly lucrative.

Incidentally, how many blacktorch guys did the raid manage to capture?
>>
No. 877387 ID: 7a524b
File 152297408890.png - (186.05KB , 1000x800 , 173.png )
877387

I sneak up on Clamp.

"You've heard Waster talk."
>"Now there's a fuckin' joke from someone I can finally have a worthwhile conversation with."
>>
No. 877388 ID: 7a524b
File 152297410339.png - (156.28KB , 800x800 , 174.png )
877388

>"Th'fuck are you smiling about, Leaf?"
"Nothin', Boss. Want to hear a funny story?"
>"Fuck no, specially not the kind of creepy shit in the forest you find funny."
"Oh... well, I have a report."
>"Then let's over there and get me informed."
>>
No. 877390 ID: 7a524b
File 152297412248.png - (166.23KB , 800x800 , 175.png )
877390

We move to the caves so that it's less likely people will follow us.

"Lost two of ours, captured four of theirs and some loot."
>"Lose anyone I know the names of?"
"I doubt it."
>"Anything else?"
"I killed a Plainskeeper gnoll."
>"Good."
"And to make amends, I'm going to take a vacation with them for a few weeks and help them out scouting."
>"I told you I didn't want another funny story."
"Hear me out boss. If I do that, I'll have a good idea about how they work, how many they are, their equipment - which is good by the way - and also I'll be scouting humans so I'll know what they're up to also. Oh and they have a wizard."
>".... Real fuckin' strategic thinking, Leaf, too bad I hate every word you just spat out. You know we're gonna murder 'em all right?"
"What if instead of that, we allied with them?"
>"Think they'd do that?"
"I dunno maybe, that's what I can find out."
>"And why didn't you just kill 'em?"
"They knew it was us. I figure we could avoid a fight and focus on local stuff first, if I do this. Also they had a wizard and it's dangerous."
>"You say that about every wizard you've killed! I'm thinking you just like complicating matters, and you did such a good job that I'm not even gonna think on it. You just promise me that if they try and backstab, ambush or kill you or whatever, you kill every last one of 'em."
>>
No. 877391 ID: 86eb65

That's the plan boss.

Honestly I mostly want to steal everything that is not bolted down. Bunch of rich assholes with fancy clothes the lot of them.
>>
No. 877392 ID: b1b4f3

>>877390
Aye aye, boss.
>>
No. 877393 ID: 3abd97

>"And why didn't you just kill 'em?"
Cause you sent me with 20 of our weakest and I was supposed to keep them alive, remember? If I got into a fight with a wizard a lot of those chumps would be dead.

Also I didn't have a big guy like you to throw something heavy and smash the shield he put up.

>I'm thinking you just like complicating matters, and you did such a good job that I'm not even gonna think on it. You just promise me that if they try and backstab, ambush or kill you or whatever, you kill every last one of 'em.
I mean we could backstab them first if you want. Your call.
>>
No. 877395 ID: dc91a0

OOOh ooh. We get an Autism dog quest!?!?
AUTISM DOG QUEST!
Fuck yeah!
>>
No. 877397 ID: 91ee5f

>>877387
Congratulate Clamp on being the only person today that hasn’t jumped or something when you talked to them.

>>877390
Tell Clamp that the other clan only wants you for a few weeks because that’s apparently how much the guy you killed was worth. And then tell Clamp that in your opinion, the guy you killed was only worth at least one day because of how easy he was to kill.

And make sure you ask Clamp if you can have 100 gold to buy stuff from the clan you’re supposed to be going to.
>>
No. 877418 ID: deec6e

Pretty much what you were thinking. Though you might save a few, just for him. The one you killed was pretty tough, so they're not complete walkovers, at least. It'll be interesting to see how he really ranked compared to the rest of the clan.

Say, Clamp, we making good use of that gold in the treasury anytime soon? We could take some of it to barter somethin' off the Plainskeepers when we next meet - play the whole not-raid-murder relations angle. Coming from human lands, they've gotta have access to some things that Stormhold could use. Just gotta make sure not to get screwed on any deals.
>>
No. 877420 ID: 71a608

Hey, you wanted to train up some more scouts, right? Take a few with you who have good potential but are currently crap (leave the actual currently half-decent ones here so there are still some scouts). Train them on the way and while you're there and you can watch each others' backs, and the golds can't complain because they're getting more than they bargained for.

Tell Clamp about the possibility of buying stuff from them, too, adding how they seemed to view a hundred gold pieces as a scornful amount. Maybe Matron's recently acquired bling would be better? But those are Clamp's trophies and they work as a visible lesson/reminder to the recently gained seaside gnolls, too, so that's probably not worth.
>>
No. 877423 ID: eeb7d9

Oh? Getting sentimental on me boss? You are not going to miss me if i die, don't you?
But seriously, i am not going to let myself get kill that easy. BUT, if they backstab me, and i don't make it, i'll leave them to you. Promise me that you will take them out. Come on, don't be a sissy. Pinky promise?
>>
No. 877429 ID: af148a

>>877390
You got it boss.
>>
No. 877436 ID: c88e6d

>>877390
Well yeah, it was implied we'd kill em all if they backstabbed us.
>>
No. 877468 ID: 1e7713

That goes without saying. anything specific you want me to look for or find out about while I'm there?
>>
No. 877473 ID: 5c3123

Don't forget the bit about trading with some of the gold.
>>
No. 877485 ID: 7a524b
File 152301187175.png - (199.05KB , 800x800 , 176.png )
877485

"You sent 20 of the weakest, so a lot woulda died if I got in a fight with a wizard."
>"That's why you put a knife in his head before he does his bullshit!"
"Okay... also they might be able to trade. Could I take a hundred gold to buy stuff?"
>"That's all we have, and we've got to pay the human carpenters somethin'! Assumin', anyway, we want repeat business. Just steal shit from the humans and buy it with your own money."


>You wanted to train up some more scouts, right?
Not in the middle of a possibly enemy clan.

"If this goes well, we might be able to send scouts to the plains in exchange for fighters, if we need them."
>"Was the guy you killed any good?"
"Goldhunter? I was able to sneak up on him, but he kept fighting after I cut his throat."
>"Already better than half the wimps around here would do. And I didn't hear any promise, Leaf!"
"Killing them if they backstab me is already the plan, boss. Is this you getting sentimental, will you miss me if I die?"
>"I'll miss having some competence around here."
"I promise and all that, if you promise that if I screw up and die, you'll finish them off for me."
>"You fuckin' be - th'fuck are you doing Leaf?"
"This is a hug, boss. No one can see us."
>"Looks more like my killing maneuver!"
"Yeah but if you do it softly it's a hug. Oh and thanks for not jumping when I get behind you."
>"Whatever, get outta here before people start thinking I'm gonna swap Matron out for you."
"I'm going to keep sneaking up on you and hugging you until you sense me coming, boss."
>"And I'll fuckin' remind you how I got my name you sentimental vampire!"
"I'm not actually a vampire, boss."
>"Ya said you were."
"Jokes, boss. Also you gotta catch me sneaking to give me the clamps. See you... soon."
>>
No. 877486 ID: 7a524b
File 152301191808.png - (137.66KB , 800x800 , 177.png )
877486

Damn guy's getting real comfy around me.

Shit, it's still daytime. Probably still got time to meet gnolls and try to remember their names. Figure I can just wander to a place and ask who the hell someone is.

A) Fighting pit
B) Wall building area
C) Sleeping area
D) Communal grounds
E) Take a nap in the caves
>>
No. 877487 ID: c73fcd

A
Why not pretend the gnolls that serve you are competent for a little while?
>>
No. 877490 ID: caf1de

get to know everyone through an orgy pile
>>
No. 877491 ID: 5f3f48

>>877486
B. Check on the wall building initiative.
>>
No. 877492 ID: 1e7713

Maybe we can send some gems with him as well as gold?

>>877487
I think Clamp lacks the patience, imagination and giveable shits to do that for very long.

B
Lets go see what Matrons wall building plan was.
>>
No. 877493 ID: 9b5818

B, check on that wall.
>>
No. 877495 ID: 91ee5f

>>877486
B) Wall building area

Might as well look at what Matron has so far.
>>
No. 877497 ID: 37e934

>>877485

Clamp? Didn't you bring in seven hundred gold from the sea clan just yesterday, along with the eighty that you got from guarding the human caravan? You have a glorified treasury now, no?

Yell after your sappy scout that if he can scare up Goldpincher (the sea clan trader) and Hilt (your supposed diplomat) to sort out how much dumbass softmetal he really needs to make a dumbass trade meet with the dumbass Plainskeepers work out, then fine, he's got your permission to drop by the dumbass treasury.

He'll know you forgot and won't mention it to anyone. That damn sentimental sappy rag-furred best friend of a dumbass.

(It's you. You're the dumbass.)

Anyway, since it's dumbass o' clock, you should go hit up the Wall Building as more or less everyone who isn't doing something else already is supposed to be working on it.
>>
No. 877500 ID: dc91a0

Check dat wall
>>
No. 877511 ID: efa311

>>877486
B
>>
No. 877539 ID: eeb7d9

Come on Clamp, you have to admit that you love that guy. As far as i am concerned, he actually cares about you and the clan, and it is very loyal. And the best scout/assassin.
Check the wall. People better still be making it, or THEY will lern why you are called Calmp.
>>
No. 877550 ID: eeb7d9

Besides, think about this: Leaf always comes from behind. The easyest way to get yourself kill with a stab in the back, or a slash in the neck. So, if he really to kill anyone, he jsut has to do that, or throw knifes. And he is allways complaining that no one sense him coming, like he actually wnats averyone to catch him sneaking from behind. Maybe he wants you and the rest to notice him, so you are capable to defend yourselfs in case of someone like him trying to kill you from behind. If the most complex and compromised form of afection that i can think off.
>>
No. 877704 ID: a363ac

>>877486
E what self respecting cheiften doesn't take a nap now and then
>>
No. 878219 ID: bfb318
File 152341178904.png - (123.02KB , 800x800 , 178.png )
878219

>You have a glorified treasury now, no?
What I need is an actual treasurer to remember this shit.

>Leaf is loyal
Loyal as hell for a gnoll, but a gnoll's loyalty is shit.

>What self respecting chieftain doesn't take a nap now and then?
I lost all respect for myself the day I let myself get suckered into being chief.

But since I am Chief, I'll give Leaf a buncha gold since we do have spareable coin.

I walk over to the wall where a whole buncha gnolls are working on the wall.

Or that's what I expect, but I see two gnolls workin' away at it.
>>
No. 878220 ID: bfb318
File 152341179618.png - (161.13KB , 800x800 , 179.png )
878220

And to the side, these furfucks.
>>
No. 878221 ID: b1b4f3

>>878220
EY WHAT THE FUCK'RE U DOIN
>>
No. 878222 ID: 86eb65

Wander over all casual like and start throwing lazy gnolls at the builders.

Of course they could have two work groups that switch and these guys are on break. But that sounds to complex for them to have figured out themselves.
>>
No. 878223 ID: 025e66

Go to those guys working and ask them what the fuck. Then call one of the fucks out separate to ask what the fuck. Then ask the rest of the fucks what the fuck. See if the fucks line up.
>>
No. 878224 ID: deec6e

>>878223

See, now's a good opportunity to ask for names. So you know whose ass needs regular kicking.
>>
No. 878226 ID: c0641d

>>878223
I am in love with how you phrased “let’s see if they can get their stories straight.” I approve.
>>
No. 878228 ID: 0d45a9

>>878223
Yup, don't want to confuse the lazy fucks with the not-so-lazy fucks.

Maybe grab a log or two and help out to show the lazy gits how it's supposed to be done.
>>
No. 878229 ID: 12b116

What are those furfucks doing? Because it looks like a lot of nothing.
>>
No. 878231 ID: 8a55a9

Find the names of the guys who are working, put them on the list that isn't your shitlist.
>>
No. 878232 ID: d2e2ce

Give one of them THE CLAMP. Then do >>878223
>>
No. 878244 ID: eeb7d9

>>878232
Best after >>878223. Like, do it NOW.
>>
No. 878246 ID: 0c3c2c

>>878220
Begin kicking their asses. Kick all the furfucks.
>>
No. 878256 ID: b1b4f3

THE CLAMP is a death move. We don't kill lazy gnolls we just smack them around some.
>>
No. 878258 ID: d2e2ce

>>878256
I know it is and yes we do. We've got too many gnolls anyway, we specifically tried to lose a few to attrition earlier. Just kill the most worthless one as an example.
>>
No. 878261 ID: 91ee5f

>>878228
>Maybe grab a log or two and help out to show the lazy gits how it's supposed to be done.
By beating them with the logs! XD

>>878258
I believe Clamp himself established a “don’t kill anyone on our team” rule.

Sure, he’s the Chief and he can do whatever the fuck he wants, but I think killing your own gnolls is a good way to scare away other gnolls to go join different clans. And the last thing we need is one of those different clans learning about how weak the walls are and how a lot of our fighters suck at fighting. Especially when Clamp said the kids could beat up the adults! That’s not something you want an enemy clan to learn about!
>>
No. 878262 ID: 10c408

Now before we start handing out some beatings, make sure they are deserved beatings by talking to the two that are actually working. And don't lose sight of the chucklefucks in case they decide to run off.
>>
No. 878274 ID: 7ff038

Time to beat motherfuckers with other motherfuckers. All the while yelling about shit like working for the good of the clan and pulling your weight and how they all suck.
>>
No. 878283 ID: dc91a0

Beat some ass well telling them to work on the goddamn wall. That'll teach um.
>>
No. 878986 ID: bfb318
File 152384284110.png - (176.79KB , 800x800 , 180.png )
878986

"You! Explain the fucks you're doing!"
>"We've been working all fucklong day! We need breaks!"
"That right?! Breaks?!"
>"That right!" The other slackers back the fucker up. "Can't work at all with a broken back!"
>>
No. 878987 ID: bfb318
File 152384285350.png - (197.00KB , 800x800 , 181.png )
878987

"You two that're workin'! You let these fuckers on break?!"
>"No!"
"So why're you workin' if these fuckers ain't?!
>"Cause we didn't want our fuckin' asses beat!"

Fucker I'm gonna fuck up says 'fuck'.

Far off, some shrill fuckin' voice hits my ears.

>"Quit saying fuck!"
>>
No. 878989 ID: a363ac

COME OVER HERE AND FUCKING MAKE ME FUCKER!
>>
No. 878990 ID: a363ac

also start slapping some fucking asses till they get back to work
>>
No. 878991 ID: 86eb65

Breaks make sense. These jobs need foremen to make sure things get done properly.

You should pick one of the guys still working and put them in charge of this building site. They get to decide on breaks and order idiots around.

They fuck up and you beat them up and pick another one. They do good and they get pats on the back and more steak.
>>
No. 878992 ID: 10c408

Yeah... We need a middleman to keep an eye on this shit. On the other hand, you might need to get some kind of training regime going for gnolls who AREN'T scouts.
>>
No. 878994 ID: 1a9fe2

Look, they are correct in that if they overexert themselves, they're not gonna be building much of anything.

HOWEVER, just lazing about whenever they feel like it is just asking for trouble. Gotta have more structured breaks so they don't break themselves. Seeming soft can be a risk, but having a bunch of nonfunctional gnolls is even worse.
>>
No. 878995 ID: dc91a0

Hmm.
Breaks.
True.

...

Ask the working guy how long these guys have faffed about today. If it's longer than an hour, beat a few asses. Not too hard though they still got work to do.

Ugh. You got a lot of gnolls.
You need to assign one of the expert carpenters to direct and oversee the work here. You got better things to do than supervise all day...

Actually... You probably need to assign overseers or construction leads to all construction projects going on with more than like 3 gnolls if you want your projects finished on time.

I guess you should get on that.
>>
No. 879001 ID: deec6e

The still-currently working gnolls look tough and strong, the rest might be varying degrees of out of condition gnolls since a few do look genuinely pooped. You might've just honestly caught them at a bad time - but that doesn't excuse them being wimps or from setting a bad example. A measure of temporary punishment seems justifiable ragardless.

And that back-breaking joke excuse was terrible, so Clamp should channel his inner CHOP.

"You little shits can have breaks when I or someone I've put in charge TELLS you you can have 'em - and today's break time for little wussies is over RIGHT THE FUCK NOW. Get yourself ready for some GETTING BREAKED IN time."

Test their stamina and check for genuinely lazy gnolls.
>>
No. 879002 ID: 7e3575

Tell them you're going to spend ten minutes working on this wall yourself. At the end of that, you are going to look at how much wall has been done and make a judgement about how tiring making what they've made would be for a bunch of allegeldy big, tough gnolls like them. They get to spend that ten minutes either taking their break before getting back to work or prepare themselves for the beating they're going to get, depending on your final judgement.

Put some back into it to be impressive, which you probably will be anyway since you're huge but every little you can help your reputation is good. Demonstrate that you're not fobbing off jobs you wouldn't do yourself if you didn't have better things to do, and simultaneously eliminate any chance of them being able to whine or tell themselves they don't deserve it when you kick their asses, should it turn out you need to, which you probably will.
>>
No. 879003 ID: 3abd97

Well you fucks heard what the fucks with brains said! Get to work or get your asses beat.

Also, you two with a decent fucking work ethic are in charge of this wall building now.

>>"Quit saying fuck!"
Who thinks they get to tell me what to fucking do?!
>>
No. 879004 ID: 12b116

>>879002
This is a great idea.
>>
No. 879005 ID: 0c3c2c

>>879002
I like this plan. Let's go for it.
>>
No. 879015 ID: 8a55a9

WHO THE FUCK ASKED YOU SQUEAKY. IM NOT THE CHIEF SO THAT OTHER CUNTS CAN TELL ME WHAT TO DO.

NOW GIT TO WORK OR I'LL GIVE YOU A BREAK YOU WON'T GET UP FROM

and then get the names of the two gnolls who actually do work, make sure they get rewarded somehow with whatever it is gnolls like.
>>
No. 879018 ID: 91ee5f

>>879015
>get rewarded somehow with whatever it is gnolls like.
Most likely going to be food.
>>
No. 879075 ID: a363ac

>>879002
good plan for a human leader, but this is gnoll lands which means gnoll rules apply even if we are a huge clan, so nah
>>
No. 879084 ID: eeb7d9

>>879015
Replace "cunts" for "fukers", or "fucks", and it is perfect.
>>
No. 879237 ID: bfb318
File 152398963080.png - (147.98KB , 800x800 , 182.png )
879237

"Who the squeaky fuck said that?!"

....

>"I did!"
>"Well good job at being such an unremarkable cunt I can't recognize your voice, fucker!

This clan is too god damn big. And I don't have the time to make sure every gnoll is working!

... wait a second. Idea's forming up.

Got enough gnolls around that one of 'em can make sure the others are working. Gonna think about it.

"You lazy fucks, I'm going to work on this wall! You, working guy! You get a break, and count everyone's work! Anyone who does less than half the work I do over the next 10 minutes gets to spend a break getting their ass beat! Whoever does more work gets my meal tonight!"

Like I'm gonna fuckin' give up my dinner. I put my sword down and grab some logs. The other gnolls all spring up, 'cause they know I'm looking for an excuse to kick someone's ass.

As for someone to keep these assholes in line...

Talon'll keep 'em in line, and be a hardass about it, but he's a good fighter and keeping them around camp'll be a waste for raids.

Stoneback yells at other gnolls a bunch and'll keep them working, but hasn't been so great at anything else cept sassing above his worth.

Some asshole that was on the Seaclan's wall. Cleaner's the best seaclan carpenter so he's got to focus on building the wall, but the guy I'm thinking of gets it enough to wander around and make sure people are doing it right.

Or someone else.
>>
No. 879239 ID: d2e2ce

>>879237
Seaclan asshole.
>>
No. 879241 ID: 56d632

>>879237
Most efficient would me to make Stoneback watch them, if he isn't good at anything else. But you must make sure no one knows that's the reason you put him there.
>>
No. 879243 ID: 734243

Those who can't, tell others to do it. Stoneback for supervisory position.
>>
No. 879255 ID: 0c3c2c

>>879237
Stoneback seems the best at a managerial position as long as he doesn't try to sass you.

If he's too sassy, we can get Seaclan Asshole.
>>
No. 879258 ID: 10c408

Cleaner. We don't want to build another shit wall around the camp.
>>
No. 879260 ID: 04388c

Stoneback if you trust him enough a if he isn't too full of shit but who is the Seaclan asshole you're thinking of. Their ex-chief?
>>
No. 879261 ID: 86eb65

Sassing is a valuable middle manager skill.

Stoneback.
>>
No. 879263 ID: deec6e

>>879260

>>859269

It's one of these three happy-go-lucks.

The other three ex-Seaclan carpenters aside from Cleaner were named Shieldwall, Swordbringer and Crow. Stoneback actually won clan championship in the first Blacktorch raid so unless you've re-assessed his fighting potential, he must've proven himself somewhat. Probably worth tossing him into battle again, at least.

For lack of better options, go with the Ex-Seaclan. At least someone semi-competent in carpentry will yell at 'em to do the right thing, even if they might not be as hardassed about it as Talon or as sassy about it as Stoneback. Or, hell, maybe they'll be both. Wall guys were sassin' it up pretty good.
>>
No. 879289 ID: eeb7d9

The former Seaclan fucker sounds good.
Boy i love calling everyone a fuker. Don't do that with Matron.
>>
No. 879333 ID: dc91a0

Some Asshole.
But seriously learn the guys name.

I would say Stonewall but if he's already known for yellin' then people have probably already learned to tune him out.
>>
No. 879345 ID: c0641d

Who says we should only have one Gnoll wielding this power? I say we have Stoneback there to motivate, Cleaner to make sure they actually know what they’re doing, and have them both keep each other in check. (And who says they themselves can’t work?)

This is just a short-term fix, though. To handle a growing population problem, we really should have a blanketing catch-all system of delegation. I suggest organizing Gnolls into squads. You can decide the number of Gnolls in a squad, but I personally recommend 10 if we’re to expect more absorption in the future. Organizing Gnolls this way is an easy way to separate and mingle together the various factions you’ve absorbed. By default, the strongest member of the squad is in charge of keeping their squad in line and handling orders, but someone else in the squad can take their position with a majority vote from their squad mates.

^ If we’re going to essentially be fantasy Genghis Khan and face similar problems as him, we might as well adopt his more successful policies.

On another note, did we end up finishing off the Blacktorch clan? Another of his successful reforms was putting an end to hit-and-run raids in favor of full-on conquering, which put a stop to revenge attacks.
>>
No. 879347 ID: da1652

>>879237
The seaclan one.
They should settle in better if some of them have a little authority.
>>
No. 879352 ID: 2007b6

>>879345
>10-gnoll squads
Another key argument in favor: fewer names to remember. You mostly just need to know who's who among the squad leaders, instead of everybody.
>>
No. 879353 ID: 91ee5f

>>879347
I agree.
>>
No. 879516 ID: bfb318
File 152415636138.png - (149.78KB , 800x800 , 183.png )
879516

>Stoneback won the championship for the first blacktorch raid
Still at a loss how the hell he managed to do what they said he did.

>Don't call Matron a fucker
If I did, she'd probably get the wrong idea. Not a bad idea, but the wrong one.

Lessee.... the guy had a small fuckin' mouth and ain't ever going to be a scout, because he looks like a torch. Real easy to find.

"Hey, you, asshole! What is you're name?!"
>"Crow!"
"Get down here on the south-east wall! We got slackers and you're in charge! Make 'em work!"
>"Sure thing, Chief!"
>>
No. 879517 ID: bfb318
File 152415638078.png - (164.78KB , 800x800 , 184.png )
879517

>What happened with the blacktorch raid?
I'm expecting Talon back with the recruits and all that pretty soon.

>Split gnolls into squads of 10
That sounds human as fuck. Like hell the gnolls aren't gonna start acting like they're their own clans, start fighting one another, start getting uppity, and the whole thing's gonna be a fuckin' me-

>You'll only need to remember their squad leader's name
Hmm....

A) Enact squad system
B) Continue as things have gone
>>
No. 879520 ID: deec6e

>>879517

C) Confer with Matron to figure out a less mini clan-ish way to implement it that won't make it turn into a giant fucking mess. Like, maybe the squad leaders can rotate around being in charge of different groups of people.
>>
No. 879521 ID: deec6e

>>879520

Well, more of an A), really. Just tweaking the details.
>>
No. 879523 ID: b1b4f3

>>879517
B.
>>
No. 879527 ID: c0641d

>>879517
Hm, when you put it like that, we should wait until our numbers really get out of hand before considering it.
>>
No. 879535 ID: 6780f5

>>879520
This
>>
No. 879540 ID: dc91a0

>>879520
This
Switch out the squad members two or three times a week, leaving only three permanent members (A master of a skill and two apprentices) per squad for training purposes.
You'll reap the benefits of having a large workforce with redundant skills while retaining the benefits of a small bet highly trained one.
Also, if the three gnoll groups start becoming an issue, similar projects can have the apprentices swapped between them as needed.

You'll need to speak with Matron and your skilled Gnolls to determine who goes where obviously.
>>
No. 879543 ID: eeb7d9

I like the idea. But it will probably need more polishing. Ask Matron for suggestions, but make it sure that you want to make it work, that you are not asking for permission.

You know, you are starting to have more and more ideas that are not all that gnollish. Kinda like Wind. Maybe you are relatives after all. Funny. You are really good being chief, despite the fact that that you hate being one. That has to suck eh, born leader?
>>
No. 879557 ID: d0d281

10 man squads are stupid. The gnolls that stand out get to be captains for whatever their job is, and can have a few guys that help them out with that as well as the authority to grab whoever they need for a job.

When there's not enough gnolls for the work to get done, they can come to you to sort out what gets priority. 10 man teams is too uniform, you let your captains discover who they want around and work well with, they'll still sort of develop little clans, but at the same time since anyone can grab other gnolls everyone should get to know each other and you should have less internal struggles developing. Well, larger internal struggles, I'm sure there'll be shitloads of fistfights and general fuckery.
>>
No. 879567 ID: 0c3c2c

>>879517
B?
>>
No. 879569 ID: 91ee5f

>>879517
B
>>
No. 879583 ID: 8a55a9

>>879517
It'll happen organically; people will naturally hang out with people who they get along with. If you group people up yourself, there may be friction or imbalance in the groups.

Less thinking, more building. You aren't going hungry tonight.
>>
No. 879632 ID: 8c53ba

I'd say B.
>>
No. 879644 ID: ee9ab9

Lets go talk to Matron first.
We need to set up the squads like footbawl teams, there needs to be friendly competition without out right violence.
Then we have to make it so that gnolls that are in one squad for raids are in a different squad for scouting or working or guarding.
And finally while it's fine to have some squads that are just archers or just hammer swingers we should also have squads that are mixed.
>>
No. 879682 ID: bfb318
File 152426717229.png - (243.15KB , 1200x850 , 185.png )
879682

Fuck it. Later I'll ask Matron if that can happen without bullshit. If I remember.

I ain't going hungry, so I'm gonna work for at least 10 more minutes, but the foreman's running down to me.

>"So what do I get to do if I find slackers?"
"Don't fuckin' care, just make sure they're workin'. Carver... er... fuckin' what was the good one's name?"
>"Cleaner?"
"Yeah that fucker. He's in charge of saying how shit's built, you're in charge of making sure it gets done."
>"Alright, but everyone should be tired by now. If you're still good, how about you help us build the wall the rest of the day?"
"I'm fuckin' busy."
>"With what?"
"Learnin' people's names."
>".... What's my name?"

... Fuckin' forgot. This smartass is clever enough to get an early tour of the graveyard.
>>
No. 879683 ID: 8c53ba

Obviously his name is Smartass.
>>
No. 879687 ID: 3abd97

>>".... What's my name?"
See, you're proving my point, this name learning stuff is gonna take my full attention.
>>
No. 879688 ID: bb78f2

>>879682
That's why you need to tell me until I learn it!
Don't you know nothin' about learnin" IT'S A PROCESS SMARTASS!

You think my pa taught me how to swing a sword and I took to it once! FUCK NO! I punched him in the face to make me tell me again and again until I GOT IT RIGHT! Then I started cutting him again and again until he taught me WHEN TO STOP CUTTING!
>>
No. 879689 ID: d69455

Punch him. "Your name is Punchbag now."
>>
No. 879690 ID: 0c3c2c

>>879682
"Smartass."

Also, to be fair, you've been complaining about how bored you are and how much your camp sucks. Might as well do something about it and learn wall-building better.
>>
No. 879704 ID: dc91a0

I forgot. Why don't you remind me.
While you're at it, wipe that stupid grin off your face before I rename you Skull-cracked.

In case you're wonderin, that's one of those names that come with a story.
>>
No. 879710 ID: eeb7d9

I mean, you can change their names, right?
So fuck him, now he is Smartass.
>>
No. 879713 ID: b1b4f3

>>879682
Crow. His name is Crow. Think of how crows are smartasses too.
>>
No. 879716 ID: 19015c

Its Crow.
>>
No. 879734 ID: deec6e

Well, Crow has the sass down, so he'll probably do well in gnoll middle management... assuming he can survive the Clamp initiation smackdown.

Narrow your eyes. Grab him, pick him up, peer angrily at him, then dump him down again, unmolested. Smile wickedly.

"You got an awful big mouth on that small snout. Nah, I can't remember your name. Not yet. But lemme tell ya---"

Hop straight to the real meat of the issue he's challenging - which is that you as the chief will likely have better things to do even if you're a perfect fit for hardasss labour - and yeah, 'learning names', is one of those things. It would help a hell of a lot if some gnolls got around to start impressin' you with what they do for a living, present company included.

Concede that you might sometimes help out if there's nothing else on your mind or plate, but you're not the crutch these wusses get to lean on, and that ought to be clear from day one. If they're so exhausted, why is that? Is everyone around here a weakling? Can't they fuckin' pace themselves? Or are they being dumb and hauling shit ineffeciently? Tell him to figure that out if he's such a fuckin' smartass, and take steps to improve on it.
>>
No. 879754 ID: 424412

"Six-Feet," which is what you'll be under if you don't let me start learning names.
>>
No. 880088 ID: bfb318
File 152444606064.png - (221.67KB , 800x800 , 186.png )
880088

"Smartass."
>"Good one. I'm Crow, 'cause I used to keep lookout on the Crow's nest."
"No, it's Smartass, 'cause that's what you are, and I can remember that."
>"... Yeah okay, I'm Smartass, nice to meetcha. Want to help build the wall? It's good exercise."
"Real tempting and maybe sometimes, but I got my hands full with learning people's names."
>"How many names have you learned today, and remembered?"

.... about five.

>"Do you remember what your name is, Chief?"

I smack the fucker.

"Shut your tiny mouth or your name'll be Punchingbag."
>"Haha just having a fun, Chief."

Then again, I am real sick of learning names, and the wall's more important than me acting like half these shitty gnolls are impressive enough to remember.

>"Hey!" I hear that shrill voice from before. "Talon's back!"

A) Meet 'em
B) Flee and go to sleep
>>
No. 880091 ID: 3abd97

>>880088
A
>>
No. 880092 ID: a363ac

>>880088
meet em and find that shrill voiced fucker
>>
No. 880093 ID: 0c3c2c

>>880088
A.

Fuck being lazy and seeming cowardly. We wasted a healing potion to get out of a month's bedrest, WE'RE DAMN WELL GETTING OUR FULL MEASURE OF THIS MONTH WE HAD FORCED ON US.
>>
No. 880094 ID: de6d84

A. Let's meet.
>>
No. 880099 ID: 4f8325

A. Go hail the conquering heroes. If they brought back anyone knew you want them to know who's chief around here right away.
>>
No. 880101 ID: deec6e

A, because you can't let having to learn more names and look at more faces give you pause.
>>
No. 880112 ID: bfb318
File 152445578963.png - (251.05KB , 1200x600 , 187.png )
880112

>Find that shrill voice
I'd love to, but that fucking voice is everywhere. Completely directionless.

>We wasted a healing potion to get out of a month's bedrest,
Fuckin' Waster. Should beat the shit outta her, cause she made me work this month.

I go meet up with Talon. A lot of the gnolls coming back are scattering around camp. Talon has 4 gnolls lined up behind him, so I assume they're the new ones, and the ones scattering are just clanmates I don't even recognize.

>"Alright, runts! That's our bos- Chief!" says Talon. "Tell 'im a story about your name, 'cause he'll forget if you don't make an impression, but keep it short or he'll punch you! You, go first!" Talon points to the one to my most left.
>"Cliff, because I was dropped off one as a pup."

The malbred little shits go on, left to right.

>"Grabbag, because I was the looter and divider of Blacktorch."
>"Hopper, because I've been captured by different clans a bunch. This is my 9th clan. Nice to meet you, new-chief."
>"Torchbearer, because I made contact with other clans under Blacktorch's name."
>>
No. 880113 ID: 86eb65

Find out who has the best memory for names and make them your squire.

Then they can follow you around and remind you who is who.
>>
No. 880116 ID: eeb7d9

>>880113
I mean, it is not a bad idea, but wouldn't that make Clamp like a forgetful leader, thus making him look bad? appearances are important when leading people.
>>
No. 880124 ID: 91ee5f

>>880113
No, that’ll make Clamp look like a dumbass.
>>
No. 880127 ID: dc91a0

Torchbearer needs to have a conversation with You and Leaf about those contracts.

Hopper and Torchbearer need to have plenty conversations with Hilt for his Diplomat training. Hopper has lots of stories of other clans and Hilt will benefit from hearing all of them. Torchbearer can give Hilt training in negotiation.

Ask Clif what it is that he hopes to do around here. There's excitement in his eyes. He could be useful.

Put grab bag under someone who will kick his ass. He looks tough but resentful.
>>
No. 880128 ID: 0c3c2c

>>880112
Hopper gets to be name-rememberer.
>>
No. 880131 ID: dc91a0

Wait... I just thought of something.

In order to make contracts with other clans, Torchbearer probably knows how to read and write extremely well.

Aaaand in order to navigate and shipwright BoatDancer must know advanced mathematics.

And for Grabbag to be Black torches appraiser he needs some math, and you already had a few somewhat literate gnolls...

Clamp... You now have everything needed to start a general education program. Literate gnolls can improve their skills through books garnered through raids and trade, and Mathematically inclined gnolls create superior structures and siege works.

You need to learn to read yourself, anyway. It's must-have skill for anyone with power.
>>
No. 880327 ID: bfb318
File 152453241904.png - (156.83KB , 800x800 , 188.png )
880327

>Torchbearer and Contracts, Grabbag and appraiser, boatdancer and advanced mathematics
Torchbear...er made contact, not contracts, don't know a gnoll around that'd know what a contract even is.

Grabbag doesn't sound or look like a real appraise, just some ass that runs around dead gnolls grabs their shit, and hands it out wherever.

No damn idea what skills Boatdancer needs for ships, guess I'll ask later if it's relevant to anything.

"Hoppy, Torchbear, go talk with Hilt about shit. He's going to be our diplomat, and needs to learn about other clans. Grabbag, you go help with the wall, talk to Smartass over there. Cliff... I don't know, what're you good at?"
>"Fighting."
"Then help with the wall until we go raid someone else. Wait a second, any of you shorties know how to read?"

They look at each other like they don't even understand the question. Guess I can't get a personal scribe out of this mess.

"Nevermind, go make yourselves useful."

Hopper looks like he's expecting more. And damnit, most chief's do have more to say.

"It's simple around here. You look like you're doing work and helping out, I leave you be. You act like making people's beds is a full time job, I kick your ass until you stop. Talon, tell 'em about the time I kicked your ass."
>"Couldn't walk for a week."
"And since he wasn't workin' for a week, I kicked his ass again." Talon's not a fucking moron so he acts like I'm not lying out my ass. Never kicked his ass. Well, not as Chief, and not for slacking. "Vicious cycle, don't let it start. Any questions?"
>"Nope." Hopper says. The others look like they agree.
"Then welcome to the clan and all that. Fuck off and get to it."
>>
No. 880328 ID: bfb318
File 152453243722.png - (188.17KB , 800x800 , 189.png )
880328

They scatter and I go away. Sun's getting a bit low in the sky, so I do a walk along the northern rip at the top of the cliff to see how the wall's going. Looks like a wall, I guess. Won't keep any gnolls from getting over it if they wanted to, but it'll keep 'em from doing it unnoticed.

....

I smell unfamiliar gnolls.

Ain't like they're voices or faces I don't recognize. Even the people I wouldn't've noticed still have their stink floating around camp for me to notice.

Two, maybe three unknown gnolls around.
>>
No. 880329 ID: 86eb65

Quietly sniff them out and see what they are up to.

Could be spies or just some stragglers that decided to join up on there own. Either way they need some smacks.
>>
No. 880331 ID: 69d4b9

Have your scouts counter-scout their scouts. When your scouts got 'em cornered, go smash their scouts.
>>
No. 880333 ID: dc91a0

aww and here I was excited about having someone useful.
Ah well.
It's also possible that it could be guests.
If so, you goddamn know Hilt's already talking to them. Might as well check.
>>
No. 880334 ID: deec6e

>>880328

Must be someone outside the wall (should probably set up a team to start guarding it, if one isn’t already). Maybe Irontree or some other scrub clan is scouting you out. Doubt Willow Whisperers would be careless enough to get smelled - unless they wanted you to.

That said, shouldn’t you have scouts out there keeping guard? Does this mean they’re dead or bypassed? You’ve got some asses to kick either way.

That said, investigating this on your own is the scrub option. You’re supposed to be a Chief, so go fetch some available scouts and fighters and put the camp on alert. Try to keep it on the downlow so you can capture or kill all of the unknown gnoll scouts.
>>
No. 880337 ID: 0f273f

Problem: you are really big and obvious and probably can't approach people without them noticing. What direction is the wind coming from? If smell's what alerted you they're in that direction. I assume you know that kind of thing, and thing is, I'd assume any gnoll who's ever hunted an animal, ever, also knows it? So if someone's trying to sneak up on you they're incompetent.
>>
No. 880350 ID: 0c3c2c

>>880328
Take a look-see. Also, tell the lookouts to tell you what they sense.
>>
No. 880568 ID: bfb318
File 152463253502.png - (203.45KB , 800x800 , 190.png )
880568

>Shouldn’t you have scouts out there keeping guard? Does this mean they’re dead or bypassed?
It means a clan this size has too much ground to cover. Without the wall, we need 'bout 4 times the amount of gnolls to properly cover this much dense forest.

Wind's blowing their scent in from the northwest. I look through a crack in the wall without looking obvious about it, since I'm on the inside portion of the wall. I don't see any gnolls standing out in the open doing their best archery target impression, so there's that.

Much as I'd love to do something useful, some of these scouts gotta learn how to do their jobs. If nothing else, Wind taught signals to these gnolls. I yawn and cover my mouth with my left hand. Some fucker over at where the guard tower is going to be should be watching me and see that.

Sure enough, a scouts climbs up a ladder someone put up the cliff. I guess having a ladder ain't a big deal, anyone trying to climb down it'll be in plain sight with no cover. Doesn't even look like it could hold my weight.

This gnoll's... uh... S somethin'.... I remember trying to remember cause of his - oh yeah, it's Sling. He was one of the best scouts we got whos name doesn't start with Lea.

>"What's up, chief? Two more scouts are coming up with me, do you need more?"
"Maybe. You smell 'em?"
>"... oh, yeah. Yeah those aren't any gnolls from around here. They're dumb too if they can't cover their scent."
"I noticed. Go deal with 'em, they'll see me coming from a mile off."
>"Okay. Me and the two people coming up will go kill 'em. Want us to signal for reinforcements, or want to just see us three do this?"
>>
No. 880584 ID: 2cb364

These aren’t the travelling clanless gnolls hilt’s been talking to right? If they are then let hilt deal with it.

If they are enemy gnolls then let’s give your scouts a quick lesson in gauging the enemy: have them decide how many scouts to send balancing risk/effectiveness/potential reward. I’m sure clamp can get behind anything that requires less management on his part.
>>
No. 880587 ID: 0c3c2c

>>880568
Signal for reinforcements I guess?
>>
No. 880588 ID: cf5a32

>>880584
This sounds good. Have them fetch Hilt and to figure out if it's them or not first, and then if it's a no, let them deal with it however they see fit.
>>
No. 880612 ID: 5041b8

If they're this dumb then for all we know they're some lost kids or weird wanderers just blundering around or something. Just take a look and come back, don't attack them unless they're obviously spying or going to steal something or assassinate someone or whatever. Getting a good look at them without being spotted will be good practice and so will sneaking after them again to capture them or whatever we decide to do when we know more.
>>
No. 880626 ID: eeb7d9

Don't take any chances. Be prepeard and have some back up. I you see that the chance of capturing them is high enought, do it. I might want to ask what the fuck they are doing "in plain sight" in front of our "fuck off" wall. If not, just fuck them up reall good.
>>
No. 880680 ID: bfb318
File 152469389573.png - (168.10KB , 800x800 , 191.png )
880680

"Reinforcements, I don't trust you guys. Try and capture one if you can, wonderin' what assholes are doing at our fuckoff wall."
>"You got it."
And it isn't likely they're clanless wanderers. They try and make 'emselves look harmless, so they don't move in groups like this.

Sling makes some signal, that or he's just scratching his neck weird. Those couple of scouts sneak up on the ladder and out of the walls, and I see a few more scouts start movin' forward.

I keep lookin' at the wall a bit while the sun's still falling.

...

...

Okay, now it's too damn quiet. I was expecting an outcome by now, but I haven't even heard a single fucking bark. Still haven't seen Leaf's ass crawling anywhere.
>>
No. 880689 ID: 0c3c2c

>>880680
Okay so they're probably all fucked. Let's go check on things.
>>
No. 880691 ID: deec6e

>>880680

So hey, maybe the ol' smell-o was just to lure out a bunch of your scouts so they could make short work of 'em somehow? Or lure out someone, at any rate. Or your scouts are just dealing with semi-competent enemies, so they're taking longer to pin 'em down - or the enemy is competent and your scouts are trying to not die out there.

Are you still smelling the other gnolls or did that smell just suddenly up and vanish? If it did, then maybe you've got something of an ambush going on outside.

You can either choose to double down and send out a larger party of gnolls to investigate - enough to cover each other's backs, and maybe bring yourself along as a big fat target - or accept that your scouts are AWOL for now and throwing bad scouts after good won't solve your problems. Then you'll just have to wait for Leaf to find out what the fuck's going on out there - or go find him yourself.

If you do go out there, did any of your carpenters finish up a few planks with nails in 'em - also known as shields?
>>
No. 880704 ID: 91ee5f

>>880680
These scouts seem to know what they’re doing, since they all understood the signals they were taught and came running when you called for them. Which is good because it means that Leaf trained them well.

So maybe it’s quiet because the scouts are quietly killing whoever the fuck was out there?

Do you smell any blood? That’ll let you know if there’s any killing going on out there.
>>
No. 880718 ID: eeb7d9

You might have to take the matter on your own hands. Wait a just a little bit more, and pay attention. If nothing happens, just rush the fuck out without warning.
>>
No. 880819 ID: 10c408

...Yeah, something's going on. Did Leaf leave already? if he did it'd absolutely suck if he's out there taking out our scouts.

Send another couple of scouts. First one is to figure out what the fuck's going on. Second one is to shadow the first one. BOTH of them have five minutes and if either of them THINKS the other has been captured they are to immediately leg it back to camp.

While those two do their thing start getting some archers and shit together. You'll live through the mockery if it's a false alarm and sling's lollygagging or whatever the fuck out there but if it's not...
>>
No. 880980 ID: bfb318
File 152480614245.png - (201.20KB , 800x800 , 192.png )
880980

>Did Leaf leave already?
He shouldn't be leaving until a week from now.

I wait another minute. Nothing, and at this point, if half a dozen scouts didn't do much, half a dozen more probly aren't gonna change things.

>How are the shields coming along?
No damn idea. There's plenty of shields out in the forest anyway, they're called trees, and I ain't wasting time going back down to camp to check in on shields.

I hop the fence and run into the forest. Still smell the scouts that went into the forest. Don't smell any blood.

Thing is, the scent of the scouts is getting weaker. The scent of the unknown gnolls is staying put.

I hone in on the scent. Three of them. And what I find are these posts hammered into the ground, wrapped up in three well used blankets that're flapping in the wind towards camp.
>>
No. 880981 ID: b1b4f3

If you can still smell them then they can hear you. Yell for them to get back in base it's a trick. Then make sure to hop back over the fence.
>>
No. 880986 ID: 91ee5f

>>880980
>the scent of the scouts is getting weaker.
Do you think they’ve been kidnapped or are they searching for the guys that left these things here?

Because if you sent half a dozen of them out here, I don’t think all of them could’ve been kidnapped without someone getting their blood spilled.
>>
No. 880990 ID: 0c3c2c

>>880980
Huh, that's weird. I guess it's those guys who were planning to ambush our scouts and kidnap them.

But wait, didn't we already raid them? Who the hell is kidnapping our scouts? Guess we gotta pursue the scent of our scouts.
>>
No. 880992 ID: 2cb364

This is a trap or a distraction. Head back to camp and tell everyone to prepare for a possible attack.
>>
No. 880997 ID: 8a55a9

Those better not be heads on pikes. Is there anybody to cover you while you investigate?
>>
No. 880999 ID: 9c2d0c

This is pretty clearly a kidnapping, and a competent one. Scouts absolutely would have seen this and reported back if they were able. No blood and no sound means they were taken out by people who completely outclassed them. The intersection of enemy clans and gnolls that completely outclass normal scouts includes Willow Whisperers and not much else.

If you ever want to see those scouts again, you need to call for Leaf and anybody else who is good at fast and not getting killed, then chase them right now.
>>
No. 881060 ID: eeb7d9

We need to do something now. If we go by ourselves, we will be in disadvantage. We need to gather a group of competent gnolls and chase after the scouts. Look for Leaf and Talon, and other good gnolls.
>>
No. 881069 ID: 86eb65

Yeah this is definitely a diversion or a kidnapping.

Get the camp on alert and figure out what is going on.
>>
No. 881206 ID: bfb318
File 152488235020.png - (168.57KB , 800x800 , 193.png )
881206

>Those better not be heads on pikes.
Doesn't smell like decaying flesh, just somethin' with a gnoll's scent smeared on it.

Alright, this shit's a trap. There's no sign of my scouts, and I didn't even try an' track their footsteps, not like I've done that in a long time.

"Back to base if you can still walk!"

I watch my back and start moving back to get to camp.

.... fog. Somethin's dangerous about this. Ain't like the forest never gets foggy, but this is too damn sudden, too damn in time with me walkin' back.

Leaf's here.
>>
No. 881207 ID: bfb318
File 152488236124.png - (193.37KB , 800x800 , 194.png )
881207

"You some kinda doppelganger to spook me, Leaf?"
>"Naw boss, you don't need to worry about doppelgangers with our enemies."
"Then where the hell've you been? Counter-scouting ain't my deal, so help me out."
>"Sure boss, I'll help you if you want, but if you need my help in this kind of situation, then maybe I shouldn't go with the Plainskeepers after all."
"That shit was your own idea, smartass."
>"I'm not Smartass, remember? And I know, and I want to be able to go because and I think it's a good idea. But are you okay with handing stuff like this for a week? Cause our scouts, uh, they aren't... they suck. I think Stemwalker's the only one that could've at least sent a signal back out of here."
>>
No. 881209 ID: 0c3c2c

>>881207
Well it's a good thing Stemwalker isn't leaving isn't it?

Anyway, I don't think that's Leaf. Leaf wouldn't be this smug or bad at sneaking up on us. It might be an illusion.
>>
No. 881211 ID: d2e2ce

Apply THE CLAMP.
>>
No. 881213 ID: deec6e

Illusion wouldn't know about Smartass (was probably a bad idea to name him that, now you gotta use wiseass instead) - unless you were yelling it to the high heavens and they were listening in. Illusion certainly wouldn't know about the week-going-away thing or Stemwalker being half decent. This is Leaf.

"Then Stem gets to be fuckin' head scout and the scouts get to be on their toes. We'll discuss this later, Leaf. Where the fucker that's fogging us and his friends might not be listening in. This a mage y'think? If so, go fuckin' stab 'im through an eye. I'll act as your bait if you need. I wanna give 'em a good enough show that they'll always hafta question whether you're around or not when they come here to fuck with us."
>>
No. 881218 ID: b1b4f3

>>881207
Then Stemwalker will have to do. In the meantime let's go fuck up whoever's doing this.
>>
No. 881221 ID: f89a72

Let's find out what we're really dealing with before writing them off as COMPLETELY incompetent. And if we rescue them, then just the lesson they'll learn from this will make them better, right?
>>
No. 881223 ID: eeb7d9

Just to be sure, be wary of "Leaf", just in case.
>>
No. 881229 ID: 8a55a9

>>881207
What do you mean, back out of here? Where is here?
>>
No. 881237 ID: 3804c3

Well I'm pretty sure someone that can magically make fog isn't something we'll be dealing with too often.
>>
No. 881279 ID: f1603b

Is this a test/demonstration by Leaf?
>>
No. 881293 ID: bfb318
File 152493095368.png - (176.05KB , 800x800 , 195.png )
881293

>Apply THE CLAMP
As snappable as Leaf's spine probably is, I ain't about to kill the only goddamn competent gnoll in my clan in the offchance an illusionist managed to impersonate 'im.

"Whad'ya mean, outta here?"
>"The fog. It's localized."
"Fine. Whoever's casting it ain't immune to swords, yeah?"
>"Probably not."
"Then talk later, kick ass now."
>"So you want my help?"
"You're here, aren't ya? And when you're not, Stemwalker'll be head scout while you're gone, so you go skip along the plains with those other assholes after a week."

Leaf cocks his head and makes some annoying click with his face like I ain't following what he's saying.

"This better not be a fuckin' demonstration of yours, Leaf, cause it ain't fair if you're beating up our scouts."
>"Oh, maybe I should've..."
"Well don't, cause I don't know any scouts that won't suck compared to your spook-ass scouting! As long as you don't join up with those plain assholes, we don't gotta deal with people like you!"

Same damn click noise.

>"Hrm... well, I'll go run interference. Don't go dying on me boss, you're still a little not good at detection."
>>
No. 881295 ID: bfb318
File 152493102170.png - (188.01KB , 1200x800 , 196.png )
881295

Leaf walks behind a tree and disappears like he's magic or some shit. Pretty damn weird, but I don't think any illusionist knows how to imitate Leaf that well.

Forest is making a lotta noise. Every leaf rustle, bird chirp, grass blowing...

"Come on, fuckers, ain't the first time scouts've went after me."

Hearin' some weird noises behind me, but that's no distraction for me, that's Leaf. Real positive I'm being watched right now. Common tactic for fuckers like this. They just need to keep an eye on me, but I gotta keep an eye on everywhere. They expect my senses to get tired sooner, and when it looks like I'm about to slip, or make a retreat...
>>
No. 881296 ID: bfb318
File 152493103493.png - (277.06KB , 1200x800 , 197.png )
881296

>>
No. 881297 ID: 86eb65

Ok shove yourself backwards and upwards and elbow or shoulder the guy on your left in the face. He is a idiot and got in way to close for the fact he is using a sword.

As you do that swing downwards and let the knife guy impale himself on your blade.

Fuck these guys up Clamp.
>>
No. 881298 ID: dc91a0

Jump back and starting low swing upward at the guy to your right.

The Chick jumping at you will still cut you but you'll be out of her line of momentum, it won't be a serious wound.
>>
No. 881303 ID: b53bd0

tense muscles so hard that the swords bounce off.
>>
No. 881305 ID: eeb7d9

Try this: face the one on top of you, deflect the attack while you move below it, then face the other, in this way the two will be on the same side, making it easier to watch them both.
You can roll out of the way as well and reposition yourself.
>>
No. 881309 ID: 0c3c2c

>>881296
Idiot behind you decided to do a fancy jumping attack. Dodge back away from both, then cleave jumpy's head off. After that, use your superior range to deal with the dual wield tryhard.
>>
No. 881311 ID: deec6e

>>881296

Oooh, backstabbing, flanking bonuses. And they got them Leaf eyes. You're in trouble!

Hop forward and spin around, swinging that blade in a low swipe - they'll be low to the ground, coming up or going down. Cleave 'em if you can.
>>
No. 881313 ID: cb585b

Apply The Clamp to the flying fucker to your left, and use that fresh corpse to absorb the attack from the dual wielding fucker to your right, then fuck them up as well.
>>
No. 881326 ID: a62780

>>881296
The moron behind you is mid-air, which means it's now nigh-impossible for him to dodge.

If you could step into his jump and turn it into a grab/throw you can smash the two idiots together, prime for shishkebabing.
>>
No. 881334 ID: 3abd97

>Cause our scouts, uh, they aren't... they suck. I think Stemwalker's the only one that could've at least sent a signal back out of here.
Then I guess it's a good thing I didn't send her or I'd be down my second-best scout.

We need some baby enemies for our scouts to practice on till they don't suck!

>>881296
Oh, look, more vampire fuckers.

Hop backwards while swinging your sword back and to the left. Nail the guy in mid air while moving away from the guy who stayed close to the ground.
>>
No. 881338 ID: dc91a0

The guy on the ground is clearly using his dangerous weapon art, while the other is just R2 dashing, which you can probably poise through.
>>
No. 881368 ID: 12b116

grab flying idiot by the throat, slam it down onto other idiot.
>>
No. 881383 ID: 8a55a9

Left and right. Accept you're probably going to get cut, and kill the one with the sword.
>>
No. 881428 ID: 5024bc

Duck low to avoid the swing from your left, and cut up the guy coming in low on your right.
>>
No. 881455 ID: 3804c3

>>881334
>more vampire fuckers
Hm was Leaf born into your clan? Where both his parents?
>>
No. 881526 ID: bfb318
File 152502899254.png - (206.78KB , 800x800 , 198.png )
881526

These fuckers have Leaf eyes. Never seen others like this before.

>Leaf born into your clan?
Nah. I remember when he wasn't around. Then I remember him being around.

Not sure how he even came up. One day he was just there.

Hrm... come to think of it... our boss was'bout as good with names as I was. So if Leaf just shows up and reports an enemy clan's movements or somethin, and our boss was anythin' like me, then he'd have just figured figured he forgot who the hell Leaf was.

Goddamn Leaf's a tricky bastard.

>Poise through it
>Tense your muscles to bounce the swords off
Tried that once with duller swords. It worked, but it hurt like hell, so nah.

Alright, going to grab this jumping dumbass and throw her into the other.

Oh.

It was fucking mist, and somethin's coming from behind it!
>>
No. 881527 ID: bfb318
File 152502900256.png - (286.96KB , 800x800 , 199.png )
881527

Goddamn dagger from behind the gnoll! Nearly grazed me, and I'm sure as shit assuming they're poisoned.

The other bastard tries to parry my sword I swing at 'em, just to get a shot at me with his other sword. Mighta worked too if he wasn't as light as a damn feather, so by the time he gets in range, he's already flying back off my sword. He avoids getting a gut full of metal, but he gets cut. This one's not mist.
>>
No. 881528 ID: 3abd97

Well, there's at least two of those mistfuckers in here with you.

Press your advantage against the one you managed to wound, and be ready to react to the other(s) coming at you from behind?
>>
No. 881531 ID: 0c3c2c

>>881527
There's a few more of them in the mist by that guy. Try wide, sweeping strokes and keep up the unpredictability on how you'll be striking. It's going to take a lot of energy.

Feeling up for this after working on the wall?

Also, who the HELL are these guys? We didn't hear about any mist-wizards. These seem like real assassins.
>>
No. 881532 ID: 86eb65

Hey is that flying dagger moving in a straight line or is it doing magical bullshit and hovering off?

Is that one of Leaf's daggers that he likes to throw around? Like was it aimed at you or aimed at the mist illusion attacking you?

Anyways these guys either use magic or have some magic items. There could be just the one using mist illusions or several.

Try to smack this guy in the head with the flat of your blade. I am sure Leaf would love another magic mist gnoll to add to his scouting team.
>>
No. 881536 ID: 9c9ae4

If the fog is localized... can't we just get out of the fog?
>>
No. 881545 ID: b1b4f3

Hmm, the mist-gnoll looked purplish, even taking into account the lighting. Maybe that's the tell.

You should expect more thrown daggers. Keep looking around while you press this guy's weak guard.
>>
No. 881549 ID: deec6e

>>881527

'nother dagger coming outta the mist there - I'm guessing as a distraction as much as an attack. Duck forward, towards the dual-wielder.

See, these guys're probably gonna leap around and vanish into the mist, distract you with fakes and then hit you from unexpected directions 'till you die of a thousand cuts or poison. You know ONE guy here that's real. Don't let the fucker get back on balance. Don't let the fucker get out of sight. Hit him like an avalanche, heck, use the flat of your blade if you must to deliver broad wide blows that are hard to dodge beneath or back away from - and try to half circle him so that the one, two others don't get a steady target and might end up hitting their own guy if they're careless.

And if he dives in towards you to get his stab on, smash him into the dirt with a freehand blow.
>>
No. 881579 ID: eeb7d9

Good, the one that was hit will smell like blood, he is trackable now.
I am pretty sure that if we try to get out of the fog, it will just follow us. Focus your attacks on the one that is hurt. One on a time.
>>
No. 882204 ID: bfb318
File 152530887578.png - (186.75KB , 800x800 , 200.png )
882204

He's running! Bastard's trying to run from me?!

This ain't a trap run either, he's trying to get ground!

If he's anything like leaf, he's angling to swing off that branch!

>"Where you going, fucker?!"
>>
No. 882205 ID: bfb318
File 152530889068.png - (308.16KB , 800x800 , 201.png )
882205

He ain't that fast!
>>
No. 882206 ID: bfb318
File 152530893118.png - (133.13KB , 800x800 , 202.png )
882206

... fog cleared up, fast.

>"Hey, Boss."
"Leaf. Was that the fog maker?"
>"Nah, they left. They aren't used to dying. Not many gnolls can do that. They might come back later with a better plan, but I'm pretty sure they were after you."
>>
No. 882207 ID: b1b4f3

>>882206
Fat chance of that happening. Also now Clamp can just keep on the lookout for more ambush attempts. Next one won't go well for the whisperers either.

Ask if any of that's his blood.
>>
No. 882211 ID: 86eb65

How many you kill buddy? And that better be someone else's blood.

Search the guy you hacked up for loot. And assist Leaf if he is hurt.

Then ask who these idiots were and why would they be after you.
>>
No. 882212 ID: 3abd97

Leaf's bloody, I guess that means he was contributing, or standing close enough to that splatter.

>They aren't used to dying.
What kind of overconfident idiot gnolls aren't used to dying.

>I'm pretty sure they were after you.
And what have I done to attract a bunch of blank eyed turning into fog vampires? Do I have super tasty blood or some shit, Leaf?

>what do
Look around, see if you can find what's left of your scouts.
>>
No. 882217 ID: eeb7d9

Is that YOUR blood? I hope for your sake and theirs that is not the case. And i say your sake becouse these fuckers weren't even worth a scratch. And THAT means that you got sloppy. You need get better at fighting.
>>
No. 882223 ID: 0c3c2c

>>882206
Agreed, with the above, what kind of loser gnolls are afraid of dying?!
>>
No. 882224 ID: 8a55a9

Why though?

and shit, you alright?
>>
No. 882225 ID: 8a55a9

Also what happened to our scouts?
>>
No. 882230 ID: d2e2ce

Keep an eye out, ask about him, and study the dead one's corpse.
>>
No. 882232 ID: 91ee5f

>>882204
>If he's anything like leaf, he's angling to swing off that branch!
>>882205
>He went for the branch.
He’s got the same kind of eyes that Leaf has and he’s got the same tactics as Leaf?!

Let’s ask Leaf if these guys are from whatever clan he came from before he joined up with you.

And also look for your scouts and ask Leaf if that’s his blood. If it’s not his blood, ask if he’s going to drink it because he’s a hungry vampire.
>>
No. 882234 ID: 6bcf97

>They aren't used to dying.

"I'd flippantly ask "who is", but these guys are such fuckin' spookers I feel like I should ask seriously. Tell me everything you know or suspect about these guys, but before that tell me if you spotted any sign of our scouts."
>>
No. 882287 ID: dc91a0

What happened to the rest of our scouts?
>>
No. 882329 ID: 214cda

So, leaf, buddy, chum.

Why do they look like you and are trying to murder Clamp? Old clan of yours? Can you get em to join us?

You can never have too many freaky white eyed ninjas on your team.
>>
No. 882331 ID: dc91a0

Similar eyes. Similar Ears. Somewhat similar snout.

Leaf. These guys your old clan?
>>
No. 882407 ID: deec6e

>>882206

No vampire jokes. No more. You just killed a Leaf-a-like here, so you know he's gotta be flesh 'n blood now, amazing as it may seem. Fuck, that's kind of disappointing, really. Ask if he's okay and unpoisoned, if he got any of 'em and if he's seen what's left of your scouts anywhere.

Don't press him on the nature of his background. You don't give that much of a shit, after all. He's been 'round for long enough, he's earned his privacy, if that's what he wants. If he volunteers anything on his personal background when you ask about these guys, that's on him. You'll still pump him on information about the guys themselves.

So... these the willow whisperers? This a typical act of theirs, and does he know any others they might pull? Also, if they were after you, Chainlink must've gone ahead and placed a hit on you. That sound about right? Weird way to go about things, though. Could've just come on down and tried to fuck the place up.

Check on the body - what's it got on itself? Toss anything useful and scouty to Leaf.
>>
No. 882446 ID: 12b116

No shit they were after you. Drag this dead gnoll back to the fort and see if anybody recognizes the clan.
>>
No. 882568 ID: bfb318
File 152547768305.png - (146.19KB , 800x800 , 203.png )
882568

"That your blood?"
>"Naw."
"Good. How many you kill?"
>"None."
"None?!"
>"I was just running interference, boss. I was keeping them away from you so you could focus on the one. They're normally very hard to kill."
"Ain't good enough!"
>"That's because you're different, boss. You're weird like that."
"You calling me weird? You're the one with those weirdass eyes."
>"Yeah I guess."
"Why's your old clan so scared when it comes to dying?"
>"I don't think they're scared of it, boss. It's just so unusual to them they don't know how to react anymore."

Dead gnoll didn't have much on him, cept this sash. Soon as I touch it, it feels like it'd do something if I put it on.

"Hell's this?"
>"A sash of strength."
"Well he didn't seem that strong, did he?"
>"Well you're so weird that even when he was way stronger than normal, you still could outdo him."
>>
No. 882571 ID: bfb318
File 152547778561.png - (132.00KB , 800x800 , 204.png )
882571

"Whatever. Was that your old clan or somethin'?"
>"Yeah."
"So what the hell's with the name Willow Whisperers?"
>"I dunno. It was the kind of name that came with a lot of apostrophes and covered most of the noises a mouth can make. So gnoll clans called us whatever they wanted."
"What should I know about them?"
>"Uhhhh... well I guess they allied with Chainlink. I have no idea how. They never allied much, but they ally more than they randomly assassinate a gnoll chief for no reason, so I assume they were put up to this. Each one has their own magic item. Killing charges the item up."
"Magic charged up by killing? Sounds like the sorta thing that'll get pups excited."
>"Yeh, and adults that do a lot of killing."
"What happened to our scouts?"
>"Dead. Anyway can I keep that sash?"
>>
No. 882574 ID: 86eb65

I assume it won't add much to my strength so sure. You are the best choice by far to use it.
>>
No. 882575 ID: dc91a0

Wait hold up, was it just Sling and the two others or did the reinforcements arrive and get wiped too?

Also, why does Leaf need a strength sash?

Fuck it. Let him have it, that is IF he can replace Sling in under a week.
>>
No. 882578 ID: 6bcf97

Well now hold on a minute, Leaf, no offense but how much do you use your strength? You're a sneaky slipninja, any situation where you're matching strength to strength with someone is one that doesn't suit you to begin with and you should be avoiding it as much as possible.

Clamp, on the other hand, uses his strength all the time and has developed his fighting style around being strong and how he can apply it. Giving him more strength to use would be way more effective, and presumably if you stack strength on existing high strength you might be able to do cool things like huck giant rocks at people and uproot trees.

Is there some reason not to use it? Some special thing that has to be done with it? Some drawback? Is it designed to only work for members of your clan? Is there some special sacred social taboo or something around who can use them? Willing to listen to reasons, but let's have them first.

Hey you know what would be a good use for some strength? Carrying some corpses back home. Pile them up on Clamp's shoulders and head back, it'll look really impressive. You come too, Leaf, you and Clamp being the only survivors of the story you're going to tell will make you both seem like badasses, make people more likely to listen to you and get it into people's heads how much they're going to need to be on guard. It'll motivate people to get the wall and towers built and the prospective scouts (which we now need a bunch more of) to train hard.
>>
No. 882579 ID: 91ee5f

>>882568
>"A sash of strength."
That might come in handy.

>>882571
>Each one has their own magic item. Killing charges the item up.
So what’s your magic item do?

>Anyway can I keep that sash?
Only if you can give me a good reason to not wear it myself.

And don’t say because it’s too small for me to wear, I can wear it as an armband or something!
>>
No. 882580 ID: 0c3c2c

>>882571
Point out that he already has a sash, and wouldn't stacking a sash on top of being 'weird' make Clamp "Completely Ridiculous" in terms of strength?
>>
No. 882586 ID: deec6e

>>882571

"So it's the belt that's a fuckin' vampire... yeh, sure. Givin' you all sorts of trash I picked up, today, Leaf. Gold, magic tat, buncha loose leeway. Just make sure the other scouts don't end up like Sling and his couple of assholes. Make this an object lesson or somethin', show 'em how your clan buddies hide their tracks an' shit. I'll go tell Stemwalker she's now second-senior scout under you and send her over. Gonna take this corpse, toss it on a pyre and go talk with Matron 'bout what she knows 'bout Chainlink."

Toss the belt to him. Set back to camp, dragging the leaf-a-like with you. Camp needs to know what happened and that you're not gonna take this lying down.
>>
No. 882592 ID: 3abd97

>>"Dead. Anyway can I keep that sash?"
Will it work for anyone, or dose it need vampire eyes?

Doesn't seem like Clamp really needs it, and it seems kinda silly to double up stuff on Leaf when he's already badass. Maybe there's another gnoll we can give it to? If there's anyone we trust with enough of a brain to handle being given a magic item, and keeping that it's magic on the dl.
>>
No. 882598 ID: b1b4f3

Ask what his sash does.
>>
No. 882607 ID: eeb7d9

Damn right you are going to keep it. You might be sneaky, but are just as weak as anybody else.
You keep saying that i am weird, kind of funny coming from you, but what do you exactly mean by that? Why am i wierd? Wierd how?
>>
No. 882615 ID: 12b116

Sure, why not? Leaf gets a lot of killing done so he should be able to charge it up plenty.
>>
No. 882659 ID: 2007b6

Test the sash out yourself before handing it over.
>>
No. 882702 ID: bfb318
File 152555293997.png - (186.43KB , 800x800 , 205.png )
882702

"The hell you mean 'dead'? Sling, sling and his two buddies, or sling, his two buddies, and all his backup?"
>"All six of them."
"The fuck."
>"Thunder was one of them." Shit, one of my original clan's.
"He wasn't bad."
>"Wasn't great either."
"Hrm. Anyway, you need two sash's?"
>"No, but I can use them responsibly. Wouldn't help you much anyway."
"Why not? Sounds like it was made for me."
>"Naw boss, it just gives a certain amount more strength. Like if this person could hold 2 stones, this sash would let him hold one more. But you could hold like, 10 stones, so one more isn't much.
"And if I like holding all the stones I can?"
>"Well if you build up too much power debt by using it a lot without killing enough gnolls, your body starts falling apart in ways most gnolls don't appreciate. It's made by a gnoll diety of death, you see, and - "
"I didn't ask for a fuckin' lecture, take the damn thing."
>"Thanks boss."
"You kill a pretty goddamn lot, Leaf, and all the power you get are those shitty knives?"
>"I could kill a lot more, boss."
"Whatever, just help replace our lost scouts for it."
>"I'll try."

Figure we'll gather up the bodies, dig some new grave holes, dispose of this guy, and...

I think that's about it for today.
>>
No. 882703 ID: 3abd97

>>882702
If you can use two, there some reason these guys don't all kill each other for a bunch of sashes?

You sure there isn't some other gnoll who could use a strength boost more? Maybe Matron could use them to carry her tits around.
>>
No. 882704 ID: 86eb65

How did your old clan get all these god made items? Is the gnoll god of death living in your old clan's basement?
>>
No. 882712 ID: eeb7d9

Ask about that god thingy. Just tell him to make it short.
>>
No. 882733 ID: 0c3c2c

>>882702
Ayup. Find a gnoll and name him Gravedigger, have him bury the corpses so they don't attract carrion eaters.
>>
No. 882735 ID: deec6e

>>882702

Feh, Gods. You'd have to be in some real dire straits to start asking for help from divine beings.

Maybe, before bed, head to the common area and gather up folks to say something to help keep clan morale up and help unify the different clans you've recruited. Some words to acknowledge the scouts' shitty passing - Sling, Thunder and the rest - and how you have already kicked, and will continue to kick, the ass of those who dare stab up your fellow gnolls. That everyone else here better start thinking the same way about their new clansfolk, cuz' you ain't planning on letting this clan get dunked on this easy ever again. Not by assassins, not by raiders, not even by whatever chucklefuck over in Chainlink thought it was a good idea to put out a hit on the fuckin' Stormhold.

Stormhold's got gnolls for days, and they're all gonna be getting better every day so that this kind of shit doesn't happen again, or if it does, you at least wanna see the other guys bleeding more, cuz' all it took to get the fuckin' Willow Whisperers runnin' was a single fatality. Stab 'em, chop 'em, punch 'em as you die, you don't care. Those fuckin' fuckers don't like it any more than the rest of us do, probably even less on account of how little they seem to expect it.
>>
No. 882809 ID: dc91a0

Six dead... How many clans do you think they belonged to between them before they were yours?

Honor them in front of the whole tribe.

Through this tragedy, you can improve both unity and discipline. It sucks to lose people, but at least the rest will take their training and work more seriously if you handle this right.
>>
No. 882824 ID: 91ee5f

>>882809
>Honor them in front of the whole tribe.
Ha, yeah right. That’s what humans do.

Gnolls don’t do that unless whoever died was a real important big shot. And last I checked, Wind, the previous chief of this clan, didn’t get any honor when he died. So why would you expect these 6 guys get their deaths honored?
>>
No. 882853 ID: dc91a0

>>882824
They Died defending Clamp from an enemy vastly superior to themselves. Was it their fault for dying 'cuz they weren't tough enough or was it Clamp's fault for not properly preparing them?

The answer to this doesn't matter, people will make their own opinions.
They weren't off raiding someone. They died at home. People will feel this. Honoring them will prevent stratification, which is something a gnoll clan this large tends to do.
>>
No. 882863 ID: 9c2d0c

Grave markers are already a sign of respect that most of these gnolls are not used to. And that is Clamp's new clan tradition, so just do that. They know they live in a brutal society where death is common. If you wanna give a speech, it goes like this: We lost good people. We got hit by a small elite force probing our defenses. It sucks, but the only way to stop that from happening is to be a bigger elite-er force with better defenses. So keep working and training, for the memory of those guys, or for your own sake. Make THEM pay next time.
>>
No. 883114 ID: bfb318
File 152574999246.png - (218.37KB , 800x800 , 206.png )
883114

"So why didn't they kill each other for sashes?"
>"Oh we used to, boss. That was kinda a hamper on the clan though so we stopped and took a solemn oath to never hold more than one at a time, and if you wanted another person's item, you challenged them fair and square."
"You take that oath?"
>"Yeah but I left the clan so I can stack them on myself easy. Are you sure you don't want to know about the god of death? They say knowledge is power, you know. Well, humans say that, but I agree."
"Fine whatever, just keep it short."
>"The clan had some powerful rituals, and got the blessing of the gnoll god of death in the way of enchanted items."
"... and?"
>"That was it, boss, that was all I was gonna say and then you cut me off halfway through. If you let me say it the first time we would've spoken a lot less words."
"Well it's just my way of saying fuck you, Le... eh whatever, you're alright."
>"Thanks boss, I like you too."
"Now I wouldn't want to part you from your sash but I just got an idea. If it's to save other gnolls from irresponsibility, how about I gift it off to Matron?"
>"That... huh, boss. It could be a trophy for her, and if she doesn't use it, they're pretty benign. They're made under the assumption that gnolls will kill, then kill more for power, but if it's on Matron... plus, if she does get attacked, she can use it in a pinch and a single use doesn't have irrevocable effects, since it preys on addiction of use.... yeah, boss, actually that's a great idea."
"Great, 'cause she needs that strength to carry her own tits around!"
>"B-Boss, please. You're not a good joker."
"Hell, maybe I'll use the sash to properly fuck 'em tonight!"
>"Boss I'm not sure I need to know this."
"Well 'knowledge is power' ain't it?! Wait a second you fucker you were hanging out in my tent while we fucked, the hell are you getting bashful about?!"
>"I had to talk about important business and I was willing to make sacrifice."

That's enough talking. I have Leaf lead me to the corpses. Death god's probably the only damn person who knows how Leaf knows where they all are just like that.

Leaf says he'll deal with the whisperer, so I just grab our scouts and walk back to camp.

Lotta gnolls started comin' out to look for me, so they follow me back to see what happened.
>>
No. 883115 ID: bfb318
File 152575000128.png - (190.09KB , 800x800 , 207.png )
883115

"Hey, you! Gravedigger!"
>"Huh, me?" He asks. "I'm - "

Gnoll beside him cup's the guy's shoulder and shakes his head.

>"Uh yeah Gravedigger that's me, whatcha need Chief?"
"Graves! Had 6 gnolls kick the bucket!"
>"Coming right up! What happened?"

Most of the gnolls are around here so I drop the corpses and give some speech.

"Willow Whispers." Leaf whispers Whisperers while I keep talkin' over him. "And you know what? Those fuckin' cowards took off when a single one of them died."
>"Hold on, only one of them died, and we lost 6?" some coward in my own clan asks.
"Yeah? This is Storm Hold, we got gnolls for days, and Willow Whisperers? Band of shittily named creatures that are flesh and blood like the rest of us. If they scare you and you want to hide behind walls and fortifications - well, shit, that's what we dumbasses are doing, so may as well do it right and hurry the hell up with those walls."
>"What about our hunters?"
"Those freaks were after me anyway! So if you run into any whisperers, you just tell 'em where they can find me and they'll pass you over!" Maybe, I don't fuckin' know. "Stemwalker, you're senior scout after Leaf! You two are going to train up our scouts, because we need everyone to shape their asses up! Stormhold ain't getting cheapshotted like this. Sleep up, if I see any bags in anyone's eyes tomorrow I'll punch a reason for them!"
>>
No. 883116 ID: bfb318
File 152575001346.png - (120.56KB , 800x800 , 208.png )
883116

Next and last stop for the day is Matron, who was at the speech but walked back knowin' where I'm going.

"Got you another gift." I say, tossing the sash.
>"It's.... something. Oh, is this magical?"
"Yeah, a sash of strength tainted with evil gods or some shit that'll kill you if you overuse it. Keep your tits up with 'em."
>"... thanks, Clamp. I always wanted the strongest breasts in the land."
"Goddamned right."
>"This is the end of the first week you've been in charge, by the way. I'm not a great planner, but Wind has talked about making priorities over a week at a time, knowing that priorities helps keep a clan focused and not meandering between tasks without ever getting anything done."

She explains a few ideas for me. Course, I can split 'em, but the more I split things, the more it defeats the purpose.

Build: Focus on getting those structures up.
Train: Get gnolls to suck less.
Communal: Through some special exercises, festivities and junk, gnolls can get along with each other better.
Raiding: Raid the wilderness for additional resources and gnolls. Like training, but with more death and hard feelings.
>>
No. 883118 ID: 86eb65

Build. We are not hurting for bodies or food so get defenses up and running first.
>>
No. 883119 ID: 6bcf97

Train! Training is a bond-building exercise all by itself if you go for group exercises and people sharing what they know, and later on it'll be easier to get people to bond when they're not all secretly thinking how shit everyone they're supposed to be bonding with is at their jobs. Anyone who needs muscle or endurance training can work on building, too!

After this week I expect the raiding will come to you.
>>
No. 883120 ID: 12b116

We started building, might as well finish that as fast as possible.
>>
No. 883123 ID: 78a3e5

1. Train
2. Build
3. Communal
>>
No. 883126 ID: 3abd97

Plan matron tits was a good one! Too bad we couldn't give it to Shabin, be funny to see a kobold with surprise gnoll strength. Although death magic probably isn't good for kids.

>>883116
Train, communal, build raid.

We need our gnolls not to suck first, we need them to work together second, we need a not shit place to live third. When our gnolls don't suck and can work together better they can build and raid better. And we did a bunch of raiding initially too, that's why the clan got so big.
>>
No. 883128 ID: eeb7d9

We can train our gnolls and make the them pals at the same time. They train toguether, they fight toguether and they die together. We need to instal that thinking into thier heads. If they stick together, they will be stronger, if they stay apart, they stay weak and die one by one. If they wnat to live, they need to train and suck less at fighting, because if not, they and their friends die, and the clan dies. It's a cycle.
Can't be that hard for them, right?

Also, Matron, that was a joke. Clamp is such a sarcastic jerk that you can't notice a joke for an actual comment.
>>
No. 883130 ID: 0c3c2c

>>883116
I think training will help the most long term. Let's do that.
>>
No. 883150 ID: caf1de

clan orgy
>>
No. 883154 ID: 4c6d26

1st week - Train.

You need to get your gnolls being less shitty. If you train first, follow-up tasks may become more efficient and easier. It's also a good way to drill the clan on the command structure and identify gnolls with potential. This is also the week Leaf is here, so if he's got wisdom to pass on the scouts before going away 2-3 weeks, he's gotta do it now.

2nd week - Build.

This place has to be worthy of the name before someone comes along to take advantage. Chainlink knows where you are now, those Willow Whisperers will probably be reporting back their failure.

3rd week - Communal.

Having trained and built to improve themselves and the clan, you can give the gnolls some slack and show them that they can have nice things if they put some effort in - but only once the effort's been put there.

4th week - Raid. Having gotten defenses, training and a little bonding done, get back to business. Ideally, you'll also have Leaf back by then.
>>
No. 883205 ID: dc91a0

Training and building, with a priority for training over building.

A lot of the gnolls being trained are being trained to build, so we might as well make them as effective as possible. Not to mention we need our scouts up to snuff yesterday.

Community will have to wait till we're set up, though we can at least like, plan a party at the end of the week or something.

Raiding should not be a concern at all right now. We are plenty populous and have eliminated the nearby immediate security concerns. We have a lot of talent we need to spread through the camp before we go hunting for more, and we don't yet have a need for gold. Also, our recent moves will have all eyes on us. Another raid so soon and someone might try to drop the hammer.
>>
No. 883221 ID: cb585b

Build, Train, Raid. The whole thing will is effectively communal already... probably.
>>
No. 883286 ID: f3fe9b

Could training and communing be merged, somehow? Factionalism and incompetence need to be addressed first, I think.
>>
No. 883324 ID: dc91a0

>>883286
Hourly training rotations taught with song?

We won't get much else done and will be left open to a raid.

I can think of other, better ways of combining the two, but not without talented speakers and educators.

Maybe Matron, Hilt, and Boat Dancer could come up with an effective Communal Training regimen, but the three of them will be stretched thin running it for 80 gnolls. If we can find maybe two or three more gnolls with good people skills we could easily pull it off.
>>
No. 889135 ID: bfb318
File 152920234245.png - (428.88KB , 800x800 , 209.png )
889135

"I'll sleep on it."
>"Okay."

I sleep. I don't know what the hell 'sleeping on it' means, I've never made a single decision in my sleep that made any goddamn sense.

So we wake up when the sun starts making the horizon glow, and I come up with some half-awake bullshit.

"Training. Part of training's gonna be practice building walls."
>"Okay." Matron murmurs, 'bout a quarter-awake.

Brand new day. Get gnolls less shitty. Make 'em tough.

>"Have you ever trained gnolls before?"
"I've trained plenty of gnolls, woman!"
>"Intentionally?"
"Not once in my fuckin' life!"
>"Do you have any idea how to train a gnoll how to fight?"
"Whack them with wooden swords 'till they get better at not getting whacked. That way they'll bond all communally and shit by sharing a common goal of keeping me from beating their shit in."
>"Do you have any better ideas?"
>>
No. 889136 ID: b1b4f3

>>889135
Find someone who's better at training than you and have them do it instead. Maybe even have them spar with you a few times to pick up things that you're doing that you don't think to point out to others.
>>
No. 889137 ID: 86eb65

Find someone with a track record of being good at training things and force them to do it.

You the big boss. All you need to do is sub contract all this stuff.
>>
No. 889139 ID: f3fe9b

>>889135
I know there are better ideas, and I am open to them.
>>
No. 889153 ID: 0c3c2c

Delegate the training to the best trainer!

Failing that, train someone to be better at training than you, then work on training yourself.


Alternately, get an education.
>>
No. 889157 ID: eeb7d9

I have mixed feelings about finding someone else to train Clmap's gnolls. This could be a chance of Clamp himself getting closer with his clan, wether he is good a training people or not. Unless, he too participates in the training. I might be wrong.
First things first, where would we find someone willing to train a buch of gnolls in the middle of gnoll territory, besides a gnoll. I doubt that there could be a gnoll capable doing this decently.
>>
No. 889161 ID: 91ee5f

>>889135
>"Do you have any better ideas?"
“Woman, we both know that I ain’t much of a thinker! So if you have a better idea, then spit it out! Otherwise, quitcha bitchin’!”
>>
No. 889163 ID: 166e1c

Organize everyone in sparing partners. Get them fighting simultaneously while we watch and try to find out how good they are. Make the two best team leaders who will select their team members one by one. The two teams fight each others at a large open space under our supervision enforcing a bunch of rules to make minimize deaths in the practice battle. The winner team gain a symbolic reward and some small privilege like better food than the others. The least hurt gnolls than get their asses kicked by Clamp.
>>
No. 889209 ID: ff0134

I don’t think any gnolls here are actually knowledgeable on proper training, could be wrong though. The best thing we can do without any idea of what we’re doing is to let them raid other gnolls to get better that way. We can organise the gnolls into two groups and make them take turns raiding and building stuff.
>>
No. 889214 ID: 575ec0

Demonstrations- Show shitty gnolls good techniques acquired through years of fighting so they don't have to waste time figuring them out from scratch.
Then have them practice them through sparring and fighting.

Instruction- There more to war than beating guys up. Guys gotta be in the right position, gotta listen to, understand, and follow orders, and know what to do when you can't get any orders, or when things go to shit.

Drills: These things gotta be hammered in often, both at the regular and at random. Fighting could happen at anytime.
>>
No. 889237 ID: 4f1cbc

>"Do you have any better ideas?"
There's probably techniques or some fancy human thing for teaching skills, but I don't know em. And I don't think we got any gnolls who specialize in teaching stuff.
>>
No. 889247 ID: 1fbbcc

Watch what they're doing for mistakes and when they make mistakes tell them to fix them. It'll probably be stuff you don't even think of any more, like how to set your feet, how you move your weight, how tightly you grip your sword and with which hand on top, how you make a fist, that sort of thing.
>>
No. 889250 ID: 1fbbcc

Also: tell people all the dumbest mistakes you've seen people do in combat, especially the most common ones, and say why they were dumb.
>>
No. 889251 ID: bddb0f

If Matron has any bright ideas of her own, let her lay 'em on us. If not, let's just use her to shoot down our own bad ideas. She's a practical thinker and will be quick to point out simple flaws.

>>889214

Sounds like a plan. Gather a good-sized group of gnolls (10-ish, and make sure to mix clans) who aren't working the walls. Set aside a shift of several hours to a whole day, and rince and repeat that shift with everyone. You're at about 70 gnolls, so a 10-ish gnoll rotation would give about the entire clan a fair shake for a week if you do a day's worth of full-time training, while still leaving the rest to work on the wall and do their usual tasks, like hunting. Training shift length depends a bit on how much will end up being taught. Demonstrate typical good fight moves (non-lethally) and point out the bad ones they keep making. Have them practice the good moves and do practice matches against each other and you, the trainer. Figure out what works for each gnoll. Then see how well they can take instructions in the middle of a mock battle between two groups of trainees (so 20-ish gnolls, with the ones who just got trained and the ones who are about to be trained next) - simple orders and tactics only at first, flank the enemy, push forward, pull back, raise shields, etc.

Speaking of, you could also train with the crappy new shields if they've been made yet. Kids flinging (small) rocks can pretend being archers or skirmishers for mock battles - that's something they could be doing in an actual our-lives-are-threatened fight, too, so it's double training for real emergencies. If Matron's okay with pups getting involved at all, that is. Could be that it's more bother than it's worth, too. Kids will be kids, and difficult to corral.

More importantly, remember that Clamp's style of fighting isn't something everyone (or anyone...) can copy. There will be generic stuff Clamp can pass on regardless of strength and size - footwork, what to do if someone grabs you, the basic swings and counters of swordfighting, and so on. Still, we might want to gather up a few more veterans with different fighting styles, so we can pass on lessons suited to gnolls who aren't as buff. Talon would be a shoe-in, but his style of fighting might be too reminiscent of Clamp's. Boatdancer, the old sea clan chief, was supposed to be a dab hand at swordfighting and never got to prove it, so we can test that concept by having him do a pass or two at teaching... whenever he isn't instructing Leaf on how to draw a damn map properly.

Leaf and Stemwalker can train scouts according to their own regimen, but using the same demonstrate - practice - instruct sequence with group rotation if need be.

Even gnolls doing important trade work or training up others (like the blacksmith or the carpenters) can take time off to voluntarily participate in these training shifts if they want. Blacksmith was supposedly a good scout, so having him teach not only blacksmithing but scouting alongside Stem and Leaf to our crappy scouts could be a good spend of his time, even if it delays our new sword a little.
>>
No. 889947 ID: bfb318
File 152987956503.png - (155.07KB , 1200x800 , 210.png )
889947

"Yeah, get someone who's good at that shit to do it for me."
>"... yeah okay."
"You good at it?"
>"Not swordsmanship, no. I'm sure you'll find someone while you're at breakfast."

Sounds like a good idea, so I go get some early breakfast. Some hunters are gathering some carcasses to cook, and I ain't waiting so I just start eating. Hunters are alright, they just move outta the way when I go to eat.

I'll still want to train 'em a bit, but they mostly stick to themselves. Long as they keep the food coming, no one bitches.

The scouts should know how to fight more, so I'll need Leaf to let me borrow 'em, or whoever I get to teach for me.
>>
No. 889948 ID: bfb318
File 152987957542.png - (200.73KB , 1200x800 , 211.png )
889948

Hilt, though, this fucker should be called Tick, cause I can't get him off me.

>"Heya!"
"Who the hell is 'heya'?!"
>"It's slang for hey!"
"Whatever, stop sniffing my damn food and get your own. Who's good at teaching swordsmanship around here?"
>"Oh! I am!"
"Really."
>"I might not be as good as you, but I'm good at passing on what I do know."
"I heard you were decent but you actually any fuckin' good?"
>"Well, remember Boatdancer?"
"Chief of the Sea Clan."
>"Whoa! Yeah, you're getting the hang of na - "
"Don't fuckin' congratulate me for that shit!"
>"I mean it! And Boatdancer, he was fitting in and socializing with us, and wanted to see how good we were. We sparred, and even though I had a tough time, I beat him!"
"Well he was fuckin' shit wasn't he?"
>"He beat nearly everyone who wasn't named Clamp. Which was a lot of us!"
"Well I named this place Stormhold, not the pit of incompetence! I want this place to act like a damn unit. Even practicing weird shit like drills and tactics. And shields. I was just gonna bark at gnolls and beat the shit outta them, you think you can do better?"
>"Yeah! Boatdancer knows good techniques too, he learned a lot while on water. Apparently he knows how to read, and used books to pass the time, because they also had a lot of that. Anyway if you tell me the ideas, I can work with Boatdancer to pass it on. And I like shields! I used to try to use a shield but everyone mocked me for it..."
"As well they fuckin' should!"
>"... I thought you wanted us to use shields?"
"And I'll mock the lot of you!"
>"Does this mean I can teach?"

This enthusiasm makes me want to retch, but I can't think of much of a reason to disagree, long as I make sure he stays on topic.
>>
No. 889951 ID: 86eb65

Shields are a very powerful weapon. Nothing wrong with those.

I say give him a shot.
>>
No. 889953 ID: eeb7d9

Well, there you go, you have two "competent" gnolls who can aparently teach how to fight. Clamp, you should spar with them so they learn from you, and they will teach to the rest. Sparring in front of the group will also help. Show what to do and what not to do. They won't be as good as you, but they can try. That way they will be a little better than before. You are the best example you they have of a really good fighter. And since nobady can be you, they will have to lern a way to be as close as you as they can, even try to be better. Just to incentivite them, i doubt that they will be.
>>
No. 889956 ID: 0c3c2c

>>889948
Yes, Hilt, you can teach.
>>
No. 889958 ID: 1fbbcc

Your shields will just be an anti-cowardice measure. When you fight archers, use them to protect yourself from arrows, and when you're fighting anyone else sling them on your back to protect you from backstabbers.

Ask Hilt how good he is at teaching people who don't want to learn, or don't think they have to.
>>
No. 889959 ID: 1fbbcc

Also hey Clamp when was the last time you had your clothes/self washed?
>>
No. 889968 ID: 7fad5d

Yeah, taking a bath with Matron sounds like a nice idea. Let Hilt teach them sword stuff while boat guy teaches some others how to read and write, if he can convince anyone it's useful enough to be worth learning.
>>
No. 889971 ID: b1b4f3

>>889948
Wait shields, really? No way. Well maybe if they're covered in spikes and used primarily as weapons.
>>
No. 889978 ID: 91ee5f

>>889971
Not primarily as weapons, it would be more of a secondary feature.

I’d be more interested if someone could Captain America throw their shield and it’d be like a buzz saw with all the spikes covering it!
>>
No. 889985 ID: 166e1c

Funny how Hilt become one of the most reliable gnolls.
How is the hierarchic of underlings? The matron is more a adviser and whatever else she does doesn't seem to concern us. Leaf is extremely trustful and useful but he barely command the scouts and I may be giving him credit that belong to Stemwalker. Does that make cute face your second in command?
>>
No. 890006 ID: 214cda

>>889948
Don't be too hard on him, he just wants approval from his Clan-Dad.
>>889971
Nothing wrong with shields. Not everyone can be a two-handed kill people with one swing monster like Clamp is.
>>
No. 890009 ID: 91ee5f

>>890005
I think you’re writing your words in the wrong box.
>>
No. 890016 ID: 204fd2

I'm starting to think that Hilt may have an attraction to you. Just like Leaf. Maybe at some point in the future we could reward him for all his hard work.
>>
No. 890018 ID: 5fa661

>>890016

Maybe we should just have Hilt and Leaf make out with each other until they get it out of their system. Clamp ain't got no time to do that shit himself.
>>
No. 890021 ID: 12bb22

Shields are a good idea but I'm wary of letting Boatdancer have a hand in the training, it leaves him too much opportunity to recruit people for a power grab.
>>
No. 890036 ID: caf1de

>>890018
roman style male bonding
>>
No. 890041 ID: 2007b6

Of course Hilt has to be in charge of training. He's Storm Hold's official champion. The fact he can apparently out-sword everyone except Clamp further validates that position.

As for what specifically to do, try close-order drill: everybody stands shoulder-to-shoulder, as tight together as possible in a grid, then they try to march around in different directions, forward, back, left, right, pivot the formation or rotate individually in place, mixing up the sequence according to spoken orders, all without tripping over each other. Seems complicated and dumb in the training yard, but once they get good, you'll see a lot more of those delicious moments on the battlefield where there's two or three of your guys per active enemy.
>>
No. 890060 ID: eeb7d9

>>890041
Is't this way to human-like?
Besides, this kind of order doesn't work in raids. Gnolls should be more of a pack than a unit of men. That still requires certain order and coordination, but i think it would work better that way.
>>
No. 890065 ID: cf5a32

If they can use the shield in some weapon-like way, like bashing idiots who let down their guard at seeing a shield in front of them, then why not. Still going to mock them for it.
>>890041
I don't think he out-sworded Talon (or whoever it was he was against), he just happened to get more votes because he helped people. He was like, third strongest. Or else he took advantage of people being weirded out by his freaky face the way people can take advantage of people laughing at their shields.
>>
No. 890257 ID: 575ec0

He can train people sure, for now.
but he's too valuable to just be a trainer. He's got what it takes to be a prime lieutenant.
>>
No. 891135 ID: bfb318
File 153073422895.png - (150.23KB , 800x800 , 212.png )
891135

>Shields as weapons
That sounds ridiculous.

Then again, I have swung some bullshit around in my day when I didn't have my sword, like a dumbass. Maybe it's doable.

>Shields as anti-cowardice devices
Sounds more like fighting cowardice with cowardice, but goddamn I hate bows and arrows more than shields.

>close-order drill
>grid
>shoulder to shoulder
>leaf on hilt
>march in different directions
>prime lieutenant
>forward back left right pivot rotate formation

>"Hey Clamp you're spacing out, buddy! What're you thinking about?"
"I have no fucking idea. Yeah you can train 'em. I'll spar whenever."
>>
No. 891136 ID: bfb318
File 153073423759.png - (184.96KB , 800x800 , 213.png )
891136

Hilt gets to training. I spar with a few people then fuck off. Then someone shows up to 'remedial training' as Hilt put it. I beat the shit out of them. I don't get anyone else.

By the time the day's over, there's enough basic shields to go around since these idiots learned how to hack some wood and string them together enough to hold onto.

Couple days of training later, Matron comes and makes me take a bath. She convinces me by taking one with me in some small pond upstream.

Some slimy snooper's coming through the bushes.
>>
No. 891137 ID: bfb318
File 153073426685.png - (169.65KB , 800x800 , 214.png )
891137

>"Clamp!" says that one girl.
"Uh... right, Waster. I'm remembering names already."
>"The hell are you doing in the river?!"
"Taking a bath. The hell are you here?"
>"Going back to camp, making myself worthwhile!"

She shakes a bag of junk in my direction.

>"What's that?" asks Matron, which is good, 'cause I'm not asking.
>"Valuables! Gold and jewels, also a few well made swords!"
>>
No. 891138 ID: 1fbbcc

Yeah? Where'd you get them?
>>
No. 891139 ID: 3b108e

>>891137
Tell her to prove it, and prove that she didn't get the clan more trouble than they're worth.
>>
No. 891140 ID: f3fe9b

You'd better not have stolen them from human mason I ordered.
>>
No. 891144 ID: b1b4f3

Did Clamp remember to tell his patrols not to kill the humans?
>>
No. 891146 ID: cf489c

>>891135
>That smile
He's either fantasizing about something or plotting something.

>That sounds ridiculous.
Shield bashing? spiked or sharpened edges? disorientating patterns?

>>891137
Tell me where you got them while I look em over to see if any of this shit is actually good.
>>
No. 891156 ID: 91ee5f

>>891137
Does she look like she’s in a hurry? Because if she is, then the guys she took those from might be right behind her.

If she’s not in a hurry, then tell her to let you inspect what she’s got.

Also, could I get a reminder of how we decided to share loot in the clan? Because I’m thinking after we inspect what she’s got, we tell her to keep what she wants for herself and everything she doesn’t want gets shared with the rest of the clan.
>>
No. 891157 ID: 90f3c0

You better not be out there raiding and thieving alone without my permission. We got enough enemies without you picking the wrong fight and bringing shit down on the entire clan.
>>
No. 891159 ID: bddb0f

>>891137

Heh. At least the name got her goat if she's trying to be 'worthwhile'... but goddamn she might have the worst luck. Let's at least try to verify first. It COULD be she just managed to somehow stumble upon a treasure trove of swords and riches.

"Waster, whoever you mugged for that - were they human? Were they saying shit about being here for Stormhold? Something something masons? Because I ordered some fuckin' human masons come make our shitty walls and buildings less fuckin' shitty cuz' that's one of them human things they do."

IF it sounds like she mugged the humans we ordered, let's hope she left them alive. She might have! There's not much fight in 'em, after all. If she did, the situation's salvageable, but requires immediate attention. Hop out of the river, pick her up, deprive her off the bag (humans'll want that back, I reckon) and a) redirect her to lead you back to the humans or b) chuck her into the river and tell her the following:

"Matron, you said you wanted your back scrubbed, didn't you? Waster, scrub Matron's back and complain to her about how shit your luck is, while she tells you how lucky you are I'm not breaking your jaw for fuckin' this up. And tell me where you mugged whoever already! Fuckin' unbelievable... gonna have to go do some fuckin' diplomacy shit now."
>>
No. 891161 ID: 0c3c2c

>>891137
I bet she robbed the humans. Or possibly those crazy gnolls with all the shiny golden stuff.

Ask who let her rob them. In exactly those words.
>>
No. 891162 ID: 10c408

>>891137
wade over to her and tell her that as her chief, she is tell you WHERE the fuck she got that from and who the fuck she got it from.

If the answer is human, you've both fucked up.
>>
No. 891164 ID: 86eb65

Get your butt out of the water and go inspect her bag.

We need to know where she got that bag and if she fucked something up doing it.
>>
No. 891177 ID: eeb7d9

Where'd you get that?
Made it, stole it?
Anyway, you are now at least making progress, brat. Keep at it, and maybe you will get your name back. Probably.
You still need to get good at fighting tho. Like everyone else.
>>
No. 891194 ID: a363ac

>>891137
tell her drop the bag and then drag her in the river because Waster looks like she was swimming in her name sake
>>
No. 891326 ID: 4f1cbc

>>Shields as weapons
>That sounds ridiculous.
Hey, they can block swords and arrows, or they can bash down an enemy.

>"Valuables! Gold and jewels, also a few well made swords!"
And where'd you get those? I didn't send anyone out raiding.
>>
No. 892667 ID: bfb318
File 153153138051.png - (132.14KB , 800x800 , 215.png )
892667

"Where'd you get these from?"
>"Does it fuckin' matter?"

...

This damned moron.

"You didn't get this from humans, did you?"
>"Why the hell would I? I wasn't even close! I got them way west, by the next big river over."

I don't think we have any shit going on over there.
>>
No. 892668 ID: bfb318
File 153153140523.png - (197.66KB , 800x800 , 216.png )
892668

"Let me look at the bag. Go scrub Matron's back. Then join in for training practice."
>"Why fuckin' hell shou - "
"'cause I could snap your back with a sneeze you twig!"

She grumbles at me, and I grumble mockingly back except louder.

"Were you seen?"
>"No!" She shouts and finally gets in the damn pond.

Maybe she's not a complete fuckup, because there is some pretty good shit in here. Magic... whatever the hell this is. Silver? Some magic brick, whatever, I ain't an appraiser, but my senses tell me this is a bag of value.
>>
No. 892670 ID: b1b4f3

Nice, she did do a good job after all. Give her your congratulations, and we might wind up raiding whoever she stole this from since they're fucking loaded. Hmm, does that means she gets her name back? Grasswind, wasn't it?

Since she did a good job doing some long-range theft she can keep doing it. Just tell her to steer clear of humans, we might have an arrangement with them.
>>
No. 892671 ID: 86eb65

Who do we have that is trustworthy and can appraise things? Matron?

We need to get these checked and make Waster show us where she got them. Just to make sure she is not inviting trouble.

But before that. You do have two fine ladies over there. Might want to enjoy yourself with them first. See if Waster wants to upgrade her name to Pleaser.
>>
No. 892673 ID: 3cc68c

Fondly consider the sight of two sexy ladies washing each other. Consider joining.

Loot appraisal can wait a bit.
>>
No. 892674 ID: 3b108e

Mithril, maybe? See if it bends or something. Also yeah, go reward your ladies with the Prod.
>>
No. 892675 ID: 363437

Lay down Waster right on top of her curvy mom and bang her until she can't walk straight. It's the gnoll thing to do.
>>
No. 892676 ID: 4f1cbc

>"Does it fuckin' matter?"
Well if we're making enemies of some jerks I'd like to know about it before they get here.

>Go scrub Matron's back. Then join in for training practice.
Good priorities.

>Some magic brick, whatever, I ain't an appraiser, but my senses tell me this is a bag of value.
Well, if it is valuable you either need a gnoll who can figure out how to use the magic thing, or some not-gnoll to sell the thing to. Do we have either? Could just wait for the humans to show, if nothing else.

>Maybe she's not a complete fuckup
That should be exactly what you tell her when she's done with back rubbing.
>>
No. 892678 ID: 2e7b84

Assert your breeding rights. Go rub Wasters back if you know what I mean.
>>
No. 892679 ID: 91ee5f

>>892668
Tell Waster that she did pretty good. If she keeps this up you might even let her have her old name back. Or if she wants, she can give herself a new name.

>suggestions to bang Waster
I’m pretty sure Clamp isn’t going to want to attempt trying to bang Waster.

And even if he did, Waster would immediately leave.

It’s obvious that neither of them like each other enough to even think about wanting to bang each other, so it’s not going to happen.
>>
No. 892680 ID: 3b108e

>>892679
We'll find out.
>>
No. 892684 ID: 0c3c2c

>>892668
Neat. Waster didn't fuck up this time. She is unreasonably annoying though. Maybe she'll back talk Hilt and we can kick her ass later. Oh well, time to toss it in the treasure pile. Wherever we have that. We can sell it to the dwarf later.
>>
No. 892685 ID: 86eb65

>>892679

Consent is somewhat unknown in gnoll society. We have already kidnapped and enslaved a good portion of our clan. And they are all perfectly fine with it as long as Clamp is the strongest guy around.

Same sort of thing goes for who gets the ladies.
>>
No. 892694 ID: 10c408

"I got them way west, by the next big river over." Sounds like she nicked the stuff from the clan to the southwest that we don't even know anything about.

I'd say put the sentries and whatever scouts we have left on higher alert for the next couple of days in-case waster did get fucking spotted and they want their damn good shit back.

Either way, tell her good job and go do something else if you are done with your matron-enforced bath.
>>
No. 892702 ID: 12b116

Seems like she did a good enough job, let's get a detailed report of her little adventure so we can see if it's worth the trouble it's inevitably going to cause though.
>>
No. 892705 ID: f3fe9b

Alright, show the stuff to our any smart gnolls we've got like gempusher, leaf, or maybe the blacksmith we snatched.

Before you go, ask Waster what bits she wants to keep as part of her finder's fee. Whatever she says, tell her you're keeping it to replace the health potion she wasted. Good job Grasswind.
>>
No. 892708 ID: ff0134

Let’s see if we can’t figure out who she robbed, because she might have actually discovered a worthwhile target to raid if this is any indication of what they’ve got.
>>
No. 892721 ID: 91ee5f

>>892705
>Whatever she says, tell her you're keeping it to replace the health potion she wasted.
Just one of these things is worth more than that health potion, so I wouldn’t take all of it.

I’d just pull one thing out of the bag (possibly something else for Matron to wear) and tell her that one thing is to replace the health potion. Whatever she wants for herself she gets to keep, while the rest of it is to be shared with the clan.....or at least share it with the gnolls that won’t blow themselves up trying to use any of it.
>>
No. 892729 ID: f3fe9b

>>892721
That sounds like something nice we'd do for a gnoll that isn't a pain in the ass. Besides, the implication at the end there is she gets her old name back instead of the loot.
>>
No. 892761 ID: 5e00ee

Hold the fuck up, you honestly think she got away scott free just cause she said she did? We need to know the whole exact scenario of what went down so we can be ready for whatever magic asshole comes looking for this stuff.
>>
No. 892763 ID: a363ac

>>892668
alright go scrub Matron's front then
>>
No. 892767 ID: 1fbbcc

Well, you might have someone rich and magical mad at you now. Perhaps you should ask around and see if anyone recognizes the make or style of this stuff? Get a clue to who might have made it?
>>
No. 892838 ID: eeb7d9

Well good. She is starting to be useful. She still needs to keep improving though. If she keeps up the good work she can have her name back. Do we have someone how knows about magic, or to at least knows what to do with this things?
>>
No. 892876 ID: bddb0f

>"I got them way west, by the next big river over."

Sounds like the Ruin or Cliff clan. Both were wealthy and our scouts were able to get information on them, so their guard wasn't so high. Waster could've taken stash from either of 'em.

Get a bit more detail from her. Might as well check to see who we might've made an enemy of - the Ruin clan were few, while the Cliff had a lot of gnolls - maybe up to nearly half our size, which could be trouble if they go on the warpath while we're already having the enmity of Chainlink and those assassin wankers. Also, get our scouts to be on a higher alert from that direction - whoever she stole from might come sniffing from thataways if they managed to follow her trail.

We should also talk to some of our craftspeople as they, particularly the Blacktorch Blacksmith (what's his name now again?), might know what that shiny brick is. Maybe it's a metal of some kind? If you find out that this shit's enough to repay a healing potion and there's no pursuit that brings trouble to the clan, Waster has actually done a bit of sterling thievin'. It might be enough to hand her the old name back (it was Grasswind) or you can upgrade her current one to something else you'll actually remember. Her 'tude still needs some correcting, but doing something good for the clan should be rewarded.

Bringing down another clan because she stole their finest shit and now they're on the warpath after the thief just as we're still trying to get our feet and defenses up, on the other hand... we'll have to see how it shakes out.
>>
No. 892883 ID: f3fe9b

>>892761
She'll answer for it if/when it becomes a problem. In the meantime we should encourage her attempts to make herself useful.
>>
No. 892887 ID: 91ee5f

>>892883
I agree
>>
No. 892928 ID: bfb318
File 153162203404.png - (179.14KB , 800x800 , 217.png )
892928

Dunno what it is, but I doubt it's mithril. That shit doesn't just get found and stolen, I don't think.

"Hey, Matron, how good are you at telling how valuable stuff is?"
>"Bad."
"Remind me again how this clan functioned."
>"Wind was a good appraiser. Without him, I think we should just have a bunch of gnolls discuss it, and we should get something around the right amount. Or just wait for the humans, they're often good about that kind of thing."
>"Humans?" asks Grasswind.
"Yeah! We're going to have human visitors, so paws off."
>"Humans, in my camp?"
"I don't care about what shitty ditch you call your camp, Waster, but my camp is going to get swarmed with humans for all I care!"
>"My name is Grasswind! You should call me that after I brought that bag!"
"We'll wait awhile, see how good this shit is, see if you got followed, then I'll consider it. Till then, you can either be Waster, or you can be Pleaser!"

I get in the pond and wash Matrons front, but the mood is spoiled 'cause Waster's putting a shitty face at me. Maybe if I turned her over? Nah, she's got a face so unpleasant that I can see it through the back of her head.

>"What're you looking at?" she asks.
"Wonderin' if your face'll look any better once it gets through Hilt's training. Which you're going to go and do while we look. Go report to him about your bag, too, and give a proper damn report! And show it to Leaf, he might know who has this level of magic shit. And if you did as good a job as you say, then good fuckin' job."

She swims off.
>>
No. 892929 ID: bfb318
File 153162204765.png - (167.22KB , 800x800 , 218.png )
892929

I keep bathing for a bit, 'cause I can.

>Another trophy for Matron
Eh, those're supposed to be for triumphs in combat and that sorta stuff, not decorating Matron every time someone gets any junk from another clan. Even if it's good junk.

... eh?
>>
No. 892931 ID: bfb318
File 153162233175.png - (209.14KB , 800x800 , 219.png )
892931

"Leaf."
>"Hey Boss."
>"Ah?!" Matron makes a real un-gnoll-like noise.
"The fuck, Leaf."
>"Saw Waster's stuff."
"You know anything about it?"
>"Yeh. It's actually pretty impressive she made it outta there alive."
"I'm listening."
>"There was an enchanted silver ingot. They make pretty crappy weapons, unless you're hunting lycanthropes. And the only clan around here that fights Lycanthropes is the Snake Clan, a ways southwest of the Ruin Clan. They're pretty alright."
"We gonna get attacked?"
>"Don't think so, I think Waster made it out clean. They'll come looking for their magic stuff, but I don't think they'll know it was us unless we start waving silver rods around. It was just Hilt, the blacksmith, me and you guys that saw what was in there, so I don't think it'll get out that we got the silver."
"So Waster did well, huh?"
>"Yeah I guess. Cept now there might be a few more werethings running around. Snake Clan kinda does a public service, you know."
"The hell'd a werewhatever ever do to anyone?"
>"Depends on what time of the month we're talking about I guess. Anyway, Waster was real antsy about getting her name back, what do you think? Assuming I'm right that we don't get attacked, that is."
>"... what's the behavior of Snake Clan?" Matron asks. "Do they ally?"
>"Yeah they seem pretty calm about things. Mostly keep to 'emselves. I'm surprised Waster even found them."
>"If we want allies or at least some goodwill, we could return the bag, and act like we took it from another clan that we accuse of stealing their goods."
"God fuckin' damn, Matron."
>"It was one of Wind's ideas. It needs Snake Clan to be amicable towards this sort of thing, as well as being absolutely certain none of them ever saw Waster."
>>
No. 892933 ID: b1b4f3

>>892931
Then we find out if the plan will work, and execute it if possible. The silver isn't useful for us, and if there are less identifiable valuables in it we can take a few of them, and get some profit too. Not all of them of course that'd look too suspicious.
>>
No. 892944 ID: 86eb65

If she was that sneaky putting her under Leaf for training might be a good idea.

Tell him she can have her name back if she does well learning from Leaf.

As for returning the stuff. Maybe give them back the silver and keep the rest. So they can keep things were creature free.
>>
No. 892945 ID: 1fbbcc

Well, she gets her name back, anyway. Trouble with the "hey we found your stuff" plan is that ex-Waster's probably off yakkin' to everyone who'll listen about her grand adventure and how she totally deserves to have her name back, which means that while it won't get out as things stand now, if we did start hanging out with the Snakes someone might blab.
>>
No. 892946 ID: 575ec0

Eh. They don't sound like they'd make good allies and tight security beats goodwill with a few monster hunters.

We barely have enough gold to pay the human Stonecutters and Masons for a few weeks, but it'll surely take many months to properly set up a quarry and masons yard while training up some gnolls to not suck at stoneworking.

Meanwhile, we currently lack the security to continue our aggressive local raiding stance, lack the discipline to raid distant lands, and lack the infrastructure to trade.

TL;DR
We need to hold on to all the gold and valuables we can. There's no way of telling when the next opportunity will arise.
>>
No. 892948 ID: 10c408

this could work, as long as Waster never goes west again.

Also.. Leaf, the fuck man. I don't need my lieutenants playing the part of river predator I could have fucking punched you man.
>>
No. 892955 ID: 0c3c2c

>>892931
I like this whole 'team up with Snake Clan' idea. It decreases the number of angry, superdurable monsters roaming the area, and also Enchanted Silver is worthless to us. We don't have the techniques to make weapons from it.

Let's try and ally with them and give em back their silver. Maybe we'll get lucky and Waster wasn't spotted. Or they'll get pissed and we'll have to kill their chief, so whatever.

If we're REALLY lucky, maybe they can teach our smith how to make enchanted weapons. And also it'll start raining gold and gems, and a dragon will be our best friend.
>>
No. 892960 ID: f3fe9b

I like the idea, but if they find us out they're going to take it more personally than they would if we just stole their stuff. Sweeping it all under a rug is a very tempting option.

What scapegoats were discussed? We can tell Snake clan we found the ingot on the bodies of our enemies and put two and two together, and now we're just letting them know we share an enemy. Is that believable enough? Clamp can even do it in person, if he can manage to play up what honest dumb muscle he is so they don't suspect scheming.
>>
No. 893015 ID: 4f1cbc

>>892931
Waster will hate the idea of just giving that shit back after she went through all the trouble of stealing it, but she'll have no choice but to go along with it if she finds out it was Leaf's plan.

Seems like a pretty good idea. Question is, what are we giving up if we do that? What else could we get for the valuables?
>>
No. 893021 ID: 91ee5f

Do we have to give back everything Waster got? Can’t we just keep the best stuff and give back what we can’t use?

I don’t want to return the entire bag if we can keep some of it!

Can’t we just go by the rule of “Finders keepers”? We found it, so we’ll keep it, but we’ll tell the Snake Clan who we took it from.

Or we can just not tell the Snake Clan. If they don’t notice anything’s missing, then there’s no need to let them know that something is missing.
>>
No. 893052 ID: 575ec0

What if they just say "Thanks" and don't ally?

I think we should send Hilt over there to establish contact and schmooze a little before we start giving shit away. We need more information, and not necessarily the kind that Leaf can get.
>>
No. 893056 ID: 10c408

>>893052
Then they don't get their shit back and we pick a different clan.
>>
No. 893093 ID: eeb7d9

I like the alince idea, specially if we can trade with them. We can keep whatever is magical and return what is not. If they ask, we say that they took the most valuable stuff separately. Or we can just return everithing, and if the alliance goes well, we can trade weapons from our blacksmith for thier magical stuff. We have plenty of choises.

Also, Leaf, is there a time of the day, you are not a creepy matherfucker?
I am not complaining, is fucking hilarious.
>>
No. 893146 ID: f3fe9b

>>893052
If they don't ally, we'll at least share an enemy. Sowing discord among people that aren't us should help.
>>
No. 893582 ID: 91ee5f

How about we just don’t tell the Snake Clan anything?

If they come looking for their stuff and accuse us of stealing it, then we deny stealing it and claim we killed some guys from a different clan and took it off of them and we didn’t know it belonged to the Snake Clan.

The only question is: Who should we blame for taking the Snake Clan’s stuff? Maybe we should blame Chainlink?
>>
No. 893635 ID: 10c408

>>893582
We're telling them that we got some of their stuff back because A: we can't even use all of it and B: if we get some alliances going then we'll have better odds at taking apart the enemy alliance that chainlink is trying to form. (or has formed at this point anyway)
>>
No. 900007 ID: bfb318
File 153585418990.png - (153.59KB , 800x800 , 220.png )
900007

"Goddamn, Matron, getting sneaky like that? Leaf should train you!"

These fuckers stay silent like I just said an unfunny joke.

"Leaf, work on your not-sneaking someday. Gonna punch you one of these times you fucking river predator."
>"It's okay Boss, I can handle a punch."
"Alright Matron that ain't a half bad plan. I figure we'll scapegoat Chainlink."
>"Ye boss. I'll uh... put some of Chainlink's gnoll's blood on these bags, make it look more authentic, then deliver it... eh, can we get someone else to deliver it?" Leaf bobs his head back and forth. Not sure if he's thinking or if he's just making waves in the pond for fun.
"Yeah, send Hilt on that shit. May as well wait till next week anyway, cause if we had all our shit stolen and a dumbass gnoll like Hilt showed up the next day, I'd probly stab 'im. Wait, don't send them all of their crap back. We need some gold for those humans."
>"Yes." says Matron. "It's perfectly believable that they didn't keep all of the Snake's goods together."
"Is Grasswind gonna bitch about sending some of her prizes back?"
>"She'd better not." Matron continues. "Besides, she has her name back, doesn't she? That will make it clear that her efforts weren't in vain."
"Well whatever, keep her east of here."
>>
No. 900008 ID: bfb318
File 153585419960.png - (172.81KB , 800x800 , 221.png )
900008

Training continues for the rest of the week without incident. They're still crap, but Hilt reminds me that all of us fight regularly, so another week of training isn't going to change everything. Apparently a lot of the week was spent unlearning, which I thought was the opposite of what was supposed to go on, but I guess if they were doing shitty things, now they're not.

Matron also spends some time counting up all our gold coins and general wealth. I and no one around here knows a damn thing about specific prices so we just clump up different kinds of items into one big estimate.


End of Week 2

I review Matron's report, which she made with Leaf and Hilt's help. I make notes where I want then go to bed.
>>
No. 900009 ID: bfb318
File 153585422560.png - (245.45KB , 1000x800 , 222.png )
900009

Okay this is my week away from home.

I mean really away from home like I'm going to be in a different clan for a bit.

"Hilt."
>"Oh hey."
"Here's your bloody bag. Please return it to the Snake Clan."
>"You got it, buddy."

I make sure he can recite where to go in good detail to find the Snake Clan, as well as assurance that he won't wag his tail when he sees them. There's not a lot of good landmarks in that area, so I sent one of the less bad scouts to go with him. Stemwalker will stay here at all times to help protect Clamp. I told the carpenters to take a little time off to build a wooden structure around Clamp's tent. He'll probably gripe about how dumb it is to have a crappy wooden house over his tent, but it's so so much more dumb to just sleep out in the open where scouts could just shoot arrows into his tent. He's the toughest gnoll I know and that's the only reason he's still alive because wow that's so dumb.

>"You're trailing off there, what're ya thinking?"
"How stupid and dumb our boss can be."
>"Whoa. Well I called you buddy, and that means I won't pass it on!"
"It's okay he knows how I feel."

I wonder if there's anything I should do here before I leave.
>>
No. 900014 ID: 4f1cbc

>I wonder if there's anything I should do here before I leave.
Matron.
>>
No. 900015 ID: b1b4f3

Stick a "Kick Me" sign on the back of your worst scout without them noticing.
>>
No. 900031 ID: eeb7d9

Tell Clamp that you are leaving, hug him, tell him to not do anything dumb while you're gone, tell him to no do anything dumb while you're gone again.

>>900015
This, because they deserve it. Dumbass scouts, they need to get better.
>>
No. 900034 ID: a363ac

>>900015
this.
>>
No. 900037 ID: 465a14

>>900015
Yep.
>>
No. 900038 ID: 91ee5f

>>900014
*ba dum tss*

>>900015
Good idea!

Too bad Leaf won’t be able to stick around and see if someone actually kicks the scout he put that sign on!
>>
No. 900050 ID: 70df1e

tell clamp you're leaving. it's always good to keep the chief updated! hopefully he won't do anything foolish while you're gone... but you know him. he almost certainly will.

say goodbye to talon too. he's sort of your friend right?

oh, and don't forget to pick up that gold clamp was going to give you to trade with on your way out, if you haven't already!
>>
No. 900184 ID: 91ee5f

Go hug Clamp and tell him that you’ll miss him and make him promise that he won’t forget about you and replace you!
>>
No. 900219 ID: 9125e0

ambush clamp with a akward hug before you go! and make it creepy
>>
No. 901994 ID: bfb318
File 153714330432.png - (223.98KB , 800x800 , 223.png )
901994

>Matron
I dunno if I mess with her too much Clamp'll get mad and so will she.

I guess there are a couple of things to get in order, so first I go over to one of the newer scouts.

"Hi Guarder."
>"Whoa. Leaf. Hi. What's going on?"
"Nothin'."
>"... then why'd ya say 'hi'?!
"'cause I'm all civilized and that's what I do. No other reason."

Come to think of it, there's not many gnolls here that can read 'kick me'.

Then again, it only takes one, and they just have to point it out to everyone else.
>>
No. 901995 ID: bfb318
File 153714331620.png - (252.76KB , 800x800 , 224.png )
901995

Then I go to tell Clamp I'm leaving. I don't see Talon but we aren't best buds anyway.

>"Th'fuck you doin."
"Gettin' your scent."
>"The fuck, Leaf."
"It's gotta be a big scent otherwise it won't last all week and I won't find the way back."
>"If you don't get back in a week I will fucking find you myself, so don't give me that! Take that gold to trade with and get outta here."
>>
No. 901996 ID: bfb318
File 153714335234.png - (287.08KB , 1000x800 , 225.png )
901996

I find the large lady and wizard from before, by Blacktorch where they said they'd be waiting.

>"Well look who it is. You came." says the large girl.
"Yeah."
>"Stay ahead of us where we can see you, and don't get in the bubble."
>>
No. 901997 ID: bfb318
File 153714336689.png - (186.65KB , 1200x800 , 226.png )
901997

We leave and cross the big dividing river between the gnolls and humans. It's easy to tell since the humans chopped down all the trees on their side.

"So I can't help but notice you guys just sort of walk around here like you own the place."
>"We do." says the wizard.
"Do the humans know that?"
>"They pretend we don't."
"That's enough for them to take up arms, and only two of you walked though here?"
>"They don't know it's just us two. We've had our warriors look alone to lure humans into chasing them. Then we spring an ambush on them with a bunch more. They caught on, and now think twice about chasing a couple gnolls. That means that as long as we don't start burning shit, they won't bug a few gnolls too hard."

A wagon comes up over a hill to our left. They spot us, turn around, and roll back down the hill again.

>"Ignore the fuckers." says the girl. "No fighters in the wagon means nothing of value."

If I were a human and I knew that, then I'd put all my valuables where there's no guards.
>>
No. 901999 ID: 86eb65

Do not point that out to them. If that is a weakness we want to save it for ourselves. Would be a great way to get humans pissed at these guys. Wreck up a bunch of caravans and get the humans down on another gnoll pack.

I would say make idle conversation but you would probably weird them out.

Wait go ahead and make idle conversation. It will be for the best.
>>
No. 902000 ID: 9125e0

Point out that it might be worth checking out the wagons since the humans are crafty basterd's and probably exploit the fact you guys don't mess with "unarmed" wagons.
>>
No. 902001 ID: 9125e0

or this two I guess
>>
No. 902003 ID: 70df1e

tell them its rude not to share their bubble. you're supposed to be allies for the next week at least.
>>
No. 902010 ID: 91ee5f

>>901999
All of this.
>>
No. 902012 ID: deec6e

Tell 'em.

Still, whether or not unguarded wagons hide something, stopping every wagon might be impractical - and if the humans couldn't get anything past the gnolls, they'd probably become a problem too big to ignore.
>>
No. 902029 ID: 575ec0

>>901999
This.

Also, where's your Strength sash, I only see the one. You not down for the whole 'X' look?
>>
No. 902031 ID: eeb7d9

Well, they are kind of smart. But apparently not enough. This will be a great chance to spy on them. Ask stuff. Something that sounds dumb and unimportant but that it could led them to spill out something juicy.
>>
No. 902042 ID: 0c3c2c

>>901997
Save that information for later. Clamp has something going on with the humans and we don't want the Rich Wizard Gnolls getting too much stronger. You're here to help them out and clear a debt, not supercharge them.
>>
No. 902054 ID: 91ee5f

>>902029
Clamp gave that one to Matron.
>>
No. 902092 ID: c29333

Don't give such information to these guys.
>>
No. 902099 ID: 2007b6

Searching every wagon for hidden valuables would attract almost as much attention as setting things on fire.

Also, you're a gnoll and not accustomed to having much in the way of valuables, or operating in areas with high population density. Sure, posting visible guards means you might get robbed by smart, powerful people... but then again, the guards might fight them off, and the odds of randomly encountering smart, powerful people are low. Leaving your valuables entirely unguarded means they might be stolen by random idiots, which is a far more frequent sort of risk and more embarrassing when it does happen.

Think of it like weather. Building a hut might lead to a higher chance of getting struck by lightning, but no shelter means definitely being stuck out in the rain, enough of which can still kill somebody by hypothermia.
>>
No. 902472 ID: 9125e0

...and while we're on the subject of paranoia,Just let that image of our camp geting butt-fucked while you're gone,Then when you get back all is left is Clamp passed out on a mountain of dead gnoll's with leaving Shabin to clean up all the blood and body part's.
>>
No. 903217 ID: bfb318
File 153793329298.png - (349.17KB , 1000x800 , 227.png )
903217

I'm not gonna tell them any of that though since I might be wrong and also I don't want to actually help these guys.

"Hey can I get in the bubble yet?"
>"Why?"
"'cause this is a team building thing right and why would you have me come and help if you're not going to trust me to share bubbles?"
>"You're still an assassin and we don't trust you that much."
"How'm I supposed to help with that attitude?"
>"We'll show you."

We walk on for awhile, then the lady starts pawing at the ground. She lifts a hatch.
>>
No. 903218 ID: bfb318
File 153793330170.png - (261.08KB , 1200x800 , 228.png )
903218

"Oh uh who're these gnolls cause it looks like they don't have that plainswalker's appetite."
>"Slaves. They dig our tunnels. Don't talk to them. If they talk to you, kill them."
"No humans?"
>"We'd like to sometime. But right now they'd descend on us hard if we did more than ransack the occasional caravan."

Oh it's one of these zero-chill slave driver clans. Slaves haven't been a thing in decades.

"So uh, whole camp's like an underground town?"
>"Like we'd set up camp above ground where we could be seen!"
"I kind of thought you guys were so strong that it didn't matter."
>"We don't have to be strong and dumb."

This isn't even a hole with a camp in it, there's a whole underground set of tunnels going on. The dirt does seem pretty soft around here.

... I am a little envious about how this place looks defensible. Unlike our place. I wonder if I could hear Clamp if he yelled as loud as he could.
>>
No. 903220 ID: bfb318
File 153793334857.png - (252.14KB , 800x800 , 229.png )
903220

They push me into a stone room with a few big guys. One of them sits like he's their chief.

>"You're Leaf?"
"I am a leaf, yes. I mean yes I'm Leaf."
>"Well I'm the chief of the plains. Your debt to Goldhunter will be this. You can read, right?"
"Yeh."

He tosses me a piece of paper that looks like a human's report, then starts pointing at his map.

Three gnolls from the plains have been captured. We are sending them to you for interrogation on their whereabouts. We hope to have their location by tomorrow morning so that we may finally stamp them out.
Signed, Captain Marsh


>"We caught a runner with that letter." says the chief. "Those gnolls know every damn tunnel down here! We can afford to have some human find a random tunnel now and then, but knowing the whole layout's no good. The letter was supposed to be delivered to Twin's Keep, so that's where those gnolls should be tonight."
"And you want me to rescue them?"
>"No, I want you to kill them. No gnoll of ours gets captured. Those are now enemy gnolls who have secrets they shouldn't."
>>
No. 903221 ID: b1b4f3

>>903220
Yeah okay. Wait, weren't you supposed to stay here for a couple months? It wasn't supposed to be a one-job deal.

Tempting to try to get one of them out and back to Clamp...
>>
No. 903225 ID: 0c3c2c

>>903220
Okay. Easy enough. You already know a lot about this place's layout just by being here.

Also, they are definitely planning to murder you and enslave your friends. Dang zero-chill murdering assholes.
>>
No. 903226 ID: d5442a

Three assassinations and that's the debt? Just want to double check that. So, ok, what do they look like, what are their skills and personalities, where do you think they are and what do you know about the people who have them, and what proof do you want that they've been killed? Ears? Tails?
>>
No. 903229 ID: 91ee5f

>>903218
>"Oh uh who're these gnolls cause it looks like they don't have that plainswalker's appetite."
Ha! Leaf just collectively called all of them fat! XD

>>903220
>"No, I want you to kill them. No gnoll of ours gets captured. Those are now enemy gnolls who have secrets they shouldn't."
Sucks for them.

This may be a bad time to mention that you’re technically an enemy gnoll and you now know secrets that you shouldn’t know about them and-oh, duh, they’re planning on killing you when you’ve paid off your debt at the end of the week.

>>903221
>Wait, weren't you supposed to stay here for a couple months?
It’s supposed to be for one week.
>>
No. 903231 ID: 10c408

Yeah, this is a total suicide mission. I bet you that even if we got into Twin's peak, killed those three guys and then got out, we'd be considered an "enemy gnoll" the literal second we came back and delivered a report to these no-chill slaving fucks.

Which is why we should do it anyway. It'll get us out of these fucking caves and gives us a better opportunity for some far craftier betrayal that'll put the hurt on these dicks.

(I, for one, am thinking slave revolt. We could tip off the humans as well, but that's too obvious)
>>
No. 903250 ID: a94e23

Ok.
>>
No. 903386 ID: 864e49

I don't like these assholes, they keep slaves rather then giving them an opportunity to join or doing the work themselves the lazy cunts, they don't seem to really care about each other hell they're punishing these three for a screw up with death, and you know damn well that if they had killed one of ours they wouldn't be giving us any kind of payment or recompense.

If we could talk to the humans we could maybe strengthen Stormholds relations with them by helping them deal with Plainswhatevers, maybe tell the three captured gnolls that their own clan wants them dead and if they help you and the humans they can be a part of your clan.
A slave revolt at the same time as a human raid would help immensely.
>>
No. 903399 ID: 2007b6

Say whatever you need to say to get out of here alive, then go become Captain Marsh's new best friend.
>>
No. 903403 ID: 575ec0

Oh. So they want to kill or permanently recruit you since once you know their tunnels you can't leave.

You could start a slave revolt, or bring one of these assholes back to clamp.
They are probably expecting that last one, but can they keep up with you?
>>
No. 903407 ID: c0641d

I think the most feasible plot we could try is to try and fake at least one of the captured gnolls' deaths - preferably the one most open to the idea that they can't go back to the Plainswalkers - and send them back to our camp. We'll have to get to them while they're still in Twin's Keep, since that's outside of the Plainswalkers' area of control, and a lone escapee is less likely to be noticed by anyone we care about. Ask how you're supposed to let them know you were successful.
>>
No. 903483 ID: 70df1e

plan on faking the gnolls deaths if at all possible and bringing them back to clamp and your own clan. make sure the location of this place doesn't get out - chances are innocent people and the slaves (who could really stand to be freed, keep an eye out for chances to do that) would be the ones who get hurt while the leaders escape.
>>
No. 903484 ID: d5442a

Tell him if he wants you to bring back their heads that's really impractical, dragging each one along with you to the other will mess up your chances of getting them all much less escaping to bring them all back. It'll need to be something smaller.

Hopefully if you make sure he understands that you're taking his statement that these killings wipe the whole debt as fact, then all you need to do when you come back is drop the proof down an entrance with a note, give a call for them to pick it up then leave, which should preclude any chance of them easily stabbing you in the back afterwards.
>>
No. 904553 ID: 86eb65

Steal these secret gnoll's for your tribe instead of killing them.

Then get some horrible trophies from other dead gnoll's you kill on the way there.

These idiots will want them as proof of the kill.
>>
No. 904572 ID: bfb318
File 153852166153.png - (136.37KB , 800x800 , 230.png )
904572

>Length of stay?
Just a week.

>Thoughts of betrayal
They sure did show me all their secret tunnels, but, wellll... they're a little cocky and I don't think they think Clamp's clan - uh, I guess it's Clan Stormhold? - can beat them out here.

And I mean they probably aren't wrong. There's like 8 of us that are as good or better than most plainsgnolls.

I wonder if they're trusting me not to tell the humans where they're at. It's real taboo to get other races to fight other gnolls instead of doing it yourself. Maybe that's why these guys are allying up to get at Clamp I guess, since he sure did exactly that because he didn't know about that taboo and I just didn't care.

But maybe they don't know there were humans involved in taking out Wind? I don't think even the wanderers that hang out at our clan would've heard about it because, uh, since it was taboo, we just kind of... didn't talk about it. Like it never happened.

Still though this kind of stinks bad.

>"You there?"
"Yeah I'm just thinkin' to myself. This one thing will clear off the whole debt?"
>"That's right. But if you want to stay for the full week, you can have full looting benefits. We'll talk about that if you succeed here."
"Are the ears fine?"
>"Huh? Oh, yeah, if you take a whole ear from each, we'll figure you were close enough to them to kill them."
>>
No. 904574 ID: bfb318
File 153852167328.png - (160.80KB , 800x800 , 231.png )
904574

>This is a suicide mission
>They want to kill you
>Say what you need to say to get out there

"Uh."

"Ok I'll do it."

.......
>>
No. 904576 ID: bfb318
File 153852168721.png - (161.66KB , 800x800 , 232.png )
904576

Yep that worked.

They gave me some time to study the maps and what they know and stuff, before guiding me out of another exit.

I can make it to the fort this late afternoon, and the Plainsgnolls say the target gnolls will probably get there around sundown, in a probably well guarded caravan.

So first up I could just do the mission. Human garrisons usually aren't much better than gnoll... uh, whatever we call our garrisons. If I leave now I'll have time to scout out the fort.

Or secondly I could sprint back to Stormhold and ask Clamp how he feels about fucking up the plainsgnolls, then sprint back and either do the mission or not. I can run basically forever.

Either way I want to go into the fort later, because there's going to be a storm.

There's also all the gold I have for trading. I didn't ask but I guess I could spend my time trading for stuff, but that'd kill some time.
>>
No. 904583 ID: b1b4f3

>>904576
Trade for a few supplies that would help in general for infiltrating the fort. Get a healing potion if you can.
I think we should treat this like an opportunity to steal shit from the human fort. Either valuables or information.
>>
No. 904595 ID: deec6e

>>904576

Yeah, nah, don't run for days if you don't have to. Use your noggin and think about what Clamp would do, then do what he'd actually want instead, like a good right-hand (or is that ambidextrous?) gnoll.

... Clamp would probably have wanted you to recruit the prisoners, pending them being actually competent and shit. You'll have to see if any of 'em are good prospects for Storm hold and whether you can keep their recruitment from becoming an issue with the Plainskeepers.

On the other hand, those three gnolls did get captured like morons - are they worth possibly pissing off one of the more powerful clans around? Maybe when you find them you can interrogate 'em a bit on how they got captured and what their skillsets are, under pretense of helpin' 'em get free. Might even be able to see whether the Plainswalkers are entertaining the notion of allying with Chainlink. If they aren't, we might just want to do their job so we can keep 'em from accepting an invite into the 'Shit on Storm Hold' club Chainlink's got going.

Granted, Clamp didn't know the Plainskeepers were slave-owning asstards. Last I recall, he wasn't a huge fan of that.

The real question here is whether we want to actually seriously try to make the Plainskeepers friends - or just neutrals - or whether we want to mess them up and take their stuff, despite being one of the stronger clans around. For now, we should just do our thing, figure out some more intel, and then decide.

As an option, you could also possibly do the taboo thing and bring in the humans.

Nah. Unless it starts to look real, real ugly we probably don't have to go that far. Would bring a hell of a lot of flak Clamp's way if you got outed, too, thanks to taboo.
>>
No. 904649 ID: 2007b6

According to that letter, humans were already planning to "stamp out" the plains gnolls. Clamp sent you here to clear a debt; if your creditors have been destroyed, the debt's effectively been cleared. The people you might plausibly piss off by violating that taboo are pretty much already your enemies, whereas Storm Hold has been making some progress toward diplomacy with humans.

And if you come back a week later saying "Oh, the plains guys, with the magic? Yeah, they're all dead now. They were horrible slavers and sorta tried to kill me, do I simply did what was necessary," that's going to add to your legend.
>>
No. 904650 ID: c1212a

You don't need to kill them to take their ears, you know. You can make it look like you've done your job, step out and let the plains gnolls get absolutely blindsided.
>>
No. 904652 ID: 10c408

Alright, first off. Don't run back to stormhold. No offense, you are insanely good but all it's gonna take is one of these chucklefucks to realize you didn't leave to the human garrison to ruin things, so let's not do that.

secondly... If we're going to wait for the storm, we might as well do some shopping. I doubt that these guys have anything tremendously useful to you, barring a healing potion but I could be wrong.
>>
No. 904654 ID: c4a9bd

You don't need to actually talk to humans to have them stomp the plainsgnolls: Just go there, cut an ear off the prisoners, and inform them you were told to kill them and bring back their ears as proof. If that doesn't make them eager to reveal what they know to humans, nothing will.
>>
No. 904661 ID: 0c3c2c

>>904576
Yeah, head to the human fort. Try approaching peacefully. Do the sneaking thing and go up to their commander to ask him questions.
>>
No. 904693 ID: c0641d

>>904661
I think >>904654's suggestion has a much better chance of us not getting outed.
>>
No. 904999 ID: afdebc

>>904572
Here's another way to look at this: their guys got caught, so as far as they're concerned, the humans already know where their tunnels are. If you backstab them by letting those gnolls live you don't make anything worse, you just let it stay the same bad. But if you kill them before they talk, you make things better!

Assuming they don't have any good sneaky assassin types of their own, this is a reasonably good loyalty test. They're not risking anything they weren't risking anyways. It's a gamble to see if you help them in a way they couldn't help themselves.

>>904576
>what do
Trade first, in case you don't come back.

Don't go to bother Clamp, you'll just annoy him.

Then let's go sneak into the human place. Maybe we'll kill these gnolls, maybe they'll make a better offer or something, either way you got an excuse to scout this human place.
>>
No. 905103 ID: 214cda

Trade with the humans; knowledge about the plains gnolls tunnels in return for freeing the gnolls the captured.

Then go back to Clamps Camp with your new friends and let the humans go to war with the plains gnolls.
>>
No. 905112 ID: c0641d

>>905103
That's assuming we can sneak them back across Plains Walker territory. Sneaking a "dead" gnoll back to Stormhold will be way easier if we do it from the more tangential Twin's Keep. Also, directly engaging in a pincer attack with the humans would be a dead giveaway of our dealings with them after the fact, and is just asking for friendly fire in the meantime.
>>
No. 905113 ID: 214cda

>>905112
No I mean let the humans deal with them entirely. Best case; the plains gnolls assume their base/tunnels were given away by the gnolls Leaf was sent to kill before he got there.
>>
No. 905124 ID: 1dd514

I'm with >>904595

I feel like planning for contingencies is fine, but you should probably go ahead and do the job that you agreed to, in good faith. We're here in the first place because we were trying not to make more enemies, don't be the first to betray.
>>
No. 905563 ID: bfb318
File 153894251089.png - (162.68KB , 800x800 , 233.png )
905563

I was given 500 gold for trading. I go back in the tunnels.

>"That was fast." says the lady.
"Yeah uh I forgot I wanted to trade for stuff. I have gold."
>"Yeah? What do you need?"
"What do you have?"
>"Nuh-uh. You're an enemy clan. We aren't showing you everything we got. But we got a lot. So you tell us what you want, and how much you're willing to pay.

I can probably guess how much a thing is worth I guess, but I have to think up what I need. Healing potions are cool, but they might have all kinds of spell scrolls and equipment and stuff, since Clamp's been unhappy with the swords we have.
>>
No. 905589 ID: 9125e0

get ALL of the swords
>>
No. 905607 ID: 575ec0

Ask for some oiled leather armor, or some padded armor with a plated but un-chained brigandine.

How much it's worth to you depends on it's quality, fit, and amount of noise it makes.
You're looking for something silent.

Also, a few health potions would be nice.
>>
No. 905619 ID: deec6e

Remember what the merchant and Hilt taught you and don't get robbed. Metaphorically.

Healing pots. Inquire about prices. Buy 4 if they cost less than 50 gold. If they cost less than 100 gold, buy 2. For 200 or less, buy 1, if it's a quality one. If there are multiple qualities, get a rough mix, but at least one high-quality one, as that's probably the backup life-saver we want to have.

Magic trap scrolls - multiple, if they're cheap enough. Alarm scrolls, the same. Your scouts need all the help they can get.

Are spyglasses still ridiculously expensive? Get one if it's cheap (they can't have much use for it if it's underground), if not, nope out of it.

Don't buy swords. We've got a blacksmith that can make swords. What we can buy is a MAGIC sword. In case of werewolves or ghosts.

... actually, buy a silver ingot or silverware, they should've plundered plenty from the humans. Could be used as gifts to make that werewolf-killing clan an ally, or turn 'em friendlier, after our initial foray.

Snake clan likes silver, right?

If you can't afford it all, prioritize buying magic shit, as we're somewhat lacking in that department.
>>
No. 905631 ID: 91ee5f

>>905563
Either ask for something that’ll be useful for the mission they’ve sent you on or ask for something that you can give to Clamp later.

>>905619
Aren’t Leaf’s knives considered magic? After all, he can get an infinite amount of them from his magic sash.
>>
No. 905638 ID: eeb7d9

Some proper equipment would be nice. Weapons mainly. You don't use armor and shils right? We can exclude those.
>>
No. 905685 ID: 0c3c2c

>>905563
Ask if they have scrolls to summon fireballs.
>>
No. 914687 ID: 7a524b
File 154542537864.png - (175.22KB , 1000x1000 , 234.png )
914687

I guess there's a few things I want from these guys.

"Do you have a fireball scroll?"
>"No."
"Padded armor with unchained brigandine?"
>"No."
"Spyglasses?"
>"No."
"Magic trap - "
>"No."
"... healing potions?"
>"100g a glass."
"Yeah two of those then. How about oiled leather armor?"
>"Sure, we have something that'll fit."
"What about plain weapons?"
>"Got some junk iron weapons we want to pawn off, yeah. Have a look."

They're not bad. Plain and all but they're straight and solid and sword. It's weird and concerning to buy armor and weapons from probable enemies but here we are in life. Maybe that's why they don't want to sell me good magic stuff, I'm sure they at least have a magic trap scroll.

Technically we have a blacksmith but it's going to take a long time for him to catch up on our sword needs, especially since half of our gnolls use swords like clubs.

I'll buy them later when I can actually carry them.
>>
No. 914688 ID: 7a524b
File 154542540726.png - (406.59KB , 1000x1000 , 235.png )
914688

So I have 2 healing potions and armor for myself, with 100 gold left over for later.

I make sure all my stuff isn't rattling around and head to the fort. I put on the armor because it has pockets, and the cloak because I think I look cool in it.

It's about to rain any second, and it's close to dusk, too. If I wait 30 minutes I'll have good cover. This ditch gives me good cover until then.

The walls look a little tall, but rough and easy to climb. There's about 5 rooms on the wall that they can use torches in, but the gaps will be dark. It doesn't look like the kind of place that's supposed to last in a siege, just a stopping post or something like that.
>>
No. 914689 ID: 86eb65

Get your cloak up and find a good spot to get rained on.

Then wait for good light and climb that wall in the spot that looks best. If its raining the guards will be huddled under cover and not paying much attention.
>>
No. 914699 ID: bddb0f

>>914689

Remember not to track mud and water indoors, except where the locals are already doing it.
>>
No. 914710 ID: a9af05

>>914688
Try to not let your bright white eyes hive away your position!
>>
No. 914712 ID: 91ee5f

>>914710
>give away your position!
Fixed that for you.

And I agree with what you said.
>>
No. 914732 ID: b1b4f3

I think Leaf is well acquainted with the basics (and advanceds) of stealth, we're supposed to choose how he enters the fort.

He should definitely wait 30 minutes though. Getting spotted before entering the fort is even worse than being spotted inside it.
>>
No. 914741 ID: 91ee5f

>>914732
Good plan, let’s do that.
>>
No. 914754 ID: 0c3c2c

>>914688
Wait half an hour then slink in via the murderholes.
[Return] [Entire Thread] [Last 50 posts] [Last 100 posts]

Delete post []
Password  
Report post
Reason