Now that the maelstrom of morals are out of the way we should really figure out how to stop said slaughter.
In my understanding when two forces clash it's rarely the leaders getting harmed but rather the peasantry so if we're worried about toilers dying we should try to help figure out how to stop the mongrels. Who has a more just cause matters little in the face of a possible massacre, and as far as I'm aware it's the mongrels planning to fight back which despite their claims of freeing the toilers would most certainly lead to the deaths of many toilers.
I for one would like to have an inventory of what magic we have available, I got the idea we got magic but I have no idea what that magic is capable of. If we have stuff like illusions I imagine some of us can be quite creative with them.

Tell Four that, while the Monger and their mercenaries are different threat that these rebellious miners, they may still be made to fight each other instead of the higher ups or even, as we have just observed, cooler heads may prevail and diplomacy may win the day.
Then sing the first line of one the lullabies she heard. That will soothe.

Also, apologies are in order for the long tirade of insults, it's just...

...We "hallucinations" are not inatentive, we are impermanent. One moment a group of us is here, the next it's another bunch entirely, like some kind of work-shift not fully under our control.
That's why every new act of deceit on your part is met with the same disilussion a child gets when told fairy tales aren't real: because we ARE witnessing it for the first time in a very long time.

I get that you betrayed and ruined forever by being forced to become a Diamond, but the fact that you took a guise of kindness and compassion when you could have just achieved your ends by being a more humble version of Steel speaks volumes of you.

So please, send some Martinets to fetch Asher.....and her hand.
We can see things even your Eyes can't! Do this small thing, and we will help you with YOUR ends.

Yeah, yeah, I know "first threats, now bargain? How trite!" but hey, it is what is.

>>1015481
So the toilers think they're rebelling against Silverlock? And the mongers are a genuine problem in Silverlock? Maybe you can convince them that the mongers are what they're really rebelling against, and that things would be fine without them. Silver might also like that. You might also recall that toilers sometimes hate the mongers. Why, ask around and you might hear from even the littlest toiler their grudge over some fingers taken by a monger.

Even if you can't get these rebels to go after the mongers, you could convince all the non-rebel toilers to get whipped up in a frenzy about the mongers. No one is better suited to make them that way than a preceptor. A very loyal toiler like that poor little Asher would be suitable for an agent among the toilers to get them riled up.

Kill the mongers, assure loyalty from (some) toilers, and secure favor with Silver. A basic plan. Anyways, tell Four that mongers just make this problem more difficult, they aren't the source. Arguably, their mismanagement may be the cause of this toiler rebellion spilling from the mines. At least I think these rebels are from the mines.

Test Four, and ask her why *she* thinks the rebels didn't kill you outright? You asked that yourself, and it would be interesting to see if she has an answer.

The only way you can completely deny responsibility for what's happening to Asher right now is if you didn't know she was walking into a trap until she was too far away to warn her, or send someone to warn her. I expect you would not have warned her even if you could have, because "I thought I’d overplayed my hand for a second, but she fell for it" very strongly implies you were involved in her being ambushed in the first place. That statement was why many of us thought you hired the mercenaries, and why we haven't been listening to you saying otherwise.

In fact, I think you're lying to us. If you have no minions, then you're powerless. If you're powerless, then why are the rebels talking to you?

I think you're lying to us about quite a lot.

Xerin 2021/11/30(Tue)23:17 No. 1016452 ID: 8fae7e
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I pause and let the silence stretch, as if considering her question.

“I will say they are inextricably linked to this situation, despite their recent absence. But tell me, why do you think we were spared?” She opens her mouth but I raise my hand to stop her. “Don’t tell me what you think I believe. Speak your own thoughts.”

“I think… I think that he was concerned. Despite how little he seemed to care, he was so restrained. Not because of us, but… he wants every toiler freed. It was his first demand- his only demand if you consider his request for supplies simply follows from the first. Harming a Preceptor would ensure reprisals. Is he scared for them?”

“A strong line of logic. But you must remember to sound more confident in your ideas. Don’t be so timid, Four. Your mind is your greatest advantage.” She looks down and hesitates.

“What you told the Toiler-” She begins.

“Was necessary in the moment. I could not risk you coming to harm in such a volatile situation, after all.” I bend down and put a hand on her head to comfort her. “Now stay here for a moment. I must make sure it’s safe to leave first.”

>Then sing the first line of one the lullabies she heard. That will soothe.
I am her Keeper, not a nursemaid. She was assigned to me long after her time in a cradle.

> Now that the maelstrom of morals are out of the way we should really figure out how to stop said slaughter.
Or use it to my advantage. Though having my whole caste executed would definitely be hard to squeeze any positives out of.

Xerin 2021/11/30(Tue)23:17 No. 1016453 ID: 8fae7e
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They aren’t dead. I can see their chests move as they breathe. A relief. I don’t need the complication of corpses in my home.

They do seem well and truly unconscious though. Which might be a small blessing.

>So please, send some Martinets to fetch Asher.....and her hand. We can see things even your Eyes can't! Do this small thing, and we will help you with YOUR ends.
Regretfully all my available Martinets seem to be indisposed.

>Also, apologies are in order for the long tirade of insults, it's just... We "hallucinations" are not inattentive, we are impermanent. One moment a group of us is here, the next it's another bunch entirely, like some kind of work-shift not fully under our control. That's why every new act of deceit on your part is met with the same disillusionment a child gets when told fairy tales aren't real: because we ARE witnessing it for the first time in a very long time.
And? I am not ignorant of your nature. Make no mistake, I spar with you critters because it entertains me occasionally. I do not care how a passing thought of mine feels.

>The only way you can completely deny responsibility for what's happening to Asher right now is if you didn't know she was walking into a trap until she was too far away to warn her, or send someone to warn her. I expect you would not have warned her even if you could have, because "I thought I’d overplayed my hand for a second, but she fell for it" very strongly implies you were involved in her being ambushed in the first place. That statement was why many of us thought you hired the mercenaries, and why we haven't been listening to you saying otherwise.
I was quite involved. Why, one might say I am even the main orchestrator. And I have not denied responsibility for her predicament. Merely pointed out that your arguments for ascribing that responsibility to me were weak.

Xerin 2021/11/30(Tue)23:18 No. 1016454 ID: 8fae7e
File 163834311653.png - (1.71MB , 1000x1000 , 180.png )

The two sticklers are held by a dull metal, if my touch tells true, embedded into the walls. I don’t recognize what metal it is by sight. Perhaps if I use a lever, I could get them out. But then again Diamonds aren’t famed for their strength. Annoying.

>In fact, I think you're lying to us. If you have no minions, then you're powerless. If you're powerless, then why are the rebels talking to you?
Knowledge is power, and I am by far the most knowledgeable person here.

>I think you're lying to us about quite a lot.
What point is there in lying to yourself?

>I for one would like to have an inventory of what magic we have available, I got the idea we got magic but I have no idea what that magic is capable of. If we have stuff like illusions I imagine some of us can be quite creative with them.
What magic I do know is, admittedly, rusty. Practicing it in Silverlock isn’t exactly advisable. Barely worth considering unless I am in physical danger.
But you are no doubt referring to my eyes.

To tell the truth I haven’t plumbed the full depth of their abilities. Stretching them in order to experiment is… taxing. But I have developed a few useful applications.

By making eye-contact with a living being I can slip into their sight. I can see what they see at the time whenever I want to. I’ve been pushing this ability the hardest and it’s developed the most. It was only recently I realized I could control what was seen as well. Unfortunately, it also takes active concentration. The more people I have hijacked at once, the greater the toll on myself, and while I can switch the hijacked target if they make eye contact with another, I lose any hold on the original target when I do. I restrict myself to the most valuable targets with this ability, such as Silver and Steel. Its biggest weakness is that if I am not paying attention when my targets see something, I will miss it. I can’t keep tabs on everyone all the time.

Xerin 2021/11/30(Tue)23:19 No. 1016455 ID: 8fae7e
File 163834316261.png - (1.74MB , 1000x1000 , 181.png )

Which is why I developed these physical eyes. What they see, I can see, no matter how long ago it was beheld, though it’s not as clear as I’d like. I need to carve the eyes by my own hand and touch the inscription to see it, but they serve to cover the weaknesses of hijacking.

>Kill the mongers, assure loyalty from (some) toilers, and secure favor with Silver. A basic plan.
Nothing wrong with basic. But the Mongers have tozols on their side, making killing them something of a task in and of itself. The toilers that are not part of Chast’s rebels should be quite indoctrinated, so keeping their loyalty would likely just mean keeping the miners from sowing dissent and contained. Which will be difficult, from what I am seeing. Favor with Silver is already obtained to my satisfaction. I couldn’t lose it if I tried.

>Even if you can't get these rebels to go after the mongers, you could convince all the non-rebel toilers to get whipped up in a frenzy about the mongers. No one is better suited to make them that way than a preceptor. A very loyal toiler like that poor little Asher would be suitable for an agent among the toilers to get them riled up.
I doubt anyone would agree easily with whipping up the toilers into a frenzy. Keeping them sedate is half my job, to my consternation. Losing control of them would be disastrous. Perhaps setting them against the Mongers would be worth it, but once they get a taste of vengeance against their betters it will be difficult to predict how their culture may change.

>So the toilers think they're rebelling against Silverlock? And the mongers are a genuine problem in Silverlock? Maybe you can convince them that the mongers are what they're really rebelling against, and that things would be fine without them. Silver might also like that. You might also recall that toilers sometimes hate the mongers. Why, ask around and you might hear from even the littlest toiler their grudge over some fingers taken by a monger.
A scapegoat, essentially. All of Silverlock’s sins put on them in order to save our skins from the toiler rebellion. I won’t say it can’t work, but a legion of untrained toilers will be chaff in front of trained tozol mercenaries. It may buy us a bit of time though.

If I wanted to play my part as a member of the Preceptory I would go to Silver now, inform her of what just happened, and have her call all the diamonds to a meeting. Likely it would take until later today to gather them, so I’d have some flexibility until then. But it would be relinquishing a large portion of my control over this situation. Not telling them however risks an eventual leak of this information. What if I wasn’t the only person the rebels gave demands to?

>>1016453
Oh, so your response to "you're responsible for her death" was "no" merely in a pedantic way. Great, so we're back where we started. Fuck you! Hope you die screaming, etc.

>Knowledge is power, and I am by far the most knowledgeable person here.
People don't make demands of others when all they have is knowledge. You obviously have actionable power, which they expect you to use to free the toilers. So stop lying.

>What point is there in lying to yourself?
You've never heard of delusional behavior? Even outside of that, people lie to themselves all the time, by downplaying their sins or exulting their virtues. And like I just clearly demonstrated, you are lying to us.

If you're planning, it makes sense to scout. Check relevant eyes to see how much ass you're going to need to cover to keep up appearances.

... all this focus on eyes, I noticed you haven't said if hearing was part of the package.

That might be important. If not, here's hoping you can read lips

The Mongers....have tozol mercenaries now?

The armor-for-a-skeleton tozol?
The "rip out their eyes in the morning, in the afternoon they are reading a novel" tozol?

....How many?
And how come they are not the world's rulers by now? What could the Mongers possibly pay them, that they could not by force take?

.....
Maybe ensuring an alliance between the rebel miners and the Mongers could earn you some leniency if they take over.
That is, if you want to stay Silverlock.

What do you want, Xerin? What are your short and long term goals?

Can the mercenaries be outbid? Cutting off the supply to their usual clients, combined with offering a new contract in the stead of a fight, can make for a compelling offer.
With the mercenaries against them, rather than aligned? The suddenly disempowered can make for easy negotiations...

I believe he meant he doesn't have DIRECT manpower. Knowledge is very powerful if you know how to use it. He probably has connections and blackmail, things like that. If anything given his abilities I wouldn't be surprised if he was privy to almost every dirty secret the ruling class has.
Speaking of which, if they are negotiating with others perhaps we can use that to our advantage. Gather evidence of other negotiations and be the first person to let them know, we can then say they weren't doing their job in bringing this information to their superiors, this will make you seem more trustworthy and possible contenders less so.
Also, can we make these inscriptions on any piece of wood? Would it be possible to fashion amulets with these eyes for everyone who goes to your sermons and then "bless" them every time you have one and get information from it?

Of course he has direct manpower. He orchestrated a murder. You can't do that without being able to tell people what to do. Actually I'm fairly interested in how he managed to do that at all.

How DID you get Asher killed, you scheming amoral asswipe?

>>1016557
Asher is not dead (yet), as she appears to have been taken captive. All he did was convince Asher's eyes (over whom he has power) that she saw her friend and not, you know, a mercenary guard who'd react upon an intruder sneaking up on them with predictable violence.

It seems logical it was he, given the effect. So, not a murderer. But he conspired to have her hand amputated, certainly.

Shame those mercenaries will now get to hear of Silver's suspicions of him, assuming Asher spills it all. One wonders whether they'd listen.

>What to do next
Play your part. One would almost think the way they acted - they'd expect you to.

Although perhaps that means you shouldn't. You could argue you did not want to escalate things fast. That you were suspicious of their real motives and wanted to investigate further.

>Maybe we should give an obsidian helmet and a giant spiked dildo while we are at it.

Um, Caevexerin? Sir? What's a dildo? Is it some sort of reptile?

Xerin 2021/12/09(Thu)09:58 No. 1016959 ID: 623c32
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>You obviously have actionable power, which they expect you to use to free the toilers. So stop lying.
It is difficult to stop what I have not begun. As to your actual point however, my actionable power in this situation is purely in my station. The rebels want me to approach the other preceptors and ‘make their case’, since they correctly predict their demands coming from my mouth will be heard better than their own. As to why they picked me, I expect it’s because I’m the only one they recognize. I believe I am the only diamond who has gone to the mines to talk to the miners in the last decade. Thus, I was most likely to be sympathetic to them.

>The Mongers....have tozol mercenaries now? How many?
I have confirmed at least three. The ones who took away the toiler and the one Haddik, the most influential monger I have hijacked, met with before. I suspect there’s more however.

>How come they are not the world's rulers by now?
Tozols are a servile race by nature and to my knowledge they are not allowed this far into the boondocks. My knowledge is obviously flawed on this point, however.

>What could the Mongers possibly pay them, that they could not by force take?
>Can the mercenaries be outbid? Cutting off the supply to their usual clients, combined with offering a new contract in the stead of a fight, can make for a compelling offer. With the mercenaries against them, rather than aligned? The suddenly disempowered can make for easy negotiations...
That is one of the things I hope to find out through the mercenary I’ve hijacked. However, I believe I have a book on them somewhere that I once skimmed. It might take some time to find however. Maybe it would be a good use of Four, if I can provide a strong excuse for her to search for it. I wouldn’t want to tip my hand to anyone that I know things I shouldn’t, and the presence of tozols is one of those facts.

>I noticed you haven't said if hearing was part of the package. If not, here's hoping you can read lips
Sounds are not transmitted. I have practiced reading lips but it is unreliable, allowing me to glean one word out of every three or four. That’s under perfect circumstances of course. You’d be surprised how often people talk when not face to face.

>Also, can we make these inscriptions on any piece of wood? Would it be possible to fashion amulets with these eyes for everyone who goes to your sermons and then "bless" them every time you have one and get information from it?
Technically I can carve eyes into any material. Wood, stone, even paper if it’s thick enough. The medium effects how it ‘sees’, however. I find wood a decent middle ground, though it tends to wash out details.

I’ve considered the amulet idea before but the problem is that enhanced I may be, there is only so much information I can sort through, and useful information is rare. Going through what the eyes see in detail requires just as much time as it would have if I was watching in person, and skimming makes it easy to miss things. Finding Chast’s attacks was simple as I knew exactly when to look already. I deemed the strangeness of the action not worth the potential rewards.

>Shame those mercenaries will now get to hear of Silver's suspicions of him, assuming Asher spills it all. One wonders whether they'd listen.
Doubtful. Anyone who knows our relationship would discount it. Anyone who doesn’t, such as the mercenaries, have no real reason to care. I suppose they could pass the information on to the mongers, but they have clearly abandoned political maneuvering at this point.

>Maybe ensuring an alliance between the rebel miners and the Mongers could earn you some leniency if they take over. That is, if you want to stay Silverlock.
I have confidence in my ability to manipulate people given time and opportunity, but convincing the miners to not hate mongers would be nigh impossible. They were quite… depraved in spurring on the miner’s labor.

>Play your part. One would almost think the way they acted - they'd expect you to. Although perhaps that means you shouldn't. You could argue you did not want to escalate things fast. That you were suspicious of their real motives and wanted to investigate further.
>Speaking of which, if they are negotiating with others perhaps we can use that to our advantage. Gather evidence of other negotiations and be the first person to let them know, we can then say they weren't doing their job in bringing this information to their superiors, this will make you seem more trustworthy and possible contenders less so.
Silver will be judicious and subtle in her reactions. I could steer her reaction to the miners perhaps, but she would take the matter largely out of my hands. Which could be a benefit, as it would let me focus on the Mongers with less distraction. Alternatively, I could break with what would be expected of me and go to Steel. He would try to meet the miners directly with a force of sticklers. And mobilizing them might scare the mongers, though scaring them into what I’m not sure. Would they call off the coup and delay, or try to delay it. Either way mobilizing the sticklers we have on hand and perhaps calling back the ones who are away would put us in a much stronger postion.

As for gathering evidence I can see the wisdom is that. However, it’s paramount I have a story to go with that evidence that doesn’t implicate me in anything unsavory.

Regardless, I should check my current roster of hijacked people, to ensure I don’t miss anything.

>IIllariopalin Silver
Talking with the Ambassador again. I doubt Riksen will realize only his drink is alcoholic. Silver can be a good actor and Macie is skilled at her sleight of hand.
I catch the words ‘Trade’, ‘Politics’, and ‘Pleased’.

>Braddiosium Steel
Talking at a toiler. Surprising, but unlikely to be important. I am able to get a view of the papers on his desk, luckily. It’s a letter claiming a bounty for Moon Fon? I’m surprised such a slight artisan could have anyone after her in the outside world. I suppose she was hiding here and was caught by the sticklers she is accused of murdering.

>Haddik the Greatest
My package only reached just now? It’s been hours. Then again, I shouldn’t be surprised if they’ve made it difficult for sticklers affiliated with diamonds to make it through their den.

>The Valkin Mercenary
This is my first look at their forces and I am troubled. At a guess I wouldn’t put their numbers at more than fifty, assuming this is the sole cavern they are occupying. But their technology looks to be rather… advanced. Still if they believe they can overcome our garrison of sticklers with just these numbers, they may be underestimating us.

I should keep focus on one of them while I work on other things. Which one would be most useful though?

>What do you want, Xerin? What are your short and long term goals?
I want revenge. To string up every diamond and stickler to the rafters and make them watch as I tear down their works. To collapse this mountain to rubble with everyone in it and use it to mark my father’s grave. To finally pay them back a tenth of what they have done to me.

But that was the dream of a child. I’ve grown past it. Now I simply desire to no longer have to answer to any of them. To put on this simpering personality and pretend to get along with them. I will lead them instead. I plan to become the next Prophet and change this society to one in my image, one where I can thrive instead of be stifled.

Haddik the Greatest is the currently most prominent Monger, I take it?

Finding out more about him or the mercenary troops will be really useful.

In the meantime, we can tell Four to fetch books about tozols, green glowing phantasms, and foreign technology.

Speaking of, the Ambassador talking to Silver is from one of those tribes that didn't make it to Silverlock, right? What were those called again?

And are laprines....foreign technology?

Hey, I've seen that toiler before, that's Asher's friend, Fingers.
Also, that technology is way too advanced, by the looks of it they're hundreds of years ahead just by the fact they're using wireless technology. You've got your work cut out for you. Even if you win against them the technology recovered could possibly ruin your entire society. Imagine if any toiler could message anyone outside instantaneously.

... You're screwed.

Their tech level is at the Victorian Age or higher. You're still in the Pre-Renaissance. You're like two ages away from them. And they have mecha.

At this point, it doesn't matter if they don't have guns. They have a murder-machine that can kill your armies without getting scratched. Your strongest magics might have a slight chance of subverting the mechanics, but they can just build another one.

I'm going to recommend you defect. Now. It's clear that their Plan B is to just bomb the mountain until it caves and kills you all, so they can repurpose their murder-machines into mining-machines. More expensive but oh so effective.

>>1017003
More than that, they have electric floodlights and radio comunicators to talk across different cave complexes with each other.

We might really need those books now!

Oh, and um, for what it's worth:
I'm sorry that your life and the life of your loved ones got destroyed by the Preceptors.
I hope that, when you reach the station of Prophet, you will choose to become the hero to the downtrodden you were denied in your youth.

Haddik is probably your best bet to catch something.

And you're probably going to need something that isn't violence. Those tech differences are stark.

If you can't pull out combat ready explosives or some serious magic equivalent, well...

"whatever happens, (they) have got, the Maxim gun, and (you) have not."

Xerin 2021/12/30(Thu)12:29 No. 1018822 ID: 127cd7
File 164089616557.png - (1.75MB , 1000x1000 , 183.png )

>Speaking of, the Ambassador talking to Silver is from one of those tribes that didn't make it to Silverlock, right? What were those called again?
‘Minkin’ is the old term.

>Are laprines.... foreign technology?
No.

>Haddik the Greatest is the currently most prominent Monger, I take it?
Currently. Mongers enjoy jockeying for positions so change happens often, but Haddik has been their ‘leader’ for the last couple of years.

>... You're screwed. Their tech level is at the Victorian Age or higher. You're still in the Pre-Renaissance. You're like two ages away from them. And they have mecha.
We are not ‘screwed’, despite the-

>Also, that technology is way too advanced, by the looks of it they're hundreds of years ahead just by the fact they're using wireless technology. You've got your work cut out for you. Even if you win against them the technology recovered could possibly ruin your entire society. Imagine if any toiler could message anyone outside instantaneously.
>And you're probably going to need something that isn't violence. Those tech differences are stark. If you can't pull out combat ready explosives or some serious magic equivalent, well...
Like I’ve said-

>At this point, it doesn't matter if they don't have guns. They have a murder-machine that can kill your armies without getting scratched. Your strongest magics might have a slight chance of subverting the mechanics, but they can just build another one.
>More than that, they have electric floodlights and radio communicators to talk across different cave complexes with each other.
>I'm going to recommend you defect.
Shut up! Your panic is-

Immaterial. It doesn’t matter. I can be decisive without your input when you are like this. I…

I’ve wandered back into the room with Four? No, I meant to.

>In the meantime, we can tell Four to fetch books about tozols, green glowing phantasms, and foreign technology.
“Four!” I bark. Too loud. Must moderate my voice.

“Yes?”

“Go to my private study and look for books on t- foreigners.” Better.

“Foreigners? Why Preceptor?”

“I… I will inform you later. I must go and, and get help for Stazi and Kati. Yes.” I rush out with little of my usual decorum, but that’s fine. That makes sense in these circumstances.

Xerin 2021/12/30(Thu)12:30 No. 1018823 ID: 127cd7
File 164089623689.png - (1.78MB , 1000x1000 , 184.png )

I remember to grab a book to put my nose into as I leave. Ideally it will serve to rebuff anyone who may attempt to approach. I can’t- do not feel like conversing right now. I take the most direct path to the Silver’s office, following back paths. I feel strangely naked to be walking without even one martinet guard. I would like to go past their barracks to get help for Stazi and Kati, but they are likely to waylay me with a guard and try to keep me ‘safe’. It would take too much time. I’ll find them help once I have talked to Silver.

Silver was in her private offices lower in the city. They are also, thankfully, closest to my own domain so checking there first for her will not be strange. Like… randomly asking my ward to look up ‘foreigners’. Blind me, another thing to fix later.

>I'm sorry that your life and the life of your loved ones got destroyed by the Preceptors. I hope that, when you reach the station of Prophet, you will choose to become the hero to the downtrodden you were denied in your youth.
Heroism leads to an early death. I would like to fully enjoy my centuries, thank you.

Xerin 2021/12/30(Thu)12:33 No. 1018825 ID: 127cd7
File 164089638675.png - (1.84MB , 1000x1000 , 185.png )

Ah, the so-called war hero Silver has taken under wing is serving as her outer guard today. He doesn’t like me despite my persona. Or perhaps because of it. He’s smart enough not to show it too obviously at least, and he’s not important enough to devote any real effort to convincing otherwise.

“Preceptor Brass.” He says as I approach. He doesn’t even grace me with a bow. “Preceptor Silver has ordered that she isn’t to be disturbed.”

“I just need to speak to her for a moment. I’m afraid it’s quite urgent.” He doesn’t move a muscle.

“She said she isn’t to be disturbed.” He repeats, slower.

How best to get past him? I can barge in, I’m sure. He wouldn’t be stupid enough to physically bar me, but if I interrupt Silver while she’s spinning a web around Riksen I could ruin or set back her plans. She’d forgive me eventually, but it would cast a certain pallor on our following conversation. Or if I wait, she may find it strange considering the circumstances. I do not think we are in immediate danger, but it is far more important than any foreign ambassador.

Whatever I do it must be under the guise of I’ve cultivated, of course. Genial, soft, and non-confrontational.

Ask how long she will be, if this is unacceptable stress that this is an important matter that needs to be seen to.

I say barge in

"How long will this be, and how many lives will my interruption cost?

... as I said, this is important."

Helps that this statement is true, and if Silver is really up to some shit, it gives leeway for her to push back. Use your own judgement on how fanatical her guards are and how little common lives matter, though this group of miscreants seems like it can slash a bit higher up on the ladder, if you don't handle it.

... and on that note, you seemed less concerned than us about their military prowess. Can you elaborate on your own? With things like your Damnation in the picture (FM (fukkin magic) to us, buddy) we don't actually know what your faction can do. Some elaboration could be very reassuring. Come the Apocalypse, what could you do you do to wipe these fuckers out, if you really had to?

oF cOuRsE, wE mIgHt KnOw SoMeThInG yOu DoN't~

Not panicking, of course. Just a friendly threat/warning, like you're used to~

If you absolutely must talk Silver, then entering right away would be the best choice.

If not, we can just rely the message about the rebels to this Martinet and let him inform her for us. Then we can focus on other things.

Xerin 2022/02/25(Fri)09:35 No. 1024629 ID: eb049f
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“Do you know how long she’ll be?”

“As long as she wants, Preceptor.”

“Well, I’m afraid I cannot wait. People’s lives are in the balance. So, sorry but-“ I put my hand out in front of me and walk past him, trying my best to look apologetic. For a second he tenses and I can see the debate in him mind of what he wants to do versus what he should do. His good sense wins out and he backs away.

“Just… let me announce you. Please.”

“Of course. Thank you.”

>You seemed less concerned than us about their military prowess. Can you elaborate on your own?
I am less worried about a protracted conflict because we outnumber them militarily by at least ten to one, without counting those martinets currently on campaign. Who I have no doubt would be called swiftly back and be here within a week. The problem is the damage they could do quickly, particularly to the preceptors.

>Come the Apocalypse, what could you do you do to wipe these fuckers out, if you really had to?
A single martinet, barring exceptional ones such as Gatezi or Karta would only serve as grist to the mill to slow down the mercenaries, but we have a lot of grist. I admit I am no scholar of war, but numbers do matter. Of course in the unlikely case that they don’t, the martinets do have *some*… contraband to help even the playing field.

Xerin 2022/02/25(Fri)09:37 No. 1024630 ID: eb049f
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“Preceptor Silver. Preceptor Brass is here to speak to you. He insisted.” He announces me to the small room.

“Ah, another madkin, good. Come on in!” The Ambassador says slightly too loud. Silver looks miserable.

“Tell me, because the wonderful Ms. Silver claims ignorance.” He slurs slightly, and hangs off of Martinet Gatezi like an oversized vine. “How do you resist the Descent? I was convinced Madkin couldn’t by your very nature.”

Xerin 2022/02/25(Fri)09:38 No. 1024631 ID: eb049f
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I didn’t resist. My father watched over me as I ‘plunged’. That’s what he called it. Every mage must do it to touch magic for the first time. It’s quite harrowing and I try not to bring it to mind. Regardless, answering that question truthfully would mean execution. The practice of magic is the greatest taboo we have in Silverlock. I have no idea why he would have the belief preceptors would be unable to resist doing it, though. Every creature has a self-preservation instinct and we are no exception. Even with our afflictions.

“We have managed-“ Silver tries to interject.

“No, no, I must hear it from his own mouth. Everyone can Descend, but your kin are so close to the edge already. Your legs dangle into the majesty of sorcery. The gravity, the pull of it must be unbearable for you.” He starts to chuckle. “At least that’s what I’ve been told.”

I recognize that look on Silver’s face. It's a fermented mix of annoyance at being interrupted and yet gratitude for same. It frequently falls over Silver as meetings with intolerable boozed-up buffoons drag on. I needn't have been so cautious. If I can think of some way to get him to leave, she’ll no doubt accept it and back me up on it.

“Of course,” He continues. “I should be thankful none of you are mages. As many preceptors as there are here, I would be afraid to be within 100 leagues of this mountain.”

Hmm. Something interesting seems to finally be happening with Monger Haddick. After she let the martinet I sent leave unmolested there wasn’t much I could glean from her behavior. She didn’t even peruse the book. I didn’t think she was so dim she’d miss that obvious an overture.

Xerin 2022/02/25(Fri)09:40 No. 1024632 ID: eb049f
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My first good look at a tozol. Underwhelming, to be honest. Haddik is yelling at it I expect. Not that the tozol seems to care. It’s just studying that paper, which Haddik, unhelpfully, has not yet glanced at. If only-

Xerin 2022/02/25(Fri)09:44 No. 1024634 ID: eb049f
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“Tell me boy! Why haven’t you taken your power?”

Because shortcuts blind you to the path's sights.
Power kills the journey if it's not at its end.
A preceptor's vocation is knowledge.

"Our religion forbids the use of magic, plus we have medicaments to keep its call.
Are you sorcerer yourself?"

The placatives above are a good start, delivered in good nature. Don't want to appear worried at those accusations.

Afterwards it seems a good time to remark on how much the Ambassador has had to drink, and suggest a break

Are you alright ambassador? You seem like you might have had one too many drinks.
As for the madness, we are holy men, to lose ourselves to such a thing would undermine our very role and existence, we are known for our chastity, ambassador.
Basically, don't go into ANY specifics on how you might fight it back and just quote scripture.

>>1024636
yeah hit him with philosophical stuff, refuse to elaborate further.

"Because whenever my sinful mind even thinks about it, the power screams at me with the cacophonous rage of a thousand demons.
I wouldn't touch it if you stabbed me in the eye."

>>1024636
sounds good
>>1024637
this too

>I need a plan to get this guy to leave.
How about a plan to get this guy to leave AND make a Martinet's life miserable for a couple hours?

Once he is done fuming about how, in Silverlock, witches get stitches, tell the ambassador:
"Say, I see you have made good friends with Martinet Macie, here. Would you like her to show you the market square? The way our Mongers and Artisans combine their trades there is nothing short of divine."

I mean, sure, Macie will not forgive you for putting her under the spotlight, but she also won't forgive Silver for letting you do it.

And besides, she messed with Riksen's drinks.
She made her bed. Now she can sleep with him in it.

Xerin 2022/11/03(Thu)10:43 No. 1048377 ID: 987e99
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>Don't go into ANY specifics on how you might fight it back.
That’s quite easy, as I have no specifics. Or even vagaries as I’ve never had to resist this ‘call’. I don’t know what he’s talking about.

“A preceptor’s calling is to collect knowledge and use that to guide our fellows. Pursuit of power would be a dereliction from that duty. Power such as that blinds its wielders to other, more important sights along our journey.” I give him a placating smile. “It’s forbidden for the good of us all, Ambassador.”

“Bah!” He says and lets go of my shoulder. “Almost word for word what she said! That and discipline and responsibility. As if you do not reject the power to shake mountains and reach beyond the veil of death.”

“Are you sorcerer yourself, sir?"

“No, no. Your request for a mundane representative was quite clear. You need not have specified, of course. I would have been sent regardless.” He sighs. “Taking the Descent would always be a mistake for me. I am not exactly a fount of self-control and like as not to burn myself out in a couple of months.” An opportunity, and I can be blunter here than Silver can, considering her position.

“I can imagine,” I give an obvious glance at the table of glasses and pitchers. “Forgive me for saying so, but you seem to have overindulged here as well.” His eyes narrow for a moment before he sighs and Silver clicks her tongue at me in recrimination.

“Preceptor Brass.” She replies in a clipped tone. “Apologize to the ambassador immediately.”

“No, no. Belay that.” He interjects. “I am the one who should apologize for getting away from myself. I am not here for fun, in the end.” He runs his hands across his silver badge. “I may be in need of a small break. If one of your nykin could take me to my room so I can freshen up, we can continue our talks a bit later.”

“Of course. Martinet Narko outside will escort you.” Silver states. He extricates himself from Gatezi and shambles to the door. I’m surprised Silver doesn’t let out a sigh herself once he is gone, but her self-control has always been impeccable.

Still. I am finally, alone with Silver. Well, Gatezi is here as well I suppose, but barely counts. I can say anything I could tell Silver in front of them. But what should I tell her, exactly? And almost as important, how?

You should probably keep a literal eye on Haddik again, or when you think about it...

I'm not sure why those mercenaries haven't done her in yet, but since Asher's head still attached, I suggest we use her to see what other caves and forces the Mongers have in store on the way to whatever impromptu prison cell they are taking her to.

As for what to say, who to rat out.... the miners look like they could be most easily duped into hurting someone we don't like at a critical moment, since you are the only person in power who has ever shown them a modicum of sympathy.
Of course, Four and your Martinets already saw Chast doing his mumbo jumbo and offering his terms. We will have to convince them that he and the miners are being used by the Mongers if we don't want to have their rebellion stamped out immedeatedly.

It would probably be best to present our evidence that the Mongers are up to no good, as they have enough forces that Silver will probably decide to employ caution rather than an all out assault.
That is, if you are ABSOLUTELY sure they won't parley with you in exchange for becoming a turncoat. Admitedly, they'll probably just reward your betrayal with safe passage to the nearest frontier town. Life outside would be harsh, it would require actual work, and may even be cut a couple centuries too short.... but at least you won't have to live the rest of your days pretending to be the best friend of the people who ruined your life. Up to you whether ousting the Monger now is a better idea than pleading your case to them later today.

Since we are at it, what makes Martinet Gatezi so special and dangerous? And how does someone as weaselly as Narko become a war hero, anyway?

Xerin 2023/09/18(Mon)14:55 No. 1072624 ID: a1a7f4
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First, I must let my walls down. Losing composure in front of the Ambassador would not have been acceptable of course, but now we are alone. Acting as my ‘unguarded’ self in front of Silver is something I’ve had a lot of practice doing. Now, should I go with a slightly quivering lip or-

“Amazing. I’m being blessed with a social call.” Oh god, she’s starting already. “Did Martinet Gatezi go behind my back to do the requisite cajoling into visiting your mentor? Gatezi, remind me to give you a commendation for taking on such an onerous extra duty in your free time.”

“What? No- I mean, I am afraid not, Palin, I-” Mistake. I haven’t attuned the right mindset yet.

“Oh, are we back to a first name basis, Keeper Brass.” She gives a light snort. “So, what brings you from your cavern of tomes and dust, Caevaexerin?”

“It’s not dusty, it’s cleaned… nevermind.” Recalibrate. Get back on topic. “I have distressing news to inform you of, but first my martinets need assistance. They’ve been, well, affixed to the walls of my dwelling.”

“Injuries?” Gatezi asks in a clipped tone from behind me as Silver’s eyes narrow.

“I don’t think so, but they were still unconscious when I left. I came here immediately.”

“Were you followed?”

“No. The perpetrator left quickly so I-” Gatezi begins striding through the room before I finish my sentence and Silver lets out a long, deep sigh.

Xerin 2023/09/18(Mon)14:58 No. 1072627 ID: a1a7f4
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“Who did it? What were they after?” Gatezi asks as they pull a step stool and a dampened rag from a small closet and quickly use them to wet the etched eye above the door lintel. I can hear the swivel of the eyeball as their hand passes over it.

“Oh, I believe it was a toiler from… the mines.” I suppress a wince and Silver clicks her tongue. I continue regardless. “They had a message from the Mongers and… I don’t believe that is necessary, Martinet!”

Gatezi doesn’t even deign to glance in my direction as they bar the door.

“You’re wasting your breath. We are at Gatezi’s mercy until we are secure, I’m afraid.” Silver takes another sip from her glass. “Ward Four?”

“I sent her to my study. She knows where the panic room is inside, so she can hide there. However, I was hoping to return with your martinets now and help-“ I begin.

“Preceptor safety is paramount.” Gatezi interjects already next to the bookshelf. They tap their knuckles against it in a staccato pattern. Aonaz or some other guard must be behind it as a second later a grinding sound comes from it and the shelf begins sliding out of the way. “Once you’re properly defended, we will go recover your ward and guards.”

Silver stands up and gestures to me. “Help me straighten up before she finishes. If they have their way the office will still be a complete mess when we leave. You can explain the message while we clean.”

I personally wouldn’t call a table of glassware in an otherwise pristine office a mess, but I learned as a child that Silver’s aesthetic standards are the only ones that matter when she’s in the room. The snippiness I receive during her rare visits to my library are-
Nevermind. While I help move to help her put things away, I check on Haddik. She is looking at a cavern map. I vaguely recognize the shape… yes, it is of the mines. Or more specifically their entrances. The notations imply that most… no, all of the tunnels to the mines have been blocked off. Cave-ins happen of course, but for all of them to collapse and those of us higher in the mountain not to have experienced a similar series of collapses means it must have been done deliberately. The toilers, no doubt.

>I'm not sure why those mercenaries haven't done her in yet, but since Asher's head still attached, I suggest we use her to see what other caves and forces the Mongers have in store on the way to whatever impromptu prison cell they are taking her to.
Her head may still be attached, but my eye doesn’t reside in it anymore. I traded up for the mercenary, who is not observing anything I find useful at the moment and is not in the toilers vicinity for now.

>What makes Martinet Gatezi so special and dangerous? And how does someone as weaselly as Narko become a war hero, anyway?
Martinet Gatezi is the most skilled martial artist I’m aware of in Silverlock. I believe it’s been years since they’ve been defeated, and most of their spars with other martinets are handicapped to be at least a dozen against them at a time. As for Narko, I haven’t looked into the specifics of his heroics. I assume he conducted himself favorably during some border skirmishes, though I don’t know whether it was with the neumono living on the peak or the valley barbarians hubward.

Xerin 2023/09/18(Mon)14:59 No. 1072628 ID: a1a7f4
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>As for what to say, who to rat out.... the miners look like they could be most easily duped into hurting someone we don't like at a critical moment, since you are the only person in power who has ever shown them a modicum of sympathy. Of course, Four and your Martinets already saw Chast doing his mumbo jumbo and offering his terms. We will have to convince them that he and the miners are being used by the Mongers if we don't want to have their rebellion stamped out immediately. It would probably be best to present our evidence that the Mongers are up to no good, as they have enough forces that Silver will probably decide to employ caution rather than an all out assault.
I don’t have any evidence, but it’ll be trivial to lead Silver to think they were behind it. There’s more than enough bad blood that she’ll take it for granted. I explain the situation, that the Mongers have duped the toilers into delivering threats and I fear infected them with magic.

I might have attempted to keep the magic a secret, but my martinets would inform everyone once they are rescued regardless. Silver stays quiet as I lay it out, along with my insistence we find a peaceful solution before life is lost.

Behind the bookshelf a tunnel stretches into the bowels of the mountain. Once it’s open Gatezi wastes no time hurrying us along into it. However, at the last second Silver stops on the threshold.

“Caevaexerin. Do you think I am a fool?”

Use a preocuppied but understanding tone: "You... think armed conflict can't be avoided?"

If she means something else, something aimed at you, well... get angry. You are just a young little preceptor trying to help and she blames you instead. Play that up.

And uh... did you cast an Eye on Gazeti at some point? Casting a distracting illussion on our present company may be warranted soon, I feel.

Does she know you were dreading having to manage her insipid scheme? That's about the only thing related to Silver which you totally didn't act on, while some random monster conveniently removed your loose end's entire hand.

Does she know it's you who uh... totally didn't do any of that stuff?

Otherwise you've been nothing but genuine to her. Does she not believe your Martinets have been fused to the wall? That's what you wanted her help with, right? Does she think you're hiding the fact that the toilers are revolting, due to overzealous labor extraction on part of the mongers? Because I think she can see that from all the collapsed mines. She doesn't know you have an eye on her, does she?