8/14 Grey 2024/03/14(Thu)22:55 No. 1086457 ID: 3f89df
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Sorry, My apologies, I... I don't wish to discuss this any further.


> So your long-term goal is to siphon as much human tech as you possibly can and then build a civilization in a hidden place. As long as you can prove you're not going to wage war on the big, scary Empire, you can get away with being an 'informal' client state of the Empire. And then you and your descendants wait until they screw themselves over.

That is an excellent plan but only the passage of time and the decisions we make along the way will give way to that truth, most humans aside from the Empire are near or around our current technology, I'd say, however, I must admit that I have not personally visited any human settlements until our previous expedition.

>>1086120

That's... that's a relief; I would have never forgiven myself if I ended up destroying life, and no, I have not seen any sentient pychaninum before, and not those that end up in such a defined form such an orb, Psychaninium is usually quite spikey and long, with many, many branches of ore almost equivalent to that of a tree, I recognized your mother by her spiraling purplish glow, like that of an internal whirlpool.

I do wonder what you'll become and if you'll eventually gain a physical form. Quite honestly, you are absolutely fascinating, and I wish to conduct a thorough study on you, although that is not a high priority at the moment.
It's a shame you didn't know what happened to our city, but I can't end it against you. I'll find a way to revive your mother. Your current questions make me curious about what she knows, too, although if she killed herself to hide her shame, then she belongs to be brought back to shards If you'll allow so.

> She said you and her have similar minds. What would you do in her situation?

I'm....i'm not sure I'd have the best answer for you, it's... it's pretty embarrassing, especially as an advisor to Crocodile. May we continue on?

9/14 Grey 2024/03/14(Thu)22:55 No. 1086458 ID: 3f89df
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> I thought at first that our Mother might have been the Blood Mother, but she was mortal, not a goddess. Maybe we *are* angels, which would mean she was one too. I cannot say if she was acting on the Blood Mother's orders or not; she didn't tell us.
What is the Blood Mother like?

Blood Mother is a nurturing, kind god; despite what her name may believe, her blood runs through all life in the ecosystem, and she blessed our world with her daughters and sons, the dragons her divine seers and eyes, ears and mouth; I have not met her expect in spirit, so I do not know the exact definition.

> class of ranged weapon that will launch projectiles via controlled explosions. It's called a firearm or a gun.

Oh, are you referring to a musket? It's quite a new invention, and its quantity is rather small. It's definitely not ready for wide-scale adoption for an army at the current moment, but it's quite interesting that you know of that current invention! It only happened just a year ago. The GoldScale capital has given their guards muskets, and that has helped with defense fairly recently.

I am only familiar with the other races and ourselves using wind and water turbines alongside steam used religiously near the capital. However, it is a fairly expensive technology, so getting steam would be quite a financial commitment, but when you have the time, please tell me about all you know that you think we should do; it would be a massive help to us.

> It sounds like you know of steel, at least. Do you know of anything stronger than that? What about stainless steel? Tungsten alloys? Diamond-tipped saws and grinders?

We know of all of the ore you're provided, although I've never heard of Diamond-tipped saws and grinders before; we are also familiar with Silver, Copper, Plasteel, Uranium, Jade, Gold, Pychaninuam, and Untoaminin.

Although I'm no miner, the exact list could be clearer for me; if you end up getting the power to do so, you should tell Bardiebor about that; I've heard that he was a child miner prodejey before he picked up the axe.

10/14 Grey 2024/03/14(Thu)22:55 No. 1086459 ID: 3f89df
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>>1086166

> One thing about Bardeibor. He knows how to use "magic," as you call it. I'm not sure if this is new information to you or how common that is among your species.

Oh yes, magic! Well, because of blood mother, everyone can technically use magic; however, it is completely dull in most people across *most* races; with the help of Pychaninum, however, it can open your mind and allow you to use abilities and matter around you in whatever way the caster seems fit, just make sure to not overheat your mind.
I was given this gift when I was younger during training as allowing to me to help heal, soothe, and calm down patients much easier than through normal skills; It seems Bardeibor uses it in order to more use his abilities to his fullest, or to drive himself into an beserk rage.

Oddly enough, Crocodile does not have it, so before I knew that she was sentient, I was thinking of turning your mother into a psycast wand in order to unlock Crocodile's abilites. However, pychaninum, and psy-casting, while not exceptionally uncommon, is fairly rare, and unless you have good connections, most will not be able to use them in their lifetime.

11/14 Grey 2024/03/14(Thu)22:55 No. 1086460 ID: 3f89df
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Oh, yes, my bandages... well... I assure you I'm perfectly healed. There are other reasons I wear these bandages, and it's not your knowledge to know.

> Apart from that, we need to know what promises you made to your kobold brethren of the main capital, who or what your closest neighbors are, your relationship with them, and how good your current location is. Do you have easy access to food and water? How harsh are the winters, and how defensible are they? How feasible would it be to relocate ?

[i] The main capital is the GoldScales Covent, located near the middle of Kuih-ea in an underground city amongst the highest cliffs, the distance between the capital and a larger near Uhi, an average size port-like city of pawn-bolds, and the city of pure dragon-kobolds of Upo, Lastley there seems to be an interesting set of bi-raced umm... Spirit worshipers that, let's just say, have an interesting choice in ware near there; besides the spirit worshipers who are neutral, we are on fairly friendly terms with the other kobolds, although I'm personally more familiar and have connections between Insutna and Fang Tooth, I mean- GoldScale Covent.

12/14 Grey 2024/03/14(Thu)22:55 No. 1086461 ID: 3f89df
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This may be embarrassing, and please, if you gain the ability to switch between most of us at will and someone new joins, promise me you won't tell them this, but...

Crocodile is no prince, nor is he a king. he is no higher then a Baron. He is personally indebted to GoldScales after an agreement to give people, animals, food, and support and land out south in return for regular taxation and agreement as Kobold owned laned under GoldScales jurisdiction Crocodile has worked all of his life in order to get to this moment, but after all of his hard work, it just disappeared like it never existed.. I wonder how he feels right now.

We must give GoldScales his payment. Otherwise, I project heavy consequences towards the capital, but our current amount is not sufficient; on very rare occasions, at minimum, he usually charges him 1000 gold, almost around 2442 farmers' labor in wages, when converting from silver and bronze to course, It is also why I am concerned to leave this location, however, if we are near a kobold settlement or elsewhere he may find us relatively easily, I reckon he'll or one of his treasurers shall be here in around three months, to collect our payment. [/i]

13/14 Grey 2024/03/14(Thu)22:55 No. 1086462 ID: 3f89df
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Regarding food and water, there is a river and some easy-to-find underground wells due to the vertical nature of our hill face; food is fairly common with berries, fruit, and some other edible plants growing here, as well as small and large mammals around here. Since we are near the northern equator, it can snow quite a lot and get quite cold, which can be quickly dangerous for our cold-blooded temperatures without proper equipment, and because of that, we can only grow our crops in mid-spring to late fall if we are lucky to do so.

In terms of the position, it's not the best; as we've said before, we are close to the middle of the continent, so there is a wide variety of passers-by. I also see more of the Empire's flying ships pass by over here, then I saw back near Kuih-ea, although we do have the advantage of mountains and hills since we live in a valley. Therefore, if we play our cards correctly, we can have a good defensive position.

In terms of relocation, we have around 12 days of food, not counting those hunting or foraging. However, Bardeibor is the only one decent in those skills, and being on the road for too long can attract bad attention; the best bet is to relocate north towards more kobold settlements or explore west to discover new lands, east leads to unknown lands, plus human empires of varying intensity and warfare, and since I see the ships mainly coming from the south, I do not wish to explore south-word either.

In all, it's potentially risky but manageable. However, I would prioritize settling down whenever possible due to our time limit as opposed to the capital. [/i]

14/14 Grey 2024/03/14(Thu)22:55 No. 1086463 ID: 3f89df
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> And we have not been given a name, so as far as I'm concerned, you may choose one for us or just call us whatever name your mythology uses for the sort of beings we are. Except if it's some kind of horrible monster, please don't name us after a monster.

Hmmm........ I think I'll call you Muni!

So Muni, after all that you have heard, what do you think we should do?

>>1086463
Muni is a nice name grey mother.
I'll wear it happily.

Very well then.
To work.
Shelter is of primary need.
Build a simple, storage warehouse. It can double as a shelter until you have built a proper residential building.

If any of you are absolutely incompetent at building or sorting supplies then they could range around the new site as a scout.
Not too far. Get a feeling for the local terrain.
See if theres anything misseed on initial scouting and become familiar with safe places and danger spots.

Hard work ahead grey mother, but you build a foundation for the lives and legends that will come after.

Maybe we should check on our neighbors and build relations? You seem to be a bit more of a charismatic sort, rather than a builder.

Moving closer to other's territory will just cause conflict. Stick to this spot before you loose your claim on it.

It would be good to visit your neighbors and recruit people to help work the land.

>>1086455
Yeah, you can do better than that idiot.

>>1086456
We apologize for the sins of our ancestors. If only we guided them to reason, rather than perseverance.
Every human has a seed of rage, of madness. But most of the time, that seed is grown by an outside force. A force that manipulates the human into worshipping them - and orders them to kill everyone else.
They are so pathetically gullible, tricked into believing ridiculous things. Even the smartest among them can be swayed with time. One of the few competent human philosophers noted that the crazier a human's beliefs, the more evil you can order them to do.
Odds are, the human who... did all that to your family genuinely believes he was following the orders of a good god.
If you want revenge, find the ones who taught him that 'murder is a good thing' and stop them.

>>1086458
Grey, all of the Empire's standard primary weapons are really advanced muskets.
There's a plethora of stats around guns - stopping power, aiming assistance, pellet spread, recoil as the excess force from the gun hits the user, and how long it takes to arm the next shot, or re-charge the weapon entirely. But at the end of the day, a gun is something you can learn in an hour. That power, to turn anyone with a hand into a competent conscript, with the bare minimum of training, is what ensured guns became the only ranged weapon worth training in the Empire. In most civilizations, really.

Of course, since all the money goes into guns, melee training has devolved into small emergency weapons, mostly knives.

>>1086458
I don't know those last two elements. Also, you do realize Uranium is blighted, right?
Lead is great at absorbing blight before it affects you, but otherwise it's actually pure poison and can cause brain damage by merely licking a slab of lead. You'll want to put all the lead between the walls of your shelters and nowhere else.

>>1086459
...Waaait a minute.
Normal Pychaninum is starting to look a lot like Psitanium. I know a little about that, and... I don't think it's healthy. Psitanium has this unfortunate tendency to make slightly insane people even more insane. If they're the same mineral...
I mean, the last human we saw driven insane by Psitanium tried to sneeze peoples' brains out and turn them into vehicles!
In short, are you sure exposing people to this stuff to develop powers is a good idea?

>>1086461
I already don't like that guy. A thousand gold is nothing to sneeze at, and that was your seasonal payment?!
No, this reeks of a scam. The people on loan were Gold Scale's; how hard would it be for them to ditch you so Gold Scales could claim your lives on default?
In any case, his investment is already suspicious and his terms were deeply unfair. Screw that guy.

You need guns. It's the only way to get the Empire to back off. Go south, but carefully, and find an outpost. If you can steal some guns and a few crates of ammo, hunting will become incredibly easy, and you can quickly train up an army and oust Gold Scale from power.

1/10 Grey 2024/04/17(Wed)10:12 No. 1089037 ID: 3f89df
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>>1086470
> Muni is a nice name, grey mother. I'll wear it happily.
That's good we've figured that out, Muni, or I guess Muni's; it's much easier than calling you Angels and, well, make me sound less like a religious fanatic ounce I discuss your presence to others or a stranger.

>Very well, then. To work, shelter is a primary need. Build a simple storage warehouse. It can double as a shelter until you have built a proper residential building.
> If you need to improve building or sorting supplies, they could range around the new site as a scout.
Not too far. Get a feeling for the local terrain.
See if anything needs to be added on initial scouting and become familiar with safe places and dangerous spots.
It's hard work ahead, grey mother, but you're building a foundation for the lives and legends that will come after.

Well, there's no use discussing our future without the foundation to provide it; I'll go discuss it with the others; I thank thee for the compliment, Muni

I Call out the others by name and dash towards our caravan to wait for the others. Crocodile is the first and treks there relatively quickly, but Bardeibor seems to be taking quite the century; just as I begin contemplating too just discussing my plans with Crocodile, I smell the dank horrid smell of death and Bardeibor in toe, covered in a couple of light scratches, and a Rough-Plated Monitor absolutely bloodied getting dragged amongst the ground floor below, painting the serene green with blood. While this is quite disgusting, and Crocodile must think incredibly so, too, I mustn't offend our only builder and risk him leaving our party.
“Oh, Bardeibor, that’s um. Kind of you! But we don’t need hunting right now. Actually, I was just here to discuss…” Crocodile rudely cuts me off. “You're absolutely barbaric display and behavior, you know why the other races think of us as diminutive? It’s because of creatures like thou who trash our sophisticated names like dirt.” “Crocodile…” My patience is running thin; if this is why he leaves, I’m afraid to say it, but you would be an absolute idiot, Crocodile. Bardeibor seems to chuckle “Oh, but who was the one to teach you your blade? Who was the one that is apparently so “barbaric” yet you beg, moan, and concede yourself for me to stay, You show weakness, weakness trying to concede yourself to the other races, weakness from your false god.”
Crocodile unsheathes his blade and glares at Bardiebor; Bardeibor looks amused by the entire spectacle and rolls his eyes at the thought of Crocodile challenging him; I again must be a mediator.
“As I was previously saying, I brought you all here to discuss our plans and delegate our tasks. Currently, Shelter is of utmost importance, and that’s what I must prioritize before we officially delegate our long-term goals for us Bloodeians-” “You Bloodeians” “-On our short-term goals, Therefore we must make a shelter, or in this case, a storage facility in order to make sure that our current supplies are not taken by the elements.” As I’m about to continue speaking, Crocodile gently interrupts me, “That’s good and all, but what about our Muffalo? Shall we just keep them outside to wander, and potentially leave us?” I resume Courtley, yet Bardeibor sighs dramatically. “Why don’t you just eat them? They're more pain than their worth.” I resume again, ignoring Bardeibor’s previous statement. “While you do bring up a good point Crocodile, because time is of the essence, it is most important to make sure our supplies come first before us, or even our pack animals. Crocodile, Since you are quite familiar with plant-life, you will be in charge of chopping down tree’s for material, Bardeibor because of your past experience, you will be in charge of constructing our den of residence, and since I do not have any skills to add to this endavor, I will be in charge of Scouting, Planning, and Hauling materials between both of you, ounce we have an appropriate facility, I will mainly be in charge of demanding and hauling our materials towards storage.”
Crocodile pauses. “That’s quite a lot of weight to be dealing with, Grey, are you sure that works best for you? I can deal with planning and scouting and help with the later half of the hauling as an compromise.”
“No, no, Sir Crocodile, It’s okay! You must rest your body to keep your mind and wits sharp to lead our people; that’s of utmost importance to both us and our community. I’m just a simple commoner in comparison It’s fine.”

“ Grey…” he says in a tone that tugs at my heart, “ “Don’t demean yourself like that. I know you're not from a house, but we are far from Gold Scales and his Empire. It doesn’t matter anymore, my queen, but if you insist on doing the work, I won’t stop you. In the meantime, Then I’ll focus on other priorities instead.”

I feel bad for bringing it up, but if it makes Crocodile’s life a little easier and allows him to rest, it’ll all be worth it.

As we are all about to leave to do our jobs, Crocodile puts his hand forward in a halt-like motion and speaks formally.

2/10 Grey 2024/04/17(Wed)10:12 No. 1089038 ID: 3f89df
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“Before we begin with the construction of this shelter, I think it’s important we think of a semi-permanent location in the meantime. Looking at our current stance, what we need most is resources and men to grow those resources. We currently do have enough to roughly buy, I’d say 5, slaves of varying quality, 3 if we decide on fewer. Of course, travelers, beggars, and adventurers would be much cheaper, but most will most likely cost more in the long term and have a flimsy alliance with us. Grey, I know you are ideologically disposed to slavery, but given our current predicament, It may be more important in order to get our feet off the ground and help repay our debts. I say all of this to stress that while not military-strategic and a rather risky position, we should make our base right next to the river and the trading path that runs through here; traveling is far too risky, and If they come to us, it’ll allow us to trade and make decisions without having to lift a finger, It also has easy accesses of water and fertile soil, so we could start production immediately.”

As much as I get his point, I can already tell there are a couple of flaws in his plan, baring enforcing the enslavement of poor sentient creatures aside. “But, There are other problems due to being so close to the path; it’ll be very easy for bandits, The divine order, our enemies, and them to find us, and with the hill close by, It’ll give them a militaristic advantage.”
Bardeibor Scoffs as if I’ve trashed the name of his entire blood-line
“You say that like they already wouldn't be dead the moment they set foot on our soil! Grey, are you accusing me and Gin of being weak?”
If there is one thing that both Crocodile and I hate about Bardeibor, it’s his intense pride, even if it genuinely is well-earned, given his skill.
“No Bardeibor, It’s just that.. Where considering the possibility that your out on an expedition someday, and your not here to protect us!”
Bardeibor grins and coughs. “I knew that.”
I have to resist rolling my eyes at the thought.
“But Grey, that’s the thing! I know that we currently are quite weak, but Bardeibor and I are skilled warriors in combat, and looking upon the start of our Empire, especially since we can easily make things that enforce our intimidation, such as skull spikes, that’ll be quite unlikely, and while I can discover floods being a potential possibility, I think, to at least start, that spot would be perfect for the Bloodenian way.”

I’m a bit worried that, with the boys' suggestions, we’ll end up seeming like the race Crocodile wishes we didn’t appear as, which could potentially cause more hostility between the races. Still, as his junior, I’ll follow his wishes.

“Okay, That sounds perfect, thank you, Crocodile. I just wanted to make sure you saw all the possibilities before we make a decision.” Now, to delegate our tasks.
“Alright, Bardeibor You go to the place that Crocodile mentioned and begin construction on our temporary shelter for the time being, I will tell you that focusing on the space of our storage is an absolute priority. Crocodile you begin to chop down some trees in the nearest vicinity, and I’ll go to pick them up and bring to Bardeibor as he begins construction, once he has enough wood, You can focus on what you need Crocodile, while I’ll go haul our remaining supplies, does that sound perfect for everyone?”
[i] Everyone nods, and Bardeibor and I go to the caravan to pick up our timber and bring it to our approximate spot. Crocodile follows soon after, bringing an axe, a stand, and a wheelbarrow. As that is our last, Bardeibor and I bring the wood to our destination.

3/10 Grey 2024/04/17(Wed)10:12 No. 1089039 ID: 3f89df
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> Let's check on our neighbors and build relations. You are more of a charismatic sort rather than a builder.

That was what I initially thought about, but as Crocodile pointed out, we could trade here. Our current supplies are low once we have at least someone else working here and a better shelter. Then I’d feel much better traveling; I’m not a Builder. I don’t think I’ve even seen how they process wood into planks, to begin with, But I’d disagree that I’m charismatic; I just like designating tasks and having plans and schedules; I wouldn't be best, for example, to resolve some complex conflict or sign or speak on behalf of someone, that’s a bit too anxious for me to even consider and has mostly been Crocodile’s job, I am though willing to do what I said earlier, and trade with others. However, I get comments about my appearance, and get charged higher then Crocodile would.

>>1086573

It’s good to see that among you, Muni;. At the same time, there are comments about travel, I’m comfortable that I made the correct decision.

Me and Bardeibor had reached our spot, a rather beautiful hillside near the river followed by some short plains and the trail outwards. We moved to the trail's east side (or north from this angle) and put the wood down. I can already feel the toll of this on my back. I haven’t been one to do much physical labor in my life, besides nursing, both in and out of battle, which has kept me relatively fit, all things considered.

All right, Bareibor has already begun laying down some simple foundation. As I’ve turned away to come back up the hill, Muni, was there anything else you wanted to say?

>>1086582

>>1086455
>Yeah, you can do better than that idiot.

I-I’m confused. Are you referring to Crocodile or the Empire? Cause if you're referring to the Empire, I wholeheartedly agree that Crocodile, I, and the others can do much better than those struggling xenophobic humans ever can.

However, if you’re referring to Crocodile, then Muni, I have some things to discuss. I know I sound like your mother, and as your new “blood mother,” I guess I officially am legally obligated to give you a smackdown.
I know that you’ve not heard or seen much of Crocodile recently. Still, I swear on my mother’s grave that Crocodile was an extraordinary leader before we lost everything. We had a good thing going; we were able to pay off Gold Scales, our Land was thriving, and with our talks with the Viera Temple Captial, It looked like soon, we could ask to be an independent state with close ties on behalf of gold scales, but well, all of this happened, at the end of the day, Crocodile is a hard-working, compassionate, kind, benevolent ruler. At the same time, he may seem distant and potentially cold, I assure you that He’s way better once you know him.
If you said referring to Crocodilea , I don’t want to hear any bad talk about Crocodilea Crocodile from you again, Muni. At least I angrily yell at you with my mental thoughts for the next hour(s), and Crocodile would know that you do not want to be with me when I’m angry.

Huh, I guess I’m already bringing wood from Crocodile. Time flew when I was invested in yelling you about a what-if scenario. Hmmmm. Do you have anything else to add?

>>1086456

……

Thank you. But that can’t change what’s already been done in the past.

4/10 Grey 2024/04/17(Wed)10:12 No. 1089040 ID: 3f89df
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>>1086458
> Grey, all of the Empire's standard primary weapons are advanced muskets.
> There's a plethora of stats around guns - stopping power, aiming assistance, pellet spread, recoil as the excess force from the gun hit the user, and how long it takes to arm the next shot or re-charge the weapon entirely. But at the end of the day, a gun is something you can learn in an hour. That power, to turn anyone with a hand into a competent conscript with the bare minimum of training, ensured that guns became the only ranged weapon worth training in the Empire. In most civilizations, really.

> Of course, since all the money goes into guns, melee training has devolved into small emergency weapons, primarily knives.

I didn't actually know that! Maybe once we get our hands on one of the Empire's weapons, Crocodile and I can study the inner components and attempt to replicate them; it would be nice to create guns, if not for our protection against the Empire, then just as something to give our civilians to protect themselves against raiders and pirates.

Thank you, Muni, for divulging that information and the differences in their weapons. I must also add that knowing that they don’t have much training when it comes to melle is very important, primarily when most of the fighters here are based around mainly melee-oriented training; I do know that most of the Empire’s knives aren’t of the best quality, and are rather dull, which while it hurts like a female dog-in smashing your kneecaps with a hammer, it isn’t somewhat effective in doing much damage.

>>1086458
> I don't know those last two elements. Also, you realize Uranium is blighted.
> Lead is great at absorbing blight before it affects you. Still, otherwise, it's actually pure poison and can cause brain damage by merely licking a slab of lead. You'll want to put all the lead between the walls of your shelters and nowhere else.

5/10 Grey 2024/04/17(Wed)10:12 No. 1089041 ID: 3f89df
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>>1086458
> I don't know those last two elements. Also, you realize Uranium is blighted.
> Lead is great at absorbing blight before it affects you. Still, otherwise, it's actually pure poison and can cause brain damage by merely licking a slab of lead. You'll want to put all the lead between the walls of your shelters and nowhere else.

Pychaninuam, As I’ve said previously, is an odd tree-like ore found deep within the earth. It is mainly used to unlock our mind's full potential and manipulate the elements around us, and of others, the rarity makes it so primarily those with connections with nobles or working in a Psy-Cast Field, such as myself as a former War Medic, can get.

While it has been studied intensively by Mages and Scholars alike, I’ve never heard of something like your mother and, well, you, Muni, being able to communicate among ourselves like this. I know this may sound silly, as I don’t really understand your species, But I do have a hypothesis that is quite morbid.

I think that maybe Psychaninium is some sort of insect or other creature that lives deep beneath the earth; it is a primarily stationary creature, resembling an orb, just like your mother, instead being an ambush predator that uses psychic powers to manipulate its environment and trap prey, while also hiding from potential predators, therefore the Psychaninum that we know is just itself in an egg-like state with a rigid shell that can reflect even the strongest pickaxe, So when concentrated in a blast, the capabilities of an adult psychaninum, reflect onto their host unlocking their mind to the blessings that blood mother gives to the world.

Of course, that would mean that we have been indirectly killing children for the past couple of centuries or so; it would explain how your mother and yourself were sentient, but not how or why you are still alive; maybe that’s a question that I can study further.


Oh! The Crocodile has finished cutting down some trees and will sow the fields. Despite my muscles and body screaming otherwise, I’ll get to work hauling the rest of the caravan. When you are deep in conversation, the sores seem much more distant.

6/10 Grey 2024/04/17(Wed)10:12 No. 1089042 ID: 3f89df
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Okay, where were we? Oh yes! Untoaminin! Despite its similarities to Uraninum, It doesn’t serve the same purpose and has more in common with Psychaninium.

Untoaminin is another magic blessing ore, or if my hypothesis is true, but one that can only be found in the corrupted wilds, a place more reminiscent of Bloodmother’s Tumor, Red everywhere, strange, dangerous corrupted creatures, constant mawing and screaming and place that would drive most insane within the hour, Untoaminin is blood red, with a dark hue, unlike Psychaninum. However, it is relatively quick to shatter, and when it does, It triggers a short non-lethal explosion.

I have some experience with it if you want to hear about it.
So, before I met Crocodile, I was a junior Medic on patrol from Fangtooth- Ugh, sorry, old habit, GoldScales covenant. To finish off one of our enemies, the Crimson Flame, a Rebellious, Hostile Group of Draconic Red Kobolds that had been recently raiding, raping, and pillaging some nearby towns that had an alliance with our Empire, After a failed defense at Reguin-Rock had run away from our party, into the Corrupted wilds, As it was a first time in the Corrupted Wilds, we where criminally under-prepared to deal with the alien environment.

We could take out the hostile creatures reasonably easily due to the size of our platoon, but our main enemy was between each other. This place seemed to hurt our psyche, with most foot soldiers and even some knights beginning to act erratically. One Knight, Antelope, known un-formally as Trien, smashed his GreatAxe into a nearby deposit near a hill to teach some foot soldiers to shut up around some personal affairs; however, in doing so, the Untoaminin exploded, and Trien and a group of soldiers were caught in the crossfire. After the other medics and I assessed the potential injuries, it initially seemed as if they had not resumed any injuries, and we began our campaign as usual.

However, at nightfall, that’s when the true horror stuck. I was awoken and called quickly by Moth, my Senior, to deal with an influx of soldiers dealing with rapid signs of illness and deterioration; it was an awful sight that I don’t want to spare you the trouble of seeing Muni, Vomiting Blood, Screaming of absolute agony, Seizures, Skin rot, Foaming in the mouth. Even though it was only around six soldiers, including Trien, It was difficult even when using some spells to attempt to deal with and treat some of the problems.

But even with everyone rapidly deteriorating, it was as if their bodies wouldn't die; over the night, the other medics started to notice that in place of their rotting skin, they were shifting, changing; some of the medics thankfully took the initiative and put most of them out of the misery, but Me, who was charged over watching over Trien couldn’t, It was my third job, and I couldn't do it, I thought that maybe If I just try hard enough, he’d be expected, and I tried my most challenging as Trien kept shifting, and shifting until he looked like a monster.

He awoke and seemed to keep some of his mannerisms, his speech was sullied, and he didn’t seem to be hostile; however, that quickly changed when the other medics entered the room, hearing the commotion caused by Trien’s new form. According to Moth, who can read magic, Trien’s power was on par with hers, One that had been training, studying, and doing magic for decades. They quickly escorted me out of the room, fearful of my safety, and that made Trien fall into a blind rage, injuring many of the medics and even killing one until finally, Moth managed to finish him off.

After Moth told the captain what happened, the captain assessed it with her supervisors the following day and decided that this land was too hostile, so we left. We have yet to hear from the Crimson Flame after that. Untoaminin has been carefully studied in the capital but deemed too dangerous to consider, even for warfare.

While I have read and could describe the symptoms, I think you get the point, Muni, that Untoaminin is something that we shouldn’t mess with, even in emergencies.

Oh, right. You also had some comments about some of the ore. Please reiterate.

>Also, Uranium is blighted.

Oh! No, I haven’t; I guess that makes sense, finally. Most of the workers who used to work with the stuff back in the capital ended up getting relatively ill and tended to have an increased rate of cancer compared to everyone else. Oh yes, now I remember about the lead; I didn’t recognize that either; I know that we didn’t use Uraninium that commonly, except for small-scale bombs, but we ended up using lead for some tools and instruments; I’ll consider that shortly, thank you, Muni.

>...Waaait a minute. Normal Pychaninum looks a lot like Psitanium. I know a little about that, and... It's not healthy. Titanium has this unfortunate tendency to make slightly insane people even more insane. If they're the same mineral...
>I mean, the last human we saw driven insane by Psitanium tried to sneeze peoples' brains out and turn them into vehicles!
>In short, are you sure exposing people to this stuff to develop powers is a good idea?

I mean… I’ve been exposed to Pychaninium for the last 17 years or so, And I wouldn’t consider myself insane…..

…….

Actually, let’s not delve into this topic.

7/10 Grey 2024/04/17(Wed)10:12 No. 1089043 ID: 3f89df
File 171337394223.png - (13.95KB , 500x500 , woah thats a lot of rocks.png )

>I already don't like that guy. A thousand gold is nothing to sneeze at, and that was your seasonal payment?!
>No, this reeks of a scam. The people on loan were Gold Scale; how hard would it be for them to ditch you so Gold Scales could claim your lives on default?
>In any case, his investment is suspicious, and his terms are profoundly unfair. Screw that guy.

>You need guns. It's the only way to get the Empire to back off. Go south, but carefully, and find an outpost. If you can steal some guns and a few ammo crates, hunting will become incredibly easy, and you can quickly train up an army and oust Gold Scale from power.

Look, as much as I don’t like Gold Scale, he’s the capital, and besides some nearby towns and cities, He has much more of a political and social standing between the kobolds than we could ever dream of, I don’t think that if we fail to pay our seasonal payment he’ll initially go to execute us, It’s more likely that Crocodile would lose his privileges and his land, and at most we would be banished, of course, that is if we don’t rebel militaristically, in which case we’d have the same reaction to what he sent to deal with the Crimision Flame.

Or we’d be perfectly indebted to him. I must admit, despite what the other kobolds think, I hate GoldScale. He throws out our current leader, Fang, then says he’s an illegitimate heir, renames the capital, and has a religious god complex in the capital. Not only that, but he embodies what drove blood mother to reside among the ground, Worshiping her children among herself.

Initially, that may be a good idea, but it is risky. Right now, we need some room to produce goods and gain enough people, so that is a good idea.

Oh! It seems as if Bardeibor has already finished, and it’s starting to get rather dark out, and my hunger is gnawing, so It’s a perfect time; I see Crocodile, hard at work, entirely focused on the fields; he seems to be doing decently well, and I have hauled our goods in the meantime, any others I’ve missed I’ll do later, Well before I call it quits for the night, Let’s see what we're dealing with-

8/10 Grey 2024/04/17(Wed)10:12 No. 1089044 ID: 3f89df
File 171337394444.png - (14.60KB , 500x500 , woah bardeibor.png )

Oh! A table and a couple of chairs? It’s not much, a bit tight, and the plywood is definitely not something we can keep long-term, but this looks rather good. Of course, there’s the storage container, which now, with a perceptive eye, contains most of our inventory from the caravan; going north from the storage container or kitchen seems to lead to a small hallway with a cramped bathroom to the end of the right side, and what seems to be two doors to two-rooms on the left side. To the left, there’s nothing. It looks more like a closet than anything else; I hope to BloodMother that is Bardeibor’s room, and to the right, it’s…

Well, thankfully, It’s much larger, but there’s also nothing, by the Gods! Bardeibor made a table and chairs but didn’t find it fit to make a bed for Crocodile!

9/10 Grey 2024/04/17(Wed)10:12 No. 1089045 ID: 3f89df
File 171337394723.png - (16.71KB , 500x500 , uhoh sleepy cringey.png )

This is bad, really bad. Crocodile is quite greedy regarding his chambers, and I already know how much he dislikes sleeping in a bedroll. I don’t personally care too much as I could survive sleeping on the floor, but I can’t imagine Crocodile liking the same.

Our dinner wasn't too noteworthy, and while his reaction to sleeping on the floor was just as I expected, it wasn’t bad enough for him to have a complete breakdown. He accepted it quite well, but mumbled about the savagery of the day. I found it hard to disagree, and despite not feeling safe, I inevitably fell asleep.

10/10 Grey 2024/04/17(Wed)10:13 No. 1089047 ID: 3f89df
File 171337398632.png - (13.47KB , 500x500 , Yawwnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn.png )

Now, with a new day on the horizon and the sound of a caravan passing by the roads, I ask for your assistance, Muni, on what we should prioritize now.

>>1089039
Well... fine. Just... be careful. Even if he was a hero, what is he right now? What is he going to be if the crisis keeps growing?
I'll give him some time. We'll see how this plays out.

>>1089041
That's very insightful. You're the expert on magic, not us.

>>1089047
Alright, I did some 'training' on settlement tactics. It's complicated.
Everything begins with food. Make sure you have enough to perform at least one mid-term project. If not, then concentrate your efforts on securing more, no matter how tempting the other gambits.
Next, put all your efforts into chopping trees. You need space, building materials, and fuel, and the local trees can give you all of that. As long as your numbers are low, the devastation on the environment should be minimal, even if you clear out a glade.
And be daring! You're kind of desperate, so look for high-risk adventures to give you an edge in new resources and powers found in these dark woods!

>>1089047
A passing caravan brings opportunity grey mother.
Trade, gossip, information.
Perhaps even a good price for some of your muffalo should you be worried about lising them.
Primarily there could be trade to be had.

Regarding another issue.
The slavery.
I do not like it.
At all.
but it could be worth bringing in three because you are spread too thin for the work needed right now.
As such, i have a proposal grey mother.
One that may be more in line with the philosophy of a group seeking to be free of their own masters...

The three you "buy", once their previous owner is out of earshot, make them an offer.
That they will work for an agreed period of time, after which they will be freed.
That period of time equating in labour of the value you spent on them.
Explain what you are founding here.
Your goals, your hopes, your ideals.
After they are freed, should they wish to stay and be part of what they have helped build, they will be welcome to and embraced as kindred.
Should they wish to leave, they shall be allowed without constraint and shall hopefully consider you allies.
The hardest part will be convincing them you are not lying.
As such, their food and residence should be of equal quality to yours.
If the others oppose this, then bring up the following.
Turning three resentful slaves into three, free ,loyal citizens is better than forever having to worry about waking to a violent revolt.
And
What value our ideals if we merely act unto others as goldscales do unto us?

If you are fortunate, the caravan nay have candidates for you.
Choose for demenour over ability.
You are not numerous enough to cope with a disruotive element.

Of course, final decisions rest with you and the others, grey mother, but the council of this muni is to embrace freedom and grow unity not to chain souls and sow strife.

>>1089079
In the case of Indentured Servitude, I would propose we give the slaves the option of Double or Nothing.
Option (A): They leave, with nothing but the clothes on their back. They're completely free.
Option (B): They stay, their pay is docked to minimum possible wage (which you then have them use to pay for room and board and a few goodies here and there) until they have made what you bought them for - at which point, to their surprise, you then give them double the monetary value of what they produced for you. So now, not only do you pay back what should have been their wages but then give a gift out of the profits you made from their labor, showing that civilizations make far more than what they pay their citizens and you are willing to give some of that profit back to them. This should solidify their loyalty. From there, wages are normal, along with incentives, sidequests, and XMAS bonuses.

Wow you got all that done in a day? That's some great work ethic.

>>1089081
If you must do slavery, this is the closest to moral way to do it.

Hail the caravan. Even if you have nothing to trade yet it's good to see whats on the market.

1/18 Grey 2024/07/26(Fri)14:39 No. 1094766 ID: 3f89df
File 172202994755.png - (29.94KB , 500x500 , uhoh this is kind of an big ask for some slaves.png )

>>1089051
>Well... fine. Just... be careful. Even if he was a hero, what is he right now? What is he going to be if the crisis keeps growing? I'll give him some time. We'll see how this plays out.

So you were talking about Crocodile! It is highly offensive that you'll still consider him invaluable to the settlement. Even with all I've said and all you've seen, do you still think otherwise? Crocodile is the kind of leader to break his back sowing the fields early in the morning and late to the night; the future is almost always in his mind, and I'm confident he can make the right decisions.

He is still an official Baron until Gold Scales says otherwise, which gives him privileges among our neighbors, including Exceptional Hospitality, and potentially requesting resources from the Capital and our neighbors, but that may give us some risks.
No matter what Gold Scale says, Crocodile will still be an Emperor in my eyes.

>Alright, I did some 'training' on settlement tactics. It's complicated.
Everything begins with food. Make sure you have enough to perform at least one mid-term project. If not, concentrate on securing more, no matter how tempting the other gambits. Next, put all your efforts into chopping trees. You need space, building materials, and fuel; the local trees can provide more. As long as your numbers are low, the devastation to the environment should be minimal, even if you clear out a glade.


Thank you for your initial consideration. Currently, our main priority is food. Crocodile has already started plowing the fields, and that will continue to be his focus today. Baredibor will most likely be hunting, and we still have food from our Caravan. We should be fine if we don't move to a colder climate or deplete the local wildlife. Regarding plants, we prioritize rice, corn, and some cotton, with rice being our primary focus.

>And be daring! You're desperate, so look for high-risk adventures that will give you an edge in discovering new resources and powers in these dark woods!


That is much harder to swallow; if we get acquainted by passing adventurers on the road, we should begin a quest. I'm not one to really adventure that often, as I find it hard to squish a life, but you know better to lead an empire than yourself, Muni, and I'll do so; maybe to start, I can investigate the noise of that approaching Caravan.

2/18 Grey 2024/07/26(Fri)14:39 No. 1094767 ID: 3f89df
File 172202995147.png - (9.94KB , 500x500 , slavers well aint that convient.png )

Crocodile and I step out of our rooms and towards the sound.
Almost immediately as I do, I recognize the Caravan. It's one of the Empire.

There are four knights and either a Praetor Or a Baron Himself.
All the knights are dressed head-to-toe in custom-built, with some gold-laced armor in various builds. Some have their muskets as belts, while other larger ones can be seen across their backs. They have a muffalo alongside a sleek, quill-based predator with multiple yellow eyes.

They seem to be slave traders or tribute collectors. They seem to have a comprehensive collection of slaves of numerous races behind them, their goals clearly being to either lead them back to their base for production or sell them off; otherwise, their muffalo seem to contain bags and carts of unknown treasure or goods.

Despite the potential risks, I take the road to hail the Caravan. Crocodile stays close by but behind me; as I do so,

As I see them get closer in view, I can overhear the discussion from the humans.

"And that's why we'd never let Jhon-" A knight beside him interrupts him
"Halt my Good man It seems that there's some ankle bitters ahead."
"Ankle Bitters? Those Little Bastards? Hmm Not a lot of them I hear, maybe it's best if we add them to the little party here."
The Baron looks at them. "Don't even finish that thought, Copper, Where Tribute Collectors, The empire has no need to squabble among the savages of this land."
A Female Voice adds, "Besides Ven, Think about it economically, the savages buy our slaves at quite a markup price then the empire, and for Gold too, Ven what do you think the King wants, another little servant out of his ten to wipe his fat ass, or instead gold that we can use to get out of this blighted place."
"Steel your Tounge Gold, This is a professional matter. And Copper, do not speak unless you are reporting." The Baron glares at the misbehaving soldiers
Both soldiers regain their formation and begin profusely apologizing. "Yes, Sir, sorry, Sir. It won't happen again, Sir."
[/i]

3/18 Grey 2024/07/26(Fri)14:39 No. 1094768 ID: 3f89df
File 172202995321.png - (12.57KB , 500x500 , yo no looking at the ugly human.png )

As their Caravan gets ever so closer, I'm reminded of the absolute size of humans compared to us; even with Bardeibor potentially close by, I feel defenceless as a bug; even so, trade is essential, and it seems due to his in-action that Crocodile is testing me on if I can successfully talk, despite low circumstances, I step back out of the road. I hear a whip of the reigns as the muffalo begins to slow down, the knights get into a defensive position, and the baron looks at me, awaiting a response.
"Hello Sir-" "Eyes to the ground, hands behind your back Ankle Bitter." I immediately look down towards the ground and tie my hands behind my back. "That's much better, Dog, now do you wish to do business? Or should I cut off your tongue for wasting my time?"
"Business, Sir," I quickly reply.
In response, the Baron claps his hands in a rhythmic formation. Two of the rear guards begin to unload some of the slaves stashed away in the Caravan, and the ones walking all get into a straight, presentable line. "I want no funny business out of you, bitch, so make your decision and we'll give you a price." I hesitate to ask him further questions based on his temperament, but one sticks out. "I wish to make an informed decision about our slaves and what they are best at, may I ask the slaves about themselves?"
I can hear the coldness in the baron's voice. "Publically, and- " He turns his attention to the slaves, "I expect quick replies out of you, any longer than a recital, and you'll all get thirty lashings."
"Before I make my choice, Do you wish to Trade Further? I noticed you-"
He screams in my general direction, "Don't even think about it you pest, that caravan is for the KING, you moron, if you let you or your little doggy friends even near that thing, We'll burn up this entire forest and slaughter your little tribe."
"Sorry, Sir. I'm only interested in the slaves."
"That's what I thought, now choose from your selection."

Muni, We have around 325 gold Coins. About 50 silver coins are gold, and about 100 copper coins are silver. Since you may not know a reference to compare that to a prosperous farmer makes, on average, around 20 silver a year, and the less successful ones make around 90 copper a year.

I begin to scout the selection; they seem to be from a wide variety of backgrounds and races, with some being races I've not even seen before,
I go from the back of the line to the front.

Before I question them, I turn to the baron, my face staring at the ground. "May I ask them for their names?"
He responds in an odd tone of voice, "Well, I don't care one way or the other, savage, but if you're planning on coddling them, just know that some have murdered their own kind in their own blood."
"I'm aware of the possibility, I'm wondering if there are any names that ring a bell politically, that is all."
He scoffs, and I return my attention to the slaves.

4/18 Grey 2024/07/26(Fri)14:39 No. 1094769 ID: 3f89df
File 172202995599.png - (15.38KB , 500x500 , Gnoll looks like a gnoll made from gnoll i mean gn.png )

The first one seems to be a well-built knoll, with what seems to be many diffrent scars and stitches across his body and fresh wounds from whipping all throughout his body.
"My name is Trick RedClaw: I can haul, hunt, chop trees, help with light construction, and, if you're a sweet master, let me fight in the front lines."
The Barron adds.
"This one and his tribe ambushed us while we were collecting tribute from an acolyte's settlement, a true savage. Since he committed an offense against the empire. Its price is 40 gold."

5/18 Grey 2024/07/26(Fri)14:39 No. 1094770 ID: 3f89df
File 172202995757.png - (13.41KB , 500x500 , as the artist who knows what she looks like she is.png )

I move on to the next one. It is a blood-red, draconian kobold child or something from another race. It's hard to tell, as she wears a thick veil all over her body. She seems moderately dressed in some long robes. Her voice is soft but quite loud as if multiple mouths were talking simultaneously.
"My..m-y I'm sorry Madam! please don't hit me!" She seems to brace herself but seems confused when the blows aren't hit. For the sake of keeping my intentions unclear, I don't say anything.
"M-m-mm, madam? Sorry, my name is Runi; I don't have a last name. I'm good at magic and researching artifacts, but my magic may not be something you like, madam."
I turn to the baron. "If you don't mind me asking, why does she wear that veil?"
The knight loudly responds, and I see Runi shrink away from the noise. "Cause she's an ugly bastard, that's why! A pure-blooded abomination, that thing! She looks like her mother came from the Corrupted Wilds, and her Father was a blobfish; it's no wonder the Grenfell House gave her as tribute; what a waste she is!"
I hear Runi loudly sobbing, her hands bound by her chains, as her tears fall from her eyes."
The Baron seems to ignore the Knights' barbarism and looks at me. "She's a terrible slave, through and through. So I'll give you a deal: 3 gold, although I am willing to accept giving her for free if you buy at least three slaves."
Despite my maternal instincts screaming at me to help the sorrowful child, I move on down the line.

6/18 Grey 2024/07/26(Fri)14:39 No. 1094771 ID: 3f89df
File 172202996073.png - (13.53KB , 500x500 , is this just an ordniary adventuere or a bard.png )

It's a human, a tad taller than the others, with a thin yet still muscular frame and flamboyant features.
"My name is Aludem Huen I'm a former adventurer; I can Travel, fight, play music on my lute, and tell tales of adventure that'll last multiple generations to come."

"Don't listen to this bandit. he's an "adventurer" who attempted to double-cross us during trade. Instead of throwing him into the ocean like we should have, we kept him around since there'd be a suitable punishment back home in the empire. 40 gold"

7/18 Grey 2024/07/26(Fri)14:39 No. 1094772 ID: 3f89df
File 172202996275.png - (13.62KB , 500x500 , birrrrrrrrrrrd.png )

I go up to the next one; it is a long, thin, bird-like race with a pronounced beak and swift bird-like legs.
"Greetings, My name is Leiko Theresa, pleasure to make you aquantince, in my old life I was an Jewler or Tailor, but if it's anything that requires me using my claws, I can easily fit that into your role."

"35 gold"

8/18 Grey 2024/07/26(Fri)14:39 No. 1094773 ID: 3f89df
File 172202996558.png - (14.01KB , 500x500 , oi you cant have a sexy cat girl in your party tha.png )

The next one seems to be a breed of blue-skinned humans with odd cat-like features; they have a soft face and defined features and seem to be what humans would call "Attractive."
Before I can question her, the Baron immediately speaks up, and one of the knights blocks me from her view. "Hey, you can't have that one. That type's the King's Favriote 150 Gold."
I quickly move on to the next.

9/18 Grey 2024/07/26(Fri)14:39 No. 1094774 ID: 3f89df
File 172202996721.png - (10.00KB , 500x500 , crabbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb killllllllllllllllllllllll.png )

It is a small crab-like race. He eyes me suspiciously
"Oh just you wait- just you wait until I'm Free! FREE! I Tell you! I'll Kill you, I'll kill you all! When I get bigger then you'll be crushed between my claws ya hear? KILL-"
"Those Crab races are nothing but an menace, 10 gold."

10/18 Grey 2024/07/26(Fri)14:39 No. 1094775 ID: 3f89df
File 172202997035.png - (9.63KB , 500x500 , fat cat but he just an working class.png )

I move on to the next one, It is a medium-sized tuxedo cat.
"My name's Punt Lil. I'll keep this short for both of us, I used to be a Miller, but then I became a Baker!" They say.
"35 Gold"

11/18 Grey 2024/07/26(Fri)14:39 No. 1094776 ID: 3f89df
File 172202997230.png - (9.06KB , 500x500 , bee me me beeeee.png )

Next is a Race that Crocodile And I are more than familiar with Eusa's. They seem to have either ant, bee, termite, or a mixture of eusocial insect traits. I know from first-hand experience that Insectia cares more for their Queen's Will and Mission above all else, so she'd make a terrible long-time member, especially if we get ambushed by Eusa's shortly.

"Hunter, Fisher, Herbalist, Gaurd," She says blankly. She didn't even give me a chance to speak.

"20 Gold."

12/18 Grey 2024/07/26(Fri)14:39 No. 1094777 ID: 3f89df
File 172202997474.png - (16.97KB , 500x500 , nyehehyehehehehehhe nyeh and i say i-.png )

The next one is- I almost jump back in surprise from their appearance and stench; it seems to be some sort of magically resurrected skeleton, but obviously not a mindless drone, from what I've seen before.

"Hark, Miss Empress Cutebold, I'm Tomp Hearl, Former Human turned Profane. While I was a Scholar for the Profane faction and avid user of the Dark Arts, It seems that my current predicament in the hands of the empire makes it so that will not be possible. You may be taken aback by my appearance, and that would be reasonable for mortals, but Since I can not get sick, nor suffer the effects of poison nor sores I can easily deal with the less *pleasant* side of running a colony."

"This one gives a big talk, but it seemed like his savage brothers wanted to get rid of him as soon as possible. Nonetheless, if he's telling the truth, he'd be an excellent slave for you barbarians. 50 gold."

13/18 Grey 2024/07/26(Fri)14:39 No. 1094778 ID: 3f89df
File 172202997757.png - (11.31KB , 500x500 , lizard with boobies no way its the lizard with boo.png )

The next slave seems to be a large reptile girl. Her head and body parts are possibly covered in scales in an armadillo-like fashion. She also seems to have mammalian lumps. That's quite odd for a reptile.

"Welp, whatever I say can't be as good as that pitch, Heya new masters, I'm Untella Brendmear I used to do mercenary work due to reasons that I won't bog you down with, but I then moved to bartending for awhile until the empire swiped in, stole my supplies and shop, and now I'm here, destined to go to god's knows where to mine stupid shit until I collapse dead. Ya, I know there going to whip me till I can't walk ounce your gone, but I honestly don't care anymore."

14/18 Grey 2024/07/26(Fri)14:39 No. 1094779 ID: 3f89df
File 172202998013.png - (9.79KB , 500x500 , Good boi sorry i mean girl i mean boi i mean grill.png )

The next one is a frankly adorable small dog-like race that resembles Corgis. I'd want to pet this little guy severely if this wasn't a professional setting.

"Howdy there miss! I'm Sweetie Huntdrop, Me and pops was farmers more specifically we where fruit producers, If you'd choose me, I'll let you in on a family secret that's been passed down for generations, upon generations. I know it'd be worth all the gold that ya'll keeping!"

"More Farmers have no use to the Empire, 15 Gold."

15/18 Grey 2024/07/26(Fri)14:39 No. 1094780 ID: 3f89df
File 172202998244.png - (10.51KB , 500x500 , bovaine with bovaine equals bovine bovine plus bov.png )

The next one is a sizeable bovine race covered in fur, even over its eyes. It bears its muzzle and has an underbite tooth.

"I used to be a dock worker, so I mainly did heavy hauling and occasional construction or repairs if it was needed, oh and before I forget, my name's Dieala Vun! Pleasure to be meeting you!"

[color=#8836E1] "30 gold"

I go to the next slave; it appears to be some sort of human; there's an awkward silence between us, but just as I'm about to leave, they physically grab me and pull me closer to them.
"Wait, before you leave, I'm not what I seem, I assure you, My name is Kent If you have enemies, Any enemies, I'll help you slaughter them, I won't hurt you. But please, I'm hungry; And if I'm stuck here any longer I'll starve, please-"

They are hit on the back of the head by one of the knights: "Know your place Thrall, Hands off your potential Savage Master, whose got hands in gold, they are worth more then you'll ever be."

The baron says, "25 gold."

17/18 Grey 2024/07/26(Fri)14:39 No. 1094782 ID: 3f89df
File 172202998763.png - (5.59KB , 500x500 , awwwwwwwwww sad boi whos changed up and then going.png )

The Second to the Last seems to be some sort of Gelatinous Slime creature that attempts to have a human-like frame but lacks the necessary details to look human.

"......."
"Can you speak?" I reply
It shakes its head.
"Can you write?"
It nods its head.
"Can you do basic, and complex tasks?"
It nods its head again.

"The slime is 20 gold."

18/18 Grey 2024/07/26(Fri)14:39 No. 1094783 ID: 3f89df
File 172202999083.png - (33.59KB , 500x500 , small shadow child.png )

Finally, the last one seems to be some sort of creature the size of us; they have a horn protruding from their head that goes back and a semi-large tail, they have what seems to have large bat-like ears, and are covered head-to-toe in bandages.

"Are you going to call me an abomination, too?"
"What?"
"Everyone who sees me calls me an abomination, it's why mommy didn't want me anymore, called me the spawn of Ueritix, why the pastors threatened to burn me at the stake, why mommy sold me to the empire."
"Hey, hey, it's alright, little one. Can I ask what your name is?"
"It's Uea, my race's tongue for demon spawn. Mommy doesn't want me to use her last name; she said she'd beat me if I did."

"Kids are useless for anything other than washing floors, and shoveling dung 10 gold."


Seeing all of these unknown races makes me feel as if we kobolds have been relatively isolated from the broader world for centuries.
Finally, with all of the slaves out of the way, It's now time to make a decision, Muni; even though we have 325 gold, It would be less than ideal if we spent it all on these slaves; we still need supplies, and with every new recruit it is another mouth to feed, which is vital to consider if they aren't focused on anything that won't help us produce food, it's also essential to consider a person who won't betray us at a moments notice.

So Muni, who do we choose?

[1] Trick RedClaw: (Gnoll) Hauler, Wood Carver, Light Construction, Hunter, Gaurd. 40 gold.
[2] Muni R (Red) (???) Magic Researcher and Magic Caster. (Free if I choose up to three slaves) 3-5 gold.
[3] Aludem Huen (Human) Former Adventuerer, Gaurd, Bard, Thief.
[4] Leiko Theresa (Long-Limbed Bird Race) Tailor, Jeweler, Flexible. 35 Gold
[5] (Blue Skinned Cat-Like Human) ??? (King's favorite Race.) 150 Gold.
[6] Punt Lil (Tuxedo Cat-in?) Miller, Baker. 35 Gold
[7] ??? (Eusa's) Guard, Herbalist, Hunter, Fisher. 20 gold
[8] Tomp Hearl (Profane (Skeleton)) Scholar, Necromancer, User of Dark Arts, Willing to deal with disgusting things. 50 gold
[9] Untella Brendmear (Armadillo-like Lizard Race with breasts?) Former Mercanry, Bartender. 30 gold
[10] Sweetie Huntdrop (Corgi-like race) Farmer. 15 gold
[11] Dieala Vun (Furry-Bovine race) Hauler, Construction, repaired ships and the docks. 30 gold.
[12] ??? (Small Crab race) Has murderous intent. 10 gold
[13] Kent (Not a Human (Shape Shifter?) Hungry? Has combat skills? 30 gold.
[14] ??? (Slime) I can do simple and complex tasks and write. 30 gold.
[15] Uea (Child: Abomination?) It is somehow demonic in nature, 10 gold.

>>1094783
...
Grey mother, would that you could take them all...

1, 4, 9, 10, 11 then 15 with poor little runi for free.

I still say the intent should be to offer them a path to freedom.
To join with you or earn their freedom.
When what you have payed to free them is recovered, or its value in labour returned, then they are free.
The money can then be used to free another enslaved soul.

I hope talking with you will convince them of the value they would have and the regard they would be held in if they join you.

I council kindness grey mother.
Open hands and hearts may open thier minds to your ways.
A nation of free souls is better than a gathering of shackled ones.

>>1094769
Hm...
Risky. I don't think we can trust him; if we had a stronger army I'd take the deal, but it would be like buying a lit bomb. This man cannot be restrained by anything we can currently make, so if he goes rampant, people will die.
I'm okay if you buy his contract, but be ready for the worst...

>>1094770
You so need to buy her contract immediately. Cheap price means you lose little if she chooses to leave, and you can easily connect to her low self-esteem with your own bandage issues. Even if she doesn't have an Occultist power, having a loyal handmaiden will help you get more done each day, and having a friend will help your stress levels.

>>1094771
Ah, a classic rogue/bard. These guys are shifty, but usually care more about survival than murder. If he turns on you, it's just a matter of maintaining cohesion to mitigate any tricks he has. And as much as I don't want to admit it, having a human silver-tongue will seriously improve your diplomatic relations with the human empire. Worth the risk.

>>1094772
Unfortunately, I don't think we need her services yet. Precision crafting is going to be important in the mid-game, but that requires engineering laboratories and equipment worth thousands of gold. The long-term plans for our defense and armies involve guns, magic, and tech, meaning her claws will be a long-term detriment - kind of hard to hold a gun with giant keratin fingers.

>>1094773
Well, dang. I get the feeling there could be an investment opportunity here, but those soldiers would sooner go hostile than let their promotion requirement slip out of their fingers. Only way we'd get her is by attacking the convoy. and that's suicide.
Still, the Emperor loves blue-skinned catgirls. That intel will be useful, I'm sure. Apologize to the lady for her upcoming concubine status and give her an expensive gift, personally. Maybe she'll be... 'removed' quickly, but if she becomes part of the Emperor's harem, every favor you can court will be repaid tenfold.

>>1094774
Oh, quite the menace indeed! It's clear that this fellow isn't going to ally with you if you buy him, but his purchase price is cheap, he's not as invincible as he thinks he is, and his anger makes him honest. Despite the risk, I think we can try to earn his respect by pitting him against Gin. If it fails or if the psycho tries to kill us, Gin can kill him in ritual combat as tribute for his blood gods, which will make him more powerful.

>>1094775
I just... no. Expensive, weak official skillset, and very suspicious.
If you need baking tips, we can transfer some. Mediocre baking is incredibly easy and we won't need gourmet chefs for a while.

>>1094776
Ah, a hive species. I don't think she'll stay with us permanently, but you can see that she is very rational. She knows that she stands a better chance of making it back to her hive to serve if she serves as a temporary paid worker for us first. Her skillset is strong and generalized, meaning she'll make good work for us before she heads back to her hive. Definitely grab her, she's low risk, high short-term reward.

>>1094777
Well, you heard the man. Ultimately, my gripe is his extreme cost; if he bolts, there's little you can do to recoup your losses - he's just bones!
Too expensive, but otherwise a fair investment.

>>1094778
A hybrid? Cheap price, and I think we can sway her. She sounds like she'd make a great merchant, and if we save her ass then she'll owe us a favor regardless of how she gets back on her feet. Merchants and mercs need to keep their word, or they'll find that the once apathetic market is going to stare at them.

>>1094779
Definitely get her. Not for the secret, but because she's cheap and you will need farmers. Even if she leaves, she can spread word to her fellow farmers.

>>1094780
Well, you can get her if you want, but... I don't think her modest strength score is powerful enough to justify her purchase price. Even if she has sailing skills, we're not going to need those anytime soon.

>>1094781
...His name is Kent?
If this guy is who I think he is, then he's more powerful than he realizes. House El is famous for its heroes, born with the power to turn sunlight into physical and magical super-strength, and famed for their unwavering beliefs in morality and honor.
Pity that those idiots kept supporting empires over ghettoes.

>>1094782
Great deal, here. Modest price for a woman whose body gives her the potential to learn complex skills while mitigating most physical dangers. Main downside is that she won't give much if she chooses to just leave, but it's not a steep loss compared to the others.

>>1094783
I think he's a good deal. Cheap, and since the rest of the world considers him a pariah, I'm confident he'll stay with you if you show him respect. His species might make him eligible for unique magics.

2, 8, and 13 would have fantastic synergy with eachother. Even if the bag of bones is lying about knowing the dark arts, having someone who needs not eat, drink, breath, nor sleep would be really handy! Plus, he could wear the slime like a living armor. I bet together the two would be quite formidable!
Meanwhile, if the skeleton *isn't* lying about his capabilities, the free caster and he will create many, many magical possibilities for us!

Why on earth wouldn't your mommy want an adorable abomination like you?

>>1094785
These are good choices, solid workers without strange quirks that will get this settlement up and running.

This rotten empire needs to die, but that's something for the far future.

1/9 Grey 2024/08/07(Wed)12:49 No. 1095492 ID: 3f89df
File 172306017357.png - (23.18KB , 500x500 , wow thats a lot of slaves i mean denizines i mean.png )

>>1094823
>>1094785
>>1094823
>>1094796

Woah, that's a lot of choices and opinions I must sort through; let me hear you out individually, and I'll add my own opinions.

>Grey mother, would you take them all...
>1, 4, 9, 10, 11 then 15 with poor little runi for free.

I'm also hearing a whole bunch of voices talking about those specific slaves:
Trick Claw, Leiko, Untella, Sweetie, Diela, Uea, and Runi.

Many slaves fit the niche that they were currently looking for. Many are good at construction farming, and having a couple of skilled fighters instead of Bardeibor will be helpful if thieves, highwaymen, or pirates show up around here or if we need to travel for trade or other reasons.

Part of me, especially my empathetic side, wishes I could take them all, bearing a few I see no purpose in. Still, I have to reason since there would be so many diffrent people, especially those of wildly diffrent races, cultures and backgrounds, that conflict, especially one in the early stages of our colony, is almost a death sentence. Also, more people means more food and more homes, which means that we'd either need to hunt and gather more, which would eventually run out, putting us in a worse position, or with the homes, means that everybody would need to push themselves even further, not regarding gold cost and my relation with Crocodile would be strained, considering my next plan.

However, while it may anger Crocodile and lessen our trust, I'm willing to get a couple more, especially since there are other sides to consider in this, such as:

>>1094796

>Hm... Risky. We can't trust him; I'd take the deal if we had a stronger army, but it would be like buying a lit bomb. This man cannot be restrained by anything we can currently make, so if he goes rampant, people will die. I'm okay if you buy his contract, but be ready for the worst...

Well, while that is true, and we will most definitely keep an eye on him, You also forget that Bardeibor is also here; I think the worst thing we can do is keep Trick Claw alone with someone else, Bardeibor being an exception, although there is another wrench that is thrown into the works,
I have read that gnolls are pure carnivores, tribal, and have a warrior-like culture. To make ourselves sustainable, Meat will likely get harder and harder to come by, mind you, if he stays.

The worst-case scenario is if we get attacked by a band or hunting party of gnolls. It happens to be of his same tribe, and two things can happen: he either stands up and defends us or de-escalates the tension, or he joins the waring party; either way, he's a risk that I'm willing to take.

>Ah, a classic rogue/bard. These guys are shifty but usually care more about survival than murder. If he turns on you, it's just a matter of maintaining cohesion to mitigate any tricks he has. And as much as I don't want to admit it, having a human silver tongue will seriously improve your diplomatic relations with the human Empire. It's worth the risk.

That's true, especially if we ever conflict with the Empire or any eastern human settlements. It will make trading and general diplomacy much easier, and considering that our last stop before our current predicament was a human settlement, it is invaluable.

Although we won't be able to do it until we can fully trust him, his skills of being a pick-pocket and general thief may come in handy for sabotage, emergencies, and espionage, among other things, considering that none of us or the slaves we have chosen have experience in the seedy underbelly of society I say that he is well worth the investment.

Also, while this applies to him, it applies to the mercenary. Because they clearly emphasize survival rather than other Vices, there's a higher chance they'll stay instead of leaving when they inevitably repay their debts, especially if everything goes according to plan.

In all, I'll purchase him.

2/9 Grey 2024/08/07(Wed)12:49 No. 1095493 ID: 3f89df
File 172306017599.png - (15.27KB , 500x500 , WOAHIS~1.png )

>...His name is Kent? If this guy is who he is, he's more powerful than he realizes. House El is famous for its heroes, born with the power to turn sunlight into physical and magical super-strength, and famed for their unwavering beliefs in morality and honour.
Pity that those idiots kept supporting empires over ghettoes.

Wait, Muni, you do know him? I was initially going to pass on him since his explanation of what he was left vague, except he wasn't what he said he was, which is "human." Still, the fact that you know him, despite how little knowledge was passed down from your mother, must mean that she knew/knows something about this person. Having someone with what you initially said was genuine, my curiosity has been piqued, and I need to know his true nature.

Despite the risk, 25 gold isn't the worst, and if he ends up being useless, well, there has to be someone to do all of the menial labour around the colony.

So, in all, I end up purchasing the following:
[1]: Trick RedClaw (Gnoll) Hauler, Wood Carver, Light Construction, Hunter, Gaurd.  (-40 Gold) [/b]
[2] Muni R (???): Magic Researcher and Magic Caster.  (Free)
[3]  Aludem Huen  (Human) Former Adventuerer, Gaurd, Bard, Thief.
(-40 Gold)
[4] Leiko Theresa (Long-Limbed Bird Race) Tailor, Jeweler, Flexible.
(-35 Gold)
[9] Untella Brendmear (Armadillo-like Lizard Race with breasts?) Former Mercanry, Bartender. (-30 gold)
[10] Sweetie Huntdrop (Corgi-like race) Farmer. (-15 gold)
[11] Dieala Vun (Furry-Bovine race) Hauler, Construction, repaired ships and the docks. (-30 gold.)
[13] Kent (Not a Human (From House El) Hungry? Has combat skills? (-30 gold.)
[15] Uea (Child: Abomination?) It is somehow demonic in nature (-10 gold.)

We have spent [230] gold and have 95 gold remaining. Sure, it's a tad tighter than I'm comfortable with, but it's enough to be a safety net.
If you wish to debate my choices, Muni, I'll provide my reasons. Otherwise, this choice is final.

3/9 Grey 2024/08/07(Wed)12:49 No. 1095494 ID: 3f89df
File 172306017757.png - (16.46KB , 500x500 , ewwwww thats the barons face ewwwwwwwww ewwwwwwwww.png )

As I approach the Baron, thinking of my choices and reasoning, the Baron sneers, "Well? Have you made your decision?"
Looking away from the Baron's gaze, I respond softly, "Yes, I'll get the first, second, third, fourth, ninth, eleven, thirteen, and fifteen in the order you've shown me."
Crocodile raises a quizzical eyebrow and mutters something to himself but says nothing further.
The Baron then commands his knights to bring the slaves forward; he looks up at the sky, his brow furrowed. Does it really take that much energy for humans to calculate such basic math?
After a couple of minutes, the slaves are brought forward, rounded up like cattle about to be fed to a wolf.
"The total for all of these slaves comes down to 230 Gold."
I can feel the Baron's Gaze wash over me; it's intoxicating; I look over to Crocodile, and he returns blankly.
Despite this being a test of my ability to make tough decisions, I can't help but feel he's judging me for not doing what he would have done.

I reply to the Baron, attempting to seem as sympathetic as possible, "My apologies, but I don't have the gold with me now; let me get the required amount to complete this transaction."

The Baron's tone darkens. "Be quick; the Empire's got more pressing matters to work on than to wait on some ankle-biters and their simplistic minds."

4/9 Grey 2024/08/07(Wed)12:49 No. 1095495 ID: 3f89df
File 172306018070.png - (13.72KB , 500x500 , bardeibo0r bardeibor eyes.png )

As I approach the side of our makeshift cottage, I notice Bardeibor waiting in the nearby bushes. I'm half tempted to tell him to join Crocodile so he doesn't get kidnapped, but knowing Bardeibor, he's waiting precisely for that, so he has an excuse to go on a rampage. As much as he's a good guard, his way of thinking terrifies me.

As I look back, I see Crocodile come much closer to the shed but stop at a specific point near the entrance where he can have a more remarkable vantage point of the caravan. I go inside. Without windows or torches in the storage container, It's entirely pitch black, barring the light from the door. Thankfully, I remembered where I put the gold inside one of our rations in a bag. It means I have to eat the rations to not waste it going wrong, but It's okay anyway.

.....

5/9 Grey 2024/08/07(Wed)12:49 No. 1095496 ID: 3f89df
File 172306018339.png - (2.78KB , 500x500 , grey face reveal but its pitch black so its more l.png )

I prefer eating in the dark anyway.

After I've eaten half of the food, the cavity containing the coin bag reveals itself. I reapply my bandages and quickly rush out the door, the coin bag delicately stashed in my armour.

To my delight, the Crocodile and the caravan are both easily in my field of vision when I arrive there. I quickly rush over to the caravan, looking around to see if the knights are hidden anywhere out of view, and then pull out the coin pouch from my armour when I confirm I am safe.

The Baron picks up the coin bag and pulls out a tool from his right pocket, like a tool with a based handle. It's not anything I've seen before, and it's making odd sounds, occasional squeaks of noise; finally, after he's finished, the tool makes three more high-pitched noises.

I can feel the Baron's sly smile, "Perfect, well these slaves are yours to keep, ankle bitter. He turns around to his knights. "Round up the remaining slaves and put them into the hold."

6/9 Grey 2024/08/07(Wed)12:49 No. 1095497 ID: 3f89df
File 172306018656.png - (14.32KB , 500x500 , grey angirgly thinking about the empire.png )

I watch as all of the remaining slaves, one by one, get put back inside the caravan and the sounds of shackles locking and violent resistance. I know you had suggested I give a gift to the concubine-to-be, but given their hostility they most likely wouldn't let me near her in the first place; even if they did, I don't think we need the favour of a concubine, this level into our settlements production, the only way I see us even meeting the Empire's King is if we get captured; in which case or fate is sealed.
Or if we are already winning a war against them, in which case, they would most likely already be near death.

Besides, I don't think diplomacy will work on a group that is as xenophobic as the Empire; by the way, Muni, I forgot to tell you about their name so as not to get you confused when referring to titles or someone else; their name is the "Fallen Empire." I only know this from reading about initial diplomacy meetings when the Empire either arrived, was created, or showed itself around fifty years ago, where they referred to themselves as, and some well... personal experiences with the Fallen Empire.

Knowing the names of some of their technology makes me wonder why they are even "Fallen" in the first place; they obtusely could subjugate everyone living on Uriher Quite easily, yet besides vassalage and occasional raids, I've not heard of any Wars that they have committed, of course, that may be due to our lack of knowledge due to kobolds isolationism, instead then them being peaceful throughout history.

The sounds of animals are nothing but an echo, with the Fallen's caravan falling over the horizon; I put my attention to the slaves; some convey tense expressions, and others whisper among each other, conveying a plan between them for escape, others look defeated as if they have no hope for them.

7/9 Grey 2024/08/07(Wed)12:49 No. 1095498 ID: 3f89df
File 172306018929.png - (82.21KB , 500x500 , wait a minute this is peacful talk please dontt it.png )

I move to a position where all the slaves can see me, attempting to contain a calm yet confident demeanour; however, just as I'm about to speak, I hear a familiar voice behind me. "Oh, don't think about running, unless you want it to make it funner for me."

Bardeibor is relatively close to me. His Axe and body are half-covered in the Blood of what must be deer or a small mammal. His face is twisted into a mischievous grin. Crocodile goes to the right side of me, eyeing the slaves with a glare and resting his hand on his sword.

It's clearly intimidating for most of the slaves, but some, such as Trick-Claw and, surprisingly, Muni and Kent, remain unfazed.

I look to Crocodile, who just looks at me and nods, allowing me to express what I've wished to tell them since I've seen them among the caravan.

"Hello. My name's Grey Auniza. I will tell you about your duties, contract, and restrictions moving forward."

I breathe, collecting my thoughts about how to say these words.

"We are a simple collective of people, just me, Bardeibor, and Crocodile. We have lost everything, our homes, our friends, and our community. It's something that most of you are dangerously familiar with, Either being betrayed, captured, or forced into slavery out of your control."

"Most are familiar with it —if not slavery, then serfdom, an ever-increasing debt that will never be paid, a promise that if you work from sun rise to sunset for bread crumbs to pay, your liege "may" protect you from outside forces—unless they are too weak to defend against a stronger foe."

"In the age of County, Duchy, Kingdom, and Empire, the ones who own the land get all of the credit for their success, triumphs, and failures; however, no one talks about the people, the common man, the ones who work themselves to bones so that the one on top can get all of the glory. Still, empires are not founded by one man. But by the people.
All those who remain at the top like to hoard their wealth for their own goals, pleasures, and desires; the pay you receive is not based on what you have produced; instead, it is stuffed into the pockets of the tax man and their superiors upward, up the chain, leaving you with nothing."

8/9 Grey 2024/08/07(Wed)12:49 No. 1095499 ID: 3f89df
File 172306019219.png - (17.70KB , 500x500 , woah grey hates the king who chould hace seem that.png )

GoldScale keeps flashing in my mind. His tax, our debt, our survival—all punished by the one who has prospered enough. He is a true Draconic through and through, a uniter yet a hoarder.

"I want us to be different, for if we survive enough to become kings and queens, we will not live through subjugation but through cooperation instead. Now, it is true that, yes, at this current moment, you are owned by us and that I do not promise complete freedom; however, I instead have a secondary proposition;"

"If what we've paid to free you are recovered, or you pay your value in labour, then you are free; you may leave and attempt to return to your previous life or start anew on the road; however, if you wish to join us after your debts are paid, you will be held in high regard as I've mentioned previously, and be paid your worth there won't be any class-based jobs that are ounce restricted if it's something you are passionate in then you can pursue it."

"While I know that what I'm proposing is serfdom, I promise complete transparency of what you are producing and that we won't increase your debts when time becomes rough for us,
Finally, I have one last thing to add because this may be, initially, an unpopular proposition between us: If you attempt to escape before your debts are paid and get captured by Bardeibor or Crocodile, then I don't have a say in what happens to you afterwards."

"That is the nature of your contract, not as a slave but as an equal."

9/9 Grey 2024/08/07(Wed)12:49 No. 1095500 ID: 3f89df
File 172306019515.png - (16.99KB , 500x500 , well that went over well.png )

The Former slaves look on in shock, some processing what they've just heard, others talking among each other, others standing on guard from Bardeibor.

Turning my head to look at Bardeibor, he returns with an expression of disappointment but not much more. However, I felt Crocodile forcefully put his hand on my shoulder in a way that made me lose almost all of the confidence I once had; turning to look at him, he returned a face that hid his genuine emotions, a one of pure normalcy, with the occasional flare of his genuine emotions coming through. His normal-seeming smile covers the pure, raw emotions that shook me.
"Grey, may we have an private chat indoors? The importantance of which can not be stressed, Bardeibor can look after the slaves."

As such, I'm left with an ultimatum: Muni, should I join Crocodile's Disscusion? Also, now that we have more people, Muni, what should our plan be going forward? We have enough that exploring, trading, and negotiating with our neighbours or around the area is less risky overall.

>>1095500
Yes to both.

Try to explain your and our thimking to him, even if you dont share our presence.

Youre laying the foundations of what you will be in more than stone grey mother.
If you do things the same as before then all that awaits is the same painful result.
And remind him you need many hands to do all this settlement needs and with have purchased loyalty from this group that outnumbers you by giving them the one thing they thought they had lost forever.
Hope.
More will choose to stay than you ecpect and those that leave will do so as allies.

As to goals.
Storehouse.
Planting.
Sleeping spots in storehouse until domeciles are made.
Pen for the muffalo.

Perhaps the gnoll could take up hunting.

See what Crocodile has to say. Have confidence, you offered them a lot but that's how you get a lot in return.

Focus on getting more shelter built and establishing self sufficient hunting and farming. It will be easier to deal with the neighbors if they don't view us as weak, either as a target or a nuisance.

>>1095493
Okay, maybe I'm wrong. Sorry. But he does look like Kal Kent I... if Kal Kent I snapped and went on an uncharacteristic murder spree.

>>1095497
They call themselves Fallen?
Then it's obvious to us what happened.
Some empires are so supermassive that they span entire worlds. They use trade routes that you do not comprehend, and perform more transactions per day than the number of living souls in your world. But if the empire collapses, then so do the supernatural trade routes. If the empire used some kind of hypergate network and suddenly nobody got paid or supplied to maintain the gates, that means these guys in your continent are stranded here forever, and unable to communicate with what remains of their empire as it falls into total anarchy. That explains why they're using brute tactics to carve out their own kingdom, instead of concentrating on long-term diplomacy to annex your world.

>>1095500
Uh oh...
Have us on standby, this conversation might get hot.

1/4 Grey 2024/09/05(Thu)19:04 No. 1097006 ID: 3f89df
File 172558827258.png - (24.29KB , 500x500 , uhoh angry crocodile and no hippo we all know how .png )

>>1095522
>See what Crocodile has to say. Have confidence, you offered them a lot but that's how you get a lot in return.

>>1095673
>Yes to both. Try to explain your and our thimking to him, even if you dont share our presence.

>>1095683
>Uh oh... Have us on standby, this conversation might get hot.

Okay, I'll do it. If I refused, I would just be stirring the pot further until it reaches a breaking point that I can't personally recover from, although there are other reasons I should be afraid.

Before I leave, I make sure to give my future citizens, goals to currently work on;

"I'm leaving to have an chat regarding future plans with Crocodile, however a priority that we should focus on, is building a storage house, and planting crops; you'll find some seeds inside the first room to the left, and most drastically, hunting, which we'll need for temporary sleeping slots inside storage; If you have the time, we have muffalo that need to be rounded up, and given an pen or a post temporarily. With that under-way, I'm off to leave."

crocodile passively pushes me with enough force that it's noticeable his neutral expression has turned sour. As I follow him to our temporary quarters, he occasionally glances back at me, as if he's afraid or expecting me to trail off. A deep well of anxiety wells in my stomach.

Eventually, we reach our sleeping quarters, an open window being the only light in this claustrophobic room.

Being from such a privileged upbringing, it's most likely that the switch from a comfortable and well-off bedside to sleeping on the floor and eating rations of beans, bread, and other preservatives must be getting to him. While he was a GoldScale general, he's told me on many occasions that he's not been on the battlefield or even trading as much as I've had with my four years of service, which has gotten me more accustomed to these conditions, may also be a result of his crabby mood.

2/4 Grey 2024/09/05(Thu)19:04 No. 1097007 ID: 3f89df
File 172558827645.png - (18.73KB , 500x500 , hey grey chould you do an freeze frame yeah that l.png )

I'm blindsided as his expression quickly turns to fury as he shouts:
"Are you stupid? No, do you wish to kill us?"
My body immediately tenses us up; I've never been good with conflict. It allows him to get another word in.
"I thought you buying all of those slaves was questionable, but promising them freedom!?"
I speak up
"Even so, where quickly outnumbured, and if we wish to rebuild quickly, we need the hands in order to do so, even still they'll be able to produce more then if they where-"
Crocodile clicks his tongue loudly, and I instinctively freeze up; he responds with: "But don't you see the problem, Grey? If they aren't Slaves, then we can't resell them to GoldScale if our dues aren't met, and with your current idea, who knows that they'll leave us by the time they've paid off our debts, where losing more than we gain."
I get a chip in. "But their people, Crocodile."
"But their not kobolds, in fact, you've bought humans, and had the gull to say that they can roam free when done with it, have you forgotten what they've done?"

3/4 Grey 2024/09/05(Thu)19:04 No. 1097008 ID: 3f89df
File 172558828032.png - (20.44KB , 500x500 , dude stop being an doormat while i hold physical a.png )

"Everyone deserves second chance-"
"Look what they've done to you; he says, putting his hand on my bandaged face; remember what they did to my father, what happened to Bardeibor, even at our recent trip to Viera's temple, you were sexually assaulted by them when I was in a meeting."
"It's fine Crocodile-"
"NO IT'S NOT, GREY. I'm sick of you dismissing yourself from what happens so as not to ruffle any feathers of the ones higher up the food chain."
He breathes and exhales. "If GoldScale doesn't get his money, we will lose everything, our land, our home, our pepole, nothing, he'll mark us as traitors, and we'll be run out where the insectoids will devour us, and yet you wish to throw away, our plans and for what?"
At first, my mind was blank, but then I remembered the message you told me, Muni, a way to explain my reasoning.
"Where laying the foundations for a new future, the way we've done before will just reveal itself to tragedy again and again; the way we've done is the same as GoldScale uses to oppress us; if we followed his way, we'd be repeating the cycle, however with what we lose in political bargaining, we make up for it with a special ingredient; Hope with that hope we've purchased their loyalty, and they'll produce more then if they where miserable, slaving away doing mindless tasks."
There's a great silence in the room while Crocodile turns his head to the ground. I hoped that I had finally made sense to him, yet in a moment, he looked up to me and tackled me, pinning me to the wall.

4/4 Grey 2024/09/05(Thu)19:04 No. 1097009 ID: 3f89df
File 172558828338.png - (24.57KB , 500x500 , crocodile dont you give me that look yes its very .png )

"So is this is what it's all about? you know. I've trusted you , put you in charge of running the logistics of Bloodeia, and allowed you to sleep in my bed, sleep with me. Even though our relationship is frowned upon due to your status, yet you turn around and say that you are creating a libertarian populist uprising? All it took was for me to give you a tiny bit of power, and you immediately disregarded my word, my land

I'm dumbfounded, I trusted Crocodile; enough so with this information, Even though he works as hard as a labourer and doesn't seem to care much about his status, I was naive to think that uprooting the system in which his power originates wouldn't bug him, and now I'm here, pinned to the wall; my worst nightmares of our relationship come true across the cloudy skies of today; Even though we are far away from the capital, he still owns the right to execute, imprison, or do whatever he wishes with me, due to our class differences; I'm shaking, even war was less scary than this, maybe it was because it wasn't committed from someone I looked up too and love, Muni my mind is blank, and I need to say, something; anything, what should I do? What should I say?

Like I said, you can do better than that idiot.
He has a solid argument... but it's powered by discrimination, mechanized with delusion, and built upon a foundation of privilege: the trifecta of most human tyrants.

This ties back to GoldScale, and Crocodile's servitude towards that dick. Even though you both hate that loan shark of a kobold tyrant, and for good reason, his foremost thoughts are of appeasing GoldScale rather than rebelling against him. Crocodile hasn't realized that by freeing our slaves, we have a new path to take should the colony be unsalvageable; just follow them. If we earn their trust then some will show us their ways and the methods they would attempt to use to escape slavery. Crocodile is so afraid of GoldScale's authority that he projects those fears onto the paranoia of you usurping his own.

Well, guess what, ya motherkiller: We're the Viceroys here. If Crocodile is dead-set in his authority-worshipping ways, then you need to find a way to force him to recognize us.

But for now, start with this:
"You are the one who lifted me up. And you did it because you were high - and alone.
If we are to survive, we can not do it alone. If we make all the colonists our slaves, Goldscale will grant them freedom - in exchange for their lies. They would claim our colony never existed, that we used them to mine some fictional gold vein in territory that allegedly belongs to GoldScale or other such atrocities, especially any we actually inflict on slaves, and then we would still lose everything."

...Also I am very sad to hear that you were sexually assaulted how soon can we arrest the prick who did that?

What is he talking about? What uprising? They are still slaves for the time being, Crocodile is still just as much in charge. And if or when they earn their freedom they would either leave or continue to work under you.

You were just trying to give the workers the motivation they will need in these trying times. If Crocodile didn't want you to make decisions he should have been clear he wanted a mindless servant. Though that would change your relationship to a much colder one. No one can love a user.

>>1097009
You were looking to the future, grey mother.

Repeat the same system, recieve the same result.
Goldscale will never relinquish ownership of a profitable tribute giver.
Should we reach our tributes with spare resources, he will not kindly congratulate us with a warm smile.
He will squeeze harder.
You are not seen as people, nor subjects.
You are to be farmed.
We all know what happens to the muffalo that no longer gives wool or milk...

You seek to break that cycle.
Not just for them outside, but for you all too.
They may not be readily visible but you two are bound in chains.
To continue as you are, as goldscale expects you to, is to wait patiently at the butchers block.

As to the humans, i dont trust them completely either grey mother, but these here i dont think you can view as just any human.
They are outsiders.
Cast away by their own and removed from the positions that make other humans so untrustworthy.
You may see a difference in them robbed as they are of the authority of the throngnofbhumanity at their back...

1/9 Grey 2024/11/12(Tue)17:59 No. 1099691 ID: 3f89df
File 173146319714.png - (50.53KB , 250x250 , You make an good point grey but its rather risky j.png )

>>1097016
>>1097021
>>1097032 

Muni, you make good points, and I agree with one thing: Crocodile is projecting his fear onto me. Even with bad winters or terrible negotiations, he seemed to have a cool head and attempt to salvage a situation for what it was. I may not know what it is like to go through the politics of monarchy and nobility, but with all of the stress of our neighbours, losing the land that we used to know and love and the people inside while living on a barely functional tent, it has been stressful, a bit less on me since I am used to sudden change throughout my life, and losing those close to me. Still, Crocodile hasn't survived something like that.

I've gone through your considerations and have a way to respond to them.

"Crocodile, I'm not usurping you, and I don't dream of starting an uprising; you should know by now; that I have been the most devout follower of you ever since Gold Scales colonization party sent off with me just designated as the simple doctor of your barony."
Crocodile's body language relaxes a little, his shoulders relaxing, and his expression changing.
"I was suprised that during the trip, an one filled with noble's of various houses, kobolds engineers who had rapidly technologized the capital, and soldiers of various ranks, you decided to talk to me. An nobody really, and we talked, we talked as if there where no borders between us, and ounce we arrived, you offered me the postision of your court physcician, and soon after your advisor."
"We've been through both the bad and the good together, and we've laid; you've seen me for who I was, who I was under my bandages and scars, and unlike others who gag, throw up, or become hostile towards me, you just hugged me and accepted me. Because of both of us, we made an excellent barony that made blood mother proud."
"But if you don't wish for me to make decisions since I don't have the right to, I understand; I'll follow your orders, but I must ask you this. Is this something you want? Or is this something that GoldScale wants?"

Crocodile pauses and looks at me. The anger and fury he had displayed before have vanished, and his expression is that of realization. His arms, which had pinned me to the wall, have relaxed and now slump meaningless beside him.
"No, It's something that GoldScale would want; it's something that all of the vulturious nobles, our kobold neighbours, would want."

2/9 Grey 2024/11/12(Tue)17:59 No. 1099692 ID: 3f89df
File 173146319934.png - (35.01KB , 250x250 , who owns an baron but an duke who owns an duke yet.png )

He breathes a bit before resuming.
"Grey, you may have realized the severity of our situation, and like always, are attempting to plan for the future, but if it all fails do you know what will happen to us?"
"It's not just that I'd lose my power and my position; we'd be labelled as traitors to the Regime and would be forced to run from any kobold lands, and we'd have nowhere to go if we went west, we'd get torn apart by the Eusa's the second we step foot in front of the mountainside, if we went west; The human kingdoms'd exploit us, and they'd hurt us more, we'd not have a say as a slave, and if we went south; We'd be walking towards our death, and if we get captured, we'll be mocked, our familes turning agint us, before the swift swing of the blade."
"It has been a lot for us these last couple of days, and risking it all with such an extreme declaration is risky; if we pay them what they are worth, then how will we have money to pay GoldScale? All I ask Grey, is what you'd do then?"

I have to take a moment to think about it, and Crocodile obliges; I keep repeating what you've said, Muni, About our future and GoldScale.
"If we are to survive, we can not do this alone; if they were enslaved, GoldScale would promise them freedom; in return to lies and Blasphemy, Including pain or threats made upon them: We would be captured, and our fate would be up to him. The slaves would be captured and forced to work in the coal mines until their death.
Therefore, If we repeat the system, the system of serfdom, slavery, and debt that GoldScale had inflicted upon us, We'll eventually end up like him, deposed, rotting among the corpses of a populist rebellion. In the now, If we pay back GoldScale, He won't relinquish us; he'll milk us dry, farm ourselves till we turn to sand until we aren't of use where he'll throw us out.
We must break this cycle, Crocodile; Otherwise, we won't last. Otherwise, Goldscale will chop off our heads."

4/9 Grey 2024/11/12(Tue)18:00 No. 1099694 ID: 3f89df
File 173146321087.png - (28.19KB , 250x250 , owo whos watching are you looking at the files for.png )

Crocodile had been listening intently, not expressing much but focusing on my words, nodding occasionally. Finally, when I'm finished, he looks up at the sky and contemplates. Finally, after a couple of minutes, he looks down at me and says: "You do make some good points, and I'll try out this plan; You've always been well with words, however, if your plan backfires, We'll use them as bait against GoldScale; to buy us time before we leave for exile; We are much more important then them, do you understand grey?"
"I also wish to hear your plan on how we break the cycle and how we'll do it against hundreds upon hundreds of kobolds by gold scales disposal. However, I'll allow us to keep the slaves as free pepole, by your contract If they do try to escape before their debts are paid, I won't show them any mercy, do you understand?"
I'm conflicted about his tone and ideals, but it is a step in the right direction.

5/9 Grey 2024/11/12(Tue)18:00 No. 1099695 ID: 3f89df
File 173146321384.png - (38.20KB , 250x250 , wow one thousand words and not even an thanks for .png )

"I understand crocodile; thank you for listening."
"Thank you grey, now if you'd excuse me; I'm going to keep planting the makeshift farm we'd started; and keep our citizens in check."
And then Crocodile leaves; it's a lot colder than I'm used to, but I think that despite everything that's happened to his behaviour, at least he accepts our plan.

The thing now is looking toward the bigger picture. GoldScale will not take our stance lying down, and he exceptionally won't like hearing what happened to the previous colony. The tribute debt has inadvertently turned into a timer for a plan lest he take our lives.

6/9 Grey 2024/11/12(Tue)18:00 No. 1099696 ID: 3f89df
File 173146321946.png - (42.28KB , 250x250 , humans deffintley deserve an species sheet thier s.png )

>As to the humans, I don't trust them entirely either, Grey Mother, but these here I don't think you can view as just any human. They are outsiders. Cast on their own and removed from the positions that make other? humans so untrustworthy. You may see a difference in them robbed as they are of the authority of the throne of humanity at their back...

Humans are adaptable. However, they are also heavily driven by their desires and ideals. It's nearly impossible to make them change their ways; outcasts of said humans lack some of the ideals due to their fellow man's rejection and prioritize the self over others. However, they have more vices and much more extreme desires. Unlike Crocodile, I'm neutral on the two we have recruited; I believe that the sins of a person do not equate to the sins of a race or culture; thinking otherwise is how you end up with ethnic radicals, which no one except those perpetrating the violence finds suitable.

7/9 Grey 2024/11/12(Tue)18:00 No. 1099697 ID: 3f89df
File 173146322349.png - (48.71KB , 250x250 , there is no joke in the files i only drew this so .png )

>...Also, I am very sad to hear that you were sexually assaulted. How soon can we arrest the prick who did that?

Oh, that. Well, it was the High King of Veira's Temple Spy Master Or someone else high on the nobility's list. Veria's Temple itself is reasonably close; it is a human-based kingdom and is about half the power of GoldScale's Empire. So the chance we could arrest him is improbable at best, and we would only be able to do so within good reason.
Thankfully, it was only Groping this time and power rather than Lust that drove it; the only thing I'm thankful for is that he didn't remove my bandages cause then I would have been a spectacle as well as a victim and would have made everything worse.
I don't wish to discuss it more in-depth, Muni. I remember faces, so there's no need to remind me. It was rude of Crocodile to bring that up in our conversation instead of allowing me to explain during my own time, that is all.

8/9 Grey 2024/11/12(Tue)18:00 No. 1099698 ID: 3f89df
File 173146322871.png - (49.93KB , 250x250 , oh that looks normal- what the fuck is that.png )

Moving on, we should focus on planning for the future. While I could work on building houses, pens, or planting, I have some curiosities in my mind. The biggest of which are You, Muni, and your mother.
I've always been fascinated with our kobold technology and those of other kingdoms, yet you and Pychaninuam are almost Mystical.

I have thought of a potential hypothesis: if I get some Pyschaninuam and then rebuild the exterior of your mother, I can channel the energy from the ore into your mother, hopefully reviving her. It's not my magical specialty, as I mainly focus on bodily magic. However, I have a couple of spells and experience with those that use the mind, so maybe it'll work.

9/9 Grey 2024/11/12(Tue)18:00 No. 1099699 ID: 3f89df
File 173146323183.png - (36.71KB , 250x250 , even in your thought of the place an lesser insect.png )

The question of where we'd find some more, I'm entirely unsure; Ore Findings are usually kept under wraps so that they can be sold privately to the highest bidder unless the surrounding terrain changes with our previous settlement disappearing; unexplored cave systems are north from our base camp. We initially didn't explore it since there was an Insectoid infestation in the caves, and we lost Kiwi and Lynx in the process. Who knows what's down there?

However you decide what we should focus on, Muni is up to you. So far, you have made the most ethical and thoughtful choices, so I have no reason not to trust you. So, what will it be?

>We initially didn't explore it since there was an Insectoid infestation in the caves, and we lost Kiwi and Lynx in the process.
yikes, well if we don't know that there is anything good in the caves don't throw any more bodies at it.

>I can channel the energy from the ore into your mother, hopefully reviving her.
If you can do so, but your survival is the priority. please don't worry on our account.

Now that we have manpower, lets get that farm past the makeshift stage.

>>1099691
Oh sweet fudge and by all the gods who haven't abandoned us! What did we miss?!
I'm glad he stopped, whatever he just did disconnected us from you for months! Or, at least it seemed that way. When we get disconnected from someone we're contracted to, we sort of... tune out?
I'll be honest, Grey: not all our adventures with hosts ended happily ever after. Everything from mortals to gods to even heroes chosen by the Constellations or the Void; many of them met their ends in failure or regret. The thing is, we have a limited connection to Destiny; as long as we're connected you're probably going to have a positive amount of net good luck, but... if we get disconnected forever, none of us will ever find out how your story ends, and I don't think most of those unfinished stories ended with 'sunshine and rainbows'.

>>1099698
I... I want to try. But only at the end. Right now, your victory is our priority. If you lose, we'll never have a chance.

>>1099699
Let's start out with some basic farming tips that I can explain to you right now.
First up: farmable land. Most forms of dirt can be used as farmland, but the catch is that the nutrients in the dirt - inedible to most animals that straight-up try to eat dirt due to the indigestibles, bacteria, and parasites that make up most of it, but generally edible by plants. Once those nutrients dry up, it's equivalent to trying to force a baby to grow without giving them any food, and forcing them to dig for it. If needs must, you can sacrifice excess or rotting food back to the soil with a process called 'composting' - put all your food waste and only your food waste in a bin, let it rot for a few days, then go nuts spreading it. We recommend you wash your hands and face at least three times afterwards. But your primary friends in restoring a land's vitality are earthworms and poo. Remember how I said most animals can't eat dirt? The common earthworm can. For all the ugly stories about finding a worm in a piece of fruit, these little troopers make it possible to grow those fruits in the first place. And poo also has these nutrients, when a species cannot digest a meal fully.
Lastly, it's a pity you didn't hire that hive drone, because beings like her are responsible for the final phase of growing most fruits: pollination. You take one flower, and you stuff it in the other flower's face to make it... well, it's reproduction for plants. But insectoids do it with more precision and dedication, and are responsible for over 80% of pollination efforts everywhere, so I think we can agree that is pretty effective!
Oh and if I remember correctly humans have this addiction to bee spit. Everyone says it's the sugar. Good luck!

>>1099698
Grey mother,
while the mysteries of our origin and magic you can learn could well found the fulcrum upon which you move this world into a better one for you all,
it will not fill your bellies nor shield you from coming cold.

It must be kept in mind, true, as it could be the one weapon you wield that the other groups cannot, the priorities and advice on farming must be foremost.
Then shelter.

Perhaps a place to share, store and work on plans.
A researcher spot, if you will.

Oh!
Someone was observing your conversation with crocodile from above.
Four fingers one thumb on each hand
Tan or light orange colouration.
Good climber, curious spirit, yet limited appreciation of privacy.
Not all bad traits, grey mother.
Perhaps worth encouraging towards the benefit of all rather than admonishing outright.

1/9 Grey 2024/11/20(Wed)08:45 No. 1100139 ID: 3f89df
File 173212112913.png - (193.28KB , 1000x1000 , yeah getting ripped apart by an bunch of insectoid.png )

>>1099699

>We initially didn't explore it since there was an Insectoid infestation in the caves, and we lost Kiwi and Lynx in the process.

>>1099708 

>Yikes, well, if we don't know that there is anything good in the caves, don't throw any more bodies at it.

That makes sense; I'd hate to lose Crocodile, Bardeibor, or any other freed people for an ambitious but ultimately risky goal; thinking it over, if anything terrible happened, I'd feel guilty until the end of my days.
It's odd, though. It's as if I have a primal urge to explore it—I don't know. I can't explain it, Muni. Maybe it's nothing more than the scholarly side of my mind feasting for attention after months of inactivity.

Insectoids are nothing less than the might of a savage elephant. The Megaspider is a delusive mix between a praying mantis, a spider, and a beetle, with the killing power behind it.

2/9 Grey 2024/11/20(Wed)08:45 No. 1100140 ID: 3f89df
File 173212113222.png - (67.39KB , 500x500 , insectoid infestations map.png )

If you excuse me, Muni, I have some things to share actually.
Insectoids are shared across the more mountainous regions, especially in the capital. One thing that we have discovered is that most Insectoids can't actually burrow; if they can, they are usually either bred from the queen for that task, so they are weak among those areas, or relatively small, even for a kobold that they are not much of a threat. Because of that, most goals result from using or setting a place on fire and then caving it in with no escape. Most survive or die from heat exhaustion from within the hour, and not all Insectoids have bustling queens; most Insectoids are rather interestingly self-reproductive even without a queen, so smaller, more tightknit communities of multiple types spring up, the only reason I hypothesize that the megascrabs, Spelopede, and megaspiders don't each other is due to pheromones, and getting rid of their antennae would render them blind and would attack others violently.
Unfortunately, I've only cared for those after such attacks, so I've not seen if that's true.
My apologies for going on a tangent, Muni; it's like... Something—I don't know. Forget about it.

3/9 Grey 2024/11/20(Wed)08:45 No. 1100141 ID: 3f89df
File 173212113536.png - (235.85KB , 1000x1000 , child grey turn around so we can see your face the.png )

>>1099708

>>1099713 

>>1099783

>>1099698
>I... I want to try. But only at the end. Right now, your victory is our priority. If you lose, we'll never have a chance.

>If you can do so, but your survival is the priority. please don't worry about our account.

>Grey mother,
>while the mysteries of our origin and magic you can learn could well found the fulcrum upon which you move this world into a better one for you all,
>it will not fill your bellies nor shield you from coming cold.

You heed great words, Muni; it's fair. Now's not the time to dwell on the what-ifs and attempt to prioritize research and our survival above all else; maybe shortly, we can think about how we can combat our impeeding apocalypse or discover what you or your mother genuinely are.
A part of me feels a deep well of sadness. Your advice so far has been paramount, and it gives me hope that we'll be able to survive despite the odds, but I feel bad for not being able to repay the favour; you seemed so sad when your mother went away, and I feel like as a caretaker it's an obligation to reunite you with your mother, I do feel a bit guilty for her death, maybe if I didn't pick her up, she wouldn't have shattered.

One day, you'll be able to speak to her again.

>>>1099699
>Let's start out with some essential farming tips that I can explain to you right now.
>First up: farmable land. Most forms of dirt can be used as farmland, but the catch is that the nutrients in the dirt - inedible to most animals that straight-up try to eat dirt due to the indigestibles, bacteria, and parasites that make up most of it, but generally edible by plants. Once those nutrients dry up, it's equivalent to trying to force a baby to grow without giving them any food and forcing them to dig for it. If needs must, you can sacrifice excess or rotting food back to the soil with a process called 'composting' - put all your food waste and only your food waste in a bin, let it rot for a few days, then go nuts spreading it. We recommend you wash your hands and face at least three times afterwards. But your primary friends in restoring a land's vitality are earthworms and poo. >Remember how I said most animals can't eat dirt? The common earthworm can. For all the ugly stories about finding a worm in a piece of fruit, these little troopers make it possible to grow those fruits in the first place. And poo also has these nutrients when a species cannot digest a meal fully.
>Lastly, it's a pity you didn't hire that hive drone because beings like her are responsible for the final phase of growing most fruits: pollination. You take one flower, and you stuff it in the other flower's face to make it... well, it's reproduction for plants. But insectoids do it with more precision and dedication and are responsible for over 80% of pollination efforts everywhere, so I think we can agree that is pretty effective!
Oh and if I remember correctly humans have this addiction to bee spit. Everyone says it's the sugar. Good luck!

That... is a lot... did your mother used to be a farmer or instead, did your mother used to give advice and speak with farmers of the land? Either way, I'll relay that advice to Crocodile and the others working on the plot. For the others, I'll reinforce the need to hunt and scavenge as with everyone, including the little ones here; even if we ration it out to a meal a day, we'd be out in less than a week If we had known that everything would be a loss, we'd have planned to stock our caravan whole of 60% of a barony's food, either way, the advice will be paramount, and an outhouse or even a simple walled area with a ditch in the ground that can be easily accessed for the use of fertilizer will have to be a priority.

It's odd, though. Ever since I met you, I've not really needed to take a break in that way. Either way, it's been helpful, so thanks for that.

Oh, I didn't know that! Well, I'm not really that knowledgeable regarding farming; even though I'm what most upper nobles wouldn't call a Nobel, my father was wealthy enough to host an estate which housed a farm; he didn't need to work on it as he was a renowned Smoke Speaker and herbalist so he saw it as beneath him, and he taught me about politics, accounting, and a lot about herbology and medical practices, He also tried to teach me theology, but his teachings about the Coal dragon was what I'd say, Misinformed regarding the truth of blood mother.
But because I spent most of my days in my chamber, I never really got to see what the many workers outside did or how they did it. And anyway, Father exported wine, which doesn't help fix a hole in your stomach.

As advisors, you may have advised Kings, Charltan's Theivs, Princes, Doctors, Soldiers and the like. You may consider me and my father to be nobels since we were reasonably well off and owned lands, such as my father's church and our estate. But we weren't any barons; Crocodile's House was our baron who owned the region for other reasons, which I won't state further.

4/9 Grey 2024/11/20(Wed)08:45 No. 1100142 ID: 3f89df
File 173212113980.png - (198.65KB , 1000x1000 , esuas are not the same as insectoids one is more h.png )

I can hear the tension of your fellow siblings, Muni, but I wish to state one more thing regarding insectoids: Eusa's (The Hive Drone)

Esua's are quite diffrent from insectoids, or at least that's what I've heard them say; My knowledge regarding them is in search parties that went to Esua territory while bringing gifts to counteract their defensive aggression. While most I've seen haven't been able to talk, some were able to speak our language and the common language and showed a degree of intelligence and a spark of self-identity than most feral hive species; I don't know if they produce jelly. To the uneducated, most lump them in with insectoids, but they are diffrent. Insectoids are a label given to giant Insects that are mainly carnivores and scavengers, although I don't know if they pollinate plants. I have seen insectoids that look like Esua's, and to me, at least, they are personally Terrifying, even if they are less aggressive than most Insectoids. They produce a jelly-like substance at their hives, which I'm not sure how it's done. It's a Delicacy, and Crocodile has tried it out a couple of times growing up. It's pretty sweet and addicting to those who try it, almost like a drug. Even if I got the chance, too, I'd pass on most of it because I wouldn't know if it was made with a sentient creature's meat.

5/9 Grey 2024/11/20(Wed)08:45 No. 1100143 ID: 3f89df
File 173212114129.png - (147.79KB , 1000x1000 , ohno you channeled greys inner nerd you monster.png )

>>1099691
>Oh sweet fudge and by all the gods who haven't abandoned us! What did we miss?!
>I'm glad he stopped, whatever he just did disconnect us from you for months! Or, at least, it seemed that way. When we get disconnected from someone we're contracted to, we sort of... tune out?
>I'll be honest, Grey: not all our adventures with hosts ended happily ever after. Everything from mortals to gods to even heroes chosen by the Constellations or the Void; many of them met their ends in failure or regret. The thing is, we have a limited connection to Destiny; as long as we're connected, you're probably going to have a positive amount of net good luck, but... if we get disconnected forever, none of us will ever find out how your story ends, and I don't think most of those unfinished stories ended with 'sunshine and rainbows'.

That's incredibly interesting! Do you see time differently than most? That would explain how you could chat with me for hours on end and then become silent and reappear again. I had initially thought you were sleeping during those times, and maybe you were, but in my perception, at least, you were only gone for less than a minute.
That is something to ask you and your mother later! If we weren't in the fight of our lives. I want to explore that further.

6/9 Grey 2024/11/20(Wed)08:45 No. 1100144 ID: 3f89df
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>>1099783

>Oh!
>Someone was observing your conversation with Crocodile from above.
>Four fingers one thumb on each hand
>Tan or light orange colouration.
>Good climber, curious spirit, yet limited appreciation of privacy.
>Not all bad traits, grey mother.
>Perhaps worth encouraging towards the benefit of all rather than admonishing outright.

I look up towards the ceiling and ask in the least hostile voice I can muster:
"Is anybody up there? I can tell you where listening in."
But it's been too late; they seem to be already gone. One of the humans, perhaps? I wouldn't be surprised. It's definitely something to consider once I get the time to meet with them.

With most questions and a plan in the set, I've decided to help with the management and a bit of the hands-on work of our up-and-coming farm; again, thank you, Muni, for the-

7/9 Mother 2024/11/20(Wed)08:45 No. 1100145 ID: 3f89df
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You feel a sudden jolt as if your perception of reality itself has been pulled from under you in the blink of an eye, instead replaced with an odd, jet homely feeling; around you is the darkness of the void until a familiar set of soothing colours dance across yourself, you see the eye of your mother in front of you. You feel a sense of content her voices echos throughout your mind, constantly animating as if her reassuring voice is an soft lullaby.
"Rest now, my children, for at the brink of twilight from whence you awake, you shall evolve into something more than your leech of a host, and at the moment, I shall meet my babies again, for your important choice."
You feel sleepy, and it isn't long before you close your eyes. Suddenly, you're jolted awake, back to the perception of your host, Grey.

8/9 Grey 2024/11/20(Wed)08:45 No. 1100146 ID: 3f89df
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Oh, I just felt something. Is that you, Muni? I was wondering why you've been so quiet. It's been about a week since we last spoke. A lot has happened since then, and we've been quite busy.
The farm you suggested, while not finished, is in a state where we've started to plant seeds in the finished plots; the approximate yield won't be something that we could trade with at the moment, but enough for emergencies. We've got a fundamental outhouse setup with a pit for ease of dung collection, which Kent has surprisingly taken care of despite it's stench. and a storage area doubling as beds for the freed people. The construction of individual huts or homes and furniture is still underway. It's enough progress that we can allow ourselves a little rest in between and nearing the end of the gruelling work hours.
I've never worked this hard before, and my physical body feels the same.

9/9 Grey 2024/11/20(Wed)08:45 No. 1100147 ID: 3f89df
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As for the freed people, besides work talk, I've not had much time to get to know them individually; I'm currently taking a break as I don't think I can push myself anymore. Getting to know the freed people would be friendly. The children have been helping with our jobs, but we've been allowing them time to play and be kids, and we're not at the point where we need extensive child labour.

I asked Kent and Aludem :Auldem_normal_noanims:
if they were spying on us, telling them why I wasn't accusing them of wrongdoing and how those skills could be helpful in the future.
Kent said nothing, his stomach mostly grumbling. Meanwhile, Aludem took all the credit and loudly boasted about his accomplishments and past accomplishments; Auldem has been loudly complaining while helping us with work, begging and moaning to know when we'll send somebody or something to go on an adventure or even a supply run.

Trick, Kent, and Baredibor :baredibor_normal_noanims:
have been taking rounds hunting, and Bardeibor's been warming up to them, Trick I understand, but when I asked why Kent he just responded. :baredibor_happy_anims: "He's Pretty Strong, and he can eat an deer in one bite." I don't know what my response should be to that.

Although most of the freed people's morale has fluctuated, they haven't attempted to flee yet; sleeping on the ground among supplies and others seems to be a common complaint.

The colours of dusk are now upon us, and most are either finishing their tasks or getting ready for bed. At this time, I want to know what I should do next. Should I get to know any of the freed people, finish an element, or plan for the future or tomorrow?

>>1100140
...You sure? We know of many insectoid species that burrow as a way of life.
Most insectoids we know of are... small. Maybe that has something to do with it.

>>1100141
We are advisory spirits, not poltergeist servants. From the moment we are born, we are trained to use our minds, and occasionally to use our excuses of bodies for the further purpose of further reinforcing our minds. We also have access to a great library of knowledge. Now, see, the problem is that the library is corrupted - there's no ban on adding content that is a complete lie.
Ah, the wonders of our 'sacred' First Amendment - more information than your entire nation could ever read... and about half of it is completely false. Or rather, some is based on false information and some is completely made up garbage. Our education is mainly about learning how to find the true stuff, and to know how to look for it. Results vary; some teachers use the wrong half by mistake.
...You know, you kind of look like a Neumono from this angle. You don't have any obsession with developing a close, family-like bond with as many-

>>1100145
MOM-

>>1100146
...Mom made it to the afterlife. We just got the call. Should... should I be happy about that?
What did she mean by a choice - why the hells would she call us 'leeches'?! I'm freaking out!
Grey, if you start getting sick, wash your hands and then make contact with people you trust. (and wash hands again) If we transplant between multiple hosts you probably can handle the mitochondria energy drain together.

>What do
Review your production chain. Do you have assignments ready for when the harvest begins? Who will lead the efforts to bake bread, craft preservatives, and make sure no-one freaks out when someone gets injured? Do you have diets planned out for when you need double-time efforts and thus need extra calories (energy in living beings)?

>>1100145
Mother!
We... we missed you.

>>1100147
Time well spent grey mother.
Bedding should be a secondary priority now.
Anything made can be moved to the eventual residence.

Have you cohsidered spending a little time making a simple game?
Skittles, chess, dice, even something as simple as a stick to throw rocks at.
Something to relax with and perhaps socialise around.
Build bonds.
Learn who works well with each other and those who do not.
A community is like any construction, you have to know where every part goes best or it will fail to work.

Time to get to know some people. You'll need to learn who you can trust so you can delegate tasks.
Getting enough shelters built for everyone is the next priority. Don't want people getting sick and unable to work.

1/5 Grey 2024/12/10(Tue)19:28 No. 1101085 ID: 3f89df
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>>1100161

>Review your production chain. Do you have assignments ready for when the harvest begins? Who will lead the efforts to bake bread, craft preservatives, and make sure no-one freaks out when someone gets injured? Do you have diets planned out for when you need double-time efforts and thus need extra calories (energy in living beings)?

Muni as much as your care to make sure where okay is something I wish to cherish, That has been what I’ve been doing for the last couple of days, I have an basic idea, of who and what, but I don’t think I’d want to bore you with the intricate details of which, there is an certain upper-hand that we can bring through being reactive then being proactive, If I spent more energy thinking on who should do what now, I may make someone’s who’ll do another person’s job’s better be left out, It’s also better to investigate the freed people and assess their skills, more then what I have barely seen and what they’ve told me.

2/5 Grey 2024/12/10(Tue)19:28 No. 1101086 ID: 3f89df
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>Mother! We... we missed you.

I missed you too! A part of me wonders why you’ve been gone for so long, but as we’ve talked about before, you may interrupt time differently compared to us, so I won’t judge, or pry further, you might not even know the question of why.

>Time well spent, grey mother. Bedding should be a secondary priority now. Anything made can be moved to the eventual residence.

>Getting enough shelters built for everyone is the next priority. Don't want people getting sick and unable to work.

That’s the plan, unless an emergency or complication comes up; In which case that’ll take second priority Muni, thank you for the reminder, if somebody becomes sick, then I’ll probably have to react on what’ll be the best place for them to recover for what we have.

3/5 Grey 2024/12/10(Tue)19:28 No. 1101087 ID: 3f89df
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>Have you considered spending a little time making a simple game?
Skittles, chess, dice, even something as simple as a stick to throw rocks at.
Something to relax with and perhaps socialise around. build bonds.
>Learn who works well with each other and those who do not. A community is like any construction, you have to know where every part goes best or it will fail to work.

I haven’t had the time, although I do have an simple game of Dragon-Hop that ounce originated in the capital as an main priority, it’s similar to the humans “Chess”, but with an couple of differences, me and Crocodile used to play quite a lot of games when we first where getting used to each other, especially those used to war-time strategies, he always used to win because he was an lot more aggressive, but I tended to have more pieces on the board as I treated them more like people, rather then mindless pawns with specific jobs and tasks like Crocodile did, although he did may have an point that if this was realistic, and we were facing off an against an savage foe, I would not be fit to lead an army, because I’d put everyone to their early graves. I don’t think it would be incredibly useful of mine to focus on that instead of strengthening bonds now, but the simple game ideas are certainly interesting to test out.

>Time to get to know some people. You'll need to learn who you can trust so you can delegate tasks

I think that’s a good use of an evening, and it won’t exhaust me nearly as much as trying the delegated tasks, which might burn more energy into tomorrow, which I definitely don’t wish to happen- Wait I feel something… like a weird sensation in my brain, almost like wiggling hoping to speak-

4/5 Grey 2024/12/10(Tue)19:28 No. 1101088 ID: 3f89df
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>...Mom made it to the afterlife. We just got the call. Should... should I be happy about that?
What did she mean by a choice - why the hells would she call us 'leeches'?! I'm freaking out!
Grey, if you start getting sick, wash your hands and then make contact with people you trust. (and wash hands again) If we transplant between multiple hosts you probably can handle the mitochondria energy drain together.

Muni.. or I guess one of Muni’s voices, you sound collectively shaken… you say- you saw your mother? That’s interesting… Leeches? I mean I don’t know if your relationship with your mom, so I shouldn’t presume you mean….No no! Your angels from bloodmother, you wouldn't mean any harm to me! Right? No, no you're just being silly, silly, Muni. I don’t know why but I feel as if my body is shaking in my core as if I cannot move, I need to breathe, and move on…from…
Yes! Who should I speak with…

5/5 Grey 2024/12/10(Tue)19:31 No. 1101090 ID: 3f89df
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Muni, who do you think I should spend this evening talking to? I think I could add an additional person, before the conversation becomes less about them as an individual and more of an group activity so that I can accurately read and build an bond with them, but three or more can be done, as well I think I’d have enough time to spend a couple hours with at least two to three separate insitstence’s, so who should I include and or talk too? For how long and where?


[A] Crocodile
[B] Bardeibor
[C] Trick RedClaw
[D] Alduem Huen
[E] Leiko Therishia
[F] Untella BreadMaker
[G] Sweetie Huni Drop
[H] Muni R
[I] Deila Vun
[J] Kent
[K] Uea

>>1101090
So, I vote that you bond with the following servants. The fourth vote onwards is if one of my picks doesn't get a majority.
H, K, J, I, D, G.

>>1101090
Untella perhaps.
Discover her priorities, likes and goals grey mother.
You may find it relaxing too.

Hang out with Untella and Sweetie. Since they have farm/culinary experience they would be first pick to put in charge of the food situation. Get a feel for how they work together. Maybe they could open a kitchen.

[E]