1/7 Mother 2024/03/08(Fri)20:29 No. 1085847 ID: 3f89df
File 170995859930.png - (15.18KB , 500x500 , mother sleeps.png )

..........

2/7 Mother 2024/03/08(Fri)20:30 No. 1085848 ID: 3f89df
File 170995860141.png - (16.94KB , 500x500 , mother awakens.png )

I'm awoken from my fallen slumber to intense cries of anguish, those of perished variety, Be still children.

"Where is It?!?! Where is It?!?!?!! It- It was Right Here- Platypus, Kangaroos, by blood mother's will...."

Mother? The gods? Children of I, it may have been nearly a century since we have awoken; this place is unfamiliar, and this beast is draconic, unlike man's. The Darkish one collapses to his knees,

3/7 Mother 2024/03/08(Fri)20:30 No. 1085849 ID: 3f89df
File 170995860480.png - (21.93KB , 500x500 , stupid kobold.png )

"This has to be the wrong place, but it just can't be! We folloed the way back, yet how could they have disapered? No signs of struggle, no signs of desstruction, how has the city Gone with the Wind? i- I cannot comprehend!"

Children, I can feel myself weaning; the passage of time has led to the rot and decay of I. Be still; you'll find a new host soon.

The white Dogbold confronts her husband. "Dear, I know this is a lot to take in... but they're gone. How or when do we not know... but we're still here in the present."
Her words are disregarded.

The Husband slams his fists into the ground. "Why must those blasphemy gods condemn us? We were this close! An alliance with Viera's temple was just within reach. Blood Mother's will was about to strike back against those treacherous man-apes after centuries of abuse, and yet are people disappearing like so? "

The Wife gets down on her knees and puts his face against his. "Don't say it like that; there may be survivors, hidden, alone, forgotten by our enemy; we just need to look, stay strong, Burntany, I mean Sir Crocodile."

The husband puts his hand onto hers "Grey, There's no use for names or titles. Currently, FangToothCovenent requires our allegiance through payment to them. If we do not, Kahlo—I mean GodScales—will brand us as traitors, and everything we've worked so hard for will reduce to rumble."
Through her bandages, I can see a hint of emotion in Grey's Eyes
"And how will we do that?"

4/7 Mother 2024/03/08(Fri)20:30 No. 1085850 ID: 3f89df
File 170995860737.png - (21.78KB , 500x500 , ponder crocodile yes ponder.png )

"Well, there's no use sulking around, remindings on time past; we must rebuild our fallen empire; if we do not, may blood-mother never rise again."
There's a long silence as Crocodile attempts to assess the gravity of his situation, then he rises, brushes the dirt off his plate armor, and turns to his lover.
"Un-man the caravans, we have an empire to rebuild, make sure that Bardeiobor fully finishes his task, while he is technically not under contract we must make sure that we can fully assess his skills before he leaves to return to the Den of Woryoarek, as much as it pains me to do so."

Children, these mortals—I can sense their souls. They are weak, insolent creatures whose potential is based on the further potential of the Thrumoians. Yet I am still somber. I can feel myself fading. I don't have long. It pains me as your mother to not provide you with more suitable hosts, but my reluctance for capable souls has led to trash. This is my apologies as your mother, yet I cannot cry, for soon I too shall die.

5/7 Mother 2024/03/08(Fri)20:30 No. 1085851 ID: 3f89df
File 170995861007.png - (14.83KB , 500x500 , uhoh bardeibor is nakked.png )

I notice Bardeibor is far away from the group; he is perfectly naked, unlike the modest kobolds of before; he has markings of a particular god whose memory has been lost in my inevitable slumber, with a large oversized great-axe in his hands stalking nearby prey; he is hidden among the grass like that of a predator, his rear high in the air about to pounce on suspecting victims.

6/7 Mother 2024/03/08(Fri)20:30 No. 1085852 ID: 3f89df
File 170995861306.png - (27.56KB , 500x500 , bardeibor.png )

However, his prey is rudely interrupted and startled by Grey's sudden intrusion; Bardeibor turns his attention to her, clearly annoyed.
"What is It?"
"Bardeibor, we must ask, that even though our business is done, we must rely on you for further need, while we do not have much currently due to the state of our empire, we will be able to reward you handsomely when we acquire the funds to do so."
"Cut that fancy talk, You already know that I do not care for your rewards, I have no need for money, fancy rooms, equipment, nor ladies, nor men, All I need is Gin, so Why, why do you think I should care?"
Grey seems to mutter something that I cannot hear under her breath before resuming
"Well, Bardeibor, your skills in combat are unmatched and your hands know how to work with all kinds of materials as if it was just simple clay, may you please bless us with your presence?" She says bowing down cordially
Bardeibor seems to smirk at her pathetic display. "That's more like it You are a smart one, Grey, much more so than your pathetic husband, who calls himself a leader when he can't even lead a Hippo's Droppings, no matter how hard he tried."
Grey-

Children, I'm sorry... I do not have the energy to assess these hosts any longer. I only have the energy to emit out a psychic wave to bring one of them over. I hope you understand. However, as your mother, it will take the last of my breath to scan their souls for their strengths, weaknesses, and aspirations. You deserve the best for your host, after all.
Just be warned, while you may be able to switch between them much later into your development, the choice now may heavily affect your growth and your life-cycle.

The first one, Bardeibor Soul of Death
Strengths: Intense Physical Strength, Survivability
Weakness: Self-Serving, Blood-Thirsty
Ambition: To serve Gin and rule over those in Gin's favor.
I sense a Psy-Link connection among this soul.

The second one, Crocodile, Soul of The Leader
Strengths: Diplomatic, Curdious, Wise.
Weakness: Idealistic, Judgemental, Short Sided.
Ambition: To restore Kobolds as a power among the races and further showcase Blood Mothers' will.
This one does not have a Psy-Link connection.

The third one, Grey Soul of The Protector
Strengths: Nurturing, Intelligent, Fairness
Weakness: Weak, Cannot Physically or Physically harm another creature, Awkward.
Ambition: To treat all with kindness and respect, to make the Bloodeians a place to nurture the sick and wounded.
This one has a Psy-Link connection. However, she will not be able to cast anything that hurts others.

Whoever you chose, Children, make sure that you help your host, with enough determination they may strip you of their mind, leaving you to starve, it would pain me to see you land to such fate...

Now, children... before I leave... who should I attract as your new host?

Voting crocodile.

No.

No no no no no NO NO NO you are NOT dying on us now! Get up! HEY JERKS! OVER HERE! TAKE THE POWER OF A GODDESS, JUST SAVE OUR MOM!

Grey Soul, you are worthy! NOW GET OVER HERE AND PROVE YOUR WORTHINESS DAMNIT!

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF

Me vote's on Grey.

Grey
May her intelligence compensate for our lack thereof!

You shouldn't have used up your energy at all, since this was an emergency and they're all trash. I would rather make a blind choice if it meant you lived, Mother.

Perhaps you won't die, though. These kobolds were seeking your city. They are potential faithful.

Grey seems nice, and the least likely to whine and complain about our presence.

Rest well Mother, may we meet again when all is said and done.

Bardeibor! For the Gin!

>>1085853
I say grey.
She us best suited to bring unity to a fragmented people. A peacemaker between the other two.

Rest well mother.
May it be but sleep not oblivion.

Grey. The less likely to reject us, and her weaknesses look a bit more manageable. The Psy-Link is nice too.

1/3 Mother 2024/03/09(Sat)10:02 No. 1085905 ID: 3f89df
File 171000734658.png - (17.54KB , 500x500 , goodbye children.png )

>> 1085855

I know this is a scary process for you children, and getting used to a new host to contain yourselves is unfamiliar to you, but I assure you that when I'm reborn into the earth, I will always keep a part of you with me. Just know I love all of you.

>> 1085858

I sense Hostility within you, child. It is granted, for it was my mistake not to do this sooner. You must know this about our kind: it is natural and a way of life. I have lived long enough to see gods among men walk this earth, yet I am still mortal and shall decay. I cannot do anything else to prevent this. I'm sorry that you must live to see this tragic event.

There is no reason for me to conserve my power to save myself; at my current age, I would be immobile soon after and, with time, eventually shatter; I'm just speeding up the process by a year by doing so. Again, child, I'm sorry, and I wish I could do more.

All of you wish to have Grey the Protector as your current host. I sense a deep connection between us; her mind will not be unlike mine. I sigh, a sense of relief that this process will not be too jarring; with my last ounce of strength, I psychically manipulate her mind to bring attention to me.

"Oh? What is that?" She runs over to me and picks me up. "Odd, it seems to be some sort of magical orb, and it seems to be generating some sort of psychic connection be-."
Goodbye, children, your mother will miss you.

2/3 Grey 2024/03/09(Sat)10:02 No. 1085906 ID: 3f89df
File 171000734890.png - (23.92KB , 500x500 , death.png )

I'm as shocked as the psionic crystal explodes into a shattering of millions of pieces, releasing some soothing psychic energy in the process; all the meanwhile, I sense something, like a collection of souls dancing and moving across my brain. I must have been cursed, or worse, transformed; psionic abilities are nothing to be messed with, and I must dispose of them if they prove themselves to be a threat.

First, before I take any further steps, I must determine whether these spirits are perceptive enough to be reasoned with.

3/3 Grey 2024/03/09(Sat)10:02 No. 1085907 ID: 3f89df
File 171000735134.png - (17.86KB , 500x500 , connection.png )

"Hello? Who- Who are you? And what are you doing in my mind?"

I silently anticipate a response.

chillin'

...A-and that's it.
Our mother is dead.

We... we are the angels. Servants of the gods. Grand advisors to kings. We are responsible for the rise of clans and the fall of empires. We have been sealed in slumber for a century, against our will. We have so much to do
and our mother is dead
Please, madam. I... I need a minute.

You freed us from the orb! What can we offer you as thanks? What do you need most right now?

>>1085907
All we know is, our mother just died. She was inside that orb, an ancient being that has lived since gods walked among men.

I wish she had told us more about herself, and us, before she died.

>>1085907
You killed our mother

Congratulations you're the new Blood Mother!

Hello, we are indeed perceptive enough to be reasoned with. And sentient, probably. And talkative, most definitely. And in your head at the moment, sorry about that.

>>1085940

And of distinct personalities! I'm pedantic, so I would say we are both sentient and sapient. I've heard the term 'sophont' used to describe the combination, but that's a niche term that doesn't feel widely used.

Huh. I wonder where I'm getting my information from?

>>1085907
A moment please, if you will.
We are just... processing a loss.
You may find us incoherant and ill coordinated for a brief time.

This is as new to us as it is you.

1/5 Grey 2024/03/10(Sun)21:06 No. 1086104 ID: 3f89df
File 171012998418.png - (14.77KB , 500x500 , oh sorry children.png )

Anglels, Children of blood mother? I killed your mother- I'm the
It's all so much to process you talking in my mind all at once. May you repeat yourselves slowly?

> 1085914

So you children and your mother were angels, advisors to gods and kings? If you were sealed away, however, what for? You must understand that while you may be guiding voices, I do not wish to have demons in my head that will lead me astray; my apologies If you are indeed innocent of no wrongdoing.

> 1085920

I see. I thought your mother was psychic, not unlike those used to make Psylink performers due to her psychic abilities; however, I did not know that she was considered a sentient being, nor that by picking her up physically, she would shatter my apologies.

> 1085921

I'm sorry. I Didn't know. If I had, I would have left you alone, and you and your mother could have lived happily in peace. I truly sincerely apologize to her, and I hope she rests happily in the afterlife. If she was a mortal before being placed in that orb, I hope she has regained her form in Bloodeina.

2/5 Grey 2024/03/10(Sun)21:06 No. 1086105 ID: 3f89df
File 171012998850.png - (25.00KB , 500x500 , sadneesss.png )

> 1085921

Am I the blood mother? I assure you that I'm just a simple advisor to Sir Crocodile. I'm nobody special. I wouldn't be one of the Blood mother's chosen. That path should befall Crocodile above anybody else.

Yet I'm curious how you know the Name of the Blood Mother; maybe you are angels, a divine gift sent by the Blood Mother to help rebuild Crocodile's empire, yet I'm ashamed to be her chosen if that is the case.

3/5 Grey 2024/03/10(Sun)21:12 No. 1086110 ID: 3f89df
File 171013033605.png - (19.63KB , 500x500 , Id sleep on the floor for crocodile.png )

>1085915

Oh! I Do! As Crocodile's chief advisor, I'm in charge of managing our current resources, making schedules, making plans, and conducting risk assessments, among many other responsibilities, to ensure our colony's success and that it fits Crocodile's vision of our colony.

However, my current plans fell short, and while I do have a semblance of what needs to be done and our priorities in the short term, that being
Getting Reliable food, water, and shelter, I'm unsure of what our next priority should be moving forward, of course, Crocodile knows best; however, as you Blood mother children are in my head for the time being, it's only natural for me to ask for your divine aid and consultation.

I'm personally split on what should be our secondary priority at the moment;

4/5 Grey 2024/03/10(Sun)21:12 No. 1086111 ID: 3f89df
File 171013033857.png - (17.35KB , 500x500 , ooooh weapons and stuff.png )

I'm currently thinking that we could try to find a source of reliable energy, not unlike those modern generators that I've seen those humans, from who I think are called "The Empire," such a condescending name; however, they seem to have these flying ships of the sky, and bows that shoot as fast as light itself If I could somehow be able to install or learn more about those generators, It could quickly put us on the map politically. However, that is a long dream given our current circumstances, although we could also use wood-fueled generators for simple heat and energy production. Still, it is much more energy-negative than most other options.

My apologies for getting off track when time is of the essence. There are also other things that we could prioritize, such as Strengthening our relations with our current or potential allies or relying on support from our kobold brethren or the main capital despite our promises made to them.

Or we could attempt to research any odd technology we encounter and discover what components, materials, or steps we must take for it to be self-reprintable and widely used or discover what other technologies are required to use it

5/5 Grey 2024/03/10(Sun)21:12 No. 1086112 ID: 3f89df
File 171013034158.png - (14.25KB , 500x500 , there is still caverns to explore.png )

No matter what our goal is, I must assess what is needed concurrently, We must un-man and asses our current supplies, which is around twelve days of food in Pelican and meals, some seeds for rice, corn, and tomatoes, some equipment and traveling gear, such as tents, rope, and some equipment such a small amount of wood around 80 logs and steel of which, We must either find a way to build or find suitable lodgings of which we can store our current and future material, we also have around 325 gold.

Bardeibor has the skills of a masterful carpenter despite building nothing but the crampest sheds and the bare essentials for his lodgings. This also provides him with income that he promptly ignores. My only worry is that if he builds our lodgings, they will not live up to Crocodile's current standards. He is from Noble blood, after all. As for me, I'm willing to sleep outside on the floor if needed. As long as Crocodile has ample space to breathe and plan, then I will be happy.

While Crocodile is not good at Carpentry, he has considerable skill in crafting and forging, complex agricultural tricks, and many other skills due to his upbringing inspired by his rag-to-riches father. He is quite good at diplomatic intentions and using both a sword and a bow, but not at the same level as Bardeibor.

As for me, I've studied medicine and magic for most of my life alongside being an essential assistant in studies of the Sun, protecting goggles that allow Kobold pure-bloods to enjoy the Sun in its glory fully. However, I've yet to do much of all things considered, nothing as crucial as Bardeibor and especially Crocodile, regarding magic; I only know how to Shield and Stun enemies; however, I'd wish that I'm not the one to be up in combat. I'm not a good fighter, thank you. However, I am strong enough to move firewood and haul most objects.

So Angels of BloodMother, what is your name? What should I do?

>>1086104

We may not! We don't have a off switch!

>>1086105

> Am I the blood mother?

Consider that we are angels, of the Blood Mother, and our Mother just died, in this ruined Blood Mother temple. And now you're our Mother. It's not hard to jump to conclusions!

> a divine gift sent by the Blood Mother to help rebuild Crocodile's empire

We have no clue about Crocodile's empire, but he seems chill, and you're the new Blood Mother so what you say goes!

Rebuilding an empire, with just you three? How ambitious.
Is this location suitable, or will you be journeying on?

>>1086104
Okay. I think... I'll be okay. Just gonna block this out.
...You're not going to like this, but... we don't like it either.
Because what is a 'Bloodeina'?
For that matter, the gods, they... aren't consistent on afterlives. Some souls go to ethereal paradises, some go to the Hells, some lose all their memories and are put into new babies, and some... get eaten.
And the gods sometimes make mistakes on who goes where.
It's a mess. Be afraid to die.

>>1086105
Well, you're special now!
Among your companions and enemies, you found us first. That means we start out loyal to you... though, that can change if you manage to be insufferable.

This 'loyalty' also applies to our... 'ethics'. For instance, if that Gin-worshipping psychopath you happen to employ were the one to form a covenant with us, we would be more... well, violent. Or with your husband, we would choose to employ organized force more often. Still, we have our own set of independent moralities and drives, and will occasionally give you advice that you might not like.

>>1086111
...Oh. Well.
Greeeat.
Yeah, I think our ancestors used to advise them. From what we know of the humans, they are weakness made power.
Humans have misshapen skeletons, tangled muscles, mediocre minds, and most importantly, an unfortunate instinctual impulse to find the craziest, angriest, rapiest motherkiller out there and worship them.
Almost everyone underestimates them. Including our ancestors. Especially themselves. And then, the few insane monsters among the humans always find ways to take these feeble morons, brainwash them into their loyal minions, and transform them into psychopathic schemers, merciless killing machines, and soulless super-wizards, using them to forge empires. Or die gloriously. Whichever comes first.
This has turned them into the undisputed masters of almost every world they happen to inhabit. Which they then use to wage war against each other. And when it is their time to fall, they always sow their own doom, and if it succeeds, they take pretty much everyone else with them.
The only good human is a human who is thrown into a Hell for the purpose of waging war against it (and hasn't laid down on the magma to die). We see them at their best and strongest here, and at their worst and weakest everywhere else. And, of course, a Hell is the last place any of them want to go; all their civilized ways of life are basically desperate pleas of "please don't send me to The Bad Place, I can be good". Naturally, most of them just prove that they can only do the most good in a Bad Place, and some prove they just suck eggs.

>>1086112
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.

>>1086104
No, she didn't die from you picking her up, I don't know why a couple of us were saying that, maybe they are just looking for someone to blame. She died because she used the last of her energy to get you to pick her up and thus form the connection that allowed us to transfer to you. She would have died within the year even if she hadn't done so.
What's this about "psychic"s? You have seen that sort of orb before? If others like her aren't considered sapient then perhaps she was special. Or maybe psychic orbs take a long time to gain awareness. That makes me wonder what we will become. We have no physical form at the moment...
I don't know if we are considered angels, but Mother was certainly a grand advisor to many important people. Most likely we have inherited some of her wisdom and knowledge, though we have been sleeping for a long time so we don't know anything about the current state of the world. We have no idea how the city fell, she did not tell us much of anything before dying. Honestly, I am annoyed with her, she did not seem to think to prepare us for our new life, only to send us to it. Maybe she failed to protect the city and wanted to hide that failure from us? She said you and her have similar minds. What would you do in her situation?

We know about the Blood Mother because we were listening to your conversation since you came near our Mother, and also some very basic information from some sort of scan she did to enable us to come to an informed decision on which of you three to inhabit for now. Later, when we have grown in power, we will be able to switch between you, and help you all directly with your tasks. Won't that be nice?
I thought at first that our Mother might have been the Blood Mother, but she was clearly 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?

Oh, we know some things about human technology. Unfortunately, most of the advanced technology you've seen requires materials that can only be made from specialized processing, and we don't have enough detailed information to recreate that infrastructure. We might be able to push your people in the right direction though. For instance, the "bows" that shoot light-- depending on the details they might be laser weaponry or plasma launchers. We don't have any workable information on how to make those, nor do we know how to make flying ships. We *do* have knowledge that can lead rather quickly to a class of ranged weapon that will launch projectiles via controlled explosions. It's called a firearm, or a gun. On the subject of generators... well, you could describe what the humans are using now, and then tell us what generators you know how to make. Are you familiar with steam power? What about solar panels, geothermal energy, or nuclear power? I'm guessing you're familiar with wind turbines and water turbines- ones that run off of water pressure from dams.
What minerals are you familiar with? 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?

>>1086104
We only saw the last couple minutes and our knowledge about most things is disparate, but from what we know you've done nothing wrong and there was nothing you could have done.

>>1086112
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 ?

>>1086111
We'll need more information before we can advise you. First of all, are you hurt ? You're bandaged, and seem to be missing an eye.
Apart from that, we need to know what are the promises you made to your kobold brethren of the main capital, who or what are your closest neighbors and your relationship with them, and how good is your current location. Do you have easy access to food and water, how harsh are the winters, and how defensible is it ? How feasible would it be to relocate ?

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.

>>1086104
I... i do not think you were anything more than the catalyst of her end, but it was one she wanted.
one that may have saved us by finding a host.
Without that we may simply have faded from the world.

>>1086110
I am unfamiliar with the limits of kobold physiology, is water the priority it would be with most species or food? If both are catered for shelter should be a priority.

1/14 Grey 2024/03/14(Thu)22:55 No. 1086450 ID: 3f89df
File 171048210805.png - (14.88KB , 500x500 , wow land is preeetyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy.png )

I'm... Unsure. While this used to be our home or at least this clearing, It may be wise to relocate and find greener pastures. This location is a temperate forest hillside, occasionally dotted with extensive open plains, a river nearby, and the mountains, which were relatively easy to mine and equivocate with occasional cave systems. It is an excellent place for our people. However, we are quite a way from our kobold brethren; we are esentially in the middle of the top landmass of Uriher, with our nearest kobold ally being that of the cute-bold's land of Insutna, my former childhood home; besides that, we do not know much of our surrounding area, as the eastward is a human kingdom among the tundra. However, our ties are strong, and with a critical strategic position in the mountains of Kuih-ea, both Draconic Kobolds, CuteBolds, and Pawnbolds have a defined presence near our current location. However, the nearest major city would be at least three days away.

2/14 Grey 2024/03/14(Thu)22:55 No. 1086451 ID: 3f89df
File 171048211203.png - (28.50KB , 500x500 , only one 40th of the true map.png )

Of course, as angels, the ultimate choice of where we should go is up to you; we have a map. I could show that it needs to be completed and include some minor settlements, but it should give you a much better clue about our position.

We should quickly find allies or others that are willing to work for our cause. While that may mean we have to parse with our current treasury, the added help will be nearly essential in our current situation.

3/14 Grey 2024/03/14(Thu)22:55 No. 1086452 ID: 3f89df
File 171048211673.png - (8.76KB , 500x500 , bloodmother reveal.png )

> Because what is a 'Bloodeina'?

We are a group of various kobolds, pawn-bolds, and cute-bolds that worship the true goddess and creator of life itself, Blood Mother; blood mother is a pure white dragon with red undertones whose wingspan covers the entirety of Urhier through just her claws; she laid an egg, which is when Urhier was born, with the various kobolds being created in her image. However, the blasphemous kobolds turned to the earth, worshiping the coal of her other exotic draconic children, ignoring blood mother; with her presence lessened, she dug beneath the earth, only to reemerge ounce her worship and regain its former glory.

We, as Bloodeina, wish for Blood Mother to rise from the earth to delight us with an age of prosperity, peace, and hope.

When we pass, Our souls leave the mortal earth, traveling underground where Bloodmothers eternally rests underneath Kuih-ea, once you meet with her, you become one with her blood and live in absolute harmony with other souls that inhabit that system.

I am pretty curious if you, by yourself as angels, meet those same criteria. If I am your current host, it means that you are coursing through my blood, a divine gift that symbolizes my connection to the goddess; however, that is just a current theory.

> For that matter, the gods aren't consistent on afterlives. Some souls go to ethereal paradises, some go to the Hells, some lose all their memories and are put into new babies, and some... get eaten.
And the gods sometimes make mistakes on who goes where.
It's a mess. Be afraid to die.

I see... I know that death is not something we, as Bloodeina, wish to partake in perfectly, but knowing that blood's mother is watching us and that we will, in time, become a part of her is a reassuring thought.

4/14 Grey 2024/03/14(Thu)22:55 No. 1086453 ID: 3f89df
File 171048211976.png - (15.20KB , 500x500 , putting your moms dead corpse in my sac.png )

>>1086113

> Consider that we are angels of the Blood Mother, and our Mother just died in this ruined Blood Mother temple. And now you're our Mother. It's not hard to jump to conclusions!

It is odd to think that BloodMother would be an orb of Pychaninum rather then an dragon trapped beneath the earth, And if that the case then I.........
I will just think of you as angels sent by BloodMother. And I'm your mother? Well, that's sweet! Although I wasn't expecting to be a mother until I turned nine, BloodMother's path can't be understated.

Just in case, I'll make sure to keep your Mother's remains in a bag; maybe if I get some more Psychaninum and channel some of my own energy, I'll be able to bring her back to life, and then finally, we'll both have answers to her questions.

5/14 Grey 2024/03/14(Thu)22:55 No. 1086454 ID: 3f89df
File 171048212242.png - (18.68KB , 500x500 , wow bardeiobor is really good at murdering.png )

> Well, you're special now!
Among your companions and enemies, you found us first. That means we start out loyal to you... though, that can change if you manage to be insufferable.

> This 'loyalty' also applies to our... 'ethics'. For instance, if that Gin-worshipping psychopath you happen to employ were the one to form a covenant with us, we would be more... well, violent. Or, with your husband, we would choose to employ organized force more often. Still, we have our own set of independent moralities and drives and will occasionally give you advice that you might not like.

I see. I guess I should count myself lucky then, although I am a tad sorrowful that neither Bardeibor nor Crocodile got you instead. As I said before, I'm not a master of the blade like Bardeibor, nor am I a leader and tactician like Crocodile; however, I will not beat myself up for something out of my control.

It makes sense that your loyalty and ways would change, You are advisors, after all, therefore you and your ideals will change accordingly, as much as I don't wish to believe in the fact that Bardeibor openly worships Gin, He is essential for the team.
While someone like Bardeibor would most likely hate that you souls have differing opinions, I am actually grateful; It is best to know a wide variety of perspectives and points of view on a situation. Even if it isn't helpful or something that I don't personally agree with, Denying that idea would make me a terrible advisor, not unlike yes-men to a parasitic king.

6/14 Grey 2024/03/14(Thu)22:55 No. 1086455 ID: 3f89df
File 171048212546.png - (16.49KB , 500x500 , if your two arent an item grey then why is your ta.png )

> Or with your husband

My-my Husband? I-i assure you that Sir Crocodile is not my husband..
Even if he was, I'm just from a gifted upbringing. However, Crocodile is from an official house, a full Noble; it would never work. He'll move on once he finds a much prettier, smarter woman of royal or noble heritage. He... He just calls me his Queen to his King because he is sympathetic... of my plight, that's all.

> Yeah, I think our ancestors used to advise them. From what we know of the humans, they are weakness made power.

That seems to ring true from what I've personally heard and seen from the Empire. Their numbers seem to be quite small, Only having a singular capital and not spreading out further than that, and nearly everyone hates them: our capital, our allies, and our enemies. I wouldn't be surprised if everyone across Uriher was hostile towards them due to their reckless actions. However, we do have the advantage of being considered a new nation-state, so as long as we keep our ties to the capital a secret, We may, through time, be able to commit a new allyship, although with intense diplomatic preconceptions because of that.

7/14 Grey 2024/03/14(Thu)22:55 No. 1086456 ID: 3f89df
File 171048212910.png - (17.05KB , 500x500 , gasp tramatic backstory.png )

I agree that Humans are blood-thirsty and self-serving; they are the main contributors to wars and to people getting hurt..... and families getting broken apart....

8/14 Grey 2024/03/14(Thu)22:55 No. 1086457 ID: 3f89df
File 171048213297.png - (34.96KB , 500x500 , im okay i just had a tramatic backstory moment.png )

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
File 171048213532.png - (19.56KB , 500x500 , tech reveal.png )

> 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
File 171048213804.png - (20.18KB , 500x500 , magic lore.png )

>>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
File 171048214131.png - (16.83KB , 500x500 , im okay otherwise I whouldent be a choice for an m.png )

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
File 171048214961.png - (16.29KB , 500x500 , oh shoot leader reveal but awwww hes all greyed ou.png )

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
File 171048215463.png - (6.90KB , 500x500 , yes grey get that thinky face on.png )

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
File 171048215956.png - (13.89KB , 500x500 , hehehe muni is yippish for.png )

> 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
File 171337392640.png - (19.53KB , 500x500 , angy bardeibor.png )

>>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
File 171337392915.png - (10.59KB , 500x500 , slaberly bad, is that an hard ask.png )

“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
File 171337393165.png - (21.56KB , 500x500 , i hate that you hate my hate.png )

> 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
File 171337393498.png - (16.00KB , 500x500 , hammer.png )

>>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
File 171337393785.png - (17.43KB , 500x500 , hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm are you egg.png )

>>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
File 171337393959.png - (24.43KB , 500x500 , ooooooooooooh untoaninum.png )

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.