Baron of Spades 2010/11/26(Fri)23:46 No. 260028 ID: 38e619
File 129084396094.png - (27.23KB , 629x639 , 4.png )

"Look I don't care how she came along! I want to know WHY?!"

"I dunno Veni. You're the one that understands the Mo Sala folk. I can;t tell what she's sayin."

"You say I made marriage proposal? Yes, no? I responsibility have now. I make marriage, I stay marriage."

"I was making that u- jrk.... Kamagan! Don't you have a problem with this?!"

Baron of Spades 2010/11/26(Fri)23:48 No. 260029 ID: 38e619
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"I no care."
"Well you should! Your sister thinks she's my brother's wife!"

"He at least not full human. No problem for me."

"ACH KArrrrrr! Someone bind the princess tighter, get the slaves to the cliff edge!"

"Are all Rezan this loud?"

Baron of Spades 2010/11/26(Fri)23:50 No. 260030 ID: 38e619
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Dammit where's that ship?! You promised it'd be here!"

"Sorry Veni, but like I said, waters around Eastaland are real rough this time a' year. We're trying to get up but the damn place is rocky as hell, we can't set up a proper dock without crashin' into somethin' right now. Rest assured Veni, we're right under the water now. Just waitin for the right moment to surface."

"Great, and if I'm dead before then, I'll make sure everyone knows who to blame!"

"...yourself for startin' that mess?"

>>260028
You can ask her if he accepted. Whatever her response is, you can then tell her if he hasn't had sex with her then he hasn't accepted her proposal.
Might want to also tell him that she thinks she proposed marriage, and he should probably just go for it.

>>260030
You've got carts, right?
Consider coating one of them with resin or something so it's watertight and use it to float out past the rocks with a rope so you can use that as a guide line, then start ferrying what you can across until they can find some place to dock.
It's too bad the ship isn't equipped with a multi-point anchor system; a triangle of anchors would hold it away from the rocks no matter how the current shifted.

>>260030

Alright boss, cool it. You've got to look and act confident, even if there's a monkey wrench or two in the works.

That all said, tell your brother what's going on. He probably won't like it, so remind him to not throw a fit before you actually tell him. It'd be easier to keep him in the dark, but a man deserves to know when a woman wants to jump his bones. And, hell, if she's got half the skill her brother has she'll be an invaluable addition to the family. Remind him of that, too. The language issue will be a problem, but it's not a big one. Newlyweds understand that there's a lot to be said for not saying much, if you know what I mean. The downside is that after the honeymoon they've got to learn each other's languages, and then get to know each other in a way that's not biblical. Takes time for personalities to mesh, if they can, and she'll be suffering culture shock when you get home. And the whole way there, too.

Consider asking the Mo Sala if they have magic appropriate for calming the seas. It would be one more favor you owe, but if your brother doesn't outright refuse the betrothal then Kamagan could consider it a going away present to his sister.

>>260030
Hmm, since they can't surface near the beach then you need to build a pier. Doens't have to be one that will last a long time or something like that. It just needs to last long enough for you to get everyone on the ship and then get out of there.

Get shadeleaf out to keep an eye out for anyone coming your way. See if anyone either among the slaves or among your people have any experiance in building stuff from wood. If anyone have then they can lead the work.

You can worry about the marriage crazy Mo-Sala later. If her brother doesn't really care then I guess there's no real harm in it.

Baron of Spades 2010/11/27(Sat)15:18 No. 260238 ID: 3b8a9d
File 129089990378.png - (36.53KB , 898x714 , 7.png )

AND YOU! Where the hells are you?! I've been trying to contact you for a damned age,m and nothing! I really could have used some help getting past those damn blockades, but no! You weren't there! What is wrong with you anyway? Why do you suddenly go out for days at a time?! Thanks to you I-

Wha? Two?! Try hundreds of those whatever the hells a monkey wrench is!"

Beach?! There is no beach on this patch of the islands. I can't build a boat or a dock!

Baron of Spades 2010/11/27(Sat)15:20 No. 260239 ID: 38e619
File 129090001433.png - (79.49KB , 900x702 , 8.png )

DOES THIS LOOK LIKE A PLACE I CAN PUT A PIER?!

>>260239
Connection comes and goes. And you're right, that looks pretty fucking bad.

Any way to get down to it? Or are we going to have to build a crane on top of everything else?

Hmm, you could send out someone to search for a better landing spot as well.

>>260238
Our resources are finite; we sorta blacked out after that fight and only now returned.
Did our plan to use the princess to secure easy passage work?

>>260239
Yes.
You can use a cart axle as a pully to lower a waterproofed cart down on a rope, then have somebody climb down and secure the 'boat'. After that you can then start moving the rest of your carts down and having people down there craft them into a sort of pontoon pier. Save one as a basket to lower goods.
Yes, it will be a pain in the ass, but how many options do you have at this point?

Speaking of 'how many', how much time do we have left before the princess is 'officially missing'?

>>260238

A monkey wrench is a general tool for fitting pipes together. It's large, heavy, usually made of cheap metal, and should it end up in moving parts of a mechanism it tends to gum things up badly.

You've done wonders getting this far. Think of the praise you will receive for your adventure, the tales that will be told of your grand circle, how you snatched a general right from under the nose of an entire army, how you captured a princess and fought a one-man assault against an entire battalion of enemies.

Your name will be legendary. You just need to remain calm enough to surmount this final obstacle.

Baron of Spades 2010/11/27(Sat)21:13 No. 260301 ID: 38e619
File 129092122752.png - (27.45KB , 841x719 , 9.png )

>>260244
We put nothing down. We wait. And no the blockade was not a success. It was working out well for a while, everyone believed the princess was masquerading as some blind, and deaf beggar. That is until he dear older brother, who I didn't even know was there at the time, recognized his dead sister. I still don't know how, we had her covered in rags. In any case now we're being pursued by Chang Yangsen. THAT is why I'm so tense. We're backed into a corner, waiting to see who reaches us first. Thankfully Gyoji still thinks her brother is out to kill her so that's kept her compliant. That's the only good thing that's happened to me today.

>>260249
In the amount of time it will take to do that either we'll be long gone with Mangalo or overrun by Yangsen.

Baron of Spades 2010/11/27(Sat)21:37 No. 260308 ID: 38e619
File 129092262468.png - (32.70KB , 841x719 , 10.png )

"Lord Venian! Yangsen. He-"

"Found us. Figures he would be first..."

>>260308
Nothing for it, then.
You still have that seal that proves she was disowned? Take that and ride out with her to meet him, without weapons. We're going to have to convince him that he doesn't want to stop you, and the method for doing that is simple.

First we need to tell her that communication is slow and prone to espionage, and so as a result her brother probably doesn't know that her death was social instead of physical. Reassure her that we're not going to let her come to any harm.
Second, we're going to start the discussion by showing him - and only him - that symbol, and tell him that this is a matter that troops should not hear.
Third, we're going to tell him that both she and that symbol were both given to you by Li Jue; further state that if he is obedient to his father then he will honor the agreement and let you take her, while if he cares for her then she'll clearly be safest with you and you'll see to it that she's happy.
Let her speak freely with him, if either wishes. You have little to hide.
All he needs to tell his troops is that in his grief he mistook a peasant for his sister.

So, that's the rough draft of my plan. Any questions or criticism?
Tough; we're doing it anyway.

>>260308
Ok, ask how long you got, if nothing else you can put down some field fortifications in preparation. Ask Kamagan if he can do the illusion thing again if it's necessary, and if he can do it to more than one people, the general you got should be awake and up by now.

Keep the princess away from the whole deal. Tie her up and stuff her ears with wool or something and keep her away from it all.

Get Shadeleaf and whatever other archers you have into some nice positions so they're ready to take down Yangsen if the need arises. Make all the preparation you have time to do before a fight.

Try to bluff your way through though. But if that doesn't work then you will atleast not be caught unprepared if he decides to attack.

Baron of Spades 2010/11/29(Mon)03:09 No. 260610 ID: 38e619
File 129102896850.png - (22.59KB , 662x502 , 11.png )

>>260318
I hope such a thing will happen. But there's a good chance Yangsen's so up his own arse about his nobility he won't listen to a damn thing I say.

>>260355
"What time will he arrive?

"Scouts say he's less than about ten minutes away. He's driving his men ragged."

"I see...fortify what you can. Have Shadeleaf and the archers behind the barricades. Is Kuta well enough to fight?"

"Just barely."

"It will have to do. Keep the slaves and princess as far from the battle as possible. Leave only two to guard them. Can Kamagan use his magic?"

"I'm sorry I do not know lord I-"

Then bring him to me. Every second counts."

Ach ka...I better pass my rite for all this...

>>260610

Hey I just had a neat idea. How about you hide the cliff? What I mean is, how about you ask Kamagan to make the cliff edge look like normal ground, and place an illusion of something they'll rush in to secure over the empty space? Something like the princess, right?

It'll be hilarious, if it works. "Oh I am Yangsen and I have more balls than brains, I will rescue you sister myself!" and then he falls off the cliff.

>>260620
You know I actually hadn't considered that. Could be a very good idea if it works.

>>260610
I still think diplomacy is the best plan; your primary goal is to buy time, and they aren't going to attack while you're talking.
Besides, if he keeps his nobility deep in his ass then there are very effective manipulation methods we can use.
However, using magic to make it look as if your forces have made camp and are doing nothing important - off a cliff and a hundred or so feet away from where they really are - then you're prepared in case things don't work out so well.

Baron of Spades 2010/11/30(Tue)01:36 No. 260821 ID: 3b8a9d
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"What you want human? Aren't you ready to fight annoying Tsang Naji man?"

"I need to know, can you work your illusions again?"

"You crazy? You forget how long it takes to do that?"

"Not the same, I mean to extend the cliff. Make it look longer than it really is."

"Possibly. But even that take long time."

"How long?"

"More than you have."

"A mist? What about that?"

"Easily."

>>260821
Ok, he can do that.
Since you're ardently opposed to trying the diplomatic route you might as well have people start preparing to suffer heavy losses. They've been run ragged and you're better trained, but the sheer numbers they have and indefensible terrain you have make holding this ground in combat a very costly proposition.

>>260821
Ask him to set up the mist then. Prepare for negotiations. If you got some people you trust and who are very good at sneaking past sentries and stuff and there is terrain that can hide them who are also quite fearless bastards, quite a list that, anyway if you got any that fit that description then it might be a good idea to send them out to try and get past the enemy flanks. An attack from an unexpected direction at the right moment can break a force.

Also, try to drag shit out as much as you can with negotiations. The mist will hide how many people you have or where they are. Claim that you have more forces than you do, that your men are all ready to give their lives to the cause and that if he attacks you will kill every single person you have taken from them.

Basically, do anything you can to drag this out for as long as you can. Ask Kamagan to work on the extension thing and possibly the fighting illusions while you try to stall for as much time as you possibly can.

If all else fails in stalling for time then give us to him. We have something we might be able to use in a situation like this. It's not a certain thing though, so can't promise it would work.

>>260858
Close, but not quite.
We're traveling in the guise of refugees, so the best bet is to make them feel safe and grow overconfident. If they think we're just a handful of mercenaries traveling along with a bunch of harmless civilians then the bulk of their forces will relax and unready themselves, even moreso after a forced march like the one they're ending.

As far as dragging out the negotiations goes, that's not something you want to try. If he suspects you're dragging things out then he'll assume you have a reason to use delaying tactics and immediately order an attack.

Actually, if you want to get out of this without bloodshed then your best choice is to give us to the princess and let us do the talking through her, since if she's taking up the arguments and responding 'on her own' then he'll have little reason to think she's been coached or coerced. We would open things up by feeling out how his loyalties lie, and from there we can tailor our words to get the best result.

Suggestion 2010/11/30(Tue)23:42 No. 261118 ID: 38e619
File 129118937257.png - (17.82KB , 662x502 , 13.png )

>>260858
"Well make it so Kamagan."

I'd rather not send anyone out as that would make a retreat more difficult when the ship does arrive...if it arrives.

>>260863
The princess? She still thinks I'm the only thing standing between her and getting murdered by her own family. Now that the threat is closer than ever she's hysterical.

"Lord?! Lord Ju Gwah!"

Speaking of which.

Suggestion 2010/11/30(Tue)23:45 No. 261119 ID: 38e619
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"I have a name you know."

"Lord! What is happening? There is talk among your soldiers, that men approach! It's my brother isn't it?!"

"Hello Gyoji, good to see you are completely ignoring me."

"Don't you understand?! My brother is a cold calculating man! He will listen to nothing any of us have to say! We must flee!"

Well there, now she's clinging to me. I bet that makes you very happy. Well it annoys me. Gods above she smells horrible.

>>261119
"Have you considered that he likely does not know? Your father would lose face if people knew of your expulsion, and informing your siblings would risk exposing the secret.
Officially, you are dead."
Then offer us to her, since you have preparations to do.
"Go clean yourself up. Here, this should help you calm yourself."

>>261119
Tell her that you can't run. But assure her that you're going to do everything you possibly can to keep him from getting to her. Ask her if she has any tips on how to deal with him, if he's arrogant or cowardly or anything like that, something that will give you insight into his nature.

Then tell her to hide somehwere unless you specifically call on her.

Things may seem a bit grim right now, but you can deal with it. You have gotten this far, you will make it through this and then you will go further than anyone could have ever imagined.

Oh, and keep Kuta close. He may have had to deal with the prince himself at various times and might have information that will be crucial in dealing with them. He might also be able to offer some tips on your defenses.

>>261119

Tell her you're dealing with it. You get paid the big bucks, you get to handle the big problems. She just needs to calm down, you know her brother's a bad news bear, but you're going to be setting a big old snap trap to keep him busy while you make off with the honey.

Suggestion 2010/12/04(Sat)19:30 No. 261841 ID: 112e59
File 129151984192.png - (27.45KB , 662x502 , 15.png )

>>261123
"Have you considered that he likely does not know? Your father would lose face if people knew of your expulsion, and informing your siblings would risk exposing the secret.
Officially, you are dead."

"You do not know! Our family stays in communication with each other all the time! By now he must know! He must know the shame I would bring! He has to kill me to keep the family honor!"

"Lord Venian."

"I'm a little busy with a hysterical Tsang Naji, can this wait?"

Suggestion 2010/12/04(Sat)19:35 No. 261843 ID: 112e59
File 129152013867.png - (29.73KB , 743x478 , 16.png )

>>261841
"I'm afriad not lord. Yangsen...he's here."

"YOU SEE?! HE'S UNRELENTING WE MUST-"

"Hush-and?"

"He wishes to speak with you. I believe he said he wanted to 'meet the leader of our rabble before slaughtering us'."

"Very well."

It seems I have no time at all. Well what should I do? I'm not sure I should give you to Gyoji...who seems to be breathing a lot deeper now that my hand's in her face...I-you're influencing her too much. You come with me.

"Bring the princess to a safe place. I will go."

>>261843
Good choice, we have a little trick that we might be able to use on him.

Oh and try to stall for time. And ask if the preparations you ordered have been taken care of on the way to the meeting.

>>261843
Very well, take the symbol of her expulsion and go.
I think there's a fairly good chance that Li Jue, not Chang Narobu, is the one who made the decision.
Regardless, talking this out shouldn't be very troublesome:
If he wants to 'rescue' his sister, we can point out that she'll die if she stays here after her dismissal. Further, if Chang Narobu was not behind her dismissal and it is thus invalid, then her being out of the country would keep her from being targeted by a coup. Then further inform him that you've made her happiness a priority, and she's been enjoying your treatment.

If he wants to kill his sister, we can point out that she was given to us by the same royal decree that revoked her name, and that to take action against us would be in defiance of his father's orders. Also that he rode his troops ragged so they're not in shape to be fighting, and that even if he managed to win it would be a costly victory that would weaken their army in the middle of a war while at the same time ruining morale, making it a tactically unsound decision.

Worst case scenario, you hand us over and we use our position as a deeply respected family artifact to convince him that we've been manipulating you for the good of the family, and that we need him to play along.

Suggestion 2010/12/10(Fri)20:03 No. 263539 ID: b91438
File 129204023854.png - (48.40KB , 900x702 , 17.png )

>>261963
"Ju Gwah, you have avoided me for days, but now you've nowhere to run. There will be no chance for your life to be spared for it was forfeit when you touched a member of nobility. However I will give you a chance to explain yourselves and I may make your passing quick. Speak."

>>263539
Show him the symbol, but keep the soldiers from being able to see it.
"I have never touched your nation's nobility; I would think this is proof enough that you are mistaken, and at least merits hearing my words."
Move a little closer so you can speak in hushed tones.
"Li Jue claimed that was from Chang Naroubu. If that's true then you're honorbound to abide by my ownership of her, but if not then Li Jue is plotting against your family and she is safest with me. Beyond that, she has been extraordinarily happy with her new station, as expected from one of her proclivities - no, I have not sullied her honor.
Go, speak with your father, ask him what course to take. We will wait for you to reach your decision."

>>263539
Just show him the symbol that shows that she was cast out. See how he reacts to that.

Baron of Spades 2010/12/17(Fri)21:57 No. 265026 ID: d9022c
File 129265186620.png - (31.22KB , 784x605 , 18.png )

>>263588
"I have never touched your nation's nobility; I would think this is proof enough that you are mistaken, and at least merits hearing my words. Li Jue claimed that was from Chang Naroubu. If that's true then you're honorbound to abide by my ownership of her, but if not then Li Jue is plotting against your family and she is safest with me. Beyond that, she has been extraordinarily happy with her new station, as expected from one of her proclivities - no, I have not sullied her honor.
Go, speak with your father, ask him what course to take. We will wait for you to reach your decision."

"I need see nothing of yours Ju Gwah. Merely acknowledging you hold my sister is crime enough.

Baron of Spades 2010/12/17(Fri)21:59 No. 265027 ID: d9022c
File 129265197971.png - (29.19KB , 782x603 , 19.png )

"This...scribble verifies only that you are versed in our ways and culture. How do I know this is from my father's mistress and not simply a fabrication. The tattered cloth makes me dubious already."

>>265027
Well you don't really have any other solid proof. Mostly just your word on it. Which could be somewhat tricky.

Lets try a logical and reasoning argument. If it wasn't true then what reason would you have to take his sister as a slave? She's nobility, which means she's going to be a pain in the ass to train since she expects to be obeyed, not the other way around. Your whole trip got interupted and hurried because of her. You have run the risk of detection and getting killed because you took her with you. If that mark wasn't true then you would just have knocked her out and left her in some ditch.

>>265027
Hrm...
Ok, he's my proposal:
Shrug, then say "Li Jue said Naroubu likes it when she steps on his back. I'd assume that's a state secret of some sort.
On a related note, did your father really order that Kuta be executed for refusing to slaughter a town unprovoked? If not then I can send for him to tell you his story directly."

If he remains unconvinced, then say "Ah, I suppose there's one sure way to convince you I'm telling the truth." and show us to him.
"[We speak through him. He's telling the truth as we know it. The threat against Gyoji's life, and by extension the Chang line, is quite real. We have worked hard to spirit her out of danger, and your presence here puts everything at risk. Go, speak with your father about what has been said. When you return tell your soldiers that you were chasing ghosts in your grief, and that Gyoji's body is now secure in your family's care. She will be happy and safe; you know we would not allow otherwise.]"

ask for a test then, something you can do that proves you honerable. perhaps he has a mage with he that makes it impossible to lie. we are pros at weasel-wording.

>>265036
Alternatively?
"Tell me, who was it who told you your sister was dead? Why did they not simply say she was missing?
They clearly did not recover her body, and doctoring a body to match hers is simply impossible; so who was it who made such a bold claim with no proof? Was it your father? Or was it Li Jue?"

Baron of Spades 2010/12/18(Sat)00:48 No. 265046 ID: d9022c
File 129266212129.png - (39.42KB , 784x605 , 20.png )

>>265036
Do you know the fetishes of your parents? Of course not. Wait do you even have parents? Nevermind. I certainly don't, and I'm sure he does neither. Well I know my great grandmother is into young men my age but that's an exception.

>>265040
That's the thing he knows she isn't dead. He spotted her even in her disguise. That's why he's here now!

>>265038

"Perhaps you can scry the truth? Do you have a mage who can read my thoughts?"

"No. My magicians specialize in destroying those that try my patience."

>>265046
Maybe you could give us to him.

>>265046
>>260301
>That is until he dear older brother, who I didn't even know was there at the time, recognized his dead sister.

I took that to mean that her death was announced. My intent was to point out that such a declaration must have come from his father or somebody acting in his stead.
My intent was to show that somebody important is lying to him.
Bah, no matter; the time for that has passed. Show us to him, and speak these words.
"[We speak through him. He's telling the truth as we know it. The threat against Gyoji's life, and by extension the Chang line, is quite real. We have worked hard to spirit her out of danger, and your presence here puts everything at risk. Go, speak with your father about what has been said. When you return tell your soldiers you were chasing ghosts in your grief, and that Gyoji's body is now secure in your family's care. She will be happy and safe; you know we would not allow otherwise.]"

>>265046

Give us to him
we can flood him with images and transcripts of what happened that day you entered city walls...
and received the symbol

>>265046
Tell him that you have something else that belongs to his family and you're going to hand it over in good consience. We got a trick we might be able to use on him, should work if he accepts us.

Suggestion 2010/12/21(Tue)21:05 No. 265712 ID: d9022c
File 129299434778.png - (34.50KB , 665x709 , 21.png )

"Perhaps then this will let you know the truth."

"...? Where did you get this?"

"It does not matter, hold it and you shall hear them."

"Hear who?"

"It's difficult to explain. Just listen."

>>265712
I assume we don't need to tell you who or what we are.
He's telling the truth as we know it. Here, perhaps we can show you the one who told us Gyoji was dead to her father and gave us that emblem.
>>/questarch/167241
Recognize her?

Regardless of who decided or claimed she is dead to her father the simple truth is that somebody is intent on ending Gyoji's life, and by extension is a threat to the Chang line.
Beyond that, somebody ordered that Kuta be executed for refusing to slaughter a town of civilians, then sent assassins after him when he escaped. That is not an order the Naroubu we know would give, and it bears all the hallmarks of somebody attempting to cut Naroubu off from his support as a prelude to a coup.

We have worked hard to spirit her out of danger, and your presence here puts everything at risk.
Go, speak with your father about what has been said. When you return tell your soldiers that you were chasing ghosts in your grief, and that Gyoji's body is now secure in your family's care. Maintain the illusion that the enemy's plots are working while you hunt down those responsible.
Gyoji will be happy and safe; you know we would not allow otherwise, but it would be a great comfort to her if, when you return from speaking with your father, you told the man before you that he and his fiancee have your blessing; it's a subtle way to tell her that you are still acting in her bet interests.

Now return us to the ju gwah; we have done all we can to give you an edge over the traitors, and Gyoji is going to be needing our help; she must thrive so that the Chang line will continue if the worst should come to pass here.

>>265712
[Use whatever willpower eroding power we got that was mentioned in the last chapter]

Hey, why don't you just let him leave? He's going to treat your sister quite nice, and she's not safe here anymore. Besides, if you try to attack to save her it's only going to lead to a whole lot of deaths, probably with her being among the dead.

*uploads goatse.png into neural net*

>>265752
Lets leave it at we're spirits who help people... whoever the holder, we help them.

And right now, we're protecting your flesh and blood from what may be a coup... out of reach of those who may harm her. Under the guise of the same person who told us to kill her.

Either way, we're within our rights. Even if it's not a coup, your sister is gonna be kept safe, and you can rely on us to keep anything from harming or abusing her.

>>265873
Err... No.
We're the Zui-hu of the Chang line. We were entrusted to Chang Gyoji by Chang Naroubu, and it is becoming increasingly likely that he knew he was going to be betrayed and intended for us to save Gyoji from being caught in this.
Gyoji, in turn, has entrusted us to our current holder, Lord Venian, because out of all the available people in her entourage he is the one where our aid is most effectively applied.

Suggestion 2010/12/23(Thu)13:03 No. 266153 ID: d9022c
File 129313819370.png - (30.48KB , 575x709 , 22.png )

"I hear nothing Ju Gwah."

"Wha-? Are you sure?"

"If this is some trick for time, I am not amused."

It seems some people are naturally dense...

"I wanted to see who it was that took my sister, and it seems he was just a moron who got lucky. Prepare to-"

"Stop! Lord Yangsen."

"Kuta...you are part of this?!"

>>266153

... this is where we make the claim that only the pure of heart can hear us...

That'd be a great proclamation to make.

>>266153
[PUNCH YOURSELF IN THE FACE, THEN HAND THE GEM BACK TO THE JU GWAH]

>>266153
[Stop fucking around and tell your men to turn back because this shit is fucking stupid and you feel like a stupid asshole for harassing honest tavellers.]

Suggestion 2010/12/24(Fri)23:13 No. 266504 ID: d9022c
File 129326123351.png - (27.62KB , 575x709 , 23.png )

>>266220
"ACK! What happened?"

"You hold the Zui-hu lord. They want themselves to be acknowledged."

"You mean that old bauble my father claimed helped his campaigns in his youth?"

Suggestion 2010/12/24(Fri)23:15 No. 266505 ID: d9022c
File 129326134730.png - (32.97KB , 858x748 , 24.png )

"Yes. And you should listen to this man. Outsider he may be but he saved my life when your father hunted me."

"Hunted. What?"

"For disobeying an order to slaughter a village. There are many things happening that you don't seem to be aware of."

"...Is my sister one of them?"

>>266505
[HEAR OUR WORDS] >>265752

>>266507
[Write everything that the guy I linked linked on paper... and if illiterate start writing the symbols on the ground and have someone read it for you]

Suggestion 2010/12/26(Sun)21:58 No. 267089 ID: d9022c
File 12934295221.png - (39.31KB , 1058x556 , 25.png )

>>266507
Seeing as how he threw you back at me, he heard nothing

"Yes. I was given this by a woman. Human like me. Had a gold band holding her hair over one shoulder... does that describe Li Jue?"

"Tha-"

"It does not matter. What does matter is that she gave me this. Regardless of who decided or claimed she is dead to her father the simple truth is that somebody is intent on ending Gyoji's life, and by extension is a threat to the Chang line. Beyond that, somebody ordered that Kuta be executed for refusing to slaughter a town of civilians, then sent assassins after him when he escaped. That is not an order your father would give, and it bears all the hallmarks of somebody attempting to cut Naroubu off from his support as a prelude to a coup."

Wait what's this about fiancee and such?

>>267089
Without weapons we wield words with wanton wrath.

When making a case based on the continuation of a line it helps to assert that the line will continue. Implying that you intend to do just that - properly - would have helped on that count.
Doesn't matter; this should work just fine.

Lets see what he has to say now.

>>267089
Some bullshit that you don't need to worry about right now. Focus on the task at hand and get it done. For now you should probably wait and see what he does.

Baron of Spades 2010/12/27(Mon)20:32 No. 267275 ID: d9022c
File 129351074851.png - (43.67KB , 854x687 , 26.png )

>>267124
"I must return. I will see if what you say is true... but if this is a farce, I will hunt you down. i do not care how far I must travel to do so..."

"I assure you lord Yangsen, that i-what is this?!"

"Oh now he shows up. Probably to be dramatic, the show-off."

"Who?!"

Baron of Spades 2010/12/27(Mon)20:34 No. 267276 ID: d9022c
File 129351087311.png - (20.79KB , 1058x687 , 27.png )

"Oh you'll see."

Baron of Spades 2010/12/27(Mon)21:01 No. 267283 ID: d9022c
File 12935124774.png - (72.93KB , 1058x687 , 28.png )

"Alright. No one moves or they die first!"

"It's about time Mangalo. What took you so long?"

"Well like I said Venian, I was having some trouble finding a place to ascend...but hey! I'm here, you're alive, everyone's happy!"

"Well Yangsen, now it's now your choice..."

>>267283
"Now that the balance of power has shifted in my favor I hope you'll be more inclined to believe me when I say that I've told the truth.
You and your men are free to leave; I'll let Gyoji know you came here to help her, not kill her."

Signal for your people to let him and his men leave safely, then for them to start loading the ship.

If there's no more to resolve, then lets talk about fast-tracking Gyoji to citizenship. She played her part in your deception attempt perfectly, correct? You said it was working for awhile, which suggests she got you past several encounters. If that is so, then she has certainly saved the lives of many of your people. Are we agreed on this?

>>267283
Well then. Time to leave. And Gyoji doesn't need to know what you and her brother talked about. She will be easier to handle without knowing.

So, what can you expect when you get back home?

I'd suggest you tell him to be cautious in his investigation...
cause if there IS a coup, he is likely to be killed off first if the opposers figure out he knows...

Also show you're merciful by telling your forces to stand down for now.

Be respectful, but do pass along the warning that he should be cautious and prepared to defend himself from a coup attempt. Assure him that you'll not abuse his sister, and that she will be as safe with you and the general as she can be. Certainly safer with you than here, for now.

Baron of Spades 2010/12/29(Wed)21:41 No. 267750 ID: d9022c
File 129368769459.png - (32.88KB , 854x571 , 29.png )

"Now that the balance of power has shifted in my favor I hope you'll be more inclined to believe me when I say that I've told the truth.
You and your men are free to leave. However before you leave. I advise caution. If there is a conspiracy, it would be safer to be discreet in your investigations.

"I will...we will meet again. In what manner depends on what I find."

"Anyway, Mangalo, what took you so long, the man was ready to charge before you came up."

"Hey sorry Venian, but like I said, I was waiting for the right time to surface. The hulls may be thick but the rocks here can still give a beating. Anyway, load up your slaves, and I'll mark ya once we're divin.'"

Baron of Spades 2010/12/29(Wed)21:43 No. 267752 ID: d9022c
File 129368778935.png - (42.46KB , 922x687 , 30.png )

"And I gotta say, all the loot your bringin' aboard is gonna make things tough for me."

"Yes, speaking on the terms of slaves I have a few exceptions..."

"What'ya mean?"

>>267752
Lets see... The general's just some paperwork and ceremony away from citizenship, the same might go for Gyoji (although you'll keep her either way; whatever makes her happy, 'eh?), you've got a dead mage that needs to be resurrected, and Kamagan and his sister are citizens because they joined by choice.

Am I forgetting any other oddities?

>>267752
Lets see, general earned his freedom. We need to lie about the same with Goyji, because you need legitimate kids if you're going to come back here later and claim the throne for them.

Throw away the mage's head. He was a useless fucker and it would be a waste of resources to bring him back. Or I guess you could try to just bring back his head and have him on a stick and shoot fire and shit on your enemies or he gets even more pain. That would be fun.

Kamagan and his sister are honoured visitors. And you should treat them as such. An invasion with the aim of conquest of these lands will be a whole lot easier if they can bring you the Mo Sala support.

And I think that's most of it. Now just build up your position of power, keep up with news from here and in a few years you can return with an army to subjugate the whole fucking lot of them.

Baron of Spades 2010/12/31(Fri)22:38 No. 268158 ID: d9022c
File 129386391127.png - (43.59KB , 922x687 , 31.png )

>>267800
"I have a number of special cases...The Eastaland there, he is Kuta Minaga, saved my life. He has earned his Rite through protecting a Rezan noble. The two loitering by Iagn are Mo Sala. Not slaves but rather guests. The tall one is Kamagan, the female is Minujia, who also apparently thinks she's Iagn's wife."

"Er...and how did tha-"

"A long story that's better left unsaid."

"Okay but when you present yourself to your father you'd best explain that...and the Tsang Naji? From her clothes it doesn't look like she came willingly."

"Yes. Her.

Dammit. She hasn't done anything for me yet has she...

>>268158
Well then it's time to lie like a motherfucker. Better be belivable. Like she saved your life in some indirect way or some shit like that. Or you could say that you got married to her before taking her and the whole shitty outfit deal is a part of smuggling her out of the country from her family that is trying to murder her.

>>268158
She faithfully played her part in bluffing her way past the guards. That it eventually failed is immaterial, as it's intended as a show of loyalty.

If you want to be outright devious then tell him that her family entrusted her to your protection due to an impending coup, and arranged for you to 'capture her'.
It's the precise truth, and we don't need to give them silly things like details that could muddy the issue with things like context.

The ship has something along the lines of a spa, right? A heated pool designed for at least two but no more than eight people? If so, then have them set it up so she can finally clean herself up. I doubt a normal tub is large enough, and you should drop by after she's washed so you can have a private talk while working out the stress of the road.

Baron of Spades 2011/01/02(Sun)22:32 No. 268777 ID: d9022c
File 129403633045.png - (30.22KB , 786x520 , 32.png )

>>268184
"Well, she was in a bit of trouble, and her family had her leave the island for her safety. Needless to say it has been a difficult journey rife with many of her enemies."

"So she's important then?"

"ACH KA! Bad direction...

"Not so much as she has made many enemies of important people."

"Mmmmm. Still, being that she left, the laws still apply, she did not undergo the Rite. Her freedom is forfeit."

"Even so I'd rather she stay under my care."

"So she's a personal servant then?"

"For now yes."

"Oooooh! A Tsang Naji servant? Now that's a story I need to hear!"

"AK! Nietch? When did you get here?"

"Nieth and and master Rokof actually finished their Rite before you did. I was about to bring them home when you called for that rescue."

"You should have seen how furious Rokof was..."

>>268777
Seems like things are under control. Ok then, time to head on home. You can tell us about the place as we travel there.

>>268777
See? You should have said that she was entrusted to your care, and you were paid for the task. That would have classified her as a guest.

Ah, well. You still need to arrange things so that it wouldn't be taboo for you to sleep with her.
Oh, I don't mean to suggest you will, but politics are politics no matter where they are, and all it takes is one disgruntled servant or opposing noble to say a few words in order for your relationship to be called into question and your reputation crippled.

By legitimizing such actions on your part you can prevent such drama and anger from coming to pass. This is an ancient tactic known as "covering your ass".

Hrm... Maybe you could talk with him privately later? Tell him you needed to keep a few details quiet, and then claim you were hired to safeguard her?

Moving right along, who are Nietch and Rokof?

When we're done here, how about you go ahead with the bath or spa like I suggested before? >>268184

You've earned a long, hot soak after all this, after all.

>>268787

If the lie was completely convincing, and if all the slaves who witnessed the trip were dead, and if all the people who were not slaves and were in a position to betray our man were magically compelled to be loyal and never speak of the lie, your idea to lie would be "ok."

But none of that was in place, so a lie would have just gotten him killed in the long run. Her being a personal servant is fine, she'll at least be safe there.

Baron of Spades 2011/01/04(Tue)23:05 No. 269303 ID: d9022c
File 129421111513.png - (26.49KB , 786x520 , 33.png )

>>268870
Exactly, there would be too many loose ends in such a story and too great a risk if one of them came back and bit me.

>>268787
In any case as my servant she will be redirected to my quarters, most lkely being given a bath and made to look presentable. Oh yes. Nietch is part of the Gamin family who worked closely with mine to build this ship. Nietch is to become the new head and is also nauseatingly happy whenever I'm around. It's a pain to talk with Nietch because I can't tell if Nietch is a man or woman...and he...she...it never tells me when I ask. So I do not even know what honorific to address Nietch under. As for Rokof, he's part of the...Rokof family. He of course is heir to their family and our relations with them are, aversive I think is the friendliest word. No doubt the bastard is waiting to gloat about some triumph of his when we're evaluated.

"So? How did you get the Tsang Naji? Tell me Veni, I need to know!"

>>269303

Nietch's quirk of flaunting eir indeterminate gender is irritating, but your language's lack of gender-neutral honorifics is far more interesting. I'll bother you for details on gender roles in your society later, but given the level of sophistication of the artifacts from your home land, I am very surprised that your language does not follow the normal pattern for human languages of using the male pronouns and honorifics for genderless persons (and persons of indeterminate gender), and also fails to have a dedicated gender neutral set of pronouns and honorifics.

Anyway Boss, if Nietch's family and yours are allies, I see no harm in indulging eir curiosity. It was a matter of good luck, good advice, skillful diplomacy, and the careful application of force.

It was luck that you raided the caravan she decided to hide in, unless Li Jue manipulated caravan schedules and had scouts track your raiding party's progress (while I would not put it past her, she may have thought you were simply raiders and not slavers, and thus banked on you killing Gyoji outright). Gyoji herself had us because she had orders to deliver us. That's neither here nor there, but again, luck was in your favor that day.

Li Jue saw a chance to make an embarrassment to her liege's family line disappear while she was positioning her children to be in a better position to take power. Standard Byzantine political bullshit, sure, but when she realized she could use you to get rid of Gyoji for good, she went for it. Lucky for you.

She also gave you good advice. You were able hear it because you had the diplomatic skill and savvy to treat with her when she arranged for your audience. You were able to get out, before the war closed its jaws on you, because she warned you. Shadeleaf's route for getting to the rescue point was more good advice.

You had good luck to stumble on Kuta. You had good sense to listen to us when we advised that you bring him into your fold. When you met the Mo Sala, you had the diplomatic (and linguistic) skill to arrange an alliance.

Nietch saw at least part of the last piece of diplomacy you pulled off. Nice work, by the way, talking down Yangsen, you got him ready to believe Kuta when he showed up at your side.

And every time in that whole messy flight that you needed to fight, you and your retainers fought spectacularly.

Good luck, good advice, skillful diplomacy, and the careful application of force. That sums up your success at this whole adventure nicely, right Boss?

>>269303
"I hit her caravan, and found a message addressed to me demanding I take her prisoner. Turns out there's a coup brewing and both sides wanted her out of the country for different reasons. Chang Narobu's mistress demanded she vanish and never return, while some of Chang Narobu's advisers demanded I spirit her away for the safety of the Chang line.
It's been a huge headache."

So, you left-out the most important answer; will her new status remove any taboo on relations with her, and thus prevent accusations of impropriety?

>>269303
Well there is one way to get clarity. Seduction. Or you know a uni-sex bath. But whatever, just use both honorifics.

So, story time then. Tell Nietch that you attacked Goyji's caravan. Because she was royalty you were a bit unsure on how to best deal with her, but your postponed the decision until you could get some supplies. In town you met the local lords bitch of a mistress, who seemed to want Goyji taken out of the way so her own bastard brood could eventually claim the throne. You decided to make Goyji your servant since you can get all sorts of nice benefits out of her if she's not a slave. Namely a casus belli against her people. Which means expansion and new slaves, yay, everyone is happy!

>>269327

Cultures that use slaves almost universally use them as house servants as well as for physical labor. Gyoji's still going to be a slave, she'll just be a favored one for now.

Baron of Spades 2011/01/06(Thu)21:01 No. 269629 ID: 957cd9
File 129437647731.png - (30.16KB , 827x540 , 34.png )

>>269318
No she will still be a slave it's not uncommon to have a personal favorite.

"I hit her caravan, and found a message addressed to me demanding I take her prisoner. Turns out there's a coup brewing and both sides wanted her out of the country for different reasons. Chang Narobu's mistress demanded she vanish and never return, most likely because she wants her own bastard to claim power as the new lords of the islands, while some of Chang Narobu's advisers demanded I spirit her away for the safety of the Chang line."

"Don't they know she becomes your slve?"

"If they do, they don't care. It is still a a pain however."

"Speaking of pain..."

"Oh, lord Venian. How good of you to join us. I'm sure the resources we wasted were put to good use."

"Seeing as how my family owns this vessel, no expenditure is too large lord Rokof."

"I certainly hope you can uphold the family traditions properly then. I can proudly say I have enslaved no fewer than one hundred slaves in the Far Westerland Continent."

Stupid bastard.

>>269629
How many did you get?

Could be a good time to also mention that they're high quality goods, that you found gold, got a powerful illusionist as a "servant" as well as a highly decorated general to serve under you and drove off a large force of enemies almost on your own.

I mean your accomplishments are quite a bit impressive. Probably something someone will turn into a song eventually if you're succesful.

>>269629
Lets see... You've brought a powerful illusionist and a general back as citizens (plus your brother has a wife now), a powerful mage, a decent pile of gold, and this entire debacle gave you advance notice of a war that you needed to escape anyway. They probably aren't impressed with Gyoji, but her loyalty will be a feather in your cap soon enough.

What family traditions is he talking about?

Also, please tell us some ways that the taboo could be removed; this is important, since rumors are going to spring up quickly.

>>269629
hmm... you have royalty as a slave...
A highly trained and decorated general..
a good number of standard value slaves

oh, did I mention the fact our illusionist can make it seem there are many more slaves than there really are?

Baron of Spades 2011/01/11(Tue)22:58 No. 270836 ID: 588a87
File 129481552335.png - (29.33KB , 791x565 , 35.png )

The Makag family has been renowned for bringing back the most extravagant every rite. It's not a tradition, but the damn Rokof make a competition out of everything with my family so they call it a tradition.

"Well I unfotunately cannot match your number Rokof. Mine number only a paltry fifty two, an Eastaland general, a High general for that matter. Who has declared fealty to me, a skilled illusionist, a potentially powerful wizard once I have his corpse karved, and a Tsang Naji servant as Nietch knows."

"Oh now I'm jealous, the Westerlands had close to nothing where I was."

"Even so I still have more it seems."

"Though most of it is compromised of a goblin tribe..."

"A slave is a slave. It matters not what they are."

"Let's see what mangalo has to say."

>>270836
Well, if that's all for now then you might want to consider bathing. We don't need a nose to know you reek of sweat and the road, and you deserve some relaxation time.

>>270836
Lets go see what Mangalo says right away, so we can shut him up and see the smugness leave him. Damn bastard.

Then you can go relax in your cabin and see if there is any hot water on this place.

Baron of Spades 2011/01/12(Wed)23:33 No. 271145 ID: b5a477
File 129490399926.png - (46.00KB , 1128x862 , 36.png )

>>270864
"YOU IDIOT! DID HALF YOUR SLAVES COME FROM THE SAME DAMN VILLAGE?!"

"Yes Mangalo, why should you ca-"

"Because they now have a reason to fight you moron! Now the slave pens are a riot! Already three of your damn team is dead!"

"What?"

Oh perfect...I suppose that bath will have to wait.

>>271145
Well now you can go in there and slash faces without restraint. It's not like you're harming your own merchandise. So lets go and have some fun.

sounds like a plan.

Baron of Spades 2011/01/14(Fri)22:29 No. 271610 ID: b5a477
File 129507296170.png - (64.75KB , 1126x860 , 37.png )

"If Rokof cannot handle his own cargo, then I'll suppress this insurrection."

"Now wait there Makag! Those are my slaves, I will discipline them!"

"Then you are free to try."

"MY PEOPLE! THESE BEASTS SEEK TO TAKE OUR HOMES! OUR FREEDOM! DENY THEM THEIR CONQUEST! DENY THEM THEIR LIVES! DENY THEM EVERYTHING!"

"...You captured an entire village or something didn't you? No other group would fight with that sort of cohesion."

"They will still break. I'll make sure of it."

>>271610
Hrm... I'd say beat down the one that's shouting and throw him at his own people, keeping a bored look on your face the entire time.

>>271610
Rokof's mess, he can deal with it. Although you should probably call up your guys with full armour and weapons, they also deserve to get a chance to see the show. Should be a rather good show, wait and see how he deals with it. You might even end up having more slaves left than he has.

If it becomes clear that he can't contain the situation, or if it stops being funny and a threat to the ship, then move in, take out leaders first and then fuck up everyone else. Crucify most of them as an example to the rest.

>>271648
I believe masterful use of illusion could possibly make crushing this rebellion non-violent...

We still got that fog illusion?

>>271676
Why would we want to crush it nonviolently? We only stand to gain from using violence.

Baron of Spades 2011/01/16(Sun)01:27 No. 271946 ID: b5a477
File 129517005046.png - (58.76KB , 942x566 , 38.png )

As much as I'd love to see Rokof fail, it would be very inconvenient to have it happen on a ship beneath the sea. With me in it.

"Stay back Makag! These are my prey and I will break them!"

"You're struggling with a woman while more charge! You're in no position to talk!"

"THERE! THEY FEAR US! THEY WANT TO SILENCE US! WE SHALL NOT LET THEM! FORWARD!"

I suppose that's the leader. If I can reach him I may nip this in the bud.

>>271946

"The only thing we fear is that you'll force us to make an abattoir of this room with the innards of of all your deluded followers. Submit now and you'll live; force us to fight to you and I'll have your scrotum tanned and made into a coin pouch after I kill you."

>>271946
Anyone around who is an archer or can throw shit reliably? That would probably make this a lot easier. Otherwise you can try your own hand at thrown weaponry against him.

If there's nothing to throw then I guess you're going to have to get close enough to kill him, good news is that they seem to be seriously lacking in armour, so your blades should have a pretty easy time of cutting them down.

Suggestion 2011/01/23(Sun)21:36 No. 274264 ID: ecc951
File 129584740741.png - (50.30KB , 895x687 , 39.png )

>>271953
No, no weaponry. Not in such confined quarters so deep beneath the sea. They fall easy enough anyway

Suggestion 2011/01/23(Sun)21:38 No. 274268 ID: ecc951
File 129584751084.png - (37.45KB , 895x687 , 40.png )

"Enough of this! Submit now and you'll live; force us to fight to you and I'll have your scrotum tanned and made into a coin pouch after I kill you.""

"I will never submit!"

Suggestion 2011/01/23(Sun)21:40 No. 274270 ID: ecc951
File 129584763271.png - (29.94KB , 895x687 , 41.png )

"Nor will you kill me!"


"ACK! You little!"

Suggestion 2011/01/23(Sun)21:42 No. 274272 ID: ecc951
File 129584777894.png - (29.45KB , 895x687 , 42.png )

"I will skin you alive for this affront!"


"THIS IS NEITHER THE TIME OR THE PLACE! WE MUST FALL BACK!"

Suggestion 2011/01/23(Sun)21:46 No. 274275 ID: ecc951
File 129584798017.png - (33.65KB , 895x687 , 43.png )

Ach ka...that's deep. Luckily I doubt nothing critical was cut...but when I find him I'm going to gouge his eyes with his own knife! How dare a slave injures his better!

"Venian! Good to see you survived. But now we have more trouble. That man, the leader of this revolt, has fled back. Unfortunately I do not know where. He could be on any level of the quarters..."

>>274275
Now that the battle is over it should be easy enough.
I'd ask your illusionist buddy if he could fill the area they're in with a bunch of shambling corpses. Ideally, he would do so by making them all look like shambling corpses instead of just having hollow tricks.
They'll panic and turn on each other, and once that happens their morale will tank and they'll be easy to rout.

You can put this little rebellion out like you put out any other fire on a submarine: seal the watertight compartments between you and rebel slaves, and then turn off the air. You'll need to pull back all of your men, of course, but it shouldn't take long to pump out enough air from the rooms the rebels are in to make them all pass out.

The downside to this plan is that they'll likely trash the rooms when they realize what you're doing, and some of them may die or be brain damaged from anoxia.

>>274275
Is there anything vital in there? If not then just seal of the quarters, get yourself patched up and call up reinforcements with proper gear. Then go down there like the wrath of a diety and fucking nail every single god damn fucking rebelious slav to the wall. Make sure it takes atleast hours for them to die. In death they shall be an example to the rest of what happens if you do not submit.

If there is vital shit down there then you need to move after them faster. The goal is still the same though, people nailed to walls and dying slowly.

>>274275
I'd say use this guy as a bodyguard...
but it seems better to starve em.

It'll kill some of them off (you get more than him) and it'll also make a point to all slaves.

They can live without foodstuffs for only so long

Suggestion 2011/01/25(Tue)21:54 No. 274861 ID: ecc951
File 129602125610.png - (20.26KB , 895x687 , 44.png )

>>274781
That slave is Rokof's. Its his property regardless.
>>274325
>>274307
If by vital you mean my OWN slaves then yes...And if he has convinced them to rebel as well...

>>274285
"What of Kamagsan? Is he prepared to create an illusion?"

"Your Mo Sala friend? He's on the otherside of the damn ship! We don't have the time to get him back. If all those slaves die, I'm afraid all of you fail the Rite."

"...well what DO we have?"

"Sixty one soldiers available, against, if that slave has freed them all, a little less than two hundred slaves. A blood bath regardless of what we do."

>>274861

Oxygen consumption is a tricky thing, it varies based on activity, size, age, sex, and species, but if you can turn off the air and then introduce your own men with portable air sources (a submarine should have some), you'll be able to significantly impair the rebelling slaves while risking less damage to your men and to slaves that are not fighting back. Have the captain reverse the CO2 scrubbers (they need some way of being reversed so that they can be recharged when the sub has surfaced, after all) and vent extra CO2 into the slave chambers. If the ship has significant stores of non-reactive gases, like helium, use that instead. CO2 poisoning will knock out the slaves quickly, but you will still rick hurting them permanently if your men don't get the ones who are rebelling sorted out quickly.

Make sure the ones who don't want to fight understand that you've turned off the air, and that their best bet for surviving is to remain still. People who are up to fighting will run out of air faster.

>>274861
Easy enough; offer freedom to whoever brings you the head of that troublemaker.
Unless there's nothing important in that part of the ship; in that case just lock it up and wait for hunger to dampen their resolve.

>>274861
He got your own slaves to rebell? Smack Rokof on the head and call him a dumb fuck. He deserves it.

Ok, so 61 soldiers to work with. Get out clubs and shields. Form up in formation with with the shields and tell them to try to avoid to cave in too many skulls, a few are acceptable but you want some of them to live. There should be stuff like that around for situations like these.

Baron of Spades 2011/02/02(Wed)21:42 No. 278547 ID: ecc951
File 129671173960.png - (24.30KB , 702x586 , 45.png )

>>274868
"Perhaps if we reversed the air...filter scrub thing that makes the...breathed out air go into the slave chambers?"

"...I'm impressed Lord Venian. More so that you are even aware this vessel has something like that."

"What is it what is he talking about?"

"I like it. But to venture in there you will need some filters yes...LOCK THE SLAVE QUARTERS BEGIN REVERSE PUMPING INTO THEIR CHAMBERS! Lord Venian, You got a good glimpse at their leader, would you mind leading the force. Perhaps you'll have a better chance at finding him."

What just happened did I say the right thing?

>>278547
Yes, you did!
You can't keep breathing the same air over and over again for the same reason why you can't hold your breath for hours.
You need something to clean the air, and if you stop doing that then everybody will eventually pass out and die.

The plan is to take all the crap you clean out of the air and dump it in with the prisoners, which will knock them out.

>>278547

You said exactly the right thing, though you said it like a layman would (which is fine).

Here's a quick overview so that you can understand the basic principle behind keeping air breathable.

Everything that lives and breathes takes in good air made mostly of oxygen and nitrogen (both invisible gas). The oxygen is used to keep them alive; it reacts with chemicals in their bodies to produce energy. The nitrogen doesn't do anything but take up space, and is breathed right back out. When the chemical reactions are done, there is a waste product left over, carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide isn't dangerous in small amounts, but in large amounts it is toxic. In low doses it causes tiredness and headaches. As dosage increases, it then causes impaired hearing, then impaired sight and tremors, and finally death.

Normally carbon dioxide you breathe out is just mixed into the air and recycled by plants back into oxygen, but in an enclosed environment like a submarine or a cave, it needs to collected and "scrubbed" out of the air to keep the people in the environment safe. Since your submarine doesn't have a very short endurance, it must have a scrubber system.

Scrubber systems can be designed to be portable; when you breathe directly into the scrubber and inhale air that was just cleaned, the system is called a rebreather.

Another way around the problem of bad air in enclosed spaces is to just carry air in a pressurized tank. You need a regulator to allow a person to breath in the pressurized air, but it works well enough and is usually cheaper than a rebreather.

Anyway, it sounds the captain is going to give you and some of your men rebreathers. Make sure they're securely seated on your faces when you go in.

Baron of Spades 2011/02/07(Mon)14:54 No. 279880 ID: 9dcfe6
File 129711925785.png - (22.20KB , 717x597 , 46.png )

>>278584
Still not sure what that all means. I just hope you aren't sending me into a death trap. Now thanks to you sage advice, I was chosen to lead the defense. I have no idea where the little brat ran off to, so I don't know where to start looking.

>>279880

Make sure you share this information with your team. You are going into danger, do not let your mask be damaged, do not let it fall from your face. If you DO lose it somehow keep track of your condition. If you get a headache, or start to feel sleepy, evacuate. In a pinch you and a friend can take turns using a single mask while you evacuate.

If you don't have a mask and no friends are nearby, do NOT lie down. The bad air will be worse near the floor.

You will need to perform the search quickly, as the longer this part of the boat has poisoned air, the more likely it is that permanent damage will be done to slaves. Any slaves still moving around will have headaches, impaired hearing, and will be feeling sick.

If a slave steals your mask, kill him quickly, before he gets a chance to start feeling better.

Oh, and Venian? When you find him, don't forget about the coin pouch. When you make a public threat like that, you need to follow up on it. Maybe once you have it made you can give it to Rokof. He'd hate that.

Baron of Spades 2011/02/09(Wed)16:06 No. 280583 ID: 9dcfe6
File 129729639894.png - (16.44KB , 607x422 , 47.png )

>>279957
That's all well and good but WHERE THE HELLS AM I SUPPOSED TO GO? There's three places he could be and I have no idea where to begin.

>>280583

Let us have a look at that map then. I'm only generally familiar with these sorts of vessels, the particulars of your boat will dictate how we perform this search.

Your submarine, if it was well designed, should have each internal section of the pressure compartment divided up by strong bulkheads. By systematically clearing areas and sealing bulkheads behind you, you can use a standard grid pattern search to find the rebel leader.

>>282330
This has many advantages. If you get the leader early then nobody gets permanently damaged. If you get the leader last then the least people get permanently damaged.

Baron of Spades 2011/02/21(Mon)13:27 No. 283150 ID: 874a62
File 129832363247.png - (12.01KB , 754x648 , 48.png )

>>282330
I have no idea what your talking about. All I know is the layout is so. The far left is sealed off. A flight up goes to my family's slave quarters, the flight down to the right goes to Gamin's, and is linked by another staircase to Rokof's.

>>283150
Start by going to the right. Check that first room, then continue to the right. Check the room on the left last.

Of course, since they should all be weak and/or unconscious now you could probably just have somebody take a look in the room on the left and come tell you if they see him. You weren't the only one who got a good look at him, after all.

Suggestion 2011/02/25(Fri)22:17 No. 284372 ID: 874a62
File 129870102158.png - (34.95KB , 754x646 , 49.png )

>>283160
True but that would look bad for my character. Though I must say it was a good idea to flood the rooms with the...whatever it was you called it. The slaves here barely put up a fight. Which is good seeing as I recognize a few as my own...seems the little upstart opened my quarters after all. However there is no sign of him.

>>284372
Just tag em and tie em up. Unless they have a mage or something this resistance is already broken. I hope that asshole hasn't caught a mage...

>>284372
Manacle them to a wall or something in a place where they won't suffocate to death. Then it's time to move on, and tell your men to be watchful for booby traps, bastard might have left a few surprises for you.

Lets go take care of Gamin's next.

Baron of Spades 2011/02/27(Sun)17:35 No. 284856 ID: 874a62
File 129885692664.png - (50.76KB , 1028x1010 , 50.png )

>>284388
Oh he better not. Ugh what a mess. In such a cramped environment it will take days for the crew to bring this place back to proper conditions.

>>284856
Dead bodies everywhere?

Baron of Spades 2011/02/27(Sun)18:35 No. 284882 ID: 874a62
File 129886054614.png - (29.55KB , 834x570 , 51.png )

>>284874
No, the debris. It's horrible. If anything it could all collapse even more and

...trap me inside. Perfect.

"Lord Venian are you hurt?"

"No, but start clearing this all away. I have a feeling this was deliberate."

>>284882
Very likely. Don't go too far from the place. See if you can't set up some stuff to seek cover behind.

Baron of Spades 2011/03/04(Fri)20:49 No. 286273 ID: 874a62
File 129930057828.jpg - (35.14KB , 834x632 , 52.jpg )

"Like us rats, you are now trapped. Now I have a proposition for you. Let us leave, and I spare you. Refuse and I'll make an example of your body."

The nerve of that boy! One problem with his plan is he gave himself away. I just need to keep him talking to find where he's hiding.

>>286273
Yell to them that they can start clearing the other side now. You've already personally discovered the interloper, your ass is covered in glory if you don't lose, so now be smart and make sure the merchandise isn't brain damaged.

>>286273
Hmm... What if, instead of trying to intimidate them, you instead express mild irritation? Ooohhh... Wait! I know how to handle this! Tell me how this sounds:

Sigh "Boy, do you have any idea how much harder it is to capture somebody unharmed than kill them? I'm not trying to kill you, I'm trying to not kill you.
Since you're obviously new at this, here's how things stand.
The exit is blocked so nobody can leave. That was a mistake; it doesn't mean I'm trapped in here with you, it means you're trapped in here with me.
The most amusing mistake, though, is trusting your back to the other prisoners. You're trapped, most of the prisoners are passed out, your 'control' doesn't extend past these walls, and if it looked like you had any chance of making a serious push we can just flood this entire section and drown you all. Your so-called friends know this, and have started thinking less about winning and more about themselves. Right about now they're wondering if they could get a reward for handing you over. Obviously, the answer is yes.

Another mistake? You're sitting there with an ambush ready, while I'm sitting here waiting for you to pass out."

>>286273
Don't forget you made a promise.

Baron of Spades 2011/03/12(Sat)21:12 No. 287996 ID: 874a62
File 129999314129.png - (29.96KB , 834x632 , 53.png )

"Boy, do you have any idea how much harder it is to capture somebody unharmed than kill them? I'm not trying to kill you, I'm trying to not kill you.
Since you're obviously new at this, here's how things stand.
The exit is blocked so nobody can leave. That was a mistake; it doesn't mean I'm trapped in here with you, it means you're trapped in here with me.
The most amusing mistake, though, is trusting your back to the other prisoners. You're trapped, most of the prisoners are passed out, your 'control' doesn't extend past these walls, and if it looked like you had any chance of making a serious push we can just flood this entire section and drown you all. Your so-called friends know this, and have started thinking less about winning and more about themselves. Right about now they're wondering if they could get a reward for handing you over. Obviously, the answer is yes.
Another mistake? You're sitting there with an ambush ready, while I'm sitting here waiting for you to pass out."


"And your ignorance shall be your downfall."

hes right behind you, spin to your left and you can slap the sword aside with your gauntlet.

>>287996
Backstab! Lookout!

You can either subdue and humiliate this guy, or you can make a messy example of him with as little visible effort as possible.

Oh! You could wrap him in your weapon, and then ask who wants to watch him die! Seeing somebody die in combat is unpleasant, but a cold blooded execution is a good way to scare some people into compliance and enrage the rest into attacking.

>>287996
you evidently see him. Thrash him silly, while giving him a lecture on the dishonor of backstabbing and how he shall be an example for the other prisoners.

Baron of Spades 2011/03/12(Sat)22:15 No. 288007 ID: 874a62
File 129999690432.png - (39.59KB , 1116x632 , 54.png )

>>287999
A good idea. I find pain sets a good example to others.

"How simple."

Baron of Spades 2011/03/12(Sat)22:16 No. 288008 ID: 874a62
File 129999697566.png - (27.81KB , 772x632 , 55.png )

"Did you honestly expect to kill me with this? Show yourself or your friend dies."

"...You lie."

crush as slow as you can. slow is usually more painfully then quick.

Welp, better hold up to your end of the bargain. Do it slowly.

>>288008
I'd laugh like he said something absurd, because he did.
"Oh, no."
Maybe slice his arm off to prove the point? That might be enough to get them to surrender, and reattaching the limb might be doable... Would it be possible to rip off the limb in one piece?
"I'm quite serious."
Tearing him to pieces leading up to the kill could work, but giving any more warnings would probably be taken as hesitation.

>>288008
Is this one of yours or the incompetent douchebags one?

If he's yours then just start breaking fingers. Laugh a bit while doing it and say that you're going to keep breaking bones until they either surrender or he dies.

If he's not yours then just start carving out some pieces. Doesn't matter if he lives or dies, but as long as he's alive you have some leverage.

>>288008
Tell him the simple truth: This isn't YOUR slave. You don't even have a stake in this, you're just getting a bit of glory cleaning up someone else's mistake.

Just knock him out. Killing him would be fun but unprofessional. This is a TEST of your skills as a slaver. Knock him out, finish sorting this mess, get the accolades... and make sure your cute four handed personal royal slave hasn't been harmed by those ruffians.

Grip the loose skin on the slave's throat, and pull it forward. Then cut just the skin. Leave the trachea alone, and be careful to not hit the major blood vessels.

The idea is to make his neck bleed like a bitch. It's messy and ugly looking, and makes a very convincing show of slitting a throat to anyone observing, but it won't kill him. At least not right away.

You should be able to bluff them into thinking you actually killed him that way.

Baron of Spades 2011/06/02(Thu)17:59 No. 308606 ID: 2ae337
File 130706274583.png - (54.63KB , 1597x979 , 56.png )

>>288066
>>288014
He isn't one of mine...I suppose then he's expendable. Oh I hope it belongs to Rokof...

"You're choice."

Well child? What now? How many more need to die?

"You beast...fine you wish to kill us?"

Baron of Spades 2011/06/02(Thu)18:02 No. 308609 ID: 2ae337
File 130706296411.png - (43.34KB , 928x904 , 57.png )

"...Then kill us all."

"You're asking me something I was going to do anyway."

"And how? You are just one, we are many."

Baron of Spades 2011/06/02(Thu)18:03 No. 308610 ID: 2ae337
File 130706298671.png - (33.99KB , 928x904 , 58.png )

"And now you're one too."

Baron of Spades 2011/06/02(Thu)18:04 No. 308611 ID: 2ae337
File 130706305117.png - (11.19KB , 708x533 , 59.png )

"...the....hell...what...was that?"

"Judging by the way it destroyed your barricades and mauled your friends I'd say that was my little brother.

Baron of Spades 2011/06/02(Thu)18:19 No. 308615 ID: 2ae337
File 130706396413.png - (55.22KB , 1194x1182 , 60.png )

"Now come along you wasted enough of my time."

>>308611
He might keep fighting out of spite, so you might want to take that away from him.
Something like:
"Even alone it would be pathetically easy to kill you all, but breaking the merchandise is bad for business.
Fortunately you're not mine, so all killing you costs me is irritating one of my subordinates.

So what will it be? mildly inconveniencing me with a slaughter, or saving your strength for less futile and pointless things?"

>>308620

"Either way you've caused enough trouble you're not getting out of here intact. But if you cooperate here on out, you get to keep your life."

And don't forget your promise, Boss.

>>308615
Drag him back and turn the air back on. Done good.

Baron of Spades 2011/06/06(Mon)10:37 No. 309553 ID: 2ae337
File 130738184283.png - (26.75KB , 956x648 , 61.png )

>>308675
Oh I haven't forgotten. And I'll make good on my promise.

"Ugh brother, spit that out, you don't know who it belonged to."

Baron of Spades 2011/06/06(Mon)10:39 No. 309555 ID: 2ae337
File 130738196517.png - (39.96KB , 1066x954 , 62.png )

"The hero of the hour comes back! I assume that's the leader of this insurrection?"

"Yes, I recognize that one, real trouble maker all the way home...I'll be taking him now Venian."

"No. I'm going to make an example out of this one before someone else tries this again."

"No."

Baron of Spades 2011/06/06(Mon)10:40 No. 309556 ID: 2ae337
File 130738200664.png - (72.18KB , 1898x1228 , 63.png )

"He is MY charge! MY property!. I will not allow you to do this to me! HAND HIM OVER NOW!"

"fuck it, fine! You deal with this."
And go inspect your men and your property

"fine then, if he starts shit again i wont bail you out."

>>309556
Explain your intent and reasoning. He does have a good point, that slave is his property. Perhaps he can do something to sate your thirst for revenge?

>>309556

"I don't intend to kill him. Castrating him would be enough of a wound to his pride to make sure he doesn't try anything like this again. Or were you planning on breeding this one? He'll make poor stock, he's got funny ideas and he's a shrimp."

>>309556
Ask him how he intends to punish him. If it's not severe enough then I have an idea or two.

Baron of Spades 2011/06/07(Tue)12:44 No. 310278 ID: 2ae337
File 130747585888.png - (61.29KB , 1182x928 , 64.png )

>>309945
True but he damaged more than my pride. that enough is reason enough to punish him.

>>310156
"Well what do you intend Rokof?"

"He shall be flogged for every slave he freed."

"A fitting punishment yes but will it extinguish the fire in him? He had the determination to free himself when there was no hope of escape, what is to stop him from doing it again?"

"DON'T question me Makag, I will tend to my own and you should yours! This is no longer your business!"

Tell him what he did to you, and what you said you would do to him.

>>310278
See now flogging is not good enough. He must atleast die, in a manner fitting for a slave that dares to raise their hand against the masters and incite rebellion. Can't be a quick death either. I would suggest cutting his dick off and then nailing him to the wall in full sight of the other slaves. As a leason of the cost of rebellion. And a decimation of the slaves of this incompetent moron, also done in full view and by nailing them to the walls.

The slaves have to learn that the price of rebellion is so horrible that they won't be willing to pay it. And this incompetent fucker has to learn that he is responsible for the actions of his slaves, if they act in a way that is befiting of punishment then that is because he is not a good slavemaster, so he must take a share of the punishment.

>>310343
most slaves only react if someone calls for a rising. no matter the punishment some will come to the call. and once they forget that punishment it will happen again. no, harsh punishment does not keep a slave in line. a tempting lure will. the idea that if they work extra hard then some day they could rise above the others. this guy must be branded, a mark that he can NEVER become more then a slave.

oh just let him be... at most say "well your property put mine at risk. make sure he doesn't get loose again"

Rokof is weak, and you're weak if you let him dictate terms to you.

Pose it to him like this: How much would it cost him if people learned of his stupidity in taking so many slaves from the same place? How much would it cost him if they learned that he wasn't even able to help clean up his own mess?

Now, how much is that slave worth on the market?

If Rokof won't let you punish the slave, you'll be more than happy to tell the tale to anyone who will listen. If he does though, you'll be more than happy to modify the truth a bit. You won't be sure why the slaves were able to cooperate so well. You'll point out that they certainly weren't from the same village, since Rokof's not green or stupid enough to make that error. You'll be willing to claim that Rokof conducted himself well in the containment effort, and that he did the right thing in letting you, the leader of the containment action, determine the ringleader's punishment.

>>310424
but why would you even make such a deal? yes you hate this clown... besides which the owners of this ship:
1. DO know why they cooperated.
2. WILL report this.
3. WILL make sure the slaves don't get loose again.

All you are doing now is wasting time in a pissing contest. Just walk away and make sure to tell everyone who is important how much of a moron he was.
This is a pointless pissing contest that is just a waste of your time.

>>310426

Rokof's stupid enough that he might not think of that. A modified deal with no lies, just omissions, might be be better.

>>310429
Capital idea! this I can get behind and it is actually something USEFUL instead of a pointless pissing match...
You get to blackmail him AND the pleasure of seeing him still get nailed since you only promised YOU wouldn't tell. but the captain of the ship is not under your command. :P

>>310348
That is the carrot part. The whip part is that an uprising carries with it a terrible price in blood. And everyone involved who doesn't get killed gets the worst assignments until they're worked to death.

Baron of Spades 2011/06/09(Thu)19:10 No. 311289 ID: 2ae337
File 130767182076.png - (47.58KB , 1182x928 , 65.png )

>>310426
"Think for a second Rokof, you bought so many slaves from one place. Not only would you attract local attention, but you would also risk an open rebellion like this. Now imagine what would happen if certain people in power we're to hear this."

"It will take us weeks to fix the damages to the holds. Nietch's father will not be pleased when he hears about it..."

"...enough with the word dancing just tell me what you want Venian."

Baron of Spades 2011/06/12(Sun)23:06 No. 312650 ID: 2ae337
File 130794516278.png - (66.27KB , 1182x928 , 66.png )

>>311289
"Simply put Rokof, I'll punish the lad, MY way, and your reputation will remain intact."

>>312650
Quick and to the point.
Can't wait for his answer... or to see the look on his face when he realizes that while bought your silence the ships captain is bound to report him.

Baron of Spades 2011/06/12(Sun)23:11 No. 312653 ID: 2ae337
File 130794548936.png - (30.80KB , 798x805 , 67.png )

"...fine. But I will remember this Makag."

"Hrrk!"

Of course Rokof will remember this. They remember every slight and insult. The bastard will no doubt try to find retribution on the political arena.

Baron of Spades 2011/06/12(Sun)23:15 No. 312654 ID: 2ae337
File 130794569949.png - (40.90KB , 909x826 , 68.png )

>>312652
Oh yes a nice little buffer between him and me, but I think he already knows...He's trying to murder me with his eyes now. I can feel it.

"Well tyrant...what will you do with me?"

"I'm going to make your existence unbearable. And then I will kill you."

let's see how much he likes to play bleed and scream.

I still think you should give the coin purse to Rokof when it's ready. Or maybe you could have it made into a tobacco bag! Oh man, that'd be cool.

>>312654
Don't take his balls. Instead, put him in an iron chastity belt with a tube that is only accommodating when flaccid.
Then have him work in a women's bath. Or at a brothel.

For now, though? Just toss him in a dog cage and go take your bath. Perhaps see if Gyoji can give a decent massage.

>>312699

The rebel must die, Venian made a promise. Plus it's bad to leave troublemakers around. On the bright side, the body can be used to cow the rest of Rokof's slaves. That should help make sure they don't do this again.

Have your fun Venian. Maybe we can swap torture techniques and pointers later.

torture him a little then execute him in front of the slaves that rebelled.

We can't take too long, else Rokof might figure things out... besides its a waste of our time and effort to engage in pointless sadism.

>>312654
Chop his dick off and crucify in him full view of the other slaves. Or parade them through the place if there is no spot where they can all see him. The lesson needs to be public.

this is of course stress relief, you have had a long week and this will let off some steam.

>>312654
Don't torture him. Just kill him.

>>312771
changing my vote to support this.
You don't have the time and it serves no useful purpose. You need to finish him off and go check on your slaves and your men.

>>312987

He's got plenty of time. His men are extremely competent, and should have the slaves in hand now.

Boss, how's that thigh wound? You should get it tended to before you make a mess.

Suggestion 2011/06/15(Wed)14:46 No. 313591 ID: 2ae337
File 130817439680.png - (43.86KB , 909x826 , 69.png )

>>312771
>>312987
Oh very well, but I still made a promise...

"Is this all of Rokof's slaves?"

"Yes lord...is all this quite necessary? He is only a young man.:

"Ah Mangalo, sometimes I forget you we're once a slave yourself...no an example must be made. And it shall be made here. And now."

>>313591
I believe a short and poignant speech about how they are now slaves, but its not the end... But some behavior will get them killed, demonstrate.

yes use Mangalo as an example of what they COULD be.

>>313591
Yes it's necessary, a public demonstration of the cost must be made so that they are aware of it. But you also need to point out that there is a future, a chance for freedom and even great riches.

Baron of Spades 2011/06/15(Wed)17:36 No. 313659 ID: 2ae337
File 130818457399.png - (46.33KB , 909x611 , 70.png )

>>313604
Provided they all speak the same language...Hopefully it's the one I'll use.

"Slaves! Listen now! You followed a fool! You attempted to escape when there was no hope of escape! Let me make it very clear. You will probably never see home again. You belong to us. Serve well and you will earn your freedom, even ascend to great heights in our society. Fail, and you will meet a quick end. As this boy will learn."

"Don't listen to him! There's still hope! WE can still escape from this plaAAAAAAAAUGH! AAAAHAAUUGH! GAAAAAAAAH!"

"You should have surrendered. Such fire could have served you well in my country."

Baron of Spades 2011/06/15(Wed)17:37 No. 313660 ID: 2ae337
File 130818467076.png - (17.49KB , 909x611 , 71.png )

>>313659
"A shame."

"Gah! Hah! I wi-"

>>313660
Congrads! You just made him a martyr! He will be the figure around which the slaves shall rally! Before they were just a loose mixture, but now they have a group identity!
Exclamation point!

Oh well, too late now. Why don't you go to your hot bath with Gyoji? You could certainly use the relaxation at this point.

>>313685
Bah relex. They're not going to be doing much rallying after having their asses handed to them. Twice. Plus the looming threat of having your genitalia torn off generally has a negative effect on rebellious actions.

anyone who understood what we said would rather take idea of getting a promotion then death. they would need a VERY big spark to set them off again. which would be MORE people from the exact same town.

>>313659
ugh you ripped his balls off
the fuck man
you save that for men who are monsters

>>313685

Martyrs only form if there's someone to sing their praises. An ignoble and humiliating death for being a visible ringleader will help. If you want to be sure, a disinformation campaign will help. Bribe some of the slaves that did not cooperate with this pest to lie about him and what he did.

Molested children, hid behind women, had his genitals removed for being a rapist. That kind of thing.

>>313660
Good job, now lets hope that the rest of the trip is calm, relaxing and doesn't have any more crisis. It will be good to finally get back home and start working for a brighter future and an expanded empire.

Baron of Spades 2011/06/17(Fri)11:34 No. 314228 ID: 2ae337
File 130833567521.png - (34.36KB , 909x611 , 72.png )

>>313816
That's something to consider. Though once we get to Rezo, it's out of my hands.

>>313837
I'm already relaxing, Mangalo always has a private stock of some Solven liquor. I swear it's the only good thing to come out of that city.

>>313685
She's nobility I doubt she's ever bathed someone in her life.

"...I was thinking Veni, earlier you recommended an astunding strategy. To be honest not many outside the crew even know how half of this vessel works. Not to be offensive but you spent more time with Yviel than anything else so I must know...what gave you such insight?"

"Ah well that's...uh/

I'm not sure. I trust Mangalo and I know he has a real grasp on magic artifacts and how to identify them. Should I tell him about you? I can't think straight anymore. Maybe too much spirits...nah.

tell him "this is one of those sercets where if i found out you told someone i would kill you them and anyone they COULD of told. only reason i'm not killing you preemptively is because you are my friend and i think you deserve to know" then pull us out and just hold us up.

>>314228
Yea, you're trashed, but you need to tell him something.
Here, you can say this: "Well, I'll prolly need your help, s'ok.
Iz some kinda magic binding with the princess. Dead ancestors or some shit like that give me advice s'long as I help 'em keep her line going.
It'll be a political nightmare workin' it out, but we'd all be dead without 'em and I'mma man of my word. 'sides, ya saw how useful they are and backstabbin ghosts don work so good."

She needs to learn how to bathe people, and as a princess she probably DOES know a lot about massages. A massage and a hot bath - could you honestly resist that right now?

>>314228

Sounds to me like you've already got your answer boss. You trust him, and you know he knows a thing or two about magic items. Even if you didn't tell him, he might identify us on his own. And then he'd know you dodged the question.

Actually, he might be an interesting fellow to talk to. Maybe you could hand us over to him sometime when you're both more sober. Submarines are very interesting, and we know a lot about them.

>>314272
Recieving a massage and giving one is not the same thing. She's a princess, not a bathing house attendant.

>>314228
Well you could either hint at simply being good at deduction, or you could tell him that you came across a somewhat useful magical artifact that sometimes comes with good advice.

>>314282
I am aware of this. I am also aware that princesses are trained in their duties, which generally consist of pleasing their future husbands.
Massage would be something on the list; it's easy to pick up but yields great returns.

>>314292

You're just talking bullshit again.

Why would a princes be trained in that when she can hire help? Her future husband would be from a political marriage, and she'd be expected to perform the traditional roles of an active noblewoman: diplomatic and political functions, and baby-bearing.

>>314297
No, her future husband was to be her brother, and he would have had a say in her training.
Even if it were a political marriage, it's far from unheard of for a ruler to kill his wife for failing to please him. A place where a father can nonexist his kids seems to be the sort of environment where you would find these things.

Baron of Spades 2011/06/18(Sat)00:50 No. 314503 ID: 2ae337
File 130838340057.png - (35.79KB , 988x665 , 73.png )

>>314272
"Well, sincsh I am gonna need yer help widdiz, I-I-Immergonnersay yes.
Ish some kinda magic binding...thing the princess had. Shome kinda dead ank-ansh-ass-dead people or somethen along those likes...I mean lines and they. They we're tellin me wut I had ta do when everything was gettin all bad...an' I wuz gonna help them out with uh...sumthin. Uh. I uh.-"

"Enough Venian I have enough to gather a good picture. And I suppose only as long as you hold it you can hear them?"

"Yeah heh, funny thing that...sumetimes it also makesh me say sum stuff."

"I'd like to take a closer look at that. Why not leave it with me? If it works the way I think it does I may be able to replicate its effects onto another bauble."

"...wuzzat?"

"Make two people hear them at the same time with another jewel."

Sounds good to me...wee I'm feeling dizzy. Oh I miss her...I could use a good time right about now. Oh wait that's not wat I was talking about, wuz that?

actually it was. give us to your friend and go have a good time with the princess.

>>314505
Agreed. You go ahead and have fun with the princess.

>>314503
You can hand us over and then go sleep. You're not really in a state where you should do anything else or you might really regret it tomorrow.

Baron of Spades 2011/06/21(Tue)12:49 No. 315949 ID: 2ae337
File 130868579132.png - (27.79KB , 988x665 , 74.png )

>>314512
Princess? Yviel's not a princess! Least I think she isn

"You just bring that back to my quarters whem yer done 'kay?"

"Don't worry lord, I will."

Imagine something so small with so much power...and now I finally found one.

>>315949
Hope you're not thinking of keeping us. We can be rather annoying if we want to.

yeah man. we got a deal. and yes we can control you like a puppet if you push us. course that has some side-effects like your mind shattering.

so let's play nice, k?

>>315949
You didn't find us, you are borrowing us from the person who has sworn to insure the continuation of the Chang line.
Rest assured we are not property to be owned, but we are willing to help you if you will help us.

Tell us what it is you want from us, Mangalo, and we shall see what we may do for you.

Baron of Spades 2011/06/21(Tue)13:29 No. 315957 ID: 2ae337
File 130868817965.png - (40.68KB , 1009x665 , 75.png )

Ah I can tell whatever lurks within is trying to communicate. I know you hear me but I can't hear you. Though I intend to change that.

"Wake up I found one!"

"Are you sure you found a real one this time?"

"Yes lord Venian explained its actions quite clearly. I have no doubt-"

"You what?! Mangalo, are you sure we should perform this on a noble's property?!"

"If it's fake Venian will thank us for destroying it. If it's real nothing will happen other than that we can hear the voices like the magically attuned Rezans. Enough dawdling! Start the machines, let us begin the output adjustment!"

Baron of Spades 2011/06/21(Tue)13:31 No. 315959 ID: 2ae337
File 130868829858.png - (33.16KB , 1009x665 , 76.png )

"Now this is the first time so be prepared for anything. We have no idea what may happen once we start tampering with it's Oali Field."

OH GOD I AM TRIPPING BALLS!
STABILIZE DAMMIT!!

Baron of Spades 2011/06/21(Tue)13:39 No. 315963 ID: 2ae337
File 130868877062.png - (52.51KB , 1009x665 , 77.png )

"Ooooooh~ Li Jue, never leave my side again..."

"Honestly lord, you act as if I'm the only one to please you."

"Yes but you're the best."

Baron of Spades 2011/06/21(Tue)13:46 No. 315966 ID: 2ae337
File 130868916587.png - (43.21KB , 1009x665 , 78.png )

"What's going on? The readings are fluctuating all over the place!"

"Well stabilize them then!"

"We're trying Mangalo sir, but the magic is too intense, we need to start at a lower level."

Baron of Spades 2011/06/21(Tue)13:49 No. 315969 ID: 2ae337
File 130868934242.png - (53.09KB , 1182x928 , 79.png )

"The lower levels are more manageable but I'm still having difficulty trying to pinpoint the magic attunement."

"Then increase the drain, we're close I can feel it!"

Baron of Spades 2011/06/21(Tue)13:53 No. 315971 ID: 2ae337
File 130868962096.png - (48.53KB , 1182x928 , 80.png )

"Levels are reaching a stable point sir!"

"Good now attach the resonance drive and start increasing flow."

"Gods...it's...it's the real thing!"

"I told you! Now focus! The readings, the readings!"

"Magic output spiking dramatically!"

"SLOW DOWN DAMMIT BEFORE YOU BREAK SOMETHING!"

[Punch yourself in the face for being an idiot about this.]

Baron of Spades 2011/06/21(Tue)13:58 No. 315976 ID: 2ae337
File 130868988255.png - (11.74KB , 951x954 , 82.png )

"The hell was that?"

"Not sure sir...but readings are dropping to operable levels again."

"Keep a copy of that, I want to study it later."

"Sir the frequency is off again."

"...dammit, try opening flow again, but slower this time!"

Baron of Spades 2011/06/21(Tue)13:59 No. 315979 ID: 2ae337
File 130868995846.png - (44.11KB , 802x906 , 83.png )

"No good, the frequency isn't changing."

"Than adjust the resonance drive, remember?"

Baron of Spades 2011/06/21(Tue)13:59 No. 315982 ID: 2ae337
File 130868998827.png - (29.27KB , 802x709 , 84.png )

"It's not changing sir."

"Give it time, it always needs time."

Baron of Spades 2011/06/21(Tue)14:01 No. 315983 ID: 2ae337
File 130869008586.png - (12.50KB , 802x709 , 85.png )

"Alright it's moving back sir."

"See I told you. Just a bit more and we should have it. A little more. STOP! STOP THE DRIVE NOW!"

"Is it done?"

"Well only one way to see."

Baron of Spades 2011/06/21(Tue)14:02 No. 315984 ID: 2ae337
File 130869014644.png - (23.81KB , 1009x665 , 86.png )

"Aich ya! That's hot!"

If you have anything to say, say it now.

AHHHHHHH, ouch, gaH!
how would you feel if your mind was stretched in two? god damn. just give us moment to get our thoughts in order.

>>315984
Sorry, what? We were watching porn.

>>315984
Your hair is on fire.
This is acceptable, since you just conducted an experiment on us without our permission. And screwed it up.

For future reference, we are not property. We work with people to achieve our own goals, and advance their own in return.

Now that you've put us through something traumatic and unpleasant, it's time for you to repay us - don't worry, it's easy.
We need you to make it so that it's socially acceptable for Venian and Gyoji to mate without harming Venian's reputation or position. This is your nation's politics so you assuredly have some idea how this may be accomplished, but we will offer what aid we can for this task.

>>315984

Ha ha, hey, yeah, your hair is on fire.

Well, I'm full of questions. Venian, god love his soul, isn't an intellectual. He's great at what he does, but you were right when you implied he wouldn't pursue knowledge for its own sake. We might turn him around on that, this last fight was a good example for him of how esoteric knowledge can have direct practical application.

So! First question! What're you using to power your submarine? Your ship obviously has some sort of contra-gravity capability in addition to its abilities as a U-Boat, which is an energy expensive but highly useful capability. What's your operational depth? Got good maps of your operating area? You guys have sonar capability?

Next! Why are you using slave labor when you're an industrial state? Have you not yet developed robots, or is the personal servant industry really that large?

Next! Currency! Has your nation moved to fiat money yet, or is the economy still shackled to a commodity?

Next! The big picture! Who are the movers and shakers in the world? Do you have a globe we can look at?

Lastly for now! Aerospace! Has anyone achieved orbital flights yet?

Baron of Spades 2011/06/21(Tue)15:27 No. 316028 ID: 2ae337
File 130869524587.png - (29.42KB , 1009x665 , 87.png )

>>315985
I heard that

>>315986
And I heard that.

>>315989
I heard that too...wait you want Venian to what with who?

>>316021
Now this I can answer.

First answer: It's magic, I can barely explain it. Just magic seems to work differently around Rezans. They crystallize the stuff, and use it as a power source for most things. This vessel is the only one of it's kind, and was of course, expensive to build. It set the Gamin family back quite a bit. The rest of that question I'm not allowed to know, it's privvy to the captain and those who need to operate this thing. I dealt with the science aspect of the boat, not the magic.

Second, I don't know what robots are so I can't really answer that part. Slaves are a cheap replaceable, and reproductive labor force that also potentially serves as additional power between family politics.

If by that word fyat you mean government regulated money then yes, but the Kushle is only as strong as the ruling family is. And among the nobles slaves serve as a secondary currency...in some odd...ancient...traditional way, I'm still not clear how the families work.

Next; Rezo, if it expanded further than it has would probably be the driving force of the world. But since it isn't the ruling powers are the Ming Zhuo Empire in Eastaland, the Nation of the Holy in Far Westerland, and the Chouhoku Nation in Westerland, though that last one is because it is supplied by the Makag family.

Last question. What?

to rephrase the last question. how high has anyone ever flown? current record we know of for a person is the moon. as in, they used a flying machine to touch it and put a flag on it.

>>316028
Orbital flights. Going far up into the sky and making it so gravity can't seem to manage to pull you back down. This is a precursor to landing on a moon or other planet.
This is also something I would expect to be far outside your capabilities.

Oh, and yes, we do need you help to make it so Veni won't suffer if his relationship with Gyoji is exposed. Our first attempt failed when it was decided she hadn't earned her citizenship on the journey, and now we need your help to protect them.
Unless I am mistaken, helping him IS in your best interests as well, correct?

Baron of Spades 2011/06/21(Tue)16:37 No. 316075 ID: 2ae337
File 130869942232.png - (14.88KB , 641x499 , 88.png )

>>316042
Well I don't know when that happened but I know no human, Rezan, or other ground animal has achieved flight by artificial means.

"Sir, did it work?"

"Yes I can hear them quite clearly and we are having a bit of a conversation, excuse me."

>>316043
Gyoji...you mean the Tsang Naji Venian dragged aboard? He has a relation with that? Well given Rezans that's not too surprising. But still from what I do understand all he needs to do is wait for his ascendancy to be recognized by the families then he can decide when and what her slave rite is, and that should be it. Just so long as he does nothing stupid until then he should be fine. And while I know Venian had the wandering eye when he was growing up I trust he is smart enough to keep his urges in check.

>>316074
He gets drunk all the time and hasn't done anything stupid yet.

>>316075
God damn it, we could have been watching porn right now!
[Punch self in face]

>>316075
Well some of us sometimes have a very low amount of patience and can be a bad influence. But we will hopefully solve that.

Now I hope you didn't destroy us completly or intend to keep us. Because we're not very inclined to stay with you. Wait, you didn't take away our command ability did you? Better check to be sure.

[Punch yourself in the face for experimentation purposes]

>>316075
We have been spending much of our time convincing him of the wisdom of laying with her, and tempting him into it.
She is willing and eager, and our efforts have left the both of them rather frustrated. Intoxicated he's quite likely to indulge his base desires without considering the consequences.

I believe I mentioned that the continuation of the Chang line is our primary goal, yes? Maintaining Veni's position is currently as important to that goal as producing an heir, and we ask your help to see that these are not in conflict.

>>316076
>>316084
[Suppress these - we don't want him to know any of this!]

>>316086
We are supposed to have the ability to provoke people to act if they aren't resisting it.
We need to make sure this still works... [Punch yourself in the face]
... and to teach you not to cause harm to sentient artifacts.

Suggestion 2011/06/21(Tue)18:35 No. 316133 ID: 252e1b
File 130870650132.png - (43.58KB , 800x375 , 800px-Airfoil_svg.png )

>>316084
>>316086

No whammy no whammy no whammy!
[GENTLY tap yourself on the nose with a closed fist]

>>316075

Oh man are you in for a treat! You wanna come fly with me? I've got the answers. I've got alllll the answers.

In broad strokes, it is possible to create a low pressure area over a wing and let the higher pressure under it generate enough lifting force to achieve controllable powered flight. By arranging a set of forward wings all around a spinning drive shaft you can drag a bigger wing into the air and create apparent wind flow over it. This is enough to let you get lift, and to fly.

By changing the shape of the wing in flight you can adjust your pitch and yaw; you have control of the craft.

If you combine this with your contra-gravity magic you can loft far larger loads for the same energy cost. Pretty cool huh?

Oh and robots are machines that can be programmed to perform repetitive tasks. They're ultimately much cheaper than slaves, once you take into account all the expenses of maintaining a stable of slaves.

Tell me this: is this vessel a single-hull body, or a double hull? And does it use torpedoes? Man those are hella cool.

>>316043

It's much easier to achieve orbit with contra-gravity. You could do it with a fairly cheap chemical rocket. Heck, even a steam rocket could do it with contra-gravity helping. It'd just take awhile.

Suggestion 2011/06/21(Tue)20:19 No. 316164 ID: b6ca92
File 130871276808.jpg - (22.93KB , 575x383 , img038.jpg )

>>316133
Good plan, but for robots and rockets, what about electricity to help the development of magitech? We'll leave circuit boards for later, but once you get conversion systems set up to realiably transform natural energies into magical energies, then thats when the fires of industry can really get going.

So, first lesson on generating electricity: A magnet in rotating motion within a cylinder of copper wire to produce electric current. Hook the magnet up to a steam turbine, and with a steady coal mine you have some cheap, easily produced electrical power for artificial lights and other awesome things.

Oh this is so exciting! It's been so long since we last established a socio-economic-industrial empire; if I had hands they'd be shaking with excitement right now!