Baron of Spades 2011/07/18(Mon)18:19 No. 327803 ID: 2ae337
File 131103834128.png - (38.23KB , 868x673 , 2.png )

"Ach-ka...we couldn't have picked a worse time to come home...damn market quarters were damned near blocked today."

"Well the ranchers are here selling their stock, what do you expect? Gorod needs space or they start getting hungry."

"Yeah I know...it's just...Ach ka, too much. What you gonna do now Veni?"

"Not sure, there's a lot I want to do but I'm not sure what to do first."

"Well I'm gonna go see Minujia. I still don't know what she's saying but from what I understand, she wants me to act 'more like a husband' whatever she means by that."

>>327803

Tell your brother we wish him well in his new marriage, please.

Baron of Spades 2011/07/18(Mon)18:23 No. 327805 ID: 2ae337
File 131103861772.png - (38.34KB , 834x546 , 3.png )

Well there you have it. I can go to the family estate, where Gyoji, and my father are, I can check on my friend Gavez who...apparently is standing over there...or somewhere else. You got me home alive you can decide.

>>327805

Gavez is right there, it'd be rude to not say hello and catch up a little.

>>327805
The convenient one first. Gavez.

Baron of Spades 2011/07/18(Mon)19:02 No. 327816 ID: 2ae337
File 131104094501.png - (23.94KB , 760x662 , 4.png )

>>327807
True enough...though talking with him feels a bit like a chore...

"Oh. H-h-h-h-i Ven-n-n-ni-nnnnn-niiian. I-i-it-sssss beennnnnnnNNUH a wh-wh-while. You c-c-c-could-d-d n-n-no-na-not-t-t-t-t have-vuh choo-choo-chosen a w-w-wo-worse t-t-t-t-t-TIME to c-c-c-come h-h-h-home."

See what I mean?

"Oh really Gav? Why is that?"

"It-t-tsss b-b-b-bu-been thu-th-thr-three cent-t-t-t-t-urrrrr-ies. That-t-t-t-t-t m-mum-means it-t-ts th-that-t-t t-t-t-time-mmmmmmmMMM AGAIN!"

"Oh yeah. I forgot."

'F-f-f-orgot-t-t-t?!"

"Well the last one only happened like ten years before I was born, how do you expect me to keep track of it?"

"Um I-i-i-i-i-i d-ddddunno. Muh-maybe a l-l-l-litt-t-t-t-le l-l-less time with Yv-v-v-vvvviel..."

Don't bring her into this Gav..."

"W-well y-y-you n-n-n-n-know it-t-t-ssss t-t-t-tah-tr-true. I-i-n f-f-fffact sh-she h-ha-ha-has a ssssssssurp-p-p-prise w-wait-t-ting fro ya-you."

"Surprise?"

>>327816
"Oh. Hi Venian. It's been a while. You could not have chosen a worse time to come home."

"It's been about three centuries. That means it's time AGAIN."

"Forgot?"

"Um. I dunno. Maybe less time with Yviel?"

"Well you know it's true. In fact she has a surprise waiting for you."

Good surprise or bad surprise? Time again for what?

Also get this guy a translator slave or something goddamn.

ask if it will be potentially horribly fatal.

Ask him what it is. It can't be all that bad it isn't like you knocked this person up or anything, right?

...Right?

>>327816
What is he talking about?
Also, go check on Yviel and introduce her to Gyoji.

Baron of Spades 2011/07/18(Mon)23:18 No. 327899 ID: 2ae337
File 131105630823.png - (28.58KB , 760x662 , 5.png )

>>327819
It's not entirely his fault. Rezan magic and human magic doesn't mix well. And being the child of a human mage and a Rezan mage makes him...well you see.

>>327819
"What surprise?"

"Oh...y-y-y-yo-you'llllllllll ss-s-ss-s-s-e-see. Why sp-p-p-poil it-t-t-t-t-t-t-t-t? She'lllll b-b-b-beeee w-wwuh-wait-t-t-ting-g-g fffffffffffFOR you in th-th-that-t-t-t place. 'you-ooo-o-o wuh-wuh-would-d-d-d-d nnnnnnnn-know' sssssh-sh-sh-she said-d-d-d-d-d. I-i-i-i St-stu-still d-d-d-d-unno why she isssssss s-s-s-so interest-t-t-t-ed-d-d-d-d innnnnn-NAH you."

"I was persistent. And the idea of a grandmother and grandson together must be very enticing for her."


"Oh and before I forget, I have an Eastaland mage I need karved."

"Is it-t-t-t-t-t ffff-f-fresh-sh-sh?"

"Enough."

"C-c-c-c-ome bb-b-b-by aft-t-t-tter your ss-s-s-sssss-ceremm-mu-muh-mony. I'll g-g-gg-get t-t-ttt-to work onnnnnnnnnnnnNUH that-t-t-t. Annn-ythii-i-ing else-sssss?"

>>327894
Oh I hope not to do that yet. It would be very awkward.

not at the moment i suppose.

>>327899
You're probably already a daddy or something. Anyway, sounds like you should check out that Yviel thing. Could be important to know of it now rather than have the surprise blindside you later.

>>327899
So where is this location you supposedly know?

Also, what's with the burned/exploded building?

Baron of Spades 2011/07/19(Tue)09:37 No. 328038 ID: 2ae337
File 131109347638.png - (22.25KB , 738x714 , 6.png )

>>327974
What? No. That was the off site academy for the Makag magic users...before Gavez blew it up during one of his fits. He does that sometimes. Even though he's a damn genius it pays to stay away from him. No, he's referring to the spot where Yviel and I became more than just student and teacher.

Baron of Spades 2011/07/19(Tue)09:38 No. 328039 ID: 2ae337
File 131109352244.png - (16.40KB , 672x418 , 7.png )

"Venian..."

"Yviel! You have no idea how happy I am to see yo-"

Baron of Spades 2011/07/19(Tue)09:41 No. 328042 ID: 2ae337
File 131109371171.png - (27.60KB , 738x714 , 8.png )

"Something wrong?"

"I-you-then-I."

"Never change Veni. You're so cute when you're surprised."

"But then that time before I left. I-I mean we-the. Bluh."

I-i-i-i-i. You were right. I'm a father. I think I-need a second.

>>328042
Damn, I can see why you went for her, she's hot. Also, this is sort of messed up. In several ways.

Anyway, take your time and gather your wits, then ask what happens now.

>>328042
Hand her off to us while you think. We'll get the answers you need.
Also, what was that he said about "grandmother and grandson together"? How are you related to this person?

>>328048
didn't you pay attention? that is his grandma. now apparently has a kid by him from that one time. and i don't think we should spread to her. don't see much reason for it.

>>328048
Nope on passing us onto her. Secrets tend to be spilled then and I don't see much value in it. Veni can get the answers himself.

Baron of Spades 2011/07/19(Tue)10:50 No. 328063 ID: 2ae337
File 131109783878.png - (21.94KB , 630x522 , 9.png )

>>328048
>>328055
>>328051
Yes it's not that difficult. She was part of my grandfather's harem before he passed away. No relation except through her only grandson Iagn.

"Veni are you alright?"

"Yes I-I just need a moment to accept this."

"Still so young..."

think you should spring that a sibling for it may be on the way? anyway, relax.

Knowing your luck you sired twins or something.

>>328063
Once again the lack of information on Rezan politics and social mores makes it impossible to give advice.
Politically, would it be wiser to marry her, keep her as a mistress, cover it up, or something else?
Socially?
How would those options compare to each other and why?

She appears to have no Rezan blood, and from her lack of apparent age I would guess she's an Elf. Is that correct?

Of course, if you would like some time alone to work this out we do have other things to work on.
[If he wants us to leave him alone then switch to Chang.]

>>328063
Harem. That's a good sign, sounds like this won't be too limiting, though surprising. How are your personal resources?

>>328063
Well, if you're collected enough then I would suggest that you ask her what she wants here. If you're lucky it could be as simple as her wanting you to know and then that's pretty much it. But before we can really give any advice we need to know what she wants in this, which means you need to ask her.

Baron of Spades 2011/07/19(Tue)13:04 No. 328117 ID: 2ae337
File 131110586038.png - (21.06KB , 633x546 , 10.png )

>>328111
There's nothing wrong with what I did. She was a widow, she's not related by blood. It was just irregular for me to be with someone so much older than me.

And yes, she's an Exile Elf. My grandfather found her group in the Eastaland mountains, and well I'm sure you can piece together the rest.

>>328102
Given what's happened to me, I wouldn't be surprised.

"All joking aside, you couldn't have picked a worse time to come home."

"Gav told me that. It's about the-"

"Yes, and the family is strained to the limit pulling its affairs together. Your father wants to get your ceremony over with. I', sorry that your day can't be celebrated the way it should be."

Ach ka...Yviel was around for the last one. If she's so depressed it must be a big event.

well this helps. get it over with quickly and you can get that slave test thing over with so that Gyoji can have that kid without it being some horrible honor breaking thing. just a little odd.

>>328117
I'd give her a reassuring hug and say "Ah, well that's good at least. I was hoping for something less... complicating, but I did need a way to get the ceremony over quickly."

Let me check my math... The last ceremony was 300 years ago, and was 10 years before you were born. That puts you at about 290 years old, correct? What are the key ages of your people; walking, talking, onset of puberty, coming of age, live expectancy, etc?

There is a saying, and I think in adapting it for your situation it still holds true: "It isn't too old if it's an elf." What manner of responsibilities are expected of you over this?

Oh and your four armed pet masochist probably isn't going to be too happy about this either. Not that she has a right to complain, but that never stopped her before.

>>328117
Ask her a bit about what happens next, what she wants out of the deal and expects from you.

Baron of Spades 2011/07/19(Tue)15:30 No. 328191 ID: 2ae337
File 131111463060.png - (23.92KB , 633x546 , 11.png )

>>328123
Well the oldest of us lived to about seven hundred, if that's what you mean.

"Well that's good at least. I was hoping for something less... complicating, but I did need a way to get the ceremony over quickly. I should go see my father."

"Fine. But please be careful, it tore me apart when your grandfather died. I don't want to lose another."

I wi-"

Well this is a nice enough send off.

>>328127
I know what happens next, I just don't understand why my father is so stressed about it.

>>328125
Certainly not, but as you said she lost her right to complain.

>>328191
Well lets get on with the ceremony then. It's what you have been doing all of this for after all.

unless it's not RIGHT NOW.. in which case i guess see how things are at your family estate

>>328191

Your father may be stressed less about the ceremony itself than the issues that will come to a head as a result of you reaching your majority. He may have political commitments he made on your behalf that will need to be repaid, or he could be planning on using you to help put out political fires. Or it could be something else, it's impossible for us to know without having met him and with only a vague idea of the current political landscape.

>>328191
Alright. While you're on your way there we'll take care of a few other things.

[Switch to Chang]
Hello, Chang.
Might I ask why you threw Gyoji out of the family and had Li Jue sell her to slavers?
Or why you ordered High General Kuta Minaga to slaughter a town of innocent civilians and sentenced him to death for refusing?
These events are troubling to us; are you unwell?

>>328240
[Nope, no switching to Chang.]

>>328243
[ i agree]

Baron of Spades 2011/07/19(Tue)21:18 No. 328468 ID: 2ae337
File 131113550511.png - (21.13KB , 633x546 , 12.png )

>>328201
Well luckily for me he is at the estate. Seems a bit bigger than when I left...

"Veni?! Oh you couldn't have picked a worse ti-"

"I know I know, my father wants to see me."

"Yes but before that, please see to that Tsang Naji you bought home, she's causing a real fuss. The Marker is at his wits end trying to hold her."

"LORD! LORD JU GWAH! HELP ME!"

"I'm guessing Ju Gwah is you?"

sigh and go see what it is. and what is The Marker?

>>328468
Ugh can't we just send an order to bind and gag her? It's not like she'd really mind. Well where here so may as well see to her yourself. Then bind and gag her.

>>328468
Go explain things to her. Culture shock.

>>328468
Go help the marker, maybe you can even do it do something kinky for her.

>>328468
Might as well go help Gyoji. Explain what's going on to her so that we know what's going on.

Baron of Spades 2011/07/20(Wed)13:39 No. 328622 ID: 2ae337
File 131119434955.png - (29.44KB , 633x546 , 13.png )

>>328557
The Marker is in charge placing the Mark of Submission on all new slaves. Though why he'd make a personal visit to my room is...oh that's why.

"Veni! Finally, can you help me with your slave? She's being very disruptive. Even the soldiers you bought back can't hold her down long enough for me to karve it. And if I mess up her Mark, who knows how it will affect her personality."

"UNHAND ME! DO YOU FORGET WHO YOU SERVE?! DID YOU FORGET WHO I AM?!"

Ach ka...

tell her to calm down and sit still. wait.. personality changes? what exactly does it do? any other marks that would work?

What the Hell is This: Markers Baron of Spades 2011/07/20(Wed)13:49 No. 328628 ID: 2ae337
File 131119497283.png - (7.90KB , 633x546 , pause.png )

Proper description in /questdis/

>>328634
i dunno if that is a good idea. it could be MANDITORY. and not having your slaves get it could cause trouble. i say pull him aside and explain that she LIKE LIKES being submissive so if he could just fake it it would be for the best.

>>328622
Tell her to calm down and sit still. It's a necessary part for her acceptance into your society and that it's not permanent. Knock her out if necessary.

before voting we should really learn whether or not it is absolutely required.
Considering what we have planned for her and the dragon general I am not sure this is a good idea.

>>328622
Sigh and give him a dismissive wave.
"Gyoji, calm yourself.
Let her go.
My apologizes, Marker, but it is neither necessary nor desirable for her to be marked; her loyalty is such that she was defending her master's property.
I regret that I failed to send word to you, but my homecoming has been... less than ideal."

Baron of Spades 2011/07/22(Fri)11:44 No. 329529 ID: 2ae337
File 131136024215.png - (15.76KB , 435x461 , 14.png )

>>328716
"Gyoji, calm yourself."

"But Lord Ju-"

"My name is Venian. And I said calm down. Let her go. My apologizes, Marker, but it is neither necessary nor desirable for her to be marked; her loyalty is such that she was defending her master's property.
I regret that I failed to send word to you, but my homecoming has been... less than ideal."

"Ah-of course lord Venian. But are you certain she does not need the Mark. Her attitude seems a bit erratic. And granted she seems to be a tad on the frail side but when frenzied..."

she may not listen to others but she WILL listen to me.

"She is completely dependent on me, you see. Betrayed by her kin and has no where to go, in her slavery she owes me her very life. She is willful and irrational without my presence, but that's what rope is good for."

Baron of Spades 2011/07/22(Fri)22:30 No. 329921 ID: 2ae337
File 131139905220.png - (12.90KB , 518x442 , 15.png )

"She may not listen to others but she listens to me. Betrayed by her kin and has no where to go, in her slavery she owes me her very life. She is willful and irrational without my presence, but that's what rope is good for."

"True...true enough...very well. No mark shall be placed. Oh and you are going to see your father?"

"Yes. I am needed now yes?"

"But are you going to see him wearing that?"

hmm, yes, while your outfit is okay it doesn't say "i'm important!"

>>329921
Would father be more impressed by taking time for finery or by showing up when he bloody asks? I mean I don't know your dad but I'd say clean up later unless it is some kind of special social appearance.

Baron of Spades 2011/07/23(Sat)00:23 No. 329982 ID: 2ae337
File 131140583651.png - (12.95KB , 532x439 , 16.png )

>>329938
ACH-KA! YOU'RE RIGHT!

"No time, need to go! He must be getting angry!"

"Oh well Venia-"

"Sorry no time need to go!"

"What about your slave?"

"Just...give her a job to do, clean my clothes or something, I need to go!"

Baron of Spades 2011/07/23(Sat)00:25 No. 329983 ID: 2ae337
File 131140592190.png - (16.85KB , 532x439 , 17.png )

"Ah son...I was wondering when you would arrive. What took so long?"

"Father...I. Needed.To. One moment while I catch my breath."

>>329983
You know your father better than we...

>>329983
Ask what's up. Must be some important reason why he wanted to meet you right away and all that.

Baron of Spades 2011/07/24(Sun)00:04 No. 330501 ID: 2ae337
File 131149104149.png - (24.43KB , 628x424 , 18.png )

>>330008
"I...was...having trouble with my slave. Anyway. What was it that was so urgent?"

"What is it? Heh. You hear that Varius? My boy not only quells a slave riot, but he humbled Rokof by several leagues, and he still has no idea what's happening?"

"Am I in trouble?"

"Of course not my son, you are far from me being able to punish you anymore. You passed your Rite, but you've proven more than qualified to help me. As you know it is time for the families to gather once again and scale a massive raid again."

"It's been three hundred years. Of course I know."

"Yes, and before we can commit, we need to resolve all family matters. Especially this time as we are raiding a city in a nation just south of the Nation of the Holy. I was inclined to let you rest during your time back. But now I'm convinced you can participate in the Family Concord."

"...what?"

>>330501

Oh man this is gonna be fun.

Am going to take a wild guess here and say that this is a generally good thing, but things are going to get more complicated at the same time.

>>330501
I'm going to guess that you're now expected to help plan the whole deal a lot more. Probably a good idea to get your general dude in here as well, he might have some useful skills for this endeavor.

>>330501
Oooh. Yeah, get your general dude in on this. Now that you know it's not pressing, go get Gyoji to wash your back or something.

Baron of Spades 2011/07/25(Mon)19:21 No. 331348 ID: 2ae337
File 131164686852.png - (14.56KB , 628x424 , 19.png )

>>330517
That's generally what happens. Any conflicts the family has needs to be resolved before all the families commit. And even then, given the scale of the raid, regardless of planning, will always have a high body count.

>>330543
"Thank you for this honor father, but I do not see how this is urgent..."

"It is urgent because recently a crisis has arisen in two of our Westerland outposts. To the Northern outpost, the Chouhoku nation is threatened. Normally they would be able to handle a rival tribe but this time, it seems to be an alliance of several tribes, no more than at least twelve. This was expected but what was NOT expected was how tribes as far east as Central Westerland are in this alliance. Something is driving them westward, though we do not know what."

"To the south the Xuec people are flooding to our colony for protection. Normally we had that agreement remember? Twenty of their strongest in return for a year of protection from their mythological monsters. Which worked fine until their 'monsters' started existing. Patrols are disappearing and the Xuec are getting restless about our presence."

"The objectives to the north are to repel the allied tribes, maybe take in some extra slaves from the process, and find out exactly what the hells is so threatening that can bring so many tribes against us."

"The southward objectives are to quell the rebellion and find out why these imaginary beasts suddenly aren't imaginary."

"The plan is I take one you take the other."

>>331348
>north
Fight a small army, interrogate for information, figure out whether to shore up defenses and call for reinforcements or set up an evacuation.
Lots of risk for loss of personnel and goods/slaves, but also chance of gaining the same.

>south
Investigation and subterfuge abounds. Expect sabotage and general unhelpfulness from the natives, and hope you can get the elders to talk before SHTF. Lots of risk to your personal self since you'll eventually have to explore personally. Possible chance of gains in reputations for slaying mythical creatures and warning the empire and possible gains in wealth from exotic parts and hoarded treasures.

Hard to decide.

North is a more immediate threat, but this alliance of tribes cannot stand against a real military force, though whatever they are running from is an unknown, and thus a danger.
South is a less immediate, but longer ranging threat should these mythical creatures begin to expand in numbers once again.

Consider and mention to father that the presence of two equally strange and unknown threats may be related. Perhaps some strange ancient power has been released or awoken? Perhaps by our enemies?
I hope you have some long-distance communications, because you'll need to get some servants to start scouring the archives here for anything recording or prophesying similar events.

Baron of Spades 2011/07/25(Mon)22:48 No. 331557 ID: 2ae337
File 131165930073.png - (15.10KB , 628x424 , 20.png )

>>331348
"This is...this is alot for me to consider. Maybe I should bring Kuta into thi-"

"Kuta Minaga? Of course of course. He is your vassal now, it is only fitting. Besides that was what I was going to ask next: who you want accompanying you."

hmm... Kamagan would be a good choice for the mythological things. as a wise man once said "magic must defeat magic". but could also help with the interrogation of a member of the norther problem.

>>331557
Kuta is a magic killer. If they DO have beasts then he would be invaluable to the south.

Baron of Spades 2011/07/25(Mon)23:17 No. 331586 ID: 2ae337
File 131166104559.png - (12.87KB , 628x424 , 21.png )

>>331533
That is something I haven't considered.

"Father...perhaps the unknown force and the arising 'beasts' are related?"

"That may be possible. But given what few reports I've seen, I'm not very inclined to agree. The Northern outpost had mentioned seeing bipedal creatures never seen before, wearing a lot of metal armor, which is odd since most races in Westerland have only basic knowledge of metallurgy."

"And the south?"

"Only one report, seeing things that looked like humans but had an ethereal glow to them. They we're solid enough, as it killed a scout but it vanished before the survivors could get a proper glimpse of it."

"We may want to have someone search the family archives. This sounds too coincidental to be some random accidents"

"True. Varius, have the elders go through the archives, find anything that may have to do with odd creatures arising where there were none before during previous excursions."

"Yes lord."

>>331348
Well, you've got several vassals who specialize in weird shit and one who is a brilliant general. Clearly, we need a round of introductions so that whichever one you don't choose will be comfortable with your father.

>>331586
This sounds like some mythological beings are going to fight it out and your people are going to be in the middle. Like legions of angels and hordes of demons duking it out across your plane. Which sucks.

Anyway, lets get our vassals and slaves who might be useful for this in here.

Baron of Spades 2011/07/26(Tue)13:10 No. 331782 ID: 2ae337
File 131171104172.png - (10.26KB , 531x391 , 22.png )

>>331681
Yes I know, and I have sent for them, but aren't you getting a bit ahead of yourselves? We still haven't decided who goes where yet? it would be a problem to assemble a team without considering where they are going first.

>>331782
Well first we need to know where shit is going down and what is going down, so we can figure out where to use peoples talents the best.

Baron of Spades 2011/07/26(Tue)21:44 No. 332146 ID: 2ae337
File 131174188442.png - (24.27KB , 911x544 , 23.png )

>>331784
"Well what can I expect in the North father?"

"The Chouhoku have a stronghold carved into a canyon thanks to our help, either you or me are expected to lead the outpost's soldiers and whatever reinforcements we bring to shore up defenses. Having been there myself, I recommend artillery and someone who can counter the damn shamans. Their magic can tear through a stone wall like it was paper. Oh and don't stay out in the sun too long, it's damn hot this year, I still don't know how the natives can stand it."

"And the South?"

"I honestly don't know. It was established by your great grandmother when she was matriarch. All I know it will be a wet heat, which is the worst kind...and a large armies will do no good as the dense rainforests will bog them down. Keep the natives sated and if possible, get their help in navigating through the place. Oh and a bit of advice that was passed down to me: 'The men wear skulls as loin covers, don't stare. That's the fastest way to get into a fight.' "

So your father knows the terrain of the north, that is a definite advantage. And a larger force of men could be led there than the south. No offense but that seems like something he'd be better at than you. Sounds like you are going to be dealing with the mystical beasts, sweltering heat and cranium codpieces. Let's build a team that can deal with those difficulties.

>>332146
Yeah. Introduce him to your general and go south.

>>332146
Sounds like your Dad should get Kuta the anti-magical general and go north while you take the illusion dude and your retainers and go south.

You should also check in on Gavez to see if he's making progress on the decapitated mage. Since you can't have many people with you to the south you need people who are highly skilled.

Baron of Spades 2011/07/27(Wed)10:37 No. 332339 ID: 2ae337
File 131178823672.png - (38.62KB , 911x544 , 24.png )

>>332277
Like I said I called them all. But I don't know when they will arri-

"Out of way human."

"Oh sorry."

"Yes, you sorry. Stupid human."

"V-v-v-veniiiiii. I Gg-g-g-g-g-gggOT that m-muh-mmmmmmMAGE rr-r-r-readd-d-d-d-d-dy. P-p-p-puh-probllllllllllem wasssssssssssss hi-hi-he-his sssssssssssssoulll wass l-l-luh-lllllllllong gonnnnnne ssssso all I ccc-c-could man-nuh-age wass-s-sss this."

Ooh I hate that tingling feeling. He's influencing the husk.

"Sa-say ssssssomth-iiiii-ng-g-g-guh ya-you iddd-d-d-d-iot-t-t-t-t!"

"Master...your command is my life."

Baron of Spades 2011/07/27(Wed)15:00 No. 332418 ID: 2ae337
File 131180405616.png - (28.34KB , 911x544 , 25.png )

"So this is Kuta. You're responsible for saving my son's hide. Forgive me for being a bit suspicious, I thought High Generals had unwavering loyalty to their lords."

"The lord I served no longer exists, I serve your son."

Well you wanted me to introduce him, there you go.

"Since you will be facing shamans, I thought it may be prudent to have him alongside you father."

"True, true. That axe you generals get will be very helpful indeed."

I just had a thought, should I introduce you to him as well? Maybe your insight will help him.

Baron of Spades 2011/07/27(Wed)15:20 No. 332424 ID: 2ae337
File 131180524185.png - (35.65KB , 841x553 , 26.png )

"And Gavez, I thought you said his soul was gone, why is he standing here now?"

"Yy-y-y-es. It-t-t-t-t-t-tah w-w-w-as g-g-g-g-guh-gone...but allllllllll that-t-t-t-t-t muh-muh-meant wasssssss tha-that I ha-ha-jha-had to-to-to rrrrrrrrRIP IT b-a-back. He mu-mu-must have-vvvvvv gone t-to-to hisss rel-relij-j-j-j-religion'sssssss parad-d-d-dise, as heeeeee-e-e-e-eeee was re-rel-reluctannnnnnnnnnt t-ta-ta-to c-c-c-c-c-c-come ba-ba-back."

>>332421
Nah, no need to introduce us to him. Might be useful for him to know about it later, but for now it's not necessary.

Anyway, we should probably ask about what our new corpse mage thingy can do so we know what to expect from it.

Baron of Spades 2011/07/27(Wed)15:54 No. 332440 ID: 2ae337
File 131180727915.png - (31.81KB , 841x553 , 27.png )

>>332426
"Well Gavez, what can I expect from this?"

"E-everyth-thing tha-that he posssssessed in l-l-l-la-life. B-b-b-but hisssss eyeyeyesss had-d-d-d-d rrrrrrrrotted out-t-t-t-t-t, sssssssso heeeeee nu-needs th-th-the sss-Sight Mark-k-k-k to seeeeeeeee. And-d-d-duh as hisssss soul g-g-g-ets adjussssted-d-d-d-du t-t-t-o the b-b-body, exp-p-p-pect hissss personallllllllity tto rrrr-re-rrrrrrretur-NAH! He isssss a b-b-bit useless n-now, but he'll be r-rrrr-ready by the t-t-t-t-TIME you sh-sh-sh-ship out."

>>332440
Cool, I guess we can use him to blast some fools or something. He seemed to be a blasty type in the past.

Should be useful if we're going south. Illusion dude should also be good to bolster our ranks, then a small force can suddenly become a larger force. We should probably also bring along stuff for giving to the natives to make them happy as well as bring along a couple of extra scouts if the natives don't feel like helping out.

Baron of Spades 2011/07/27(Wed)16:02 No. 332444 ID: 2ae337
File 131180774974.png - (20.29KB , 841x553 , 28.png )

"Good, Eastaland magic will aid you well. Since it's obvious to me you want to go south, I think this might work very well, Eastaland magic seems very effective at warping nature, a plus when fighting in the forests. And I'll send Varius along with you."

"Father no, he's the Patriarchal Guard. He needs to protect you."

"And you are the Patriarch heir. I can't have you dying before me. Besides I will have an army between me and whatever the North throws at me. You, not so much."

Baron of Spades 2011/07/27(Wed)16:25 No. 332452 ID: 2ae337
File 131180912950.png - (50.85KB , 888x1180 , 29.png )

>>332444
Well that much is no established. Now I need to decide who goes with who. I already have a small team, and I'd feel more comfortable having some reliable people behind my father...though some extra help for me is always appreciated.

>>332452
Make Gyoji do something humiliating and/or terrifying to prove her loyalty as her test so she can be a citizen. Take her with you.

For the ones that aren't already allocated:
Take Gavez and crossbow woman with yourself.
Send Iagn and his new wife with your father, along with everybody else.

4 go with your father, 5 go with you. We'll go back and forth as needed to advise people, but you'll still need to use your communications equipment to relay information since we should be kept a secret.

[Can we go to Chang already?]

>>332457

Gyoji's a non-combatant, she's worse than useless in a battlefield situation. She'll be an active distraction. She did well enough in her part in the bluff, but when it turned into a potential fight she panicked.

Don't bring Gyoji.

>>332452
Send Swordy dude as well as green magicky dude to your father. Take the rest with yourself. Gyoji stays far away from combat and doesn't follow either team, she can spend time with your grandmother or something.

>>332457
[No, we're not going to Chang.]

Baron of Spades 2011/07/27(Wed)21:56 No. 332744 ID: 2ae337
File 131182900041.png - (36.35KB , 888x604 , 30.png )

>>332472
>>332457
Gyoji will come with me to the South but unless something serious happens I'd rather she stay as far away from any combat area as possible.

"Do these plans seem prudent father?"

"Yes...these seem quite well thought out. Unless you want some additional protection."

"I am the heir father, I earned that title for a reason."

Right. I assume that we now start preparing for the trip.

Before we leave we should:
-Find some people to school us in the edict of the culture we are getting into (particularly how not offend people in negotiations)
-If we are not taking Gyoji with us we should set her up at your house (or something) and explain so she does not freak out again. (I say we should take her as she grew us in a court so she should have a head for intrigue)
- Get a refresher on the ability of our crew.

Likely some of this can be done on the boat.

Baron of Spades 2011/07/27(Wed)23:16 No. 332820 ID: 2ae337
File 131183381722.png - (19.05KB , 669x604 , 31.png )

>>332795
Good idea...er ideas. But Gyoji is now my personal salve so she must accompany me.

"If we are finished father, then-"

"Ah one last thing, your ceremony, remember? Remove those rags, and step forward."

Baron of Spades 2011/07/27(Wed)23:20 No. 332822 ID: 2ae337
File 131183405383.png - (30.68KB , 888x604 , 32.png )

"Come my son. As the patriarch before me and the matriarch before him, I invoke the Rite of Passing. We recognize you no longer as Kekhar Venian Makag. We no longer see you as heir apparent."

Baron of Spades 2011/07/27(Wed)23:21 No. 332825 ID: 2ae337
File 131183407504.png - (27.37KB , 869x709 , 33.png )

"You are now Venian Makag. You are now Patriarch."

my god that helmet looks ridiculous.

>>332825
I uh. I'm surprised. Are you surprised? Did you just assume control over the entire family?

>>332855
yes, as we were told earlier would happen.

Good job vanian!

>>332825
>>332840
Please tell me that the helmet is special somehow in some magical or physical way aside from sentimental value, because it looks like a piece of what we would call 'post-modern art'.
That is to say, hipster-made bits of metal made into random shapes and called 'art' for no good reason.
Fucking hipsters.

>>332897
Notice the very intricate rune on the forehead, in the place a slave mark is placed. I'm betting there is a bit of inheritance that comes mentally with being the patriarch.

>>332905

That's the Makag family crest with minor variations.

The helmet itself looks like it has the theme of an ouroboros, the tail-eater, the symbol for eternal self-sufficient reinvention and rebirth. That's actually pretty neat. The patriarch's role is a self-fulfilling one.

>>332825
Well that was somewhat unexpected. Ask your dad why he's landing this on you right now.

>>332936

It was completely expected unless you weren't paying attention. This was the whole point of the rite.

>>332897
its a crown. For a ruler. Stylized helmet is far better then a lump of gold shaped into a circlet with triangles.
Now this is a big day for him so let him have his moment.

Baron of Spades 2011/07/28(Thu)21:16 No. 333360 ID: 2ae337
File 131191299383.png - (22.76KB , 564x709 , 34.png )

I was wondering when you would come back. All of a sudden you went quiet again and wouldn't respond. Ah well I sense you again, that is all that matters. To answer what was left unanswered:

We have already left. My father took the Splendor and a sizeable army and is headed north while I take one of the smaller vessels southward. And we should be docking very soon.

>>332795
Makag had several members that we're raised in the Westerland colony and they are more familiar with customs than anyone else.
Gyoji is here with me as a personal assistant. As you can see she is taking to her role surprisingly well, though she can never stop blushing and giggling when washing me. I had another send off with Yviel, though I am still to tell either one about the other...probably a stupid idea on my part...

>>332923
>>332897
The crown? Oh yes, it is a symbol as much as anything else, and other than that, useless, it's why my father did not wear it, it's why I don't wear it. In fact it's very uncomfortable to wear, ever since the metal was warped by Gozra Makag several generations ago. He was a powerful mage but had no control. And in the end he exploded. While wearing the crown. Now the damn thing can't be reforged no matter how hot the metal gets.

Anything else I neglected to add?

well, it seems that has made it into a insanely powerful anti-magic hat. IT is probably what cut us off. so if you are fighting an army of mages it may be a good idea to put it on.

>>333360
Is Gyoji a citizen yet? What did/will you make her do?
Does she know she's probably pregnant?

Baron of Spades 2011/07/28(Thu)22:33 No. 333406 ID: 2ae337
File 131191760804.png - (19.45KB , 659x517 , 35.png )

>>333386
Not yet, she is still my slave. I haven't thought much of what I can do. The only two things that can elevate her status are saving my life or completing the Rite, both are hazardous to one's health.

"...and that is why you never stare at a Xuec man's groin piece."

This here is my guide, he was born in the colony and only recently came back to Rezo to complete some trade deals. He's helping me understand the land and it's people. Also he still has a lot of surplus Rotfish, which I can't get enough of.

>>333406
What? I thought the patriarch, AKA you, got to determine what her rite would be.

>>333409
yes, and it has to be one of the several very horrible tests. or save his life.
he gets to pick which horrible test she does.

Baron of Spades 2011/07/28(Thu)23:03 No. 333449 ID: 2ae337
File 131191940889.png - (28.95KB , 791x522 , 36.png )

>>333409
>>333420
Well I could make it safer, but still it would attract too much attention. I mean think about it. I just become Patriarch. And right afterward I initiate a Rite for a female slave I just acquired. That will bring eyes on me from all over the damn Empire.

Oooooh these rotfish are good! Especially the big ones, the way they flail about as you bite their head off. Just enhances the flavor!

"Ah! Venian-Jomo, please give me a warning!"

"Yes I didn't need to see that Lord."

"Careful boy...I'll let that slide because you have so much rotfish."

sounds both disgusting and delicious at the same time...

>>333449
So make a rite that is humiliating enough to make up for the lack of danger and put her through that. Then make it an option for everybody.

>>333449
Well first talk to her a bit about what skills she has, then make a rite that appears very dangerous but in reality has quite a low danger factor, so people think she was in deadly danger the whole time but in reality she was just in moderate danger of mutilation or something.

Baron of Spades 2011/07/29(Fri)13:50 No. 333642 ID: 2ae337
File 131197260301.png - (26.09KB , 792x607 , 37.png )

>>333534
>>333476
I understand that, but the problem is if I seem too eager to get her citizenship, someone will notice. Someone who may want to put me in a bad position. And if they find out, they may start digging and accuse me of...you know. And I'm sure that someone will be Rokof.

"Anything else you want to know about the Xuec sir, or are you going to keep eating all my rotfish stock?"

He has a real mouth, that boy, but he raises a point. Is there anything you may need to know? I LOVE these things! Hang on, lemme chew this one, it's still alive.

>>333642
Then make absolute humiliation and removal of respect an option first.
Actually, what's the normal rite? We could just put her through that.

>>333692
OR, just forget about it for now. unless we can somehow make a showing of her DEMANDING to do the rite as soon as possible. then it's HER who wants to do it not you.

anyway, what else do we need to know... what about fast track method of earning their trust?

>>333642
Just wait. You can do without boinking her for a bit. Ask about their codpieces again or something.

Baron of Spades 2011/07/29(Fri)17:58 No. 333786 ID: 2ae337
File 131198750497.png - (33.45KB , 792x607 , 38.png )

>>333693
"Well when I get there I will need to earn their trust and fast. The longer the situation drags out, the more danger I will put Makag family assets in. By the way you got anymore rotfish?"

"Well there are several things you could do. One make friends with the women. Help them, make their lives generally easier. If they like you, they will pressure their spouses to like you."

"Second, when talking to a man, be sure to take some food. Any kind. Take a bite and offer the rest to him, as a sign of trust, and that you aren't out to kill him. Oh and since rotfish have become a real delicacy over there as well, I suggest you keep some around for them. And try not to give them a female rotfish."

"Why's that?"

"Well you have been eating nothing but males so you wouldn't know, but females when they're ovulating do something odd with their bodies. I do not know what, but basically it builds up in your body and then all at once it makes you...well not drunk, but the effects are similar. You act oddly, you do things you normally wouldn't do, enhanced-sexdrive-. And most people don't remember what they did after the effects wear off."

"And try to remember they are not all Xuec. You mainlanders group them together, but they are separated into even smaller tribes, which they make sure us colonists are aware of. Very aware of."

"That's general information. Anything else?"

well that explains what happened on the boat. you ate a female rotfish. and you got SUPER horny.

>>333786
All good to know I guess. But be sure to know about any general taboo's, like not looking at people's crotch skulls.

Baron of Spades 2011/08/02(Tue)13:20 No. 335553 ID: 2ae337
File 131231643126.png - (18.53KB , 498x606 , 39.png )

>>333802
No I didn't have any when I was there...just too much spirits.

"Good to know but is there anything else? Anything specific?"

"Yes, I'm pretty sure you've been eating a bucket of female rotfish."

"...say again?"

Baron of Spades 2011/08/02(Tue)13:23 No. 335555 ID: 2ae337
File 131231659378.png - (5.61KB , 498x140 , 40.png )

"I think you'll know once you come to. Hope you don't do anything regretful sir."

Baron of Spades 2011/08/02(Tue)13:26 No. 335558 ID: 2ae337
File 131231676618.png - (21.12KB , 645x508 , 41.png )

"Hold the damn line! Don't follow the Opaho, that's the ploy! And get that artillery set up!"

"Mangalo sir, the Opaho are trying to break through the west side!"

"Then bring the line breakers round there and meet the charge!"

what's going on?

Baron of Spades 2011/08/02(Tue)13:31 No. 335565 ID: 2ae337
File 131231708132.png - (34.29KB , 742x513 , 42.png )

>>335559
You?! Aren't you with-oh never mind! Kekhar is off with a majority of our forces trying to break the siege on the Chohouku's stronghold, and of course while, they're away, the rear lines, meaning me, are hit by the Opaho in the worst possible place: open fields. They excel at this sort of warfare.

>>335565
Veni accidentally ate a bucket of female rotfish, which seems to have forced us from his body.

If they excel at this kind of warfare then why didn't you arrange their forces so they would be flanking into a meat grinder?

Baron of Spades 2011/08/02(Tue)14:14 No. 335619 ID: 2ae337
File 131231968832.png - (44.03KB , 803x568 , 43.png )

>>335571
This is the best we can manage out here. We set up a defensive line across a river and try to repel anyone that comes across. The problem is they only send small detatchments to hit our lines. They stay just out of range of our guns and even if we they did, we don't have enough to seriously hamper their numbers. They are waiting for us to be too weak to properly hold the line against their calvary. Which is why I need that damn artillery!

>>335619
Ouch, that's a bad situation. I would suggest sturdy fences alongside with trenches to make a frontline attack on the gunners into a bad idea.

To get that set up you need to buy some time though, which means you need to send a team out to intercept their raiding parties before they can reach you and disrupt the work.

Baron of Spades 2011/08/02(Tue)23:29 No. 335878 ID: 2ae337
File 131235296242.png - (33.81KB , 803x568 , 44.png )

>>335659
"Get the slaves digging a trench! And place stakes in front. If they want to charge, they'll have to get through that first. move gunners up, make sure every shot finds its mark!"

"Yes Mangalo."

"And where is the damn artillery?!"

"The teams are setting up now sir, they will be ready in approximately 2 hours"

[5 turns until artillery is ready]

"Well then hold them until we can get the gun set!"

"Mangalo, the Opaho, they are changing tactics. To large attacks from either side of the line!"

>>335876
Well the defensive line appears to be most ready on the northern side, so you can probably send less men there to deal with that raid, since they will have some defenses to use and stuff.

The southern one is more tricky though, but you could try to make them pissed and attack you piecemeal instead of as a big collected force by fiegning retreat or insulting them enough to get them worked up enough to forget about discipline.

>>335876
Concentrate on simply holding the line in the north, get your linebreakers south to try and inflict maximum casualties.

Baron of Spades 2011/08/03(Wed)23:57 No. 336350 ID: 2ae337
File 131244102487.png - (10.45KB , 756x266 , 46.png )

>>335954
That sounds a bit risky...provoke them and they might just attack us en masse.

>>335972
This seems a little easier to do with my limited resources. Though my linebreakers will have a hell of a time getting to the south with the enemy harassing them all the way over.

"Gunners focus on the north point, Linebreakers focus on defending the south line until the trenches are dug!"

"Yes Mangalo!"

"Magalo, the Opaho are bring their archers to the front, they are harassing the linebreakers!"

Baron of Spades 2011/08/03(Wed)23:59 No. 336353 ID: 2ae337
File 131244118001.png - (52.26KB , 783x547 , 47.png )

Holy's Balls! It never gets any easier!

[4 turns until artillery is ready]

The archers are exposed, so nail them with your ranged weapons.

>>336353
Get your riflemen behind cover and tell them to nail the archers. They should avoid shooting into the melee to not hit their own guys, and unless they brought along siege shields or something like that their archers will be exposed when firing.

Baron of Spades 2011/08/05(Fri)14:11 No. 336879 ID: 2ae337
File 131257869321.jpg - (98.39KB , 789x541 , 48.jpg )

>>336440
"Target the archers. Defenders, protect the south line!"

We might pull this off

"Mangalo! Mangalo!"

"What now?"

Baron of Spades 2011/08/05(Fri)14:13 No. 336880 ID: 2ae337
File 131257883575.png - (55.64KB , 783x547 , 49.png )

"Their reserve is breaking apart, they are charging!"

"Dammit!"

[3 turns until artillery is available]

>>336880
Well fuck, that's hardly ideal. But the good news is that you current configuration still works, atleast a bit. But you're going to have to take some of your melee reserves and send them north to cover that flank and make sure nobody breaks through there and try to flank your riflemen.

Baron of Spades 2011/08/06(Sat)22:42 No. 337459 ID: 2ae337
File 131269577799.png - (62.09KB , 783x547 , 51.png )

>>336902
"Keep the riflemen covered! We can't allow them to fall! Form a perimeter int he trench, let them fall on the stakes!"

[2 turns until artillery is ready]

>>337459
Looks like you should be able to hold the line now unless something unexpected happens. Fire volleys at their biggest concentrations of troops to get them to break up.

Baron of Spades 2011/08/09(Tue)13:40 No. 338297 ID: 2ae337
File 131292241996.png - (29.75KB , 730x457 , 52.png )

>>337599
"Break apart the larger groups, anyone that gets over hack them down!"

"Mangalo, the calvary has organized in the back!"

"Are the cannons ready yet?"

Baron of Spades 2011/08/09(Tue)13:40 No. 338298 ID: 2ae337
File 131292244014.png - (59.08KB , 783x547 , 53.png )

"Erm...not quite sir."

>>338298
Tell them to work faster or their hacked off dicks will be adornments for barbarians. Tell your riflemen to aim for the horses to try to break up the cavalry charge. Not that much else you can do right now really.

>>338298
>cavalry
>trench spanning our entire line
The entire purpose of that trench is to block charges. Just get your guys on the other side and cut them down as they're trying to get across.

Baron of Spades 2011/08/09(Tue)17:24 No. 338367 ID: 2ae337
File 131293586382.png - (19.19KB , 730x457 , 54.png )

>>338299
"Keep sights aimed on calvary. I do not want them breaking the line!"

"Mangalo sir. the artillery is ready!"

"Finally! Aim for the center of the charge, the damage should force them into a retreat."

Baron of Spades 2011/08/09(Tue)17:27 No. 338368 ID: 2ae337
File 131293602368.png - (59.84KB , 783x547 , 55.png )

"It worked sir! The calvary is breaking apart, they are in retreat!"

Thank the Holy, I thought I was about to die there...thanks for the help, I barely know anything about tactics, I have no idea why Kekhar left me in charge...

>>338368
Really? It may be that he wanted you to lose this battle, then.

simple, he wanted you to lose! Kekhar is now under SUPER SUSPICION.

Baron of Spades 2011/08/09(Tue)17:59 No. 338395 ID: 2ae337
File 131293797950.png - (21.00KB , 555x478 , 56.png )

>>338373
I...I hope not. I see no reason why he would want me to lose unless he knows...no I doubt he does.

Speaking of the Demon, here he comes now...

"Well, it seems I wasn't needed after all. I never would have expected such an attack from Opaho, but you managed to hold them back. There's indeed more to you than meets the eye Mangalo."

"Erm thank you lord. We're you coming to reinforce us?"

"Yes but there was another reason. I was hoping you could help me with a little problem."

for now, play the fool. let him think he controls you.

Baron of Spades 2011/08/09(Tue)18:34 No. 338412 ID: 2ae337
File 131294006853.png - (16.97KB , 554x460 , 57.png )

>>338396
Um...very well...

"Yes lord?"

"When retaking Chouhoku's fortress I noticed how the alliance seemed to be fighting back with barely half their strength. Either the alliance was smaller than Chouhoku claimed, or they we're being drawn away. We reclaimed the fortress easily, and then I noticed some odd creatures I've never seen in Westerland before. They we're tall, and covered in fur, almost wolf-like. Very odd to have such a race in such a hot region. More so, they had armor covering them, much like us, very unlike the natives I've seen. Perhaps you know what they are? Some force from Far Westerland?"

"tall"
"wolf like"

Aww snap dawg! Sergals up in this shit!

>>338418
Or werewolves

...Shit. I can't decide which are worse.

Werewolves spread lycanthropy by clawing and biting, and are almost as bad as necromancers like that.
Sergals are pure predators that are inherently skilled in tactics and have some of the best reflexes and hand-eye coordination around. They also pack an extremely mean bite, and are very good at finding your weak points.

Or, it could be something else entirely. This is a new world after all, and everything's been new so far.

>>338395

Don't let paranoia drag you down. Stay sharp, but most likely this was just him preparing you for later field assignments. He probably didn't expect such a nasty attack. Just having you leading, even if there was no real fight, would be valuable experience for you. This kind of thing is what eventually builds generals.

While we're in contact with you do not think about your plot. The less we know about it, the better. It is sufficient to your purposes that we can provide technology that will render slavery obsolete.

>>338412
There are several species with which we are familiar that fit that description.
From least concern to most, it goes Southern Sergals, Gnolls, Werewolves, Northern Sergals, and Tozols.
I'm reasonably certain it's none of those things, but let us see what they look like.

Baron of Spades 2011/08/09(Tue)21:29 No. 338493 ID: 2ae337
File 131295057146.png - (29.69KB , 604x565 , 58.png )

Um...werewolves? Sergals? Is this one of those things?"

"Honestly lord I do not know what that is...but I think they're humoring us."

>>338493
HOLY FUCK IS THAT A NORTHERN SERGAL?
Ok, our vision is poor so we can't be certain, but that could certainly be a Northern Sergal.

Do you have any weapons that could turn this entire landmass into a glass crater?
Or at least a fleet of armored flying boats you can use to do bombing and strafing runs?

>>338493
Could be a Sergal, alright. Is he giving a signal or just waving at you? Are there more nearby? I suppose it could be just one dude watching the battle. I'd consider going out and having a chat in that case.

>>338495
Oh c'mon they aren't *that* dangerous.

>>338501

They're plenty dangerous. They have a warrior culture, they have keen senses, a mind that's a match for any man's, they're fast, and on average as strong as the upper percentile of humans. They have low levels of sexual dimorphism, mainly because their young mature very quickly, so the females are just as dangerous and capable warriors as the males.

They overheat though. They are good for maybe five or six minutes of fighting in warmer temperatures. In tropical climates with high humidity that gets cut down to about two minutes.

Some sort of warming charm on the area will help greatly against them.

>>338493
That would appear to be a sergal. Can't really tell which type... can you tell us about how large it is, and if you can see any blue or brown fur?

Baron of Spades 2011/08/09(Tue)22:22 No. 338517 ID: 2ae337
File 131295372438.png - (18.29KB , 588x488 , 59.png )

>>338495
All that is available is twenty cannons and the long cannons on the Splendor.
>>338513
Well we're in a very hot region as it is. Which makes this such a mystery. Why would such a race not adapted to the heat
be in one of the hottest places in this country.

>>338514
I couldn't really tell. The only parts I could see were white. It may be another color under all that armor but I do not know.

"Lord these are dangerous beasts. I can tell just by the fact they have a grasp of metallurgy, we need to talk with the Chouhoku if we cannot gain some sort of truce with the other Westerlanders to combat this threat."

"Surely you exaggerate. From just a glimpse you can tell so much?"

>>338517
Could you tell about how tall it was, at least? It's not the most reliable test but it's better than nothing.

explain how the armor isn't just plates but segmented, meaning it isn't just metalworking but ADVANCED metalworking. they will likely also have actual siege equipment catapults and such. BUT they have not attacked us yet, perhaps we can parlay?

>>338517

The southern sergal sub-species is better adapted to the heat, at the cost of their outrageous strength. Southern sergals have a much lighter coat, and stand a half-head or so shorter than a man. They are about equal to men in strength, and tend to be even more clever than their northern brothers. The sub-species are cross fertile, or were the last we heard of them. Time may have seen them become two distinct species.

They still have the keen senses and speed. They're at least as dangerous as men.

Baron of Spades 2011/08/09(Tue)23:05 No. 338541 ID: 2ae337
File 131295631785.png - (16.91KB , 507x390 , 60.png )

>>338532
"They are using more than just plating, they are very advanced with it."

"Then we should prepare immediately for war."

"But first we should try to parlay with them. I'd rather at least know a little more about what these are before we fight."

"As you say...I'll deploy an emissary from Chouhoku. Good planning Mangalo."

Well we'll learn soon enough how tall they are though I do not see how-

-well now I've added someone else to my to-kill list.

Baron of Spades 2011/08/09(Tue)23:06 No. 338543 ID: 2ae337
File 131295638922.png - (23.12KB , 650x525 , 61.png )

>>338541
As soon as this job in the south is over that guide of mine is dying. Painfully.

>>338543
Meh, it's not like Gyoji can get any more pregnant.
... I think.

Anyway, what's the normal rite for citizenship? How soon can you put her through it? Now?

huh, I think you getting high messed with us somehow. it could have just been an unusually coherent hallucination, or it could have been something more.

>>338570
:|
see, this is the problem with new voices showing up and not scanning our collective memory.

anyway, northern problem is Sergals. vicious things. but if you can put something tastier then yourself in front of them they should leave you alone.

Suggestion 2011/08/10(Wed)04:12 No. 338621 ID: b6ca92
File 131297476357.png - (244.60KB , 800x600 , NORTHERNSERGAL.png )

>>338574
>northern problem is Sergals
I feel stupid for not realizing this earlier.
NORTHERN SERGAL!

>>338543
You look like you have had an interesting time, so, are you there yet?

Baron of Spades 2011/08/10(Wed)13:39 No. 338748 ID: 2ae337
File 131300878286.png - (12.55KB , 492x298 , 62.png )

>>338547
Do you have to ask that first thing I wake up? Ach ka, the world is spinning too fast and it hurts...I can't invoke the Rite YET! I will look too eager. The normal one is simply accompanying me and keeping me alive, usually at the expense of their own health and safety. Now please talk about something else, I'm sore all over.

>>338574
>>338621
Great. What's a sergal?

>>338627
We must be, the damn crew is chanting to Bach-Do, and they only do that when they reach port safely.

"Venian-Jomo, are you well?"

"Shut up. Clean up. Dress up. Shut up. I need to find my clothes."

>>338748
You're the patriarch now, order someone to find your clothes.

Oh, and a sergal is an approxomately 7 feet tall fluffy murdermachine. They love polearms and they fight as scary fast heavy infantry, they also have some pretty decently heavy armour on and they're aggressive as hell.

But they're probably not your problem. So lets get some servants to get you dressed and then lets get up on deck and see if anyone is there to greet us.

Baron of Spades 2011/08/10(Wed)14:00 No. 338763 ID: 2ae337
File 131301004507.png - (16.80KB , 470x372 , 63.png )

>>338755
Interesting. They would certainly make a good addition to the Empire if subverted. But it's not my problem as you said. Anyway, I can find my own clothes. The servants are still chanting their thanks to Bach-Do-ah and there's my guide in with the rest. Besides I'm not stupid, this colony is far from Imperial rule, in a state of unrest, proclaiming a patriarch is onboard is the fast way to getting an assassin waiting for me at the docks.

>>338763
Ok, lets wait for them to stop chanting and then get this show on the road. We got negotiations to do and lands to defend and stuff.

Baron of Spades 2011/08/10(Wed)16:07 No. 338801 ID: 2ae337
File 131301763381.png - (32.31KB , 833x588 , 64.png )

>>338767
"So who should I see to get things organized?"

"You'd want the governor's estate. Knowing how territorial the natives are, they are still arguing over which parts of the town to place their people in. You can never get them to agree."

>>338801
Well lets go meet with that guy then, once we're there we can also see about accomodations for our dudes.

Baron of Spades 2011/08/10(Wed)18:27 No. 338844 ID: 2ae337
File 131302606347.png - (21.21KB , 603x488 , 65.png )

"This is...unsettling."

"Well natives normally keep their distances from each other. Now living so close to each other, many are just waiting for an excuse to go crazy on each other. And they won't hesitate to do the same respect to a Rezan."

ask what you can do to decrease the odds of an attempted shanking.

Baron of Spades 2011/08/10(Wed)22:39 No. 338894 ID: 2ae337
File 131304118911.png - (32.65KB , 946x616 , 66.png )

>>338859
"Any advice how to avoid this?"

"Help the governor solve his dilemma. The guy bows to anyone that yells, and with everyone yelling at him, he's at his wit's end."

"Xuec get's the west while we only have the slums of the northwest corner?! Preposterous! After their crimes against us, we Nusu should get their land!"

"After all the food you've stolen from us!? Don't insult me!"

"Both of you are unworthy of the west's safety. The Qolupa have suffered enough under the shadows of you two for long enough. Let you feel the sting we have felt for so long!"

"We Nahut have had it easy compared to you! Suffered? HAH! You Qolupa have had such an easy time in the mountains your brains must have dried out from all the winds!"

"Please sirs! PLEASE! Make peace with each other. One at a time!"

"I see. He is a pushover isn't he. "

"Doesn't even begin to describe him."

put what you were told on the ship into practice and introduce yourself in a way that wont piss them off. and say you are here to solve the problem by getting rid of the creatures.

your probably going to need to put together at least a temporary solutions to what those guys are arguing about. we need more background info on them before we can do that though.

>>338894
See if you can't get the governor to tell them to give you two a moment once you've introduced yourself. Then pull him off to the side and make it very clear that you are in charge now. Then get him to explain the domestic and military situation; we need to know how soon we can expect gangwars and from who, as well as an idea of how many men or natives are available for gathering an investigation and hunting team.

>>338894
Hmm, this will probably take some time to get solved, why don't you invite them over for dinner at a later time, during which you can all discuss your grievances in a civilised fashion. It will also give you some time to get some information on what they're all after.

Offer employment in getting them to build tenements. Then tell them you're here to solve the problem.

Baron of Spades 2011/08/11(Thu)17:45 No. 339118 ID: 2ae337
File 131310992960.png - (34.91KB , 946x616 , 67.png )

Oh as if it wasn't bad enough all these people are arguing, they are doing it in a slaughtered version of Rezan Low. I have no idea what they're saying.

>>338896
"Tell them the real problem is the beasts outside, not each other."

"You guys are focusing on the wrong problem!"

"And who are you supposed to be tavar?"

"This here is the leader of your benefactor boss."

"And what problem does the tavar boss propose we focus on."

"The one outside the walls of course."

"Hmph! The problem outside the walls refuses to stay outside! That's why I want the west side where they do not reach!"

"You aren't getting it! I AM!"

"...They aren't focusing on you sir. They are dead set on staying here."

>>339019
"Then why don't we have them stay here permanently, have them build new homes here."

"You that's the best way to get nomads to like you, tell them to live under your thumb real nice. Most of them think its bad enough they send away their strongest to you."

"I see your point."

>>338954
>>338909
>>338899
"Could you tell them to come back later, I need to get me and my people settled in, then we can properly discuss what to do."

"The tavar boss says get out. We can talk about this later once he gets a better idea about all this stuff."

The various chiefs nod. Grudgingly and start to file out. Though one or two look at me suspiciously.

"Oh I must thank you great benefactor lord of the patriarchy! Another moment and my time upon this patch of dirt would have been miserably short."

The governor is no better than them. Difference is he is using Rezan High. And terribly.

tell him to calm down. and to take you to the person who is supposedly an eyewitness, or if he has a drawing the witness made that would work.

>>339118
Not PERMANENT homes. Temporary defensible homes. Also payment, which you may consider a bribe to make them shut the fuck up.

Baron of Spades 2011/08/11(Thu)21:41 No. 339173 ID: 2ae337
File 131312407841.png - (21.80KB , 539x616 , 68.png )

>>339120
"Yes...um. I need to know what we are threatened by. Do you have the witness?"

"Yes. Um. About that. I. Er. That is-we-or he- is no longer here."

"...what?"

"He's...well gone. Several days ago."

One...two...three...four...five...six...

"Why?"

"We don't know. I think he may have been taken. Or killed. Or. I don't know."

face, meet palm. ask him what information he DOES have.

dammit, this was a chance to see if we knew it. the northern thing with the sergals may of ment this southern thing was something we know about as well.

Baron of Spades 2011/08/11(Thu)22:42 No. 339204 ID: 2ae337
File 131312777137.png - (15.52KB , 603x488 , 69.png )

>>339177
"Well is there ANYTHING you have that can help?"

"There is his quarters, it is still the same as when he disappeared and perhaps you may be able to glean something from it?"

Again with the big words. Well this looks like a mess.

>>339177
If we are lucky, it just means Southern Sergals (i.e, Dustbacks), assuming we are on the continent of Vilious, as unlikely as that is.

Also
>face, meet palm.
This, but to the other guy's face. Unless it would be a major breach in protocol, we can't allow him to believe his incompetence has gone unnoticed.

STUFF! check those papers and stuff on the desk as well as the debris on the bed.

Isn't that symbol just like the one back in>>338844?

What's it mean?

>>339217
POINT! it may be ether the symbol of the witness's clan or the clan that killed him.

>>339204
I see papers on the desk and a box of stuff. Investigate! Read notes, break open box.

>>339218
>>339217
Is your guide or whoever still with you? Ask them which clan symbol it would be, and the meaning behind it. Then ask the governor fellow where said clan is located in the city.

>>339204
Ask about the symbol, read whatever notes there are and check the lower parts of the window glass for blood.

Baron of Spades 2011/08/12(Fri)12:24 No. 339353 ID: 2ae337
File 131317704741.png - (27.02KB , 804x589 , 70.png )

>>339243
Uhh it's hard to tell with all this ink spilled on it. The witness claims to have nightmares about what he, or she saw. Things that...uh glowed like ghosts, stealing the fat from their bodies. It's hard to tell exactly what is written. So much is crossed out, and sections are covered by ink. The person may have been heavily traumatized by whatever it was.

Baron of Spades 2011/08/12(Fri)12:31 No. 339357 ID: 2ae337
File 131317748147.png - (20.46KB , 804x589 , 71.png )

>>339353
There's only a little dried blood on the window shards...And there's surprisingly little of it. In fact there isn't enough shards here to rebuild the window. Some of it is outside. It may seem odd, but it looks like the window was broken from inside.

Baron of Spades 2011/08/12(Fri)12:47 No. 339362 ID: 2ae337
File 131317846248.png - (17.04KB , 616x515 , 72.png )

>>339357
"Governor..."

"Zagayo lord. Sir. Patrairch."

"Zagayo, do you know what this is?"

"I believe it's on of the Xuec symbols but I-"

"It's Nusu. The Xuec symbol doesn't use this sort of skull."

Well there. The notes denote my witness as a person with a serious post-combat trouble, the window may have actually been broken from the inside and there is very little blood. And it was Nusu, not Xuec that made the symbol on the wall. Not entirely clear what to make of all that though.

a small amount of blood on the glass, and a window broken from the inside suggests that someone (probably the witness) jumped out the window. if he's dead he probably wasn't killed here. do you have any means of tracking someone with a blood sample?

>>339362
Get some tracking dogs and follow the blood. Retards should've done this a week ago.

Baron of Spades 2011/08/12(Fri)14:44 No. 339373 ID: 2ae337
File 131318549422.png - (18.15KB , 508x497 , 73.png )

>>339372
"What about the tracking hounds? Did you follow the trail?"

"An excellent idea sir, if we had any left..."

"Left?"

"Most of the animals were-ah-erm-eaten."

How did this man become governor?

"Fine Little Brother will sniff him out. Provided the trail hasn't gone cold."

"Erm...the witness is a woman sir. Patriarch. Great Venian!"

"Please shut up."

"Yes sir."

ask what clan she belonged to. with the clans at each others throat decent odds clan affiliation was a factor in whatever happened to her.

>>339373
Tell him to get the fucking dogs that haven't been eaten, and to get right fucking on it! Then consider how he knows you're the patriach without you introducing yourself as such.

Oh, and also get the witness and interogate her yourself.

Baron of Spades 2011/08/13(Sat)22:08 No. 339757 ID: 2ae337
File 131329851232.png - (27.25KB , 640x537 , 74.png )

>>339374
Damn should've asked him that...


>>339410
I already have little brother sniffing her out...wait a minute.

"This isn't Nusu, little brother where are you taking me?"

"The hell is that?!"

>>339757
simple, it was painted to throw us off. to try and make us accuse someone else.

>>339757
Investigate the fuck out of him and the place. Only lead we've got.

Baron of Spades 2011/08/14(Sun)00:15 No. 339767 ID: 2ae337
File 131330615656.png - (18.11KB , 640x537 , 75.png )

>>339761
>>339758
"Oh? Weren't you the loud one back at the settlement boss's home? The boss-boss? you said we would talk later. Is this the time?"

"He wants to know if you want to speak with him about earlier."

>>339767
Yeeep. Keep an eye on him and open that fucking crate.

sure why not, walk around the room looking at things while you do. he will inevitably ask what you are looking for, and you then casually inform him that your tracker followed the witness here. the one who saw the mythical creature. but open up with you are here to kill the thing and let them get back to their lands.

Baron of Spades 2011/08/14(Sun)00:36 No. 339775 ID: 2ae337
File 131330739399.png - (16.77KB , 599x536 , 76.png )

>>339769
"Are you going to tell me why you are here or will you keep sniffing in my belongings?"

"Mrmm you may want to answer his question"

"Oh my tracker was searching for the survivor from those attacks. The one that saw those things outside. He was traced back to here. I'm here to learn what it is. And kill it."

"The boss is here to find the person that saw the beast and then find and then kill the beast."

"Oh? Pipe. I was wondering when you tavar would figure out she came here."

"He says she came here. Willingly."

oh? well then, ask if he knows which way she went. if he plays hardball then explain that since you are the boss's boss you are VERY influential with the decision of who gets what area.

ask if you can talk to the witness. also ask what relation to her he has.

Baron of Spades 2011/08/14(Sun)01:08 No. 339790 ID: 2ae337
File 131330929515.png - (14.39KB , 467x457 , 77.png )

>>339782
"Well then ask him where she is. And remind him I influence where his people can be."

"The boss wants to know where you can be. If you can, he will be able to give your people a good place in the city."

"...Make it the west and you shall have a deal."

"He wants the west."

"Done."

"He'll do it."

"Good! But you can't talk to her right now. The healers are still tending to her. She was in bad shape when she came."

"Erm, she's still in bad shape sir. We may not be able to talk with her right now."

Always a problem...always a problem.

want us to try dream diving? may work even better then talking, can see the creature first hand. if it isn't taboo then say you can look into her dreams and perhaps see the creature as she saw it.

>>339790
Use this opportunity to switch to Mangalo. Hopefully he hasn't been eaten yet.

>>339790
Go in there and inspect for yourself in what shape she is in. Examining the nature of the wounds while they're still somewhat fresh is an important part in figuring out what you might face.

Baron of Spades 2011/08/14(Sun)19:17 No. 340089 ID: 2ae337
File 131337462350.png - (24.19KB , 490x472 , 78.png )

>>339825
"She's not well enough to speak yet. She still needs rest."

"What did this to her?"

"The beast scaled the walls to your city again. She fought it as it attacked us again. Maybe to help us, maybe to dispel her own demons. I do not know. But the beast cut deep into her. And it's poison bought her to death's door once already."

"The beast has poisonous claws. She's still hallucinating and not in any fit state to talk."

>>339791
You can do that?

think so, have before. even stalled Death itself for a bit by distracting it.

Baron of Spades 2011/08/14(Sun)19:41 No. 340100 ID: 2ae337
File 131337610135.png - (22.49KB , 591x475 , 79.png )

>>340091
Oh. Alright. I'll see what I can do. Do I just put in on her head or

GET AWAY! AWAY DEMON!!

RYIK RYIK! RYIK RYIK!

>>340100
Calm down, calm down! This is just a dream. Control yourself, and remember its true shape.

we are the guardian spirits of a mighty warrior, we have come into your mind to inform you that you are safe. but we need to know the beast's true form so we may learn where best to strike it.

We are the guardians. This creature cannot stand against us.

Baron of Spades 2011/08/14(Sun)21:47 No. 340138 ID: 2ae337
File 131338367561.png - (39.49KB , 900x900 , 80.png )

>>340129
Creature?! There is no creature...there isn't the one...only the many...the hateful glowing many!

"RYI! RYI! RYI RYI! RYIK!"

"RYIK RYIK RYIK!"

"RYIK! RYIK RYIK!"

calm yourself, you are in a dream. you are the master. notice they attack you yet you suffer no wounds.

>>340138
Oh look, some cute kittens! Dawww, they're drinking milk... Can't you see them?

Baron of Spades 2011/08/14(Sun)22:25 No. 340149 ID: 2ae337
File 131338590009.png - (32.46KB , 900x900 , 81.png )

>>340141
Then why does everything hurt?

Baron of Spades 2011/08/14(Sun)22:42 No. 340150 ID: 2ae337
File 131338693989.png - (20.99KB , 712x598 , 82.png )

>>340148
Oooh! Kitties? I love kitties!

okay then, seems distraction is what works. pet the kitty for a bit to calm down. once you gain full control of the dream we will continue.

There's a lot of kitties. They are cute and cuddly and calming. Can you remember the last thing you saw when you were awake? Project the image of it, in harmless light.

>>340150
Good, because now you can get as many kittens as you like.

By the way, once you have cuddled with the kittens enough, do you think you could tell us about what happened earlier?

Suggestion 2011/08/15(Mon)11:13 No. 340289 ID: b6ca92
File 131343203866.gif - (32.68KB , 600x450 , story651.gif )

>>340150
Did someone say 'kitties'?!

>>340289

Yum! Dremora Heart!

Baron of Spades 2011/08/15(Mon)13:33 No. 340348 ID: 2ae337
File 131344040793.png - (30.94KB , 712x598 , 83.png )

>>340221
I get the kitty! come here kitty! Come here! That's a good kitty.

Thing I saw? You mean the thing? Like the one over there?

"RYIK RYIK!"

>>340348
Yeah that looks like it, lets ignore that for now and make that floaty island thing stop being floaty and let it drown instead.

So, where you doing anything special when it showed up?

hmmm.... don't recognize it, but it looks a lot less intimidating then the blob form you were thinking of before.

Baron of Spades 2011/08/15(Mon)14:44 No. 340375 ID: 2ae337
File 131344469132.png - (19.28KB , 712x598 , 84.png )

>>340355
Yes but there's always more than one. Outside they never go alone.

>>340353
They get curious. One sometimes climbs in. Sometime they see food. Sometimes they die. Sometimes we die.

huh, interesting, climbs in what? do they come from elsewhere?

>>340375
Sounds like annoying twats. You know that river looks a bit boring, lets make it be on fire as well, that should spice things up a bit. It should also look awesome and possibly be romantic.

So you're saying they just pop up then? How do they appear?

you say sometimes they die, does it take anything special to kill them? or does just stabbing them work?

Baron of Spades 2011/08/15(Mon)15:13 No. 340385 ID: 2ae337
File 131344642767.png - (32.36KB , 1054x770 , 85.png )

>>340377
They come from outside. They wonder where the food gone. They smell and sniff, and find the food. Then they find more food. More food with swords. More food that does not like getting eaten.

>>340385
Sounds like an annoying bunch of wankers deserving of a sword or 15 through the face. How common is it that they come around?

Baron of Spades 2011/08/15(Mon)15:33 No. 340390 ID: 2ae337
File 131344761758.png - (42.02KB , 1054x770 , 86.png )

>>340386
Too many times. I remember...that's right! I remember! That night, I saw one coming over. It was attacking some Xuec family. I couldn't let that happen. But if I tried to climb down the stairs, I'd be too late! If I tried to call the rest of the militia the thing would just carry away another one over the wall! I had to do something then and there! That's when I-

>>340390
Did something awesome that you shall be greatly rewarded for.

But these things, are they drawn to anything in specific or do they just pop up wherever they want?

Baron of Spades 2011/08/15(Mon)16:42 No. 340423 ID: 2ae337
File 131345175851.png - (27.66KB , 760x672 , 87.png )

>>340396
I...I don't know. I only do what I must do. I need to protect the colony. I am the militia. I swore to protect all those who live in the colony and those allied with it. I don't know why these things are here other than to hunt. They are like predators. And they know how dangerous their prey can be.

then the only real way to stop them is to find where they are coming from and destroy the nest.

>>340423
Sounds like annoying fucks, is there any particular area that they seem to strike more at? Any patterns that you have noticed or so?

did it have any special tricks? magic, unnaturally hard hide, that sort of thing.

Baron of Spades 2011/08/15(Mon)17:41 No. 340455 ID: 2ae337
File 131345531737.png - (46.55KB , 1054x770 , 88.png )

>>340424
Nest? Do they have a hive? That's something else I don't know.

>>340428
Yes. The colony. They strike near the colony. Anywhere else I do not hear about.

>>340438
Poison. Poison teeth, poison claws. Any scratch and you start hallucinating. And everything hurts afterward. Like now. Can I stop dreaming now?

If you like. We have learned what we needed, thank you.

indeed. you have told us all we needed to know of them.

>>340455
Yeah sure, just remember that you're the boss of these fucking things and this is your realm. Here they're nothing but vermin that you can incinerate it if you but wish it. We shall do the same to the rest of them.

>>340455
Sleep a dreamless sleep.