??? 2015/06/26(Fri)13:43 No. 650923 ID: 65a774
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…hmm? Oh, you’re awake, my little dove.
…Momma?
Don’t worry, dove, we’ll be home soon enough… safe and sound… … …Now, how about we train some of that talking of yours, my little prince. Can you say who I am?
Momma!
That’s right… and who is the king?
…Poppa?
That’s correct, my dove… now, what’s your name, sweetie? You’re Prince…?
…
Come on, dove, you can do it. Prince…?

You’re the youngest Prince of the Mediean family… but what is your name?

Common male names among the Vark populace are: Alexander, Apollo, Cricios, Eos, Erion, Helios, Kronos, Neried, Nessus and Yugar.

Daedalus.

Cricios

cronos

Kronos

Yugar

krios

Kronos

Helios.

Dio

Kronos 2015/06/26(Fri)15:47 No. 650955 ID: 65a774
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Kro… Krrro…
You’re almost there, dove…
Krrrono…
Hehe, almost, dear. It’s Kronos. You’re my little Prince Kronos. But don’t you fret, it’s a hard word after a- …that’s odd, w-why are we stopping… N-never mind that, dove, how about… h-how about we kill s- I mean, spend some time reading about y-your favorite heroine? Would you like that, dove?
Yeah…
Let’s see… what was it she was so good at again?

Choose 2 strengths and 1 weakness, or 3 strengths and 2 weaknesses.

Strong / weak
Strength: You’re muscular and strong. You have no problem lifting even the heaviest of weights.
Weakness: You’re weak and have problems lifting anything heavier than a thick book or two.

Agile / Clumsy
Strength: You’re quick and well-coordinated in all your moments.
Weakness: Wherever you go, things tend to break for some odd reason.

Well-trained / Untrained
Strength: You can run and jump for hours without losing your breath.
Weakness: Jogging for a few minutes will have you gasping for air.

Intelligent / -
Strength: You’re well-read and know most things.

Wise / -
Strength: You seem more experienced than your age would indicate.

Charismatic / Unlikable
Strength: You can get anyone to listen to what you have to say.
Weakness: You have a hard time knowing when to shut up.

Light / Heavy
Strength: You’re light on your feet. No one can hear you walk around and you have no problem climbing or lifting your own weight.
Weakness: You’re robust and heavy. Even if you’re strong you will have a hard time lifting your own weight.

Patient / impulsive
Strength: You know how to take your time and think things through.
Weakness: NO TIME! CHOOSE THIS NOW!!

Courageous / Coward
Strength: You can face your greatest fears and conquer them.
Weakness: OH GOD, WHAT WAS THAT SOUND!?

Altruistic / Selfish
Strength: You’re kind hearted and think about others happiness first.
Weakness: IT’S ALL ABOUT ME!

- / Stubborn
Weakness: What do you mean, I’m wrong? I’m never wrong!

Confident / Low self-esteem
Strength: You’re confident in your opinions and deeds.
Weakness: You’re… err… you know… um… never mind… you’ll just… sit in the corner over there… yeah…

Calm / Aggressive
Strength: You’re nearly impossible to anger.
Weakness: You’re easy to ange- WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY THAT, TAFFER!?

Diligent / Lazy
Strength: You’re reliable and always makes sure the work is done.
Weakness: …

Humble / Prideful
Strength: You’re just another Vark.
Weakness: You’re the biggest, best and most beautiful Vark ever! YOU’RE THE PRINCE! LORD OF THE REALM!

- / Bad eyesight
Weakness: You’re nearly blind without your glasses. (Note: Even if you don’t pick this weakness, you might still need glasses depending on your choices, though you won’t be helpless without them.)

Note: You can’t choose things that contradict each other, like strong and weak.

----------

Also choose 1 skill you excel at, or choose 2 skills you excel at and 1 skill you’re a complete failure with.

Archery: You know how to hit the bullseye with a bow and arrow.
Athletics: Running, Climbing, Jumping, Throwing etc…
Bluffing: You know how to lie… I mean, tell the truth.
Cooking: You know how to make a killer meal.
Dancing: You don’t have two left feet.
Fast reader: You plow through books like they were cheap, two copper whores.
Games: Board games, dice games, card games, you’ve mastered them all.
Gunplay: You know your way around these newfangled magical guns that was just introduced.
Hunting: You know how to stalk and kill a wild animal.
Fishing: Did you see the one I caught last time? It was THIS big!
Leadership: You know how make people follow your commands.
Music: You know how to play an instrument.
Painting: And then we paint a tiny little tree down in this corner here…
Sleight of hand: You’re quick with your fingers, easily making a coin disappear into nothing.
Speech Craft: You know how to argue for your cause.
Swordsmanship: You know how to wield a sword.
Writing: You know how to write something more emotional than a grocery list.

Note: These choices are more vital for determining your core personality then actually being used in the coming story.
Second Note: You might still be proficient with some of the skills that you don’t choose depending on your earlier choices.

She's obviously not 100% honest, but you're fresh off the boat and prone to artillery fire.

Strengths: Intelligent, Agile, Diligent.

Weaknesses: Selfish, Coward.

Skills: Gunplay, Speechcraft.
Detriments: Dancing (Your training in how to stab people via freestyle moves has made you VERY prone to twisting during a tango, while your partner just stares in confusion instead of willingly receiving a knife in the back.)

> Kid traveling with noble parent, carriage comes to an unexpected stop and parent is extremely worried
Pretty sure there is only one way this sort of scenario turns out, and it involves running around in a cape because OUR PARENTS ARE DEEEEEEAD.
With that in mind...

Strengths:
Agile
Light
Courageous
Athletics +
Hunting +

Weaknesses:
Stubborn
Aggressive
Gunplay -

Agile Patient and Confident
Prideful and Aggressive

Good Gunplay and Speechcraft
Bad Cooking

>Krrrono
Sure, we're Crono.

>strengths
Charismatic+
Intelligent+
Light+

Impulsive-
Bad eyesight-

>skills
Archery+ (when you can see)
Speech Craft+

Bluffing-

>Agile+
>Confident+
impulsive-

>Dancing+
>Music+
Cooking-
not sure why but I feel like making a gypsy like character for some reason.

Intelligent
Courageous
charismatic
low self-esteem
impulsive
gunplay+
athletics+
cooking-

Strength: Strong Agile Light Fast reader Leadership
Weakness: Prideful Unlikable Bluffing

Kronos 2015/06/27(Sat)08:05 No. 651090 ID: 65a774
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>Agile+++++
>Light+++
>Intelligent+++
You’re quick with both your mind and feet as well as light as a feather.

>Impulsive---
>Aggressive--
Thought you tend to act first and think later as well as being quick to anger.

>Gunplay+++
>Speech Craft+++
As for other skills, you’ve been a neutral at wielding magic silver ever since they were invented, as well as wielding a silver tongue whenever your impulsiveness got you into trouble.

>Cooking---
But the five gods help us if someone leaves you in the kitchen alone. Never again.


Ah, yes, she is quite the rouge, isn’t she? So, shall we continue were we left o-

You hear some kind of commotion outside the cart, a symphony of singing steel and yelling voices followed by a thick silence…

Momma?
…D-d-don’t pay that any mind, dove, i-instead let’s… err… l-let’s continue r-reading, a-alright?

With a click, the lock on the cart door becomes undone…

Kronos 2015/06/27(Sat)08:05 No. 651091 ID: 65a774
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Wait, w-who’s th- NO, PLEASE, WE’RE-

Kronos 2015/06/27(Sat)08:05 No. 651092 ID: 65a774
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AAAAAAA-

Kronos 2015/06/27(Sat)08:06 No. 651094 ID: 65a774
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-AAAAH!!
Sir? Are you alright?
I… I… it was just…
Another nightmare, sir?
…yeah… the one about the start of the war… and mom…
While I understand you’re still a bit shaken, sir, I hate to inform you that you’ve overslept on this important day…
Overslept? Why didn’t you wake me up!?
[Aggressive] I tried too, sir, but you threw a shoe at me and… said some things that’s best not repeated in polite company.
…oh.

So what is today? Get ready as quickly as you can.

Get ready and say sorry

>>651094
Even though it isnt very much your fault, an apology seems proper.
After that, get ready for whatever you have upcoming.

Invoke speech craft. If there's one thing you're used to, it's having to cover for / make up for some of your more impulsive or aggressive reactions.

And then rely on your being quick and light for speedy getting dressed and rushing off to where you're supposed to be.

Grab your best bounty hunter armor and some weapons. Look badass for the meeting.

Kronos 2015/06/27(Sat)11:43 No. 651134 ID: 65a774
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>So what is today?
You’d almost forgotten. Today is a special day, as today is the day when you’ll meet your future bride to be. Ten lucky girls, daughters of lords and barons from all over the kingdom will come here today and one will be handpicked by you to become a princess.
>Invoke speech craft.
[Speech craft] Then please accept my sincerest apologizes, Cain, but you know how people are in the mornings. In fact, I do have to thank you for putting up with all I’ve done over the years… and for being a great, loyal friend… and I do love that sarcasm of yours. I do believe I have to consider giving you a bit of a bonus on your next paycheck…
…have you by any chance snuck into your fathers private wine cellar again, sir?
See… just like that. Keep it up, friend.
I’ll need to consider if I should accept that bonus in liquid form after all this, sir…

>And then rely on your being quick and light for speedy getting dressed and rushing off to where you're supposed to be.
[Agile] With lightning speed you clean yourself up and throw yourself into a nice, regal costume, dusting yourself off even before the coverlet on your bed hits the floor.

Record time!
Should I inform the masses of this great deed you’ve achieved today, my sire?
Hmm… maybe next time, Cain.

>Grab your best bounty hunter armor and some weapons. Look badass for the meeting.
While it would be what some would call “FREAKING SWEET” to show off in front of those girls with some badass armor and weapons, it’s sadly one of the duties of the royal family to look a bit more proper then that… but… hmmm…

[Impulsive] Cain, should it be improper if I was wearing my finest gun?
I would advise against it, sir.
…you’re probably right, as usual… Now, off to find me a bride!
You seems rather happy for someone who is about to be forced to wed someone you’ve never met.
Well, there are ten of them, isn’t it. While I might not fall in love in any of them, I’m bound to find someone that I enjoy being with… or at least find attractive.
…that’s very optimistic of you, sir.
Sometimes you just got to be happy with a half full glass, Cain… especially if it’s an expensive spirit or the like…

Sir, not to shatter your half full glass but, before we head to the great hall I do have some bad news, I’m afraid.
Really? Did one of the girls not make it in time?
Actually, there’s been some changes, sir… there will only be one girl for you to… “choose” from… and she won’t be from the kingdom either.
…Really? Then where is she from?
…do you know why today is such an important day, Sire?
…it’s nearly exactly three years ago my brother was killed in the war?
Not that personal… but it’s connected with that event, sir.
[Intelligence] Oh, right, it’s exactly three years ago we wrote that peace treaty with those lizard bastards, isn’t it?
…I believe they prefer the term Sakkilian, sir.
[Aggressive] They’ve slain two people of my very blood. They can call themselves slime balls for all I care. They are lizard bastards and nothing more.
… …I’m sure your father, the king, would appreciate if you keep comments like that to yourself… especially at time like these when we need every ally we can find…
I don’t really see how we can ever call those… things… wait… why did you even bring that up in the… wait…

Kronos 2015/06/27(Sat)11:44 No. 651135 ID: 65a774
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[Intelligence][Fear] P-poppa is g-going to m-marry me t-to a freaking LIZARD!?
…correct, sire.
…
…
[Impulsive][Aggressive][Fear]…Cain, get my gun…
…really, sir?

Fine, no gun; get me to the kitchen and I'll treat her to a gourmet meal I made myself.

Do try and remember that calling them "Lizard" is considered a slur by their measure, offensively so. But we will need something to steel ourselves against the fact they are here.

...has father even considered the problem of succession? I am no expert in biology, but I am reasonably certain creatures of different species, much less different taxonomical classes, cannot reproduce.

Assuming I can even stand the sight of her, which is a rather generous assumption.

I suddenly no longer regret being late.

>bring gun
>…really, sir?
A gun combined with impulsive aggressive fear does sound like a disaster waiting to happen. Especially since our skill means we can't even rely on a miss.

Can't you just spend some time inventing lightning bracers, so that you can punch your new fiancée in the face and be socially applauded for the new advance in technology?

No?

Okay, fine. But if you're going to cause an international incident, YOU NEED COLLATERAL. Even the king can't let you off if your pre-meditated actions cause the slaughter of your people. You need a basic plan for what happens when you assault your date, start thinking!

No gun, we're going to use guilt. Papa, you lied to me. And as long as my mother and brother look down on me from heaven, I will not get married to one of those murderers.

Triy to com down and read a book about Sakkilian culture

Ask ho is the Sakkilian

>>651163
yes guilt trip

Don't make her a meal yourself

Kronos 2015/06/27(Sat)15:36 No. 651217 ID: 65a774
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>Do try and remember that calling them "Lizard" is considered a slur by their measure, offensively so.
[Aggressive] You make a mental note to get a thesaurus and look up as many synonyms of lizard as you can find.
Sir, might I ask that you please not try to start another genocidal, decades long war over petty insults?
Fine…
>I suddenly no longer regret being late.
Well, you’re in luck, sir, it seems your soon to be bride is also late.
Right… luck…

>A gun combined with impulsive aggressive fear does sound like a disaster waiting to happen.
And thus no guns allowed, sir. Do not fret; I will take good care of your toys while you’re away with the grownups.
>Fine, no gun; get me to the kitchen and I'll treat her to a gourmet meal I made myself.
Sir, you know you’re not allowed in the kitchen after last time. They are still repairing the floor in the basement, two floors below it.
Now you’re just exaggerating…
Sadly, sir, I’m not.

[Intelligence]Hmm… right, so… if I would, hypothetically, invent some kind of gauntlet that would shoot lightning when it hit something, would that make it socially acceptable to punch my new fiancée to show of this new advancement in technology?
…do you know anything about magic theory concerning lightning, sir?
Hypothetically, Cain.
Hypothetically, I think it would end in great harm.
Well, there has to be some sacrifices for magical science.
I’m talking about harm to you, sir. I’ve seen this woman you’re to wed, and trust me, even if you punched her with a magical glove made out of fire and brimstone, she would shrug it off and give you a walloping.
…well, then I clearly need some kind of basic plan if I should… you know, accidentally assault my date… except for running away that is.
Sir, if I may be so bold, but I don’t think you have the… how you say, balls to actually even considering hurting her.
Well… err… I mean… um…
Also, shouldn’t the plan be “Let’s not assault her”?
Alright, fine, I’ll come up with something else… but first I need information…

>Ask who is the Sakkilian
I do believe her name is Briannah, the lone daughter of the Empress herself. She’s also known as the Lady of Steel, the mountain or “Oh gods, she’s ripping my arms off!”.
Well, that sounds promising…
Either way, you are to be wed on the next Midsummer festival to tie our great families together and strengthen the peace between our people.
Midsummer? Wasn’t that like a week ago?
Indeed, so you have a full year to get to know your new wife before it’s official.
>Read a book about Sakkilian culture
While a splendid idea, you don’t have time for that now. Maybe after the first meeting have concluded?
Right, I’ve heard enough. I need to talk to poppa about this. Maybe I can get him to change his mind.
[Impatient]Considering this goes beyond just the two of you and concerns the whole kingdo- oh, you’re already leaving…


Poppa! You lied to me! How should you just… wed me away to a… a.. a lizard!?
Oh? You haven’t heard? And here I was sure I told you…
You’ve never even mentioned-
[Impatient] Actually, sir, he did mention it twice… but you were in such a hurry that you missed it… both times…
…oh… Still, what would momma think? And my brother!? What do you believe they think when they look down upon us from the great roost pillars of the heavens and you’re giving me away to their murderers!?
…
And how about succession! I mean, I can’t-
You still have a sister and brother to take care of that, Kronos…
Still…

Kronos 2015/06/27(Sat)15:36 No. 651218 ID: 65a774
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[Speech Craft+++][Intelligence+] vs. [Speech Craft+++][Charisma+++][Wisdom+][Leadership+]
[Failure]

Son, believe me, I do want what’s best for you but… I also need to think of our kingdom and its people. You must understand, if this coming alliance fall our kingdom will not survive… at least not the kingdom we know off.
But-
I know you have a rather… large dislike of the Sakkilians as a whole, but sadly you are the only one left in our family that has yet to wed. Both your sister and brother have already been wed and thus can’t take up this great burden.
I-
And I ask this of you, just as I asked your sister to bear the weight of the crown after I step down and as well how I asked your brother to bear the weight of the title of Coin Master, I ask you to bear this burden, not for me, not for yourself, but for the people of our kingdom.
But-
Think, what would your mother want? To throw away the lives of thousands for your own selfish desires, or to be a hero and sacrifice yourself for the greater good? Think, of what would your mother be more proud of… dove?
…

dang, age and practice is hard to argue against.

sigh. fine. but if she rips your arm off you will find someone that can annul it.

...Wait, does the Empress also have sons or does the "lone daughter" thing mean their succession will be an issue? Are we going to have to join some sort of lizard husband-harem?!

"I think it's a personal selfishness that you wage the fate of your entire kingdom on your impulsive, aggressive son, knowing that public opinion of this union could be out of your control if the public were to obtain a full grasp of the marital situation.

Also, what the hell were you thinking when you planned a marriage between an assassin prince and a berserker princess? You know that this will end with some modicum of violence."

>>651229
no.

...how do you expect this to end peacefully? I am ill suited for deception, and if she is not a fool, she will realize how I feel.

>>651230
Agreed

as a prince I guess I will see if this works out.

But as your son, you owe me... also I'm not going to have to go live to my "bride's" country am I?

Father you know I want to help the kingdom I honestly do, but I still have nightmares about the day mom died. I woke up from one this very morning.

Use your intelligence to remember what exactly is threatening the kingdom.

>>651218
I'm not going to have to sleep with her am I?

Kronos 2015/06/28(Sun)05:52 No. 651443 ID: 65a774
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>Use your intelligence to remember what exactly is threatening the kingdom.
You do know for a fact that both nations armies where devastated by the war. As your fair kingdom and that lizard empire aren’t the only nations around it does put you in quite a pickle if someone else decides to use the opportunity.

…Poppa, how do you expect me to do this? I’m not the best at deception and… and I’m going to guess she won’t be fooled about how I really feel.
Son, you if anyone must know that marriage isn’t always about love… especially among us of the blood, even though some of us might have been lucky and had it blossom forth over time… err… as I was saying, you don’t need to really like her, just… tolerate her. It’s more a symbol that a unity between our people is possible then anything else.
But I… I hate them for what they did… and… and I’m still afraid of them…
…you still have those nightmares?
They only come when I’m really stressed about something but… yes, yes I have them still.
That is troubling, yes… but, then this is simply another challenge for you to conquer. Can you face your fears, son, and not falter?
I rather not face them at all…
Kronos, have you ever even talked to a Sakkilian in your life? Actually met one? Not counting that awful day twenty years ago…
I… I’ve seen one or two across the room once?
Son, what you’re afraid of is not the Sakkilians. It’s a monster of your own imagination wearing their skin. It would do you good to meet one of them and see that they aren’t some blood starved beasts.
…m-maybe you’re right… but still… a marriage between an assassin prince and a berserker princess…
Berserker? Son, I know you’ve grown up on stories about Sakkilian savagery, but I’ll have to you known that they value honor far more than we do. The reasons why they are such fierce warriors aren’t because they are savage, but because they are disciplined and intelligent. There might be stories about how they tear people apart with their bare claws, how they get consumed by bloodlust and knows no pain or that they practice ritual cannibalism and eat Varks soldiers whole but those are just stories… well, um… Itskindoftruethathey*cough*al*cough*
What did you just say?
Oh, sorry, I just had a dry throat… *cough* Heh… wait, did you say Assassin prince!?
Well… err… you know, I’m good at sneaking about and… err…
Son, I know you like to daydream about things like that, but I’m pretty sure you’ve never even hurt someone intentionally, let alone killed someone.
…but… err… it sounds so cool?
In fact, I’m pretty sure if it ever came down to it, you wouldn’t be able to even swing to sword which would do the deed. You’re an intelligent prince, that what you should be proud of and not some… odd title you haven’t even earned.

…I… I have some more questions, poppa… about this “bride” of mine…
Ask away.
I’m guessing she’s not the only child of the empress, correct?
Indeed, the empress also have three sons.
And… I don’t have to move to her nation, do I?
Of course not, son… in fact, she’s requested to stay here, in one of our guest rooms.
…she’s planning to moving here!?
It seems that way. I can’t say exactly why but that was her personal request…
…*sigh* fine… as a Prince I’ll at least try… for my country.
I’m proud of you, son.
But as a son, you owe me… big time.
Of course.
And if she rip my arms off and start playing hopscotch in my chest cavity…
They aren’t savages, son.
Right… let’s get this over with…

Wait, one last thing. I don’t have to… sleep with her, right?
Not unless you want to, son.
…why would I want too?
Well, I’ve heard she supposed to have some very nice… assets…
…that’s not helping… at all…


Lord Helios, my liege, the Sakkilian cortège has arrived to the city, sir.
Ah, good… I was starting to fear that they would never arrive. Now, we got about half an hour before they get here, so I would suggest that you should prepare yourself, son.
Prepare myself?
You know, first impressions goes a long way. How are you supposed to greet her? Do you need to prepare something else before she arrive? …do you want some liquid courage before they arrive?

quick ask your father before he gets to far if he knows anything about her personality wise. As in is she a warrior, scholar, something to get an idea of how we should prepare ourselves. Oh and definitely no booze, your mouth runs free enough while you're in control of your mind, no need to loosen it further... and while we're on the topic can you even hold your alcohol? What with you being thin as a twig and light as a feather.

If we have a half hour it would be a good idea to get a proper bath in; we did wake up late and just rushed through our morning grooming.

Pass on the alcohol. By the time you find the necessary moral loopholes to make you okay with this, you'll be too drunk to walk.

Discuss with your father which skills and talents you should represent via this union, then dress accordingly. This marriage is a media event, so milk it for all it's worth.

The only way we should take a drink is if it somehow calms down your impulsive nature, as it is though it may just be best to settle your nerves with something a little less likely to cause you to mouth off.

..Also your fathers a pervert, really now of the things to focus on he focused on her scaled butt.

>She asked to move here
>I can’t say exactly why but that was her personal request…
Because when you're a pawn only good for marrying off, this is the only legit way to get the hell away from your family.

>I don’t have to… sleep with her, right?
>Not unless you want to, son.
So the marriage counts even if it ain't consummated? Awful convenient for a medieval setting.

>>651458
Why would it have to be her butt? Maybe she just has nice coloration, or nicely sized lizard boobs. What, mother had bird boobs.

Kronos 2015/06/28(Sun)12:01 No. 651466 ID: 65a774
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Wait, do you know how she’s like?
Well… I’ve never actually met her personally…
But you’ve got to have heard something? Is she a warrior? A scholar? A social woman?
She’s definitely a warrior, for sure… but I’ve heard she spend a lot of time in libraries as well. Oh, and I heard she’s rather… well, controlling, really. She wants to be in charge… and she tends to get thing her way one way or another.
Hmm… so, some kind of warrior scholar who’s afraid of losing control of things?
…I didn’t say she was afraid of losing control, but yes, that’s what I’ve heard.
So… any tips about which of my many talents I should represent via this union? I mean, I got a few ideas how to dress depending on-
Son, you’re already known for your... lack of responsibility in the kingdom. I would rather see you be responsible for once and show that the Sakkilian aren’t so different from us. But, if you want some advice, then I’ll tell you this. I’ve learned the hard way that respect is something the Sakkilans don’t give out freely, but that you have to earn it.
So, that means I should… err… show off?
That means that you should expect them to show you no respect until you’ve earned it. How you earn it, on the other hand, is up to you. I’m sure one of your “many talents” will do the job. Just remember that you can earn respect both from physical deeds as well as mental ones.
Hmm… oh, and one more thing before you leave. Does the marriage really count if it hasn’t been… you know, the deed hasn’t been done?
As long as we say it’s been done it doesn’t actually need to be done. Of course, if it actually happened, it would be all the be-
Yeah, no, not going to happen.


>If we have a half hour it would be a good idea to get a proper bath in; we did wake up late and just rushed through our morning grooming.
…Cain, is the big bath in the basement empty?
At this time of the day I would suspect so, sir.
>Pass on the alcohol. By the time you find the necessary moral loopholes to make you okay with this, you'll be too drunk to walk.
Hmm… and I should really skip the… “liquid curage”… but on the other hand, one small glass wouldn’t hurt…
I would advise against it, sir. You know how you and alcohol mix.
But it’s just one glass!
Which is generally enough to loosen that tongue of yours, sir. You know you’re rather light when it comes to drinking.
Fine…

>Your fathers a pervert, really now of the things to focus on he focused on her scaled butt.
Which is something you rather didn’t know about him. It makes that drink sound even more promising.
>Maybe she just has nice coloration, or nicely sized lizard boobs.
What kind of lizard has boobs? …and you’re pretty sure most of them are just different shades of green.
>it may just be best to settle your nerves with something a little less likely to cause you to mouth off.
…well, you’ve learn that good cup of tea would always calm your nerves…

Cain, can you b-
Your tea, sir, newly brewed.
…I don’t know why I keep getting surprised by that.

Aah, nothing beats a nice hot bath, does it…
Sir, the Empresses daughter have just arrived at the palace.
…mm... are you sure it’s her?
A dozen Sakkilians wearing ceremonial armor is being led by one clad in the imperial armor. I’m going to take a wild guess that’s her.
Ceremonial armor?
It would be prudent to start thinking about how to approach her, sir.
Wait, she’s decked out in full plate armor?
Indeed she is, sir.
…

Well, If she comes in full armor, It will be fair to receive her fully armored. But, just to clarify, is he REALLY sure that is she the one wearing the imperial armor?

Is that normal

Well if she's in armor an unloaded pistol as a show of proficiency shouldn't be out of line. Perhaps inviting them to the feast hall for a warm meal would be the best way to greet them after such long travel.

>Wait, she’s decked out in full plate armor?
Maybe we should bring a gun after all. It would be following suit.

Well let's not show up under-dressed, shall we? Bring your firearm, but don't load it.

Yeah, bring your gun, but with no bullets in it. Double check of course, make sure there's no round in the chamber or something.

Arrive in formal wear. Fancy duds.

This might be one of those cliché "Royal Decoy" plans where the real princess is disguised as one of the subjects, who will tear your arm off out of the blue the moment you start harassing the handmaidens.

Be sure to treat ALL of them the same way, based on how horribly they torment you. Bring some non-lethal ammunition, a few blank shots should be impressive.

what kind of armor do you have Kronos? Because if she's in full armor I would recommend some yourself but keep it light to let you move around quickly if need be. If you don't have any flashy light armor I say wear some under a nice clothes. Something you might wear to a fancy party but also lets you move around unrestricted. You're light and fast, you'd probably just look like an idiot if you tried to put on heavier armor so stay light. Also bring a gun and ammo but keep the gun unloaded and keep both hidden on your person. Other then that I guess all we can do is head on over and met our bride to be... and I can't help feeling as this is going to suck for all parties involved.

If you wear armor or a gun she's going to take you as an actual competent fighter or somone pretending to be one(which would be correct). Which would be a bad first impression. Also if she's pushy you wearing weapons/armor may incorage her to be more physical towards you to get her way. Best to be honest and meet her dressed to match who you are.

Try to do everything to swing your relatiomship with her so that challenges are more mental than physical. So that you actualy have a chance of winning and not becoming a cripple.

Kaktus 2015/06/28(Sun)18:09 No. 651509 ID: 65a774
File 143554018492.png - (70.12KB , 684x524 , 14.png )

>Is that normal
For a Sakkilian warrior, yes.
>Just to clarify, is he REALLY sure that is she the one wearing the imperial armor?
I can’t be completely sure, sir, but I expect that she will remove her helmet so we can identify her. She does have some… distinct features that we can recognize, sir. Oh, and she will probably be the largest one there, I believe.
…wait, largest one? What do you mean by that?
You will see, sir.
>Perhaps inviting them to the feast hall for a warm meal would be the best way to greet them after such long travel.
There will be a great feast tonight, sir, two whole wild boars over the fire, I believe.
>This might be one of those cliché "Royal Decoy" plans where the real princess is disguised as one of the subjects, who will tear your arm off out of the blue the moment you start harassing the handmaidens.
Sir, even if it isn’t I would recommend that you don’t harass anyone tonight. Even if there isn’t a ruse, they might still tear your arm off.
…I’m starting to think you’re messing with me about the whole tearing off arms, aren’t you?
Well, they might challenge you for a duel of first blood, but that isn’t as fun to say.

>What kind of armor do you have Kronos?
You’re not the kind of person that usually wear anything remotely protective or moment restricting… so, you don’t actually have any kind of armor… at all. Though you know where there are a rather nice breast plate that should fit you…
>If you wear armor she's going to take you as an actual competent fighter or someone pretending to be one(which would be correct). Also if she's pushy you wearing weapons/armor may incorage her to be more physical towards you to get her way. Best to be honest and meet her dressed to match who you are.
After some consideration you choose not to wear anything that might in the slightest provoke any kind of image of you being some kind of fighter of any kind. It’s probably for the best, really.
>Try to do everything to swing your relationship with her so that challenges are more mental than physical.
You will have to try getting this… “relationship” to be about either speed or mental prowess… otherwise you won’t stand a chance.
>Well let's not show up under-dressed, shall we? Bring your firearm, but don't load it.
You decide to bring your finest ice enchanted gun with you… and you make sure it’s uncharged before you leave, of course.

Right, this is it then… this is your future…

Wow… the whole grand hall is full of li- I mean sakkilian soldiers… so… who is this… Briannah, was it?
I believe she’s the one your father is communicating with right now… the big one.
The big o- Holy crap, she’s huge! And… a-and… scars?

Kaktus 2015/06/28(Sun)18:10 No. 651510 ID: 65a774
File 143554020194.png - (71.50KB , 684x524 , 15.png )

:KonosSB: BY THE FIVE GODS, SHE’S LOOKING RIGHT AT ME! WHAT DO I DO!? WHAT DO I DO!?
Calm down and behave like a rational person, sir?

>WHAT DO I DO!? WHAT DO I DO!?
Don't panic.

Switch into intellectual analysis mode. ...her tail is wagging, that's a good sign, right?

Is there a reason her tail wiggled when she looked at you? May be prudent to learn some about their natural body language since you'll be interacting a lot with her. At least she smiled when she looked so that's a good sign. Introduce yourself and ask if she is indeed Briannah.

Go with a (stiffly) formal greeting; we aren't happy with the diplomatic task at hand but Father is right that it needs to be done.

her tail is twitching... any idea what that means?

As for what to do and great your father and Briannah. While doing this use your intelligence to mentally recall every fact you can about your guns down to model, who built them, any personal tweaks you may have added. Just basically use distract yourself with something you enjoy and know a lot about to try and cover up your fear.

By the gods she looks like she could benchpress you one handed while calmly reading with the other.

Don't panic! Try not to make sudden movements, she appears to be smiling so at the very least she doesn't seem hostile to this.. Squeeze hands together formally if need to calm down further and to stop jitters.

I mean, she's only... Two to three heads taller and wearing more battlescars then some of your own veterans sport, how bad could she be?

Calm down. You don't have to do anything, this whole diplomatic marriage is an overdressed farce to protect a kingdom from borderline nonexistent threat. It doesn't need a push from you to collapse. Just try to be passive-aggressive rather than overtly hostile for as long as you're being diplomatic.

>>651518
How about a nice polite bow instead of a handshake. Wouldn't want her to nearly crush his hand on their first meeting would we?

keep your distance-She looks excited in the way a gaurd dog eyes a new toy/victim.

This will not end well.

Present yourself as abhorrent but competent - you want her to respect you without being attracted to you. Hopefully, she's doing the same.

After the meeting, demand that your father allow you to take consorts.

>>651545
I was thinking after the meeting we should say something more like 'the next time you need me to make a sacrifice for my kingdom, just ask me to eat my gun'

Kaktus 2015/06/29(Mon)07:34 No. 651639 ID: 65a774
File 143558847601.png - (62.98KB , 684x524 , 16.png )

>Don't panic.
TOO LATE!
>By the gods she looks like she could bench-press you one handed while calmly reading with the other.
It’s clear that you have no chance against her when it comes to brute strength, that’s for sure. Let’s just hope that she didn’t become that big by eating Varks whole!
>I mean, she's only... Two to three heads taller and wearing more battle scars then some of your own veterans sport, how bad could she be?
…you’re so dead, aren’t you? There’s no way that… that thing won’t have eaten you by tonight.

>Use your intelligence to mentally recall every fact you can about your guns down to model, who built them, any personal tweaks you may have added. Just basically distract yourself with something you enjoy and know a lot about to try and cover up your fear.
Think about guns, not teeth… guns, not teeth… guns, teeth… guns that shoot teeth… err….
>After the meeting, demand that your father allow you to take consorts.
If you survive this you deserve a freaking harem!

>...her tail is wagging, that's a good sign, right?
You have no idea! She should be happy, sure… or she’s just exited that she’s spotted her next prey to gulp down… either way, its bad news for you.
>May be prudent to learn some about their natural body language since you'll be interacting a lot with her.
You’ll need to remember that for later. Your life might depend on it.
>keep your distance-She looks excited in the way a gaurd dog eyes a new toy/victim.
You’ll try to stay out of her reach… if you can.


>How about a nice polite bow?
>Introduce yourself and ask if she is indeed Briannah.
Ah, and here’s the lucky boy himself. Let me introduce you two. Briannah, this is Prince Kronos Helios Mediean the Second, third in line of the throne. Son, this is General Briannah the mighty, of the imperial Tiemeth family.
I-I-It’s an h-honor to m-meet you, m-ma’am…
…
I’ll leave you two “love birds” alone so you can get to know each other a bit.
Err… I… I’ve h-h-he… h-heard a l-lot of good things a-abo-

Kaktus 2015/06/29(Mon)07:42 No. 651641 ID: 65a774
File 143558895427.png - (67.92KB , 684x524 , 17.png )

VARK!!
So yah are the “princess”, eh?
Ah!! L-let go- w-wait, princess!?
I’ve ‘eard a lot about you too, little boy, but mostly bad stuff.
Y-you’ve-
They’ve told me yah are nothing but an impulsive, spoiled brat. That yah are more interested about playing with yah “toys” then ‘elping yah old man, and that yah are a coward that runs from every fight yah’ve been in.
WHAT DID YOU JUS-
True or not, we’re going to ‘ave so much fun together either way, won’t we, princess?

You can’t decide if you should be afraid or angry.

…and I didn’t except yah to be literally as light as a feather…

I think she actually wants for you to feel either fear or anger (or maybe both) in a way to make you feel impotent. If you ask me, You shouldn't give her that satisfaccion.

What happened to your silver tongue?

Angry. Definitely Angry. Nobody, especially not your enemies, walks into your home in full battle garb and insults you. You're agile, do a kick off of her chest/muzzle and get free when she doesn't suspect it.

And I heard you weren't a savage. Looks like we've both been misinformed.

"now that you have had your "fun" with the whole "assert dominance" bullshit you can put me down now. I did not know someone apparently so into books could still be into petty shows primitive displays of physical might. if you want to see me play with my "toys" then latter i can show you how I prefer to fight at the firing range, I'm more of the "its better not to take a blow then have to roll with one" kind of person"

I can't tell if this is playful ribbing or if she's trying to antagonize you. Don't get frightened or angry I think this may be part of that whole earning her respect thing. Ignore the quips and respond back that you didn't expect her to really be a mountain either. You could also bring up what you heard about her not wanting to return home after the wedding.

Angry. "You think I don't care about my father and country? I wouldn't be putting up with any of this shit if I didn't."

Don't try to kick her; you are comically weak compared to her and she already has a grip on you anyway.

>can’t decide if you should be afraid or angry
leaning towards angry.

And I have to say that you are nothing like what I heard of you. I was told you were a strong, wise, and competent princess worthy of your people's respect, but now that I see you all I can see is a simple, savage, thug who never really grew up and can't even leave her own home without at least a dozen chaperons to hold your hand.

Kaktus 2015/06/29(Mon)11:00 No. 651673 ID: 65a774
File 143560085105.png - (67.39KB , 684x524 , 18.png )

>What happened to your silver tongue?
Clearly it was cleaver enough to run and hide instead of facing this thing.
>Don't get frightened or angry I think this may be part of that whole earning her respect thing.
You try your best to calm down, letting your anger and fear clash and create a more serene emotional state.

>You're agile, do a kick off of her chest/muzzle and get free when she doesn't suspect it.
You bring up your right foot to her chest and uses all your might t- IT’S LIKE TRYING TO MOVE A STONE WALL!
…what are yah doing?
…t-trying to e-escape?
…why don’t yah just ask me to let yah down?
…oh… um… w-well… err… right, can you l-let me down? …p-please?
…don’t yah want to talk face to face? As equals?
I w-wouldn’t really consider this e-equals… see, you’ve had y-your fun, alright? You’ve already succeeded with the whole “assert dominance” through force… so… can you p-please let me down?
…very well.
Thank you… and I h-have to say, I didn’t actually expect you to be figuratively a mountain.
Why, are yah trying to flatter me?
And I heard you weren’t s-supposed to be a savage either, but clearly I was misinformed.
Ah, yah do know ‘ow to make a girl feel special, don’t yah? Clearly yah’ve been talking to the wrong people, eh?
Wrong people?
I’m sure if yah talked to some of my last conquests they would say something quite different.
Conquests? There hasn’t been any engagements since the war ended.
Not that kind of conquests, princess.
…oh… I really didn’t need to know that… at all…

Speaking of engagements, I shouldn’t ‘elp to notice that yah’re wearing a gun?
…it’s part of the costume set.
…of course it is… it’s not like yah can leave behind yah toys, now can ye?
I would advise that you stop calling them toys and respect them a bit. They are rather dangerous after all. In fact, why don’t I show you just what these “toys” can do in the hands of a master? Then you’ll see how I prefer to achieve my conquests.
…yah met a new girl just five minutes ago and yah’re already inviting ‘er to watch you use your private toys on yourself? Classy.
...what? You’re too afraid to watch?
Oh, I’m quite intrigued, actually. I have to admit, I’m looking forward to seeing just ‘ow good yah are with yah ‘ands and that tiny little gun of ye. Oh, and just so yah ‘now, I do respect them. I ‘now first had just what those thing can do, believe me, Princess.
Right, then it’s settled?
Indeed it is…

… … …so… err…
…
I heard you were planning on staying here after the wedding?
After the wedding? Oh, I don’t ‘now about that… but I’ll be staying ‘ere until the wedding, that’s for certain.
Well, we do have some really nice guest rooms that are available…
I ‘now. My following will be staying in those.
...and you?
See, I do have a bit of a special request. I wanted a royal sized bed to sleep in but… the only one with those are the king himself, the crown princess, the prince and the tiny princess.
…wait… you don’t mean-
And as I’ll soon marry one of them…
You’re not sleeping in my bed!
Why not? It’s not like there isn’t room. In fact, I’m sure both of us and at least 14 others of ye size would fit in it.
Or just one that was half as horizontally challenged as you…
…Did yah just insult me to my face?
Err… maybe?
…yet, yah’re afraid of me at the same time.
I’m not af-
Yah’re shacking like a naked chick… and yah’re sweating so much it’s almost like yah just came from the shower. No, one thing is for certain, I was wrong about yah. yah’re no coward after all.

>…Did yah just insult me to my face?
Are you fucking joking you literally called me a spoiled coward is everyone here a hypocrite

...right, well, I heard you choose to come here of your own free will. There any special reason behind that or what?

God her calling you princess is annoying, but I don't think she'll respect you at all if you ask her to stop. I was hoping you'd be avoiding sharing a bed with her; well guess I could get a laugh at you waking up from another nightmare, see her in the bed, and do something stupid in a groggy panic. So how was her trip here?

>everyone here a hypocrite
That wasn't hypocrisy, that was her approving of the insult as an indicator that when she pushes us around we are willing to push back. We should keep this in mind; she apparently prefers hostility to passivity as a response to her being rude.

>Yah’re shacking like a naked chick… and yah’re sweating so much it’s almost like yah just came from the shower.
Alright, so you ARE plenty intimidated by her great stature, scarred visage, and percieved prowess as a warrior... But jovial banter like this? You could probably get used to that in due time.

Sure she wants to test you, press your buttons to see what makes you tick, but surely you're clever enough to realize that? Perhaps you should try and return the favor at some point?

On that note, you're going to have to go with a "maybe" on letting her share bed with you. You need to know whether or not she can manage sharing bed for a night without letting her hands wander before you agree on anything, yeah?

Time to go hunting. You need to reassert your self-confidence by hunting down enemies and beasts on your own, prove that she's bullying you for sport.

Just promise to your father that you will do your best to be back in time for the marriage ceremony and go find someone to court before you get married and your prospects dwindle to "YOU'RE MARRIED TO GODZILLA GO AWAY I DON'T WANT TO BE NEAR YOU-AAA MOTHER@#$%ER SHE RIPPED MY". Yep.

>>651702
Don't do that; being skilled at shooting things is just one of the skills involved in being a professional hunter/adventurer/murderhobo and this is not the time to get into that. Also no running off to start random affairs.

Kaktus 2015/06/29(Mon)14:25 No. 651718 ID: 65a774
File 143561312208.png - (61.49KB , 684x524 , 19.png )

>Sure she wants to test you, press your buttons to see what makes you tick, but surely you're clever enough to realize that?
Even if you realize why she is doing it, having your button pressed will still fire you off.
>Perhaps you should try and return the favor at some point?
As long as you’re careful. You rather have all your limbs still intact after all this.
>Time to go hunting.
…go hunting? You’ve never been out hunting in your life… sure, you can shoot a gun, but that’s on the shooting range… of course, shooting some moving target at the range would be rather stimulating right now if anything.
>go find someone to court before you get married.
Running off and shagging the first lady bird you find, while fun, wouldn’t really please your father, would it? If you’re to court someone you need to be a bit more patient then that…

I have to admit, you’re mighty intimidating, what with your great stature, scarred visage and perceived prowess as a warrior…
Oh, I’m sure yah tell all the girls that, don’t yah?
But this… this jovial banter is getting tiresome.
Well, I guess we’re supposed to be “lovers” after all. Alright, I’ll stop insulting yah unnecessarily, princess.
…said she as she ended her sentence with an insult…
If yah want a new nickname then yah have to earn it, boy.
*Sigh* Sure, whatever…

…and another thing… I have to go with a “maybe” on letting you stay in my room.
Oh?
I want to know if you’re someone that I can actually share a bed with… that you don’t snore or… um… that your hands don’t wander at night… stuff like that.
Heh, my ‘ands would wander? Ha, why would I want to touch yah? Yah’re just some tiny bird that’s been spoiled, eh?
…didn’t we-
That was a fact, not and insult.
Still, I just want to be sure nothing… indecent happens.
Heh… very well, I’ll keep my ‘ands to myself… for now.
For now?
Well, if yah keep flirting like this I might not ‘elp it, eh?
…FLIRTING!?
Calling me intimidating, saying that I’m a savage, wanting to show off ye toys… ‘ell, I’m about to have dinner with yah at ye families ‘ouse. What is that if not dating, eh?
I’m not… I mean… err…

Speaking of changing the subject, I have to ask you why you want to stay here until the wedding? Is there a special reason?
Yes.
… … …and you’ll tell me…?
When yah earn it, Princess.
…*sigh* have it your way… … …so…
…
… …how was the trip?
Boring, mostly. I did find this great vista but sadly I didn’t have the time to give it proper justice…
Well, that’s… nice to hear, I guess?
Now, unless yah ‘ave something a bit more interesting to discuss, I’ll take my leave. I need to clean up a bit before the feast tonight because frankly, I stink worse than an old slaughtered moose. Yah don’t ‘appen to have a bath or the like in ye room, eh?
…an old slaugh- that’s a rather morbid image I rather would have lived without knowing… but yes, I do have a shower in my room.
Splendid. Then I’ll retreat back there for now… oh, and if yah try to peek I’ll bite ye head off.
I wasn’t planning on it…
Good… now be a good princess and enlighten yeself with a book or something while I’m away.
Right…

Strong abrasive personality.. Well this'll be fun, though now that I think on it do they have guns themselves? Unless they just don't respect them.

Either way, something to calm down with for now would be nice..

...let's head to the shooting range to blow off some steam. if nothing else it will give you something else to focus on for awhile.

>>651718
Shooting range!

Let's take her advice and get some reading done on Sakkilian culture and mannerisms.

Line something up on a fence and shoot at it. If we're going to have a bad day so will everyone else in an earshot.

> Sakkilian culture and mannerisms.
Oh, those exist?

>As long as you’re careful. You rather have all your limbs still intact after all this.
She doesn't appear to be holding back on her end, so why would you? Fairly certain you'd have to outright insult her whole race, family and way of life before she'd get outright dangerous with you.

>If yah want a new nickname then yah have to earn it, boy.
>When yah earn it, Princess.
Ah yes, you have to 'earn' it, to 'prove' yourself 'worthy' in her eyes. Whether that means becoming a full-fledged warrior, or just giving it an earnest attempt, only the stars and/or gods may know. Consider calling her Briarnah those times she is particularly insistent on being a thorn in your side, but only sparsely. Call her names too often and you'll just come off as trying too hard to one-up her.

>FLIRTING!?
>Calling me intimidating, saying that I’m a savage, wanting to show off ye toys…
Saw that one coming. Shame she isn't flirting back.

>Good… now be a good princess and enlighten yeself with a book or something while I’m away.
Shooting range for now, and later you should try and procure one book on Sakkil culture, and one for Vark culture. I mean, if you are going to study her people, she might as well study yours. If she is so eager to see you prove yourself in her eyes, you might as well see if she is willing to do the same in yours.

And if she doesn't take that bait, go for a mutual exchange; she studies with you, and you try and learn how to fight from her.

Okay, NOW you have to go hunting. You're that pissed off, right?

>princess
You know... If we are "princess", than that would mean Briannah gets a sarcastic designation of "Price Charming".

>>651810
OH! How about Lord Croctrap! HOW ABOUT LORD CROCTRAP!

Kaktus 2015/06/30(Tue)11:05 No. 651939 ID: 65a774
File 143568750256.png - (7.44KB , 684x524 , 20.png )

>...let's head to the shooting range to blow off some steam.
Pull!

Kaktus 2015/06/30(Tue)11:05 No. 651940 ID: 65a774
File 143568750993.png - (14.43KB , 684x524 , 21.png )

*Zhh…!*Crack!*

Kaktus 2015/06/30(Tue)11:05 No. 651941 ID: 65a774
File 143568752293.png - (16.65KB , 684x524 , 22.png )

*Zhh…!*Crack!*
*Zhh…!*

Dammit!

Kaktus 2015/06/30(Tue)11:05 No. 651942 ID: 65a774
File 143568753231.png - (48.66KB , 684x524 , 23.png )

*CAW!*
…*thud*

… … …do real pigeon count or is it just the clay ones?
Just the clay ones, your liege.
Then I got two hits and one miss.
Excellent shooting, sir.
Excellent? Hardly! I usually have a score over a hundred and now I’m barely at ninety… no, my hand is still unsteady since I had my run in with that… thing.
*Whisper*…

>Okay, NOW you have to go hunting.
...does accidentally shooting down a pigeon count as hunting?
>Do they have guns themselves?
They do, but not as many as this kingdom, mostly because they don’t have the means to produce them. In fact, these are the main reason why we were even able to push them back and sue for peace instead of… well, being conquered.
>Fairly certain you'd have to outright insult her whole race, family and way of life before she'd get outright dangerous with you.
That should very well be the case. No matter what you said to her she never lost that smug smile of hers. Though still… she looks dangerous…

>You know... If we are "princess", than that would mean Briannah gets a sarcastic designation of "Price Charming".
You believe that might be perfect.
>OH! How about Lord Croctrap! HOW ABOUT LORD CROCTRAP!
That might be a bit too… crude.
>Call her names too often and you'll just come off as trying too hard to one-up her.
Clearly, the game of insults requires patience.

>You should try and procure one book on Sakkil culture.
There should be one in the grand library somewhere… unless someone has borrowed them all, but that’s unlikely.
>And one for Vark culture. I mean, if you are going to study her people, she might as well study yours.
Hmm… well, poppa did say she liked to spend time in the library…

So, next step is getting the books it seems… unless there something more important at hand?

Actually, I’ve have been wondering, where is the usual servant that handles the shooting range?
Err… you see, sir…
*Whisper*
He’s on vacation, sir.
Ah, of course…
If you’re finished, mind handing back the gun, sire?

>I usually have a score over a hundred and now I’m barely at ninety…
That could be because you're supposed to shoot at clay pigeons with a shotgun, not a sidearm.
>In fact, these are the main reason why we were even able to push them back and sue for peace instead of… well, being conquered.
That sounds more and more like a petty distinction.

> He’s on vacation, sir.
I can hear you whispering, you know. Out with it.

Take an empty gun with you. See if you can fine-tune one while you're researching at the library.

Try to invent automatic fire, just for kicks (and under the fear that you will be forced to marry a snarky thug unless the kingdom suddenly finds itself even more well-equipped).

Invent the tank why don't you, it shall keep you safe while delivering pain.

Is that the same gun you brought with you when you went to talk to Briannah? Did you get it from the shooting gallery in the first place or did they charge it or something?

>If you’re finished, mind handing back the gun, sire?
I thought that was your gun? I'm also noticing people are starting to give you odd looks any idea on that?

anyways might as well head to the head library and completely forget to return the gun because of our Impulsive nature.

Kaktus 2015/06/30(Tue)16:27 No. 652034 ID: 65a774
File 143570686783.png - (55.48KB , 684x524 , 24.png )

>That could be because you're supposed to shoot at clay pigeons with a shotgun, not a sidearm.
You do not know what this “Shooting gun” is.
>Invent the tank why don't you.
Sadly, as much as you want to invent something that will be decades ahead of current military technology, you’re sadly not an inventor.

>Is that the same gun you brought with you when you went to talk to Briannah?
Indeed it is. This gun is quite special too you, as it was originally your brothers, before he passed away.
>I thought that was your gun?
…why, yes it… is…

Why would you ask me to hand you my gun? I think you might have mistaken it for a gun borrowed from the range.
Oh, no, I… err… just thought it would be safer if we... um… uncharged it?
It’s already out of juice, so don’t worry about it.
>I'm also noticing people are starting to give you odd looks any idea on that?
…is there something wrong? You’ve been staring at me ever since I got here…
Of course not, my liege, it’s just… err… see…
*Whisper*
It’s nothing really, sir.
… …I can hear you whispering, you know. What are you two talking about?
Oh, just… err…
My lady friend here is just a bit… smitten with your good looks and skill with a gun, sire… and what with her being a servant and you a prince… err…
Ah, yes, I understand… never mind then.

>might as well head to the head library
Hmm… Briannah should be done showering by now… if I’m planning on giving her a book about Vrak culture, maybe I should invite her along… that way I might get my own room for myself… hmm… and I need to talk to someone about these two… they’ve been acting kind of strange…

Oh, that lady has a nice knife. Maybe you should take it from her and look at it. Use that speed to your advantage.

Hostile looking bird lady with dirk sized dagger approaching you while your back is turned.

Prepare for evasive maneuvers!

>You do not know what this “Shooting gun” is.
Shot. Gun. Fires multiple projectiles stacked on top of each other called shot? The first kind of gun ever? The kind you're supposed to be using for moving targets & hunting?... Just out of curiosity, how long does it take to reload that pistol?

Oh don't tell me you're buying that kiss-ass shit. Look 'em in the eye and say if they want to disrespect you they can do it to your face. Hell, everyone else does.

...Y'know if you ask nicely and talk fast, you could convince these people to help you fake your death instead of actually killing you.

Oh a book on the table, that shouldn't be here, and we're heading to the library anyways might as well grab it and return it. hmm think of the library we should probably run down there as in actually run seeing as we only have so long before the feast starts so we should cram as much as we can about Sakkilian culture as we can. With our quick nature we should be able to hit the library in record time and return this book setting out in record time if slightly out of breath. Hell with our quick nature and intelligence we should be able to power read enough to actually know something about the Sakkilian other then they're bastards.

Yo bucko, your 'lovely admirer' has got a knife out and pointed at your back.
Hmm, outnumbered, outarmed, and possibly outskilled. I'd say your best bet would be to run away but...
>"yah are a coward that runs from every fight yah’ve been in"
That'd make her right, huh?

Any other guns nearby? Anything more to charge your gun with?

Are they new here? Perhaps ask their names.

>Shot. Gun. Fires multiple projectiles stacked on top of each other called shot? The first kind of gun ever?
What sort of fanciful gun launches physical projectiles instead of magic? Are you sure you are not referring to a crossbow?

>>652055
Fang-dangly magic projectiles are still projectiles.

Do you remember how much your servants get paid? Or know what kind of places one could afford to go on that salary? Damn, this is going to be bugging you all day now, maybe you should turn around and ask the others if they know where the normal guy went on vacation.

that nice lady is about to give you a royal shaking, quick grab the book and use it as a shield to block the stab! then hit her with it!

Oh wait, none of us made an "Et tu, Brute" joke. Gotta add that in.

Deflect this assassination attempt as a ruthless badass. Point the gun behind you without looking at your opponent, and quickly state "Drop the weapon. On your knees, 81+(#. Hands behind your head."

Explain that you don't approve of this union any more than they do, but that you intend to do what is necessary to protect your assets. Prove this by casually shooting the male assassin (nonlethal attack, hit a few inches above his groin for neural damage), and then tying up the female assassin as a present for your new fiancée.

>>652076
It’s already out of juice
And they know that.

tuck and roll, get to the range locker, get a new gun. kill everyone here.

And you just admitted to them your gun was out of juice too didn't you? I think it may be prudent to run for now there has to be somewhere public nearby where a prince is less likely to get shanked from behind. If we're worried about that making Briannah right we should consider getting some self defense courses instead of taking on an armed opponent unarmed with no combat training, a book is not a weapon. Rather be a coward than an idiot who gets into fights he can't win.

since we're fighting, grab the book, throw it at knife person's face, get distance between you and assailants.

It her with the gun

>>652108
Hit her with the gun

Kaktus 2015/07/01(Wed)12:06 No. 652250 ID: 65a774
File 143577760298.png - (30.31KB , 684x524 , 25.png )

Shot. Gun. Fires multiple projectiles stacked on top of each other called shot?
That does sound a lot like and earth based gun, but those have horrid accuracy thanks to earth being the opposite of wind, thus they don’t have any aiming aid on the projectiles.
>Any other guns nearby?
There are plenty of training guns and the like nearby, all of them securely locked up and uncharged.
>Anything more to charge your gun with?
There should also be a lot of arcane infused powder laying around here somewhere…
>Just out of curiosity, how long does it take to reload that pistol?
About five seconds, faster if you’re really good at it. Though, it takes a while for the magical energy of the arcane powder to be absorbed by the runes of the gun.

>Do you remember how much your servants get paid?
You have no idea what they are paid. In fact, you’ve never actually even thought about until now. You do know that they have some kind of union or something that is supposedly giving them a fair salary… you think? Maybe?
>Or know what kind of places one could afford to go on that salary?
The only thing for sure is that they never frequent the places you usually hang out in.
>Perhaps ask their names.
You can’t come up with a good reason why you would need to know the names of two simple servants. There are hundreds of them, how should you even dream about remembering any of them?

>That nice lady is about to give you a royal shaking.
Once again your thoughts go to day dreaming. Think, what if you were such an important and influential person that people would actually want to assassinate you. You would thwart every attempt they did by showing off your badassary, disposing of the pesky assassins with your gun and a witty one liner each time… but sadly this is real life and exciting things like that never happen here…
>Oh a book on the table, that shouldn't be here, and we're heading to the library anyways might as well grab it and return it.
Let’s see… “How to use a gun for dummies?”. Hmm… you rather not have anyone see you carry this book around… and it is rather heavy. You better ask the servants to deliver it for you.

Servants, can yo-
*TWACK!*
OW! MY FREAKING EYE!
Oh, wops…

Kaktus 2015/07/01(Wed)12:06 No. 652251 ID: 65a774
File 143577761437.png - (21.13KB , 684x524 , 26.png )

I’m dreadfully sorry, madam, but I simply didn’t see you there… I didn’t mean to knock you down and make you… drop… wait, dagger? You’re actually trying to assassinate me!?
Ow…
Yes, now drop the book, get down or your knees and put your hands behind your head so we can slit your throat, “prince”.
…is this about the wedding? You know, I don’t approve of this union either but-
We don’t care what you think. You need to die so we can finally take care of those grotesque cannibal lizards once and for all. Nothing personal. Now, get down on your knees already!

>...Y'know if you ask nicely and talk fast, you could convince these people to help you fake your death instead of actually killing you.
While you’re not happy about the coming marriage, you’re still quite happy in the gilded cage you’re trapped in, even if there’s suddenly a bird eating beast locked outside the cage.

Kaktus 2015/07/01(Wed)12:07 No. 652252 ID: 65a774
File 143577765575.png - (15.50KB , 684x524 , 27.png )

>Hit him with the gun
Looking at the current situation, things are a bit dark. The woman on the ground is already starting to reach for the dagger again and you got a gun pointing right at you… but, as they clearly want you dead and they haven’t shot you yet, that must means that the gun isn’t charged. While you might not be quick enough to hit him over the head with the gun without him reacting, you are probably quick enough at throwing it right in his ugly face.
OW MY EYE TOO!
>Prepare for evasive maneuvers!
Charge in the wrong direct-

Kaktus 2015/07/01(Wed)12:07 No. 652253 ID: 65a774
File 143577766769.png - (30.13KB , 684x524 , 28.png )

-Off.
Why, fancy running into yah ‘ere.
Wha- Briannah!? What are-
Yah are out of soap… and I need someone to wash my back.
…soa-
Now, what is this little gathering? A little girl with a knife and a man with a gun?
Err… why, it’s a present for my new fiancé? Sorry that I haven’t tied them up properly yet… after I deflect this assassination attempt like the ruthless badass I am.
Oh, two assassins, just for me? Why, I’m flattered… and yah, a ruthless badass? Really?
Well, err…
If yah’re such a badass, why don’t you ‘elp me take care of them, hmm? Do yah want to face the boy or the girl?

Stop wobbling around and keep them busy while I recharge this stupid gun!
B-but…
Isn’t that ye gun ‘e’s mishandling?
…maybe?

>Do yah want to face the boy or the girl
uhhhh, you're the guest here, it's only fair that you choose first.

Although we should probably go for whoever has the gun. I mean one it's ours, two we actually know how to use it, and three we're quick, we could probably get there before her recharges it or worse yet adds to much powder and cause the damn thing to explode. That's our brother's gun DAMNIT. these things are like flint lock pistols right? Meaning you can add to much powder and have the gun explode in your hand if you add to much right?

>>652252
Why. Why would you throw your gun. Do you WANT to lose it forever? Because if you HAD succeeded at your "throw it and run" plan that's almost certainly what would've happened.

Anyway. Let her handle the one with the knife. You can probably take an unarmed opponent but i wouldn't bet on you against a dagger wielder. Especially since they might actually know how to use that, unlike the gun.

Ngggh I really want to work in the "a weapon you don't know how to use belongs to your enemy" wrote but I don't know how.

... wait I guess that works.

Use AGILITY to get ye gun.

Like to like?
She deals with the knife, you get to kick gun boy in the head for mishandling your weaponry, which he is likely to be doing.

Nonlethal takedowns only!

Use agility and kicking to hit-and-run the girl. Once she's on the ground, stomp her until she lets go of the knife, not a moment earlier.

It would probably be a bad idea to let Briannah handle both herself. One has a knife and the other is reloading a gun; one of them would be no problem both could lead to her getting hurt badly. Let her handle the girl with the knife and you can keep the other one too distracted to reload the gun and shoot your fiance.

> you’re still quite happy in the gilded cage you’re trapped in, even if there’s suddenly a bird eating beast locked outside the cage.
The bird eating beast has just laid claim to your bed, you short-sighted buffoon. Ah well, your fiance would have heard you anyway, and you're to skittish to tell a decent lie.

Go after the guy, you need your sidearm back. Grab a long gun to use as a club unless you can charge it in time.

Kaktus 2015/07/01(Wed)14:45 No. 652297 ID: 65a774
File 143578713139.png - (20.56KB , 684x524 , 29.png )

>Why. Why would you throw your gun. Do you WANT to lose it forever?
You really didn’t have much time to think!
>The bird eating beast has just laid claim to your bed, you short-sighted buffoon.
The whole “Laying claim to your bed” is still under debate.

>Let her handle the one with the knife.
Err… y-you take the lady?
…alright.

>You get to kick gun boy in the head for mishandling your weaponry, which he is likely to be doing.
You’re a bit hesitant about the whole attacking an armed man who wants you dead, as this is pretty much the first time in your life you’ve actually been in any kind of mortal danger. Though, as you notice, he probably won’t be able to use his weapon anyway as he’s charging it with way to much magic.
>Can you add to much powder and have the gun explode in your hand?
It’s possible to overcharge all the four different elemental guns with quite different effects. For example, a frost gun like that will probably freeze and shatter, taking most of his hand with… it… wait…
>That's our brother's gun DAMNIT.
… … …

Come on, cha-
LET GO OF MY BROTHERS GUN, YOU SON OF A CONDOR!!

*TWACK!*

Kaktus 2015/07/01(Wed)14:45 No. 652298 ID: 65a774
File 143578714174.png - (39.48KB , 684x524 , 30.png )

*TWACK!*
*TWACK!*
*TWACK!*
…
*TWACK!*

>Nonlethal takedowns only!
‘ey, easy there, big boy. Yah want ‘im subdued, not braindead, eh?
… … …I… I… oh gods…
First “kill”, eh? I know ‘ow it feels…
I… I nearly bashed someone’s skull in!
‘e did try to kill yah… and blow up ye brothers gun.
…still… I…I don’t know what I should feel…
Let the adrenaline die down first, prince.
…s-so… what happened to the other one?
I used one hand to snap ‘er arm like a twig and the other to crush ‘er head against my chest. She’s alive, but will probably eat with a straw the next few months… of course, she’ll be executed before that but still…
…oh… t-that would explain the… err… b-blood… um…

Seems we've earned a little bit of respect 'prince'

When the adrenaline wears down you can realize you just got a respect upgrade to Prince, but don't open your mouth and mention you noticed it; it is better left unsaid between you two. I just wanted to point it out to you.

So I guess now that they're subdued leave Briannah here to watch them while you get some guards to lock these two up so your father can judge them later.

Thank her for the help, and ask if she has to deal with this "seemingly loyal subjects turn out to be assassins" thing often. It is rather disconcerting.

They were likely not working alone, so we will need to have them questioned. Lock them up separately if possible so they can't coordinate stories before then, and have multiple guards on each in case they have a guard or two on their side.

Call dibs on the girl as a torture prisoner. You've traumatized them both, best that you switch targets to prevent permanent brain damage.

Your main goal is to interrogate these two pawns, see if you can find out who sent them on such an obvious PR attack. Someone plans to profit from the impending war, and not "for the glory of their kingdom". You need to find out WHY.

>>652298
Don't faint.

>The whole “Laying claim to your bed” is still under debate.
She just used her 'veto power' to crush someone's skull. Unless killing that assassin means you can keep his backbone, I think you'll find your bargaining position lacking.
> Let the adrenaline die down first, prince.
Hey, she called you prince. Put a rain check on that 'prince charming' crack.

Might want to get some guards in here, maybe get them to check up on the rest of the royal family? I dunno the S.O.P. for this kind of thing, you tell me.

Might need someone to polish her armor after, get the blood out.

Gotta admit, those assassins were very incompetent, so it was likely either planned that they were to be a scapegoat, or it was a spur of the moment treason over the fact that you are marrying a sakkil.

Either way, give one final kick to get that adrenalin out.

Kronos 2015/07/01(Wed)18:11 No. 652365 ID: 65a774
File 143579946222.png - (38.03KB , 684x524 , 31.png )

>Give one final kick to get that adrenalin out.
This is for the gu- OW!
Easy there, big boy.
>Might want to get some guards in here.
I already saw a servant run to warn them as soon as yah started “fighting”.
…but, they should be here by now… something is wrong.
Or they are all busy being paranoid about the Sakkilian in their midst… see, ‘ere they come.

Sire!? Are you alright?
…I’m fine.
We came as soon as we heard! Forgive us for not being vigilant enough to prevent this from ever happening!
It’s fine, r-really… just… give me some space… and do something about those two.
At once, sire!


>Don't faint.
While you do feel a bit light headed, it’s not that bad.
>you can realize you just got a respect upgrade to Prince, but don't open your mouth and mention you noticed it.
…well, at least something good come out of this. You have to wonder what triggered the update. Your fighting skills? Your “bravery”? Just that you’ve been in battle together?
>Put a rain check on that 'prince charming' crack.
Aw, but you were looking forward to that one…
>She just used her 'veto power' to crush someone's skull.
…You suddenly realized what you father meant when he said she usually gets what she wants.
>They were likely not working alone, so we will need to have them questioned.
You’re sure the guards will give them over the right people for that sort of thing.
>Call dibs on the girl as a torture prisoner.
…You’re pretty sure those things should be left to the professionals. Besides, you’ve always found the torture chamber kind of icky… not to mention the actual torture.


…h-hey… thanks by the way… I would probably been screwed if it wasn’t for you.
Hmm? Don’t mention it. But I’m pretty sure yah would ‘ave outrun those bloody traitors.
…maybe… by the way… have you ever dealt with something like this before? You know, “loyal” subjects suddenly turning?
What I know from experience is that it’s the one that are high up that yah should worry about, not the servants.
…so that’s a yes?
Perhaps. Of course, it’s possible these two were just some random smucks that didn’t like yah marrying me and saw the opportunity.
…they were rather incompetent, after all… So, what do you think? Someone has found a way to profit from another war?
Or they think they can beat us and kill us all. Everything doesn’t need to be about money or power, yah know. Either way, we should try to find out why later.

Kronos 2015/07/01(Wed)18:11 No. 652366 ID: 65a774
File 143579947821.png - (32.92KB , 684x524 , 32.png )

>Might need someone to polish her armor after, get the blood out.
I’m more concerned about the tabard. It’s ceremonial and isn’t made to take blood that well…
Oh, well I- Err… w-wh… … …
You know, I keep forgetting how delicious ye guys… are… err…

Kronos 2015/07/01(Wed)18:11 No. 652367 ID: 65a774
File 143579948507.png - (24.36KB , 684x524 , 33.png )

…oh, arse… I forgot who I was talking to for a second… err… …I’m sorry?
…
…I’ll make it up to you?

... Mind if I sit next to my father during tonight's feast? On the other side of the table from you?

...I'd like to reiterate my request to sleep alone.

Don't panic, don't fluff up, don't move if you can't move she can't see you.

Either way she just confirmed one of the most abhorrent rumors about her kind. While it's going to be odd, ask about it more in detail, I mean...might as well learn about it now before you discover horrible things later.

Maybe we could ask how our race tastes?

>>652367
How can you eat a person. Who would do that.

>I’m sorry?
>I’ll make it up to you?
Let's start with forgetting this little conversation ever happened. And if it ever happens, she'll be sleeping on the floor. You'll save that offer for her making it up to you for another time, though.

Walk back to your father.

Begin screaming about THIS particular problem.

>>652367
"What the fuck is wrong with you!" is an entirely justified reaction in this scenario.

Don't squander political capital by getting mad. Something tells me you won't be seeing a lot of that humble look she's got on right now.

Looks like time for some Awkward Silence.

"W-wait, so you, you mean you actually do..."

Kronos 2015/07/02(Thu)03:29 No. 652542 ID: 65a774
File 143583295951.png - (23.14KB , 684x524 , 34.png )

>Something tells me you won't be seeing a lot of that humble look she's got on right now.
…you better enjoy it while it lasts then.

W-wait, so you, you mean you actually do...
…yah didn’t know? And ‘ere I thought yah’d read about our culture or something at least.
So that’s a yes!?
…yes.
:KronoSB: … … …WHAT, IN THE NAME OF THE FIVE GODS, IS WRONG WITH YOU!?
…It’s understandable that there will be a bit of culture clash concerning this tidbit. Both our races do have some… different ideals concerning some things, don’t we?
How, just… how can you eat a person!? Why would you eat a person!?
How can ye turn someone’s bones into a chair? Their skin into the bindings of a book?
T-that’s not the s-same thing!
It isn’t? Really? I just have to point out, I’ve notice that most of the furniture in the palace is rather new… no more than three years old, in fact…
That’s not what… not… ugh…

*Sigh* Fine… c-can you tell me about the whole… c-cannibalism thing?
Really?
Y-yes. I rather learn about things like that now instead of discovering horrible things later.
It’s not really cannibalism but… hmm… see, yah believe ye get yah strength from ye five gods, do yah not? That those five creatures gives ye yah knowledge, courage and skill?
Yes? That’s the way things are in the real world, you know…
Well, we on the other ‘and knows that yah gain ye strengths from yah ancestors.
…that doesn’t explain the whole eating others thing.
How do yah think we gain these strengths? By consuming the part of the body that ‘old it we gain a part of it. If ‘e was strong then we eat his muscles to gain his strength, if she was courageous then we eat ‘er ‘eart, if he was wise then-
I get it, I get it… and I’m pretty sure that’s not how the world works…
Oh? Do yah have proof? Then ‘ow ‘ave I’ve gotten this big, hmm?
…I’m more concerned why the five haven’t smitten you all yet…
Indeed…
…now, I know I’m going to regret this but… how do we taste?
… … …like an odd fusion of beef and chicken. There’s nothing quite like it.

Right… so… about you making this up to me?
‘ow about I owe yah a favor? I’ll do anything yah want at a later time, eh? Well, nearly anything.
That might work… now, I hope you don’t mind me… err… sitting with my father, far away from you after that… display.
…sadly, we ‘ave no choice but to sit next to each other. It’s what’s expected of us. We’re supposed to symbolize the union of our peoples, after all.
I also like to reiterate my request to sleep alone.
That I can’t do anything about either. Ye beds aren’t really designed for someone with my… girth. In fact, there are only a few beds in the palace that can hold my weight… and none of them are unoccupied. Oh, and let’s not forget that all my things should be in ye room by now… and that I need the space of ye room to take care of… some of my other wounds.
And if I used that favor to ask you to sleep somewhere else?
Then I would be very cross with yah tomorrow, as I wake up with a bad back after sleeping on the floor, as well as pains in both my arm and leg. I need a proper bed to sleep soundly.
…right. Remind me to go yell to my father about this whole… pairing me with a man eating thing thing.
We don’t kill to eat. We only eat those that are already dead.
I don’t see how that’s any better.
And I’m pretty sure ye father already knew about this.
…

just... just how badly were both armies devastated in this war, what even caused it? I mean the thing only ended 3 years ago, both sides have done things to the other that alone could spark another war during the first war, and now the leaders on both sides are pairing off their kids, one which has a phobia of Sakkilian and the other who seems more and more to be here on her own choosing for reason not yet know. You don't have to ask her but just how badly hurt was Vark's army during the war and how badly hurt was the Sakkilian army hurt that you know of?

Also furniture made from bones and the skin of your fallen enemies? Is wood and animal leather so hard to come by around here?

I figure most of the furniture is made from potential sakkil leather as a war trophy. Rather then some sort of constant thing as the whole war was rather gruesome enough that people still have to deal with thee ffects of it. Taking trophies would make one feel that the enemy isn't invincible, that they can be killed.

>That’s not what… not… ugh…
Wow, much speechcraft.
>And I’m pretty sure ye father already knew about this.
uuuugh. And he's just going to turn anything you say around and say 'you so ignorant'. Goddammit.

Alright, we'll try to find another place we can sleep tonight.

Consider the possibility that your mother was eaten after she was killed.

>>652575

Let's not do this.

Finding another place to sleep sounds good, though. How about asking Cain?

Kronos 2015/07/02(Thu)11:31 No. 652616 ID: 65a774
File 143586191266.png - (39.71KB , 684x524 , 35.png )

>Alright, we'll try to find another place we can sleep tonight.
Well, you guess you should take a room in the guest wing of the palace… but then you’ll be surrounded by other Sakkilians… and you do know this rather fancy house of pleasure you’ve visited before… but, as you’ve just had two people tried to kill you, you’re feeling a bit hesitant about leaving the palace grounds. In fact, the royal wind would be the most protected part of the palace… hmm… she’s right when she said your bed is enormous… so maybe you can build some kind of temporary wall between you two and still have enough room to sleep soundly?
>How about asking Cain?
If anyone knows where there is a spare bed it would be him.

>Furniture made from bones and the skin of your fallen enemies? Is wood and animal leather so hard to come by around here?
It’s more of a traditional thing then anything, really. It was how things were done back in the “glory” days.
>I figure most of the furniture is made from potential sakkil leather as a war trophy.
In a sense, it was. You even remember an old rug you had hanging on the wall made out of some high ranking sakkilian leathery hide. You did quite enjoy having it around when you were smaller… even if you did dream about it coming to life and eating you once or twice. Of course, as with most things made out of Sakkilian hide and bones, you had to remove it when the peace broke out.

>Consider the possibility that your mother was eaten after she was killed.
That would be impossible, as they were able to push back the Sakkilian attack and recover her corpse. Her body has been purified in the five gods holy fire and ascended to the kingdom in the heavens. Still… there’s something you should ask Briannah about this subject.

Briannah? About this whole eating the dead thing… what did you do with soldiers and the like from other nations?
Depends, really. If they were fierce warriors that was slain in combat or brilliant commanders killed in a raid, then it is our duty to pass on their legacy, is it not?
And if they were still alive?
We don’t eat people that’s still alive. We don’t kill to eat, but we eat those that ‘ave passed away.
And if you didn’t know who it was?
Then we bury them normally. After all, it’s possible they would be weaklings and only make us weaker if we feasted on them.
…huh… this is probably a lot more than I ever wanted to know about… um… ritualistic cannibalism…

>Just... just how badly were both armies devastated in this war, what even caused it?
You don’t actually know the full extent of what happened to your armies… nor what really started it all. Both sides have their own ideas of who started it and why.
>Ask her just how badly hurt was the armies during the war.
…yah don’t know? Let me put it this way, neither of us ‘ave an army anymore.
…it can’t be that bad.
Oh, but it is. Only by combining the few things we ‘ave left can we actually call it an army.
Still, we’re in peace. Are we really that desperate to build up a new army?
… …yah have no idea, do you? Heh… well, if yah want to know the full extent of what’s ‘appening, we can talk about it later over a proper map of our nations.
…I guess…

Now… you said you needed soap?
Oh, I was just kidding about that… well, I still need something to wash my back with, but I’ll ask the servants for some kind of brush or something…
…then why were you here at the shooting range?
Well, I came looking for yah… and when I saw you shooting I just had to watch it. Ye are quite the good shoot, yah know.
…Thanks, I’ve trained a lot with these guns.
It’s apparent that you did.
So, you wanted to see me because…?
Oh, I wanted to give yah this!
… … …a broken sword? Err… why do I-
Yah’re a smart kid, yah figure it out.
It’s… um… made out of a rather high quality steel… and it has some excellent craftsmanship.
…I expected yah to say it was and rusty old piece of junk.
Well, I don’t know much about blades, but I do know this one is important to “yah” somehow.
…t-thank you.

Ask her about her accent, is that normal among them or is it due to her ah...scarring?

Anyways I wonder if it's some sort of marriage proposal, or peace offering. A broken sword is symbolic of 'laying of arms' or showing that your weapon isn't ready to kill the other.

Seems you got her tail wiggling again; let's see about reading a book on sakkilians, and find out more about our betrothed and her culture. Perhaps we should start with gift giving see if there is any special contexts to this gift we're missing.

>Only by combining the few things we ‘ave left can we actually call it an army.
That army will need to defend approximately twice as much territory as before. I understand we're only supposed to talk about peace and flowers and the coming union like good little diplomats, but do you really think one of our empires would stick it's out for the other in practice?

I'm guessing the sword belonged to one of her own lost family members, if my trope detector that lack of a blade is any indication.

>>652542
>"we only eat those that are already dead"
>"i don't see how that's better"
... Really?

Also, I gotta say, personally I find your "make furniture of defeated enemies" creepier than her cannibalism.

> what do
Ask whose it was, I guess.

Kronos 2015/07/02(Thu)13:51 No. 652639 ID: 65a774
File 143587027730.png - (37.89KB , 684x524 , 36.png )

>Seems you got her tail wiggling again.
As soon as you complimented the blade it started trashing like crazy.
>Anyways I wonder if it's some sort of marriage proposal, or peace offering.
It’s an odd gift without any kind of context, that’s what it is.
>I'm guessing the sword belonged to one of her own lost family members.
The sword itself seems to be rather old… very old in fact. If there signature on the hilt is to believed, this thing was forged over a hundred years ago by someone called “Myseth”. Is it some kind of ancestral blade? The Sakkilian are quite fond over their ancestors, after all.

>Ask whose it was, I guess.
And ruin the surprise? Nah, yah’re supposed to figure that out yeself.
>Ask her about her accent, is that normal among them
Accent? I don’t ‘ave an accent. Ye are the one with an accent.

>That army will need to defend approximately twice as much territory as before.
Indeed. The only reason we ‘ave a chance is because we compensate for each other’s weaknesses.
Weaknesses? Like we got a better cavalry or…?
We ‘ave raw resources, gold, foot soldiers and the means to train them quickly. Yah ‘ave infrastructure, artisans, connections and leadership. What one of us lack, the other one ‘ave.
>Do you really think one of our empires would stick it's out for the other in practice?
Yah’d be amazed what people can do when something they love is on the line. Of course, there will be opposition from both sides still.
Yeah, this alliance isn’t going to go very smooth…
Now, if yah’ll excuse me, I believe I still need to clean up before tonight. I’ll be seeing yah later, prince.
Be seeing you, Briannah.

…

>Let's see about reading a book on Sakkilians, and find out more about our betrothed and her culture.
While searching the appropriate sections of the palace library, you find an old book that says it contain the hidden secrets of the Sakkilian culture. It’s a bit too big to take in one setting, so you should probably only focus on the things that are relevant.
>Perhaps we should start with gift giving see if there are any special contexts to this gift we're missing.
You look up the chapter concerning gifts and the like, but you can’t find anything about a broken sword.
“Basilisk Blood” – A popular drink among the Sakkilian Royalty. Often shared before love making.
“Frost Wyvern eye” – A gift given to your significant other, means “eternal love”. Often shared before love making.
“Human skull” – A trophy often given to court a female. Often shared before love making.
“Innocent Vark child meat” – A delicacy among the Sakkilian nobility. Often shared before love making.
…something tells you this book might be a bit… um… “out of date”, and you’re rather sure this was the only book here concerning the subject… at least the only book that you should find.

.....I'm tempted for that human skull.

Ugh, did she kill your brother in combat, eat his corpse, and just give you your brother's old sword? Probably not, that would be disturbing...

Ask her later if you can reforge the sword into a gun barrel. Strength of their ancestors, right?

Innocent Vark Child Meat? Might be propaganda, or just regular cultural basics from a previous age.

Do some more research on firearm mechanics. See if you can't think something up, like an extra-long-range firearm.

>>652644
Or a more efficient reloading method.

>>652644
>>652647
I don't know if this gift is as sentimental as it's seeming to me it may not be a good idea to try to turn it into something useful; especially considering how happy it seemed to make her that we did not calling it a broken hunk of junk.

I can see this alliance going over great with the masses if that book is any indication.

> Nah, yah’re supposed to figure that out yeself.
She's either brought it here to be fixed by one of your artisans or it's of sentimental value. Look up anything about weaponry in that book.

see if you can't find anything about weapons in there but take everything you get from this book with a pinch of salt. Not really to sure on how accurate this book is.

>>652639
Look up the name on the sword.

Going by just those four items you'd do best best to not take the contents of this book as truth. "Innocent Vark child meat" practically reeks of disinformation and propaganda. It also doesn't line up with what Briannah told you 'cause a child almost certainly wouldn't have any outstanding strengths to warrant eating. ...You never thought you'd ever think something like that in your life... Anyway... Even if there is a grain of truth here it seems to be written to greatly play up the Sakkilians' barbarism and savagery. And even if it wasn't, you don't have any of those gifts anyway, so it's rather moot.

Just how old is this book? And was it written by a Vark? 'Cause if it was written by a Vark within the time period of the war or not long before it then you can be pretty sure they didn't get their information first hand from Sakkilians and most likely are pulling "facts" out of their arse.

If you want to further confirm this tome isn't worth the paper it's printed on, look up the section on Sakkilian ritual cannibalism. If it's not anywhere near what Briannah told you then you can be reasonably assured that closing this book and not taking it's contents seriously is a sound course of action.

It is rather odd that there aren't any more books here on Sakkilian society and culture. Though, with the war and the probable animosity between the Sakkilians and the Vark for who knows how long before it there probably hasn't been a Vark scholar doing such studies in Sakkilian lands for many, many decades. But even then, you'd think the Grand Royal Library would have imported at least a few volumes on the subject written by those from nations or of species the Sakkilians don't or didn't have hostilities with.

One explanation you can think of for the lack of books on this subject is that all the good ones were checked out by the senior palace staff to read up on in preparation for the arrival of Briannah, leaving just this known erroneous volume behind. Another is that all the accurate, non-propaganda volumes were put into storage at the start of the war, or worse, destroyed. But whatever the reason, you won't find it out sitting here. Seek out the head librarian and ask him or her why there's such a dearth of material on Sakkilian culture here, why the single tome there is reeks of a combination of misinformation and disinformation with a smattering of sensationalism, and if all the other, more accurate, books have been checked out and by whom.

Another probable source of reasonably accurate information on Sakkilians, both cultural and in other ways, would be your father's personal library. He likely has collected at least a few books on them to aid his diplomatic efforts. And another group of people who likely have at least semi-accurate volumes on this subject is the chancellor or whoever it is that's in charge of national diplomacy here and their diplomatic staff.

See if you can find an illustrated tome of historical arms that contains examples from the Sakkilian Empire. If there is one then you can use it to possibly narrow down the origin point of the broken sword by its style and how old it is. You might even get lucky and find that it has a style unique to a specific notable smith. Or it might turn out the style isn't even that of Sakkilians of that period.

Also see if you can dig up a book with credible info on Briannah's family dynasty and what the laws of succession are in the Sakkilian Empire. You want to know just what she stood to inherit before she was betrothed to you.

Perhaps you should consider getting Briannah a gift that isn't traditionally Sakkilian, since she probably has gotten so many of them. Maybe get her something that's distinctly Varkian or hard to come by in the Sakkilian Empire. She did say that on the trip here she "found this great vista but sadly I didn’t have the time to give it proper justice," which sounds like she's probably a painter. So maybe you could come up with a gift that she would enjoy as an artist. But what would it be...?

>Accent? I don’t ‘ave an accent. Ye are the one with an accent.
...Wait a sec. This implies that Briannah didn't learn your nation's language later on in life, 'cause if she did she'd know she'd be speaking with an accent. Does this mean the language in the Sakkilian Empire is the same as that in Varkland, albeit with just enough divergence to have a accent? Or is it that she learned both her native tongue and that of your people when she was young? Or perhaps it is that you speak with a distinctly noble and upper-class accent compared to the common Varkian accent she picked up when learning your peoples' language?

>Yah ‘ave infrastructure, artisans, connections and leadership.
"Artisans?" How do painters and sculptors help- Oh! She meant "artificers," didn't she? Blacksmiths, craftsmen, and the like. And especially gunsmiths. Though, why didn't she mention mages on either side? Are you both about equal in that regard?

Oh, and just to be sure you didn't forget to do it in the excitement after the assassination attempt, you did dump the powder out and safely discharge your brother's pistol after that traitorous scum overfilled it? And do you think you should have your gunsmith examine the runes for possible damage from the overcharge before firing it again?

With the threat of assassination suddenly over you, from now on you won't be going anywhere without a loaded pistol on your person. Even in cases where you can't carry a regular pistol since it'd be you'll hide one of those tiny one or two shot holdout pistols on your person. You're not going to get caught flat footed the next time.

Now that you think about it, having Briannah sharing your bed would actually help protect you from assassins getting you in your sleep. After all, it'd be one more set of ears that a possible assassin may disturb, and if they do they'll get pounded into the floorboards. ...Though, thinking more on it, she's going to a make a hell of a dent in the mattress when she lays down. Like, a canyon-sized one. So you better be prepared for the possibility you'll roll over in your sleep into that "canyon" and come morning wake up pressed against a muscled wall of scales.

Attack of the Return of the Wall of Text part 3: Text Harder!

Kronos 2015/07/03(Fri)07:56 No. 652783 ID: 65a774
File 143593539315.png - (46.44KB , 684x524 , 37.png )

> "Artisans?" How do painters and sculptors help?
For a second, you mistake the word artisans for artists, thus making Briannahs statement kind of silly.
>Did she kill your brother in combat, eat his corpse, and just give you your brother's old sword?
Just as with your mother, they were able to recover your brother’s corpse. After all, we won that battle… well, kind of. It was a bit of a pyrrhic victory.
>Why didn't she mention mages on either side? Are you both about equal in that regard?
You guess she filed that under connection, as most mages and knowledge in the arcane arts in the kingdom comes from a Serpent nation on the other side of the sea that you’re friendly with. That’s where we got the means to start mass producing guns and rifles from.
>Does this mean the language in the Sakkilian Empire is the same as that in Varkland, albeit with just enough divergence to have a accent?
As this area was originally one great empire once, it’s not that weird that most people speak the same language.

>You did dump the powder out and safely discharge your brother's pistol after that traitorous scum overfilled it?
You cleaned it out and gave it to one of the gun caretakers. You should have it back in an hour or two.
>With the threat of assassination suddenly over you, from now on you won't be going anywhere without a loaded pistol on your person.
…suddenly you feel rather naked without your gun. You make a mental note to make sure to keep two of them at the ready just in case from now on.
>Now that you think about it, having Briannah sharing your bed would actually help protect you from assassins getting you in your sleep.
Those are some nice pros, indeed. It would seem your own bedroom will probably be the safest place to sleep… but, there is still the problem with Briannah actually sleeping in your bed at all.
>...Though, thinking more on it, she's going to a make a hell of a dent in the mattress when she lays down. Like, a canyon-sized one.
Luckily, the bed should be big enough that you’ll need to roll over several times before you get crushed under her mass.

>Ask her later if you can reforged the sword into a gun barrel.
…for some reason, you feel like she might get angry if you ask that… like, really angry. I’ll eat you alive angry.
>Perhaps you should consider getting Briannah a gift that isn't traditionally Sakkilian, since she probably has gotten so many of them. Maybe get her something that's distinctly Varkian.
Hmm… but what? You have a feeling a bouquet of flowers and some seeds dipped in yogurt isn’t going to enough.
>.....I'm tempted for that human skull.
…where are you even supposed to get one of those? It’s not like you have one on hand.
>She did say that on the trip here she "found this great vista but sadly I didn’t have the time to give it proper justice," which sounds like she's probably a painter.
Hmm… if she is a painter, which you have to double check, then there might be something lying around the old studio. You and your sister used to paint in there when you were a kids, but it’s been standing unused for a few years now.
>Do some more research on firearm mechanics.
Researching the necessary arcane theory and engineering principles to fully understand the secret of a gun and how to improve them would take years. You don’t have the energy to do something like that.

>Innocent Vark Child Meat? Might be propaganda.
It does sound a bit like propaganda, yes.
>Just how old is this book? And was it written by a Vark?
…apparently, it was written by a Vark under the war… so, yes, it’s probably propaganda.
>If you want to further confirm this tome isn't worth the paper it's printed on, look up the section on Sakkilian ritual cannibalism.
...Apparently they eat their enemies while they are still alive, eat anyone that show weakness and their own young as soon as they are born… so, yes, clearly propaganda.
>I can see this alliance going over great with the masses if that book is any indication.
To be fair, it was written under the war…

…

>Seek out the head librarian and ask him or her why there's such a dearth of material on Sakkilian culture here.
Well, you do know the head librarian here by name… even if you can never pronounce that weird Hiver name properly.

Sebkai? Are you there?
It’s S’bk’ta, but yes, my prince, I’m here. How can I assist you?
I’m looking for a book about Sakkilian culture.
Oh, then you’re a bit late, I’m afraid. I believe nearly all of them have already been borrowed by other people. See, a lot of people don’t want to accidentally offend these new guests of ours. Have you checked the library already?
I found a book called “Sakkilan and their secrets”…
Ah… that’s… I thought I removed that book already. As you surly noticed, it’s filled with old propaganda.
So, you can’t help me?
Well… I do have an option for you. There’s a book that’s been removed called “Sakkilians weaknesses”, three volumes in fact, that would work.
Weaknesses?
Most of it is about how to efficiently kill of a lot of Sakkilians, but apparently their culture and habits should be well documented in it.
So that’s why it was removed? Not to offend our guests with plans on how to kill them?
That and it’s bound in fine Sakkilian leather.
Ah… of course.
Right this way, my prince, I’ll open a private room for you to use.

>Look up historical arms from the Sakkilian empire.
Let’s see… The handle is definitely of Sakkilian origin… probably used by and high ranking army officer or noble.
>Look up info on Briannah's family dynasty.
…that’s odd. According to this book the empress only had three sons.
>Look up the laws of succession is in the Sakkilian Empire.
Apparently, they have some kind of “election” among the upper class of who will become the new empress or emperor. In fact, no one seems to inherit anything by default…
>Look up the name on the sword.
“Myseth”… a family that has a long history of working in the army, mostly as officers. The family died out when the last in the line was killed in the war, a general Eratin Myseth.
>Look up anything about weaponry in that book.
Hmm… there’s a lot about the importance of ancestral weapons and armor in Sakkilian culture, but nothing about broken blades… wait, what is this? “They also use weapons or armor passed along their families to propose to their significant other. This is accomplished by one part gifting an ancestral item, often one worn and broken, to the one they wishes to propose to and if they return it repaired and properly maintained it means that they have accepted the… proposal…” …wait…did she…

New icon is behaving strangely, can’t figure out why.

It's possible she may be a child by adoption rather then a full blooded heir, considering that they seem to have elections would make for less of an issue of inheritance.

And that is indeed a marriage proposal sword hilt. I guess we may need to get it properly fixed later.... And speaking of which, he may not have been the last in his line if she's holding said sword.

Why is Sakkilian leather & ivory used at all, anyway?

>According to this book the empress only had three sons.
I'm guessing past tense 'had' is particularly apt in this case.
>…wait…did she…
Propose at you, yes. Now you should probably find one of those artisans your people are so famous for to fix the thing. And lock it up in the meantime so nobody steals it.

I'm guessing this means Briannah is not the daughter of the Empresses husband, and is instead the child of an illegitimate union between the Empress and this general. See if you can find out more about illegitimate children in their culture.

>>652783
So she gave you an authentic Sakkilian marriage proposal. A choice your own family isn't really giving you.

First thing you should probably look up in those books is body language. It would be nice to know what that tail-thing is about.

For the future: knock or otherwise announce yourself when you return to your room. On top of the shock value of walking in on her naked, Briannah mentioned 'other wounds', which will introduce you to a new, horrible level of awkward if you walk in while she's treating herself.

Kronos 2015/07/03(Fri)11:00 No. 652815 ID: 65a774
File 143594640121.png - (46.08KB , 663x508 , 38.png )

>Why is Sakkilian leather & ivory used at all, anyway?
Well, the leather is though, hardy and has a nice, forestry green color…
>For the future: knock or otherwise announce yourself when you return to your room.
You have to remember that so you don’t have to wash your eyes with soap next time you return to your room.
>So she gave you an authentic Sakkilian marriage proposal.
… …you have to wonder if she’s expecting you to propose in the Vrakian way as well.
>Now you should probably find one of those artisans your people are so famous for to fix the thing.
Yes, that would be prudent. You’re supposed to accept this thing for the kingdom and stuff. You’ll pass the palace artificer on the way back to your room later, you can hand it over then.

>It's possible she may be a child by adoption rather than a full blooded heir.
That’s a possibility… but why adopt Briannah?
>I'm guessing this means Briannah is not the daughter of the Empresses husband, and is instead the child of an illegitimate union between the Empress and this general.
That’s also probable. You’re not sure if you should ask her about this directly or not.

>See if you can find out more about illegitimate children in their culture.
…apparently, blood in itself isn’t really considered. They belong to whatever family that accepts them, including both if that’s what happens. That means if Briannah isn’t the Emperor son, the Empress has still accepted her and made her part of the imperial family.
>First thing you should probably look up in those books is body language. It would be nice to know what that tail-thing is about.
Let’s see… tail wagging is usually a sign of excitement… or if the tail curls a lot, a sign of happiness. A twitching tail on the other hand is a sign of anger. There’s also a bit about how the tail are used, for example, to caress or squeeze someone is a sign of affection, while hiding behind it is a sign of shame. There’s a lot here about tail moments, really…

The tail looked pretty curled even when she first saw you so it looks like she was looking forward to this. There seems be a bit of nuance to the tail; I hope we won't be misinterpreting it. So what are some Vark propsal rituals? It could be a good idea to hand her back your own proposal at the same time as you accept hers.

She might actually want you to reforge it yourself. Couldn't hurt to have some help, but she might be disappointed otherwise.

>>652815
...look up the names of the Empress' sons. Look for a Brian.

How do you tell the gender of a Sakkil? Aren't there eye markings or something?

What's that bookmark marking? And what does the crest on it signify? Is that your family's crest?

What's that crossed out image of a tail touching a Vark about? That signs of affection from a Sakkilian to a Vark is considered bad by Sakkilian society?

Didn't Briannah caress you with her tail right after putting you down? That's a lot of affection to show someone at first meeting, especially a Vark. And her tail showed she was either excited or happy multiple times when you two were talking. And she said she chose to come stay a year here of her own volition... Oh, no... Oh, no! Oh, Gods, that's why she's been so happy to be betrothed to you! She's a bloody Varkophile! And she's got the hots for you! Oh, Gods above, why?! It's bad enough that you're forced into marrying her, but now you have to deflect her amorous advances too! Oh, why?!

>>652832
>...look up the names of the Empress' sons. Look for a Brian.
...Oh, Gods... A terrible, terrible thought runs through your mind, making your blood run cold. You quickly thumb through the book for the marks and traits to identify a Sakkilian's sex, followed by checking for a list of Sakkilian Empire generals for any mention of a General Briannah or a Sakkilian of phenomenal stature and strength living in modern times, either a general or otherwise. Is it noted whether Eratin Myseth was of unusual height and strength as well? And check on Sakkilian society's stance on homosexuality and those who're transgendered.

Oh, and also check the publication date for the book. It might be that the Empress adopted Briannah after it was published which is why it only lists her sons.

Kronos 2015/07/03(Fri)14:49 No. 652861 ID: 65a774
File 143596017641.png - (44.62KB , 684x524 , 39.png )

>She might actually want you to reforge it yourself.
That’s not going too happened… and the book doesn’t mention anything about doing it yourself, just that the partner got it repaired.
>So what are some Vark propsal rituals?
Generally, you give lady a splendid night before offering a bracelet of gold or silver imbued with a gemstone of some kind. Later, the lady is supposed to give another bracelet back to the man for him to wear, often one that matches the first one.
>It could be a good idea to hand her back your own proposal at the same time as you accept hers.
Hmm… that should work.

>Check the publication date for the book.
Right in the middle of the war, apparently.
>What's that crossed out image of a tail touching a Vark about?
“Warning, if a Sakkilian caress you after you’ve been captured, try to flee at once. It means the Sakkilian is looking forward of eating you and your execution is near.” …well, that’s comforting.
>How do you tell the gender of a Sakkil?
Females are larger, have wider hips, smaller shoulders and are generally rounder, especially in the face. Male are more square faced and generally got a “beard” on their chin. You saw some males when Briannah first arrived, and there where quite a distinct difference between the two.
>The tail looked pretty curled even when she first saw you so it looks like she was looking forward to this.
Hmm… why was she so happy getting forced to marry me?

>What's that bookmark marking? And what does the crest on it signify? Is that your family's crest?
That’s odd, you know you’ve seen that crest before, but you can’t quite place it. The bookmark is neatly placed at the start of a chapter concerning poisons effective against Sakkilians for some reason. You have to wonder why.
>Check on Sakkilian society's stance on homosexuality and those who're transgendered.
…it seems they are more concerned about heirs, blood related or otherwise, then who actually share your bed with… or what you think you are. This includes all kind of interspecies marriages too.
>Checking for a list of Sakkilian Empire generals for any mention of a General Briannah.
…you can’t find any mention of a Briannah anywhere.
>...look up the names of the Empress' sons. Look for a Brian.
None of her sons are named Brain, but one of them goes by the name Brianthor… wait…

Kronos 2015/07/03(Fri)14:49 No. 652862 ID: 65a774
File 143596018758.png - (41.99KB , 684x524 , 40.png )

>Didn't Briannah caress you with her tail right after putting you down?
…
>Empress doesn’t have daughters.
…
>She said she chose to come stay a year here of her own volition.
…
>Empress has a son called Brianthor.
…
>She's a bloody Varkophile!
…
>Brianthor, not Briannah.
…
…
…
…
[Internal screaming]

ok...let's just calm down for now... No matter how good a book is, there is still the chance that it might have a little flaw.
Let's calm down, and calmly ask Briannah/Brianthor about this. Also, they could have pretended that "She" was male in order to protect her somehow?
It was published in middle of the war after all...

... You finished squealing yet?

Alright, MAYBE it's not as bad as it looks. Briannah might have taken on a male personality to curry favor with her troops. If it's the other way around, this marriage was political anyway.

Talk to your father about this. If you get too uncomfortable you can always leave the city and do something productive with your life.

The symbol was on your mother's books!

They say a picture says a thousand words, and your face says 'don't drop the soap' two hundred and fifty times. How's that gilded cage looking now?

There are still some explanations for this, from magical fuckery to purposely concealing her gender for hierarchical reasons. However, you are owed an explanation. Tell her you looked through a book on Sakkilian culture, and found something interesting.

That bookmark in front of the chapter on poison does not bode well for the diplomatic dinner. Take the bookmark and ask the librarian about it.

Hmm. Well, there's an alternate explanation for her happiness besides being a Varkophile, then: it's quite possible this is one of the first times she's been able to be openly female. And that applies regardless of whether she's transgender or just was posing as a male.

Also: get that girl some food tasters, stat.

Take that Bookmark and ask S’bk’ta if he has a list of everyone who has viewed this book recently, or if he recognizes the crest on the bookmark. I have a feeling someone is going to try to poison Briannah at your father's feast tonight.

>The bookmark is neatly placed at the start of a chapter concerning poisons effective against Sakkilians for some reason. You have to wonder why.
might want to bring this little tidbit of information to your father before the feast starts.

>Internal screaming
read some more about this Brianthor character. See if you can't find a picture or at least a description of the guy.

>>652862
Not into guys? It's fine, you don't have to have sex with... whoever it is. Her anatomy looks female, though. Is magic/technology advanced enough to change someone's physical gender? Maybe she was born male, but no longer is. If so, this doesn't really change much.

Oh, and that crest on the bookmark is the same crest that was on one of your mother's books. Another assassination attempt is about to go down, this time against her. Warn her.

She looks more like the female than the male, calm your feathers before you end up an impromptu duster!

>That’s odd, you know you’ve seen that crest before, but you can’t quite place it. The bookmark is neatly placed at the start of a chapter concerning poisons effective against Sakkilians for some reason. You have to wonder why.

Yeah, might want to warn both Brianwhatever and your father.
Ask the librarian first who else has had access to this book.

Other issues can wait. Assassins will not.

On the other hand it's possible someone in the kitchen looked up things poisonous to Sakkilians so not to *accidentally* poison her. But that's not likely if the chapter is about non-food poisons, specifically poisons that are particularly effective against Sakkilians.

That poison section thing looks pretty suspicious. Check the bookmarked section on poisons, take the bookmark, and ask the librarian if he recognizes that symbol or knows who else would have left a bookmark there. (I am fairly sure that S’bk’ta isn't with them since if he was he could have simply not mentioned having that book.)

>Empress has a son called Brianthor.
Not really that relevant since you weren't into Sakkilian

>She's a bloody Varkophile!
That part could get awkward though.

some species of reptile/amphibian can undergo a sex transfomation to become female.

...You'll run. ...You'll run to the stables and ride to the nearest port and hop a ship to the farthest point in the known world and keep running from there and never stop and never look back and... And... Wait a second... Hold on... Whether Briannah has a dick or not doesn't change a damn thing about your situation, does it? You have absolutely no interest in bedding Briannah, nor a duty to country or royal lineage to do so. And you're planning to deflect her amorous advances before they get anywhere near that point. So all in all it doesn't matter one whit what's in her genital slit since you're going to take great pains to avoid coming in contact with it.

However, knowing what she's actually packin' down there might be important for other reasons later on, though you don't know quite what they would be. You'll continue to discreetly try to figure it out. You'll need more recent records to do so, though. For now note the ages of the Empress and her sons. You can find out Briannah's age later and compare them. Maybe ask her how old she was when the war broke out to get it. You could also ask when and where she lost her eye to pin down a particular battle there might be a record of her commanding. You could also pester the court spymaster for a peek at the dossier on Briannah they almost certainly have compiled, though that feels... wrong, somehow. Like it'd be cheating.

...And for some reason Briannah's promise to keep her hands from wandering in bed comes to mind, which you now realize didn't include her tail. You bet she's gonna gently caress you in some indecent way with that thing tonight, just to tease and get a rise out of you... Not that kind of rise! ...Well, maybe both kinds.

>That’s odd, you know you’ve seen that crest before, but you can’t quite place it.
It's from your nightmare! That crest was on the book your mother was holding. Though, since it was a dream the crest may have been inserted from another of your memories and she didn't actually have a book like that back then. You'd have to go through your mother's things recovered from then to be sure. But what you can do right now is get a book on Varkian heraldry and look up the symbolism of that crest, then check if it's listed in the record of family, organization or locality crests.

>The bookmark is neatly placed at the start of a chapter concerning poisons effective against Sakkilians for some reason. You have to wonder why.
Oh, that does not bode well at all for Briannah at the grand dinner, nor any other meal for her in the palace going forward. But it's not quite as dangerous as it looks at first 'cause she has food tasters among her following for just this reason... She does, right?

And why was the bookmark left behind? You figure anyone with half a brain wouldn't leave such a telltale indicator of a poison plot. And they wouldn't need to leave a bookmark unless they were going to come back to reference it... Oh, ho! They're going to come back, which means they can be caught! ...Or maybe you're getting ahead of yourself and the bookmark was actually put in there years ago. Better ask S’bk’ta who last came in here to read this book or checked it out and if he can remember how long this bookmark has been in it.

look through the chapter on poisons. particularly for ones that can be put in food and drinks that don't affect vark. There's probably at least one like that.

Also, consider the possibility that an outside nation may wish to prevent this alliance. What do you know about the other nations?

Kronos 2015/07/05(Sun)06:57 No. 653171 ID: 65a774
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>They say a picture says a thousand words, and your face says 'don't drop the soap' two hundred and fifty times.
From now on you’ll never touch soap again…
>...You'll run. ...You'll run to the stables and ride to the nearest port and hop a ship to the farthest point in the known world and keep running from there and never stop and never look back!
Even though the thought scare you, you are seriously considering to simply fleeing from your life of excess to the end of the world, even if it would mean giving up everything you know… but…
>Whether Briannah has a dick or not doesn't change a damn thing about your situation, does it? You have absolutely no interest in bedding Briannah, nor a duty to country or royal lineage to do so.
Calming down, you realize that things might be a bit more awkward then before, but it’s not the end of the world you first visualized.
>Calm your feathers before you end up an impromptu duster!
You proceed to stop using your tail feathers as a duster and calm down.

>No matter how good a book is, there is still the chance that it might have a little flaw.
It’s possible the author simply missed Briannah…or that she became who she is after it was written.
>Briannah might have taken on a male personality to curry favor with her troops.
While that would be practical in your own culture, it’s not very probable in the Sakkilian one, as being female generally is preferred over being male.
>Is magic/technology advanced enough to change someone's physical gender?
As far as you know, no.
>Some species of reptile/amphibian can undergo a sex transformation to become female.
You’re pretty sure Sakkilians doesn’t change genders on a whim.
>How's that gilded cage looking now?
While it might be a bit less gilded, the gender of the beast guarding it shouldn’t matter.

>Let's calm down, and calmly ask Briannah/Brianthor about this.
How are you supposed to bring something like this up? You can’t just walk up to her and accuse her of packing heat downstairs.
>Talk to your father about this.
Hmm, it’s possible that your father would know who exactly Briannah is.
>You could also pester the court spymaster for a peek at the dossier on Briannah they almost certainly have compiled.
You don’t know your spymaster very well… and you don’t know if pestering it would give you any results. You’re pretty sure it doesn’t answer to you at all.
>Well, there's an alternate explanation for her happiness besides being a Varkophile, then: it's quite possible this is one of the first times she's been able to be openly female.
Hmm… that would be a bit less awkward in the long run, if it was true.

>Read some more about this Brianthor character. See if you can't find a picture or at least a description of the guy.
There doesn’t seem to be a lot of information about him, but it does say that he would be 26 years old this year and was promoted to a general under the war. Other than that, nothing.
>For now note the ages of the Empress and her sons.
The empress herself 53 years old this year, whiles her three sons age ranges from 30 to 26, with
Brianthor being the youngest.


>Check the bookmarked section on poisons.
You take a quick glance at the poisons chapter, noting that most poisons that are lethal for Sakkilians are lethal to Vrakians as well. There is one thing that stands out though, as it seems one of the poisons, “Blood Blossom”, has been “marked” with a small red inkblot which seems rather out of place. Apparently if ingested a Sakkilian the victim will, after a few minutes, start bleeding from their mouth, nose and maybe even the eyes, drowning them in their own blood after a few minutes. The only known cure is to force the victim “expel” the ingested poison, that is to say, make them puke. In fact, all the poisons on these two pages need to be expelled that way. Luckily, according to the book, it doesn’t even grow on this continent and thus is too expensive to be practical.
>Particularly for ones that can be put in food and drinks that don't affect vark.
You can’t find anything lethal that doesn’t also affect Varks in some way, even though the effect isn’t lethal. This “Blood Blossom” for example, will give a Vark a high fever and weaken the body considerably, which might even be lethal if you’re already weak from age or disease.
>Get that girl some food tasters, stat.
You’re pretty sure she already got a pair.
>The symbol was on your mother's books!
Yes, you remember now. That symbol was on one of the books your mother usually read too you. But you can’t remember what, exactly, it was about.

>Take the bookmark and ask the librarian about it.
Let’s me see that… hmm… I do recognize it but… I can’t quite place it? Where did you find it, you said?
In the book you gave me.
Ah, I must have missed it when I handed them over, but no, I can’t say for certain what it is.
I think I remember seeing it on a book my mother used to read too me… a book I was quite fond of.
A book y- ah, I think I remember now. That’s the calling sign of… let’s see if I can remember their name… … …no, but it was this guild of heroes that used that symbol, you know a make believe guild that only existed in fiction. I do believe you were quite fond of one of the lady heroines, if I remember correctly.
…yes, I think I remember now… the brotherhood of righteous arms I think they called themselves… but why would someone use a symbol like this to mark a page of poisons potent against Sakkilians?
Hmm… well, I do know they took the stories about that guild in a new direction when the war raged on, making it more… hostile towards Sakkilian. I nearly became propaganda for kids, if I have to say it myself.
…hmm…

>Ask if he has a list of everyone who has viewed this book recently.
My apologizes, but no. We only register books that are burrowed and leave the library halls.
>Ask the librarian first who else has had access to this book.
Well, nearly every Liberian that works here… and all the high Scholars in the collage that’s near here too, not to mention the Palace scribers and the like. It’s a lot of people, really.
>why was the bookmark left behind? You figure anyone with half a brain wouldn't leave such a telltale indicator of a poison plot. And they wouldn't need to leave a bookmark unless they were going to come back to reference it...
…all I can think of is either whoever left it wasn’t able to fully copy the information, or that it’s a message to someone else.
>Oh, ho! They're going to come back, which means they can be caught!
Either way, it means someone is coming back for it.
So you want to make a trap?
Something like that, yes. But how… let me think…

>Consider the possibility that an outside nation may wish to prevent this alliance. What do you know about the other nations?
There are three nations surrounding the Risavia Kingdom, not counting the “kingdom” of the sea. To the north, there is the Zadian empire, that is, the Sakkilian. To the south and southwest on the other hand there’s the Human kingdom of Lorentia while to the west, also bordering the Zadian Empire, is the Hiver Dynasty of… err.. kersekteb-something something. While those two nations have mighty armies, they are currently at war with each other, which mean if they see us as an easy target, they might attack to try and get an upper hand in their own war.

>Might want to bring this little tidbit of information to your father before the feast starts.
>Another assassination attempt is about to go down, this time against her. Warn her.
Both your father and Briannah should be informed about this, but you have to consider who to approach first… and how to approach them about this matter. There’s also the matter about the book and what to do with the bookmark… as well as what to do with the new information you gained about Briannah… if that even is her name.

Well if someone else is coming to check the book how about we leave a decoy? Is there any section in the one with all that propaganda that might lead them to believe that something harmless is actually deadly? Just put the bookmark in that book and add a small ink splotch to the correct passage.

As for telling your father and Briannah let's start with your dad. Check out the book and take it to your father and ask to speak with him privately. Show him the book and tell him about the bookmark and ink splotch and let him know you find it very suspect. Hopefully we're just being paranoid, but I wouldn't want to dismiss it and find out we were right after all.

> You can’t just walk up to her and accuse her of packing heat downstairs.
Seriously? What happened to speech craft+, intelligence+? Tell her you looked in a book on Sakkilian culture and found something interesting; the Empress doesn't have any daughters. So, Brianthor, would you care to explain that?
>You don’t know your spymaster very well… and you don’t know if pestering it would give you any results.
Pestering? What are you, a hungry hatchling? You're going to bribe him like the proper grown up prince you are.

Kronos, you're thinking too small here. You'll never have control of anything if you constantly resign yourself to the hand of fate. The guards let in two conspirators attempting to kill you; I don't know if they're incompetent or in on it but that doesn't matter right now, the point is they won't be the ones to stop it. Is there anything on hand that can induce vomiting, like smelling salts or something? Bring enough for the people you like, and conceal it to it doesn't stink up the dining room.

tell Briannah first, she is the target and someone might try to slip her the poison before the feast. While your at it inquire about the Empress only having three sons and no daughters. After that go tell your Dad about possible future attempts on you fiancée.

Maybe somebody knows you were fond of that fictional guild and is trying to set you up?

>>653171
I love these damn hidden messages in the scribbles.
>>653182
That, or the fantasy guild became a real one.

>It’s possible the author simply missed Briannah…or that she became who she is after it was written.
Or another possibility is that she was adopted by the Empress after it was written.

>There doesn’t seem to be a lot of information about him, but it does say that he would be 26 years old this year and was promoted to a general under the war.
>The empress herself 53 years old this year, whiles her three sons age ranges from 30 to 26, with Brianthor being the youngest.
Wait a second... That can't be right. The book was published about midway through the war, so... Three years plus eight to nine... Roughly eleven to twelve years ago, right? Which would put Brianthor being made a general at the ripe old age of fifteen, at the latest. You seriously doubt the Zadian Empire was promoting teenagers to high military positions back then, even if he was the son of the Empress. So unless "general" has a different meaning to them than you the most likely explanation is either the author made a mistake with the numbers or the printers did when typesetting it. And that means you'll have to look elsewhere for their correct ages.

Pull down a book with info on battles from later in the war and skim it from the latest entry to the earliest for the names of the generals on the Zadian side. You might be able to spot Brianthor or Briannah in there.

>This “Blood Blossom” for example, will give a Vark a high fever and weaken the body considerably, which might even be lethal if you’re already weak from age or disease.
Then perhaps the poison plot is actually against one or more Varks who are old or in ill health that'll be at the grand feast, under the guise of being against Brinannah. After all, she's got two food tasters who probably also carry antidotes and counters to most of the known poisons, so she's well protected. But what about the Varks? Can the poisons be countered merely by inducing vomiting or something similarly simple as well? And how detectable is it? And what Varks are going to be at the feast that are old or in ill health... Oh, gods... Could this be against your father?! Just how's his health these days? But even if it isn't specifically against him there's going to be a lot of other powerful senior Varks at the feast, right?

You'd best speak with your father first to tell him about this possible poison plot. It might turn out to be nothing, but it's still best to get on it right away in case it's real. After that you can bring up the irregularities you read regarding Briannah. Specifically the Empress not having a daughter and that the Myseth family line the broken family sword Briannah presented you is from is recorded as dying out, which it shouldn't have since she's alive. And your father will probably have books with more up-to-date information you can check to hash this out. And leave the speculation that she might be or have been a he for if you don't get a better explanation otherwise.

Kronos 2015/07/05(Sun)12:44 No. 653206 ID: 65a774
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>Maybe somebody knows you were fond of that fictional guild and is trying to set you up?
Except you didn’t even remember it existed before now. If they were trying to set you up they would have to use something a bit more recent.
>That, or the fantasy guild became a real one.
That’s possible... the symbol was associated with Sakkilian hate under the war, if Seb- Sebk- the head librarian is correct.
>Wait a second... That can't be right. The book was published about midway through the war, so... Three years plus eight to nine... Roughly eleven to twelve years ago, right? Which would put Brianthor being made a general at the ripe old age of fifteen, at the latest.
…that doesn’t seem right, indeed.
>Pull down a book with info on battles from later in the war and skim it from the latest entry to the earliest for the names of the generals on the Zadian side.
Err… actually, my Prince, the books I would recommend about that subject is already lent out… by the your… err… wife? Briannah? Her servants wasn’t here long ago retrieving it.
Really?

>Pestering? What are you, a hungry hatchling? You're going to bribe him like the proper grown up prince you are.
You’ll look through your personal coffers to see what you can cough up. If anything, you’re sure you can spin a white lie to your Poppa for a bit extra gold.
>Well if someone else is coming to check the book how about we leave a decoy? Is there any section in the one with all that propaganda that might lead them to believe that something harmless is actually deadly?
…well, you did spot this odd passage about Sakkilian being deadly allergic to lemon juice for some reason…
>Just put the bookmark in that book and add a small ink splotch to the correct passage.
Hopefully, Briannah will only be given some lemons instead of something deadly.

>Check out the book.
Sorry, my lord, but this book is not to be brought out of the library. I can, on the other hand, write out a transcript and sign it for you in just a minute. That way we don’t need to accidently offend anyone and it should hold enough scrutiny to replace the real thing.
Thank you, Seb… Sebk- Seb- Head Liberian.
In fact, I should send a copy with an explanation to the king himself… and the captain of the guard… and the leader of the Sakkilian security too.
…Just send one to my father, please. We might otherwise reveal our hand to early, sir.
…yes, you’re correct. I’ll send one over to your father, then.
>Is there anything on hand that can induce vomiting, like smelling salts or something?
You know the medical office here is supposed to have some kind of liquid or herb that induce vomiting on stock, so you’ll simply make a quick stop there right after you leave the library.

…

>Tell Briannah first, she is the target and someone might try to slip her the poison before the feast.
She’s probably still in your room… you better knock just in case she’s… well…

*Knock*Knock*
Whose there?
It’s your “husband”, can I come in?
Well, I’m mostly decent, so sure, go right a’ead.

Kronos 2015/07/05(Sun)12:45 No. 653207 ID: 65a774
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The shower is free if yah want to clean up before we ‘ead to the dinner.
…
…or did yah want something else?
…
…
…
…are yah just go-
A-actually, I wanted to talk to you about something. See, I was in the library reading about Sakkilian culture…
…oh? Found something interesting?
Several things, in fact. The most pressing is probably… well, I found some signs that someone might try to poison you soon… with something called Blood Blossom.
Blood Blossom? Really? Do they really think I’m worth that much? But don’t worry; I ‘ave taste testers at my disposal… and medical personal. But thank yah for the warning, Prince.

And another thing, before I forget… when I said that I wouldn’t tolerate your hands wandering when we sleep tonight, that includes your tail.
Aw, yah’re no fun.
Or any other body part, for that matter.
Now yah’re just mean.

Oh, and I did read something else interesting. Apparently the Empress doesn’t have a daughter, but tree sons.
…
…
… … …really?
…you wouldn’t happen to know who Brianthor is?
… … …we never saw eye to eye but… yes, I ‘new who ‘e was. What of it?
Didn’t they say you were the empress daughter?
… …ha, indeed they did.
Care to explain?
But yah’re the one who brought it up. I’m sure yah’ve already figured it out, ‘aven’t you? Yah’re a bright kid, eh? So, who am I, really?

How she managed to fit all that ass into armor is a mystery I want to see solved someday.

Either way, you have your suspicions from your research, lay em on.

She's not the emperor...

She's the general?

I just had a startling thought. When did general Myseth supposedly die, and about when would Briannah have been born? If Briannah was conceived before and born after her fathers death then there would be no one in his family to accept her into it; which could explain why her father is noted as the last of the bloodline.

Well, I did find some information about gifting a worn or broken ancestral weapon as a wedding gift. I also found information about the Myseth family whose name is engraved on the sword you gave me, but the book indicated that the deceased general Eratin Myseth was the last of their bloodline. We're certain she's related to the general but in what way and exactly why she isn't a Myseth herself, and why she was sent here as the empresses only daughter, we really only have conjecture.

any idea what the symbol on her hand means?

>You’ll look through your personal coffers to see what you can cough up.
I think there's precedent to use alcohol, too.
>I’m sure yah’ve already figured it out, ‘aven’t you? Yah’re a bright kid, eh? So, who am I, really?
Most likely scenario, you're a long lost relative of General Myseth that somehow ended up with royal blood.

Well logically they wouldn't send anyone here that wasn't in the royal family. The only female we know of in the royal family is the Empress, and she's married so she's disqualified. So the logical conclusion is that this is one of the "sons". Except she's also obviously female.

Two possibilities. She was adopted after the book was written, or she's one of the sons, but has a female body. Due to some nonsense- like having a dick, maybe- she was considered male in Sakkil lands, but could pass as female here, so the arranged marriage would look legitimate in public.

In that case though, anyone who knew anything about the royal family in her lands would know that the marriage isn't what it appears to be. Would they laugh behind our backs about this? Or did the royal family claim they were adopting a new member of the family, when in reality she was already in it?

It's just... difficult to see how this is supposed to work. Regardless, I think the most likely case is that she's Brianthor. Or, put more delicately, used to be.
Invoke speechcraft and intelligence!