Fen 2015/10/22(Thu)20:33 No. 678843 ID: dd338c
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And that my brother was just on some mind altering mushrooms when he talked about how standing on a border felt like you were standing on earth you were never supposed to be on, and that the reason why no kobold empire could ever take over the western lands isn't because of a lack of power, but because all the earth outside of the familiar world is like this. It would drive an army insane after weeks.

I can see why. I feel a vague sense of unknown danger and displacement. That doesn't matter, though. I'm at the border, meaning I've reached the empire's lands.

What really made me gawk when I reached the clearing, though, are these plants! They look dead, but they're a good treat back home when we trade with the north, and now, I'm looking at an endless field of them. I've never seen so much food before. Neither these crops nor the trees appear to grow across the border. I know these crops would be valuable to barbarians, even the ones close to the border that I had to evade. I just don't know what to think; not just could I reach over and grab as many as I could carry, but the ones right along the fence are still untouched.

I wouldn't even need to cross the fence, but it doesn't look like it could keep anything out. They reach just a bit below my neck, but I still can't see too far, as it looks like the hills here constantly roll up and down.

I don't see any paths, but I don't have high ground either.

Although I'm low on food currently, it hasn't been difficult to find more. My archery has improved, and I wouldn't be allowed to forget my tracking. That may not be useful, though, past the fence.

..... also, the sky is blue over there.

>>678843
Don't steal crops. Keep moving. Maybe see if you can find signs of whoever owns the crops, perhaps you can buy some.

That fence was built to contain those fields. Lots of work goes into farming food at that scale and I bet they do not look kindly on strange forest folk pilfering stuff. Look around for watch towers and I bet you will notice someone keeping a eye on things in the distance.

This much food is needed when you stuff a ton of people into a small area. Just imagine how bad hunting would get if you had a tribe ten times the size in your forest. You would have to learn to grow food like this, break up the tribe, or starve.

Past here you will be out of the endless forest. So hunting might not be possible shortly. Keep a eye out for anything new. There will be people living nearby these fields you can get directions from. Do not cross the fence but keep going around it until you find a trail through.

>I just don't know what to think; not just could I reach over and grab as many as I could carry, but the ones right along the fence are still untouched.
They're untouched because stealing has consequences. This place has laws, and it enforces them. No need to cross that, or set the locals against you by making yourself a criminal.

>actual line of color transition in the sky
Huh. Yeah, that's different. The border is literal. (I wonder if the color shift is due to some kind of nationalist boundary magic set up, or if this world is made up of a bunch of different places that were stitched together).

>>678843
Be careful, you're out in owned territory now. Who knows, they might have anti-hunting laws on these owned lands, at least without the permission of the owner. These people sell everything, that means they probably sell things like land rights and whoever can hunt on specific territory, and territory disputes are settled with money instead of war, except when it is also handled with war, because that happens too.

Get to civilization fast, set that pace to grueling and rations to minuscule. I hope you have valuables and items to trade for currency! You better have made good use out of every animal you've hunted yet!

Yeah, the fact that even the SKY is divided means that there is some pretty literal boundries happening right here. Almost certainly magic.

All this might seem strange at first but think about what you would do if you had this much food. You would have it guarded so your rivals could not steal it. So someone is watching over this stuff.

As for the sky you will have to ask around later on.

I would avoid tromping on someones food so maybe climb a tree to get a better view of things? That or follow this fence for awhile until you find a path around.

1/4 Fen 2015/10/24(Sat)17:28 No. 679146 ID: dd338c
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>Someone is guarding it
That's what I would think, but I just don't see anyone. It's possible there are hidden detectors, though. I know the population of the north is staggering, but I can't imagine them having enough guards to look over the whole field at once.

>Border is literal
I don't know much about these few feet of dead stretches, but I know that when a greater beast dies, not just does a new kind of kobold come from its corpse, but its magic influences the land around it. So, each region is divided into segments of where a greater beasts' influence is cut off and another begins.

It affects people who grow up, too. For instance, my mom spent a little bit of her childhood at where the dragon died, and that's why she has just a few more spikes than most of the rest of us.

I climb a tree to get a better look. It's just rolling hills and food for as far as I can see, except for a couple of guard towers that seem too far apart to guard the crops effectively. I do see a sign though and a slight break in the crops, and that my be the path I take.

2/4 Fen 2015/10/24(Sat)17:28 No. 679147 ID: dd338c
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I traverse the border to get a better look at the sign. It warns barbarians about stealing crops, but it looks like there's something tied below it. I go onto the path to get a closer look.

3/4 Fen 2015/10/24(Sat)17:29 No. 679148 ID: dd338c
File 144573298761.png - (40.00KB , 800x800 , 135.png )

Oh! What?! Zizi didn't tell me the empire did things like this to thieves! Or, at least, he really underplayed this! I wasn't planning on stealing anything, but that's too much!

I know that there's a lot more tension between barbarians and empires along the border, than there is for central barbarians like myself and more inland imperials. I shouldn't be too surprised, but still, we don't even kill other tribesmen often, let alone disrespect their dead like this.

4/4 Fen 2015/10/24(Sat)17:31 No. 679149 ID: dd338c
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I keep moving. If decency wasn't enough to keep me from stealing, then that was. And if not for that, this place would look peaceable.

My quick pace brings me to a house on the side when it's still midday. I don't think I need to stop, but maybe I could ask for information. Zizi always said that speaking with strangers in the empire was a lot more acceptable than speaking to different tribes.

>dunno how they watch the whole trail
>war dogs
Scent, maybe? Guard dogs patrolling the area, and they can tell is a person-scent leaves the trail, and if a food-scent goes with them.

That or maybe some kind of warding magic, but so far this seems like a low (practical) magic setting. It's stuff in the background and above your head (literally, in both cases, with the sky-border), not cantrips people throw around.

>speak to them?
Well, you might as well get practiced to speaking with Empire-folks. If things go badly, at least these guys are out in the middle of nowhere and you plan you put them behind you.

>>679149
Why not. Ask if you can buy rations from them. If not, do they know anywhere nearby that you can?

Living this close to the border, the locals are probably used to barbarians stealing their crops. They will likely meet you with hostility, it might be best just to move on.

Life is cheaper when you have more people around.

Remember how Lily's father was made a noble for developing some farming magic? They could have a low level noble wizard who just keeps a eye on the crops around here. That or its mostly unguarded and the bodies they leave out have taught the local barbarians to be wary.

Anyways go over and knock on the door. Be polite and ask for directions. If they ask say you are traveling inland to join the army. Say that some of lord Shups elite guards took a liking to you and you want to use the training they gave you to start a career.

Also ask if hunting is allowed in these parts and what the best way to resupply is. Don't let anyone see how much money you have by the way. You should keep most of it in a separate hidden pouch and only keep like one coin somewhere you can get to it. Might be a good idea to start wearing Lily's gift as well. Will show people you are not just some random out of the woods tribal. Cept if it backfires cause they think you stole it.

1/2 Fen 2015/10/26(Mon)17:09 No. 679533 ID: dd338c
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The more I think about it, the more it would make sense that a high level wizard is around here. If these crops are so important to the empire's population, then it would make sense that the best wizards, at least for guarding crops, would be put where the most guarding is needed.

I'll go to the house. As soon as I walk off the path, though, I hear some rustling in the crops.

2/2 Fen 2015/10/26(Mon)17:10 No. 679535 ID: dd338c
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A girl, shorter than the crops, nearly runs through the fence.

>"Whoa whoa whoa? Where do you think you're going? Can you read? Of course you can't, you savage, that's why we put up corpses! Did you not see those? Did you, and they turned out to be your enemy tribe and so you just thought hey, enemy of my enemy is my friend, so just trot your claws right in and make yourself at home, in the nearest home? Do we need to string you up there before it sinks in?"
"I'm sorry, but I-"
>"Get your sorry leaking mouth back onto the path and keep on walking on the path, greenie!" She starts right up again, talking faster the more she goes on. "You think we like having corpses up there? Our workers gotta harvest the whole country doing their job, and just duck under the festering corpses, don't mind the arm falling off, don't mind the smell, cause if they scooch on and ignore that little bit of crops under the corpses, poor little Lulu off in Erja Nokol will just have to go hungry tonight! And those poor dead bastards up on the string, I bet my socks they were useless, scale covered parasites in life, but here you are, not even giving them a chance to be useful as corpse warnings! Who do you think has to throw up new ones? You think Ol' Yahtli likes lugging some idiot barbarian what got himself slain up and down hill after hill and leave him hanging? He had dreams, now he's a glorified gravekeeper minus the grave and keeper! Maybe our monster neighbors would like his job, but we're civilized here!"

She sucks in a sharp breath, and I don't know if that means she's just going to keep going or let me go.

>>679535
"Are you done?"

Then, say hello. Ask for directions or something.

>>679535
...I had only meant to exchange words with you, but I do not think I have ever heard so many spoken in such quick succession.

I can actually read you know. I just wanted to ask for some directions to the capitol.

Blindly following the path after the corpse thing seemed like a bad idea.

>>679535
Hi, what's you're name? I'm Fen. I just want to join the army in this country, see if I can't make a name for myself in your lands. I must have skipped all those corpses you were talking about since I just came out of the woods.

I have to say though, corpses don't sound very civilized, and they sound like they'll send a message to the tribes that they're more civilized than the village's out here. In all honestly, it might embarrass your village rather then make you seem scary. You should probably have someone study the local tribes and understand what symbols they understand best to let them know not to meddle around here. Knowledge is power, and key to efficient diplomacy.

Fen 2015/10/26(Mon)22:27 No. 679591 ID: dd338c
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"My name is Fen and I can read but I want directions for the capital of the empire what is your name?" I have to talk at least as fast, her mouth looks like it's about ready to explode if I have the slightest pause mid-sentence.
>"My name is Nonyour Bizniss. If you can read, then follow the path! It'll lead to our province capital! Then if you aren't flat broke, you can get a warp to any other province, and way away from here."
"Warp?"
>"Oh. Good. Gods. Why are you going to the capital of a place you know nothing about?"
"I know some things, but I wasn't told there were warps. I didn't know that level of magic was possible."
>"Yeah, well, in your tree forts, you don't have a half dozen legendary wizards spending the greater portion of their lives working on connecting an empire together, do you? Didn't even have a brochure to say it existed! It's not like it's been around for all of over a year, now!... I guess that isn't that long, but didn't you ask anyone anything about the empire?"
"Yes, my brother informed me of... things."
>"Do you even know what kind of place you're going to? Do you even know what province you're in?! Who's your brother and why is he so bad at telling you things?"

That does hit home, Zizi has managed to answer most of my questions about the empire without actually giving me any information about it.

Just follow the roads northeast, but nothing about something so powerful as warps.

His name is Zizi. You might know him? Bit of a lady's man? Probably could even have a kid around here without knowing it.

>>679591
Tell her that your brother is a soldier, and mostly just told you stories and answered specific questions. It probably didn't occur to him to mention this stuff.

Ask if she could kindly fill in the gaps a little? If not you will continue.

Questions seem rhetorical, not meant to be answered. "Sorry to trouble you, miz Nonyour, I'll just be leaving now." Make a mental note to comply meticulously and unquestioningly with all posted directions and ordinances henceforth.

>>679591
Well, in my brother'a defense, I never knew to ask about any warps!

>It's not like it's been around for all of over a year, now!... I guess that isn't that long
Although that's the real reason. Zizi's been home more than a year.

I am sorry to have distressed you. I will leave you be, thank you for the information.

Well Zizi has been home more than a year so they built the warp after he left.

Honestly my brother was rather bad at explaining things to me. Possibly he just wanted me to learn the hard way like he did. Maybe it was his idea of a prank. That asshole.

Anyways his name is Zizi and he was apparently pretty well known in the army. But maybe you could take a little pity on a guy and give me a quick rundown of how I could get where I am going without to many problems? If not I will get back on the path and stop bothering you.

Well my brother Zizi was fairly well known in the army but who knows if that means anything elsewhere.

Starting to suspect he kept his explanations vague just to screw with me. That or he really did not like to talk about his time in the army.

1/2 Fen 2015/10/27(Tue)22:35 No. 679798 ID: dd338c
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"My brother is Zizi. That is just how he is, although he has not been a soldier here in years."
>"Oh wowwww, who would have believed that the brother of Kingslayer Zizi has come to grace our fields today of all days, knowing that I wouldn't be one of his enemies who'd love to..."

2/2 Fen 2015/10/27(Tue)22:36 No. 679800 ID: dd338c
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>"... wait... a second... that would actually explain some things, and you actually look like you... wait, you have white eyes! White eyes, from the forest?! Erm... oh. Uh... uh... sorry? You're, uh, going to the capital, to, well, join the army, if I'm guessing?"
"Yes."
>"Oh. That's... good. Actually. Yeah, it probably is! Oh, man! Wait. Don't get all friendly with me now, I'm still not your friend. Your brother made some nasty enemies. I'll keep my mouth shut, but maybe you should be careful where you go dropping that name, huh?? Zizi didn't kill all the people who wanted him dead, and some of those people would be fine taking out his brother."
"Is my brother that well known?"
>"Wh- oh gods, he was notorious for being the worst storyteller this half of the continent, but I'd think he'd manage to find words for his own family! Look, just get going. To get to the capital, just follow this path, and when you get to forks, follow the wider path. Once you reach the big town, you'll have to wait for the next warp. Do some labor if you can't afford it right away, 'cause it'll still be faster and safer than walking the whole way. Oh, and here's the best tip I'll give. If you run into any bandits, just... the fields will look like a tempting escape, but don't enter them, you got me? Find some way to get through the bandits while on the path. The crops on these borderlands? They've been given eyes. They're more than just plants now."
"Can you fill in the gaps of my information?"
>"I told ya, I'm not gonna be seen bein' friendly to some sword wielding barbarian this side of the border, no matter what sort you are! You caught me off guard, don't go thinking I'm open for interrogation!"

I'll be excusing myself from here, but I'm worried about what she said about bandits. There's long stretches of thin paths through the crops with poor visibility for long distances. It would be trivial to approach me from ahead and from behind to trap me.

>Kingslayer Zizi
>enemies
Um. Maybe you shouldn't go throwing your brother's name around. It might draw the wrong sort of attention.

>There's long stretches of thin paths through the crops with poor visibility for long distances. It would be trivial to approach me from ahead and from behind to trap me.
>The crops on these borderlands? They've been given eyes. They're more than just plants now.
Wait, if it's a strait path through the fields, and the fields aren't safe to travel, where are these bandits ambushing you from two sides coming from? That suggests they can travel through or hide in the crops.

>>679800
Yeah let's keep quiet from now on about Zizi, and keep going along the path. As for bandits, we'll just have to deal with them when they come. If the odds don't look too bad you could just fight them.

Well your brother is much more famous than you thought. Will have to avoid dropping his name unless needed.

Good to know about the crop spells. Lets hope they just watch and not come to life and devour intruders. I wonder if whatever they do only affects "barbarians" or bandits as well. They would have to have some way of recognizing local farmers though. I am guessing any bandits you run across will be ex farmers looking to make a living robbing people.

Well you have a sword and the training to use it. As long as you do not get caught sleeping or something you should be able to deal with bandits. Just keep a eye open for anything suspicious along the path.

Oh and if someone tries to steal your stuff or hurt you don't try to go easy on them.

Lets hope those crops just watch people.

Well you are planning on winning your fortune by strength of arms so learning to fight bandits will help. The more real combat experience you have before reaching the army the better chance you have at getting promotions quickly.

You are skilled enough to deal with simple bandits in a fight. But if they have bows or something you could be in trouble. Lets hope any bandits around here are just ex farmers looking for unarmed travelers.

>There's long stretches of thin paths through the crops with poor visibility for long distances. It would be trivial to approach me from ahead and from behind to trap me.
If escaping through the fields is out of the question, then ambushing through them is too, I'm sure. I think the eyes don't simply watch for people pushing or touching the crops, they probably watch for anybody on the wrong side of the fence.

1/4 Fen 2015/12/05(Sat)17:45 No. 687189 ID: dd338c
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Before I can ask more specifics, she steps back into the crops.

I don't have much choice except to keep going forward for now. I see a few branching paths that the girl from before mentioned, but I only see a couple despite walking for hours. When I do, I take the simple directions of following the wider path.

2/4 Fen 2015/12/05(Sat)17:45 No. 687190 ID: dd338c
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As I take a bend and see another long stretch, I I stop a moment to readjust my pack and take a brief rest.

3/4 Fen 2015/12/05(Sat)17:45 No. 687191 ID: dd338c
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Out of the corner of my eye, I see someone start walking around the bend.

4/4 Fen 2015/12/05(Sat)17:45 No. 687192 ID: dd338c
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Whoever it is backs out of sight again.

From the brief impression of colours, it could be that girl, or someone who looks like her. Probably most people around here have similar colours.

Could be a bandit or could be someone who is worried that you are a bandit. Either way stow your gear and have your sword ready but not fully drawn.

That being said if they are a bandit its unlikely they have a sign on there chest that reads bandit. So be very careful as you head around the corner.

Do not want to accidentally become a bandit yourself by assaulting another traveler so be careful.

>>687192
Right. So that's either a bandit waiting / watching in ambush, another traveler afraid you're a bandit, or another farmer being cautious.

Make sure your stuff is secured, have your weapon ready to draw, and take the corner slowly, on the outside, so no one waiting just around the bend can jump out at you.

>>687192
Dash over and see who's following you. Be prepared for a fight.

Fen 2015/12/05(Sat)18:46 No. 687206 ID: dd338c
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I almost got turned around, but this person is going in the same direction I am. They simply caught up since I stopped. It's suspicious that this one would suddenly back up as soon as they noticed me, but it's also possible that they think I'm the bandit, so I secure my things and backtrack around the bend to meet him or her. My hand is by my sword, but I don't have it drawn.

It's a him.

>"Er... I mean - you aren't a bandit, are you?!"

"No, a traveler. How about you, are you a bandit?"

Nope just a mercenary headed to the capitol to enlist in the army. Not looking for any trouble and rather not have to explain any corpses to the creepy magic plants.

How about you?

Keep watching the surroundings and keep your ears open. Hard to sneak up on someone through plants this thick without making noise.

>>687206
I'm not if you're not.

Name's Fen. I'm headed to capital. And you?

>>687206
Say no, ask where he's headed.

If he seems okay then extend the invitation to travel together until your paths diverge. Bandits will have a harder time dealing with two armed travelers.
Don't let down your guard though. Don't ignore your surroundings either. Make sure you aren't getting approached from behind now that someone's in front of you.

I see a rounded blob that looks slightly out of place in the straight lines of the crops forward and to your right.

While you respond to him glance over there to make sure you are not dealing with several people.

Fen 2015/12/05(Sat)19:27 No. 687213 ID: dd338c
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"No, I'm a traveller by the name of Fen, and I'm headed to the capital. I'm not looking for trouble. Are you a bandit?"
>"Er, no, of course not! Do I look like one? Sheesh."

I look fast around my right side. There's hardly any wind, but sometimes the crops do look like they move. Still, I don't see anything through the sticks.

"Where are you headed?"
>"Oh, um... town. You?"
"Like I said. The capital. The empire's, but first this province's."
>"The same, huh? Well, I guess these roads don't lead anywhere else!.... so, uh, yeah, you know, if you keep walking this way, you'll get there before nightfall."

I don't respond immediately, but he stands there expecting me to either give a response or leave.

>>687213
Alright, just go. We've been warned about talking too much.

>so, uh, yeah, you know, if you keep walking this way, you'll get there before nightfall
"Well that's good.

So are you walking this way...?"

An implicit offer to walk with you, if he doesn't take it, walk way carefully. If he does walk with you, ask his name.

By town do you mean the house back there? Or is there another town I missed?

That response is very suspicious.

This could be him distracting you until his gang can surround you. I would just thank him for the info and then quickly jog down the road until you are out of ambush range. Just make sure to keep your hand on your sword and do not hesitate to pull it out if anything so much as feels wrong.

Better that you scare the crap out of a local by holding them at sword point for a moment than to get caught off guard and murdered by bandits. Apologizing is easy and you do not have the time to heal up from any wounds you might get in a fight.

If he was walking the other way I would be suspicious of him suddenly wanting to tag along. And you know he was going this way cause you were stopped and he saw you and backed up.

Wish him a good day and keep a move on.

Quick glance around to make sure there's not anyone else around.

Jovially announce "well, we're going the same way the, travelling buddy!" and come up to put an arm around his shoulder/neck. Do it from his left so you "coincidentally" pin his sword arm. Then you can drag him along on your way, asking him various chattering questions to make yourself seem like a cheerful idiot.

>By town do you mean the house back there? Or is there another town I missed?
He was going the same way as Fen, not the opposite way. He caught up because Fen stopped for a bit.

Just let him know as long as he's at least few yards away you'll be fine with it.
>We've been warned about talking too much.
Only necessary to say what's necessary, after all. You can maybe talk more once you reach town.

1/2 Fen 2015/12/07(Mon)18:10 No. 687611 ID: dd338c
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>Put an arm around his shoulder/neck to "coincidentally" pin his sword arm
I can do that if I knew he just had a sword, but I know that some people like to hold concealed daggers as backup.

"When you said town, which did you mean?"
>"Er, you know. The only big town around. Province Capital. Turtle Town. Same as you, whatever you want to call it."
"I'm in a hurry. Are you walking this way?"
>"Yep!"
"Just stay within a few yards of me, and don't walk directly behind me."
>"Oh, uh, sure, sure! Can't be too careful around here, can ya? Of course not."

2/2 Fen 2015/12/07(Mon)18:10 No. 687612 ID: dd338c
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I can at least hear his footsteps behind me this closely. I still keep my hand on my sword. There might be something about him I don't like, but we walk a little while longer.

"What's your name?" I ask after a moment.
>"Oh, uh,... Zabza."

Around yet another bend, I see a long, flat, straightaway. With the crops supposedly a bad idea to enter, this area would be alarmingly tempting for someone with a sling or bow to lay an ambush at.

Not much you can do about the terrain right now. Just be ready to use your bag to block any projectiles if it comes to that. Getting shot at from one side is somewhat avoidable. If you get shot at from both sides you might have to make a dive for the crops.

So far the only thing this guy is doing is distracting you. Have him move up to your side so you don't have to keep glancing back at him. Tell him that this straight away is a good spot for lurking archers so to keep a eye out.

If he is a bandit he will make some sort of signal to others at some point if there is a ambush set up. So better keep him in sight and watch for anything odd.

>>687612
...where is he traveling from?

Considering the only place in the direction he came from is the farmhouse... does he look like a farmhand to you?

>this area would be alarmingly tempting for someone with a sling or bow to lay an ambush at.
From where? Anyone not on the road would have to be among the crops themselves. And if they were there, they're either supposed to be there, or somehow otherwise unconcerned about these scary crop protections.

If you are attacked by a ranged weapon, I don't know that you have many options besides using your backback as a shield. (Or your fellow traveler). Well that, and just running the gauntlet.

You kind of don't have anywhere to go but forward, though.

Is the road wide enough you can walk besides Zabza instead of in front of them?

Presumably, bandits wouldn't be allowed in the fields either. The straight path should be safer then curvy sections, you only need to watch the horizon, with no chance of enemies suddenly jumping around corners.

Zabza seems like the biggest danger right now. You'd be able do hear him closing in, but he could silently draw a hidden throwing weapon. Maybe you could persuade him to walk in front.

>...where is he traveling from?
Probably best to wait to ask questions until you reach town. Was kind of mentioned that talking too much is a bad idea here.

Fen 2015/12/08(Tue)18:02 No. 687756 ID: dd338c
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>Where would the ambush come from
That's a good question. I'm unfamiliar with crops like these, but at my home, if there were a canyon passage like this that forced traffic through it, this would be ideal. Especially if both ends were blocked off. If these bandits can't enter the fields either, then perhaps the curved sections are safer after all.

"Where are you travelling from?" I ask him.
>"Oh, uh... I'm one of the farmhands."
"You aren't wearing any tools, though?"
>"I'm... off shift? And my weapons, er, yeah, that's... can't be too careful, like you!"

I've been told that asking too many questions isn't seen as nice around here, but this person seems perfectly content to answer my questions, even if he seems like he isn't expecting a question every single time I ask one.

"... this area seems wrong to me. Perhaps it is just because I'm far from home, but... would you mind walking in front of me? I'll watch your back."
>"Uh... hey, how about I watch your back instead?"
"No, I'd like you to go in front."
>"No, no, I insist, I'll watch yours! "He's raising his voice.
"... I'd like to know why you want to stay behind me so much."
>"Well, I wanna know why you want to stay behind me so much!"
"I'm not quick to trust."
>"Well maybe I'm not either, huh, and I'm just trying to be nice about it?!"

There's something weird about how he's yelling, like he's just trying to make noise, now.

"Please walk in front of me."
>"Absolutely not, since you're making a big deal of it! How about we walk side by side, like equals, down this road?!"

I don't hear anything when he isn't talking, but when he does speak, I can hear some quiet rustling underneath his voice.

"You should know better than to ask questions, plant."

>>687756
Well, I'm going back until you're gone. You can go right ahead to your destination. You're just too suspicious. Have to be safe. There's no too much of a timelimit for my own goal.
See ya!
Then just go back for some time maybe. You won't have lost much time, and it's honestly more just to monitor him than REALLY go back.

>There's something weird about how he's yelling, like he's just trying to make noise, now.
>I don't hear anything when he isn't talking, but when he does speak, I can hear some quiet rustling underneath his voice.
His sentences are getting longer and longer, too. He's just trying to make noise to cover up the sounds of his allies approaching, I think. And/or he's yelling to let them know he's blown it, and won't be leading us any further into a planned ambush.

Take him hostage. On arm wrapped around him, pinning arms, the other holding a sword against him.

hrrm. We can try to fight but...How exactly are his allies moving about in the grass without being attacked?
I think we should flee if we can. Just stop talking and start running, one way or the other.

He is speaking loudly to conceal the noise his friends make when they move in the crops.

Remember that any bandits in this region used to be or are still farmers here. Who else would dare risk attacking travelers other than people who knew how to get around the magic watching the crops.

I mean you harvest crops during the day and kill travelers in your spare time for extra cash. Then you claim they were barbarians and get a bonus for keeping things safe.

Pull your sword on him and tell him if he speaks up again he is dead. Just better be prepared to follow through.

That or you can run for it before people get into position.

I'd say it's time to bail before something bad happens. This guy is sketchy as fuck.

If the farmers can be in the crops there is a way to avoid the magic. Probably a amulet or something they carry.

Would be the first thing a bandit would steal around here.

This guy could be a ex farmer that took up banditry. Your sword skills are going to be better but if you get surrounded you are screwed.

I say run for it and make them chase you a bit. Get in a better spot to fight.

>>687756
Yeah this guy is a bandit. Ice him. This is also definitely an ambush, so get out of the ambush corridor. Like, move back around the bend.

Draw your sword. Feint at him to make him flinch, then book it.

Disarming him and taking him hostage sounds good.

Punch him in the throat to make the noise stop, then start running.

1/3 Fen 2015/12/12(Sat)10:06 No. 688286 ID: dd338c
File 144994360579.png - (53.30KB , 800x800 , 151.png )

I start to draw my sword towards him. He takes a big step back and starts doing the same, intentionally going on the defensive while blocking my path. My action was a feint; by the time he has his sword out, I'm running.

By the time I get anywhere, two bandits do a somersault out of the crops and through the fence to block me in.

2/3 Fen 2015/12/12(Sat)10:06 No. 688287 ID: dd338c
File 144994361489.png - (57.56KB , 800x800 , 152.png )

I start running the other way back towards where I and the original bandit came from, but this guy is still blocking me.

He's slow, but I hear some commotion from the way I came, now, and I don't think I can run through there before more bandits show up from where I came. It wasn't my first choice, but this guy doesn't seem like he's a good swordsman. I go for a close slash, and his focus on blocking it leaves him open to get punched.

3/3 Fen 2015/12/12(Sat)10:07 No. 688288 ID: dd338c
File 144994362721.png - (70.72KB , 800x800 , 153.png )

Instead of letting him drop to the floor, I kick his sword out from his hand and bring him up, putting my sword at his neck.

>".... Oh, goddamnit, Firlin!" the field kobold ahead of me yells.
>"Sorry! This guy is fast!" says my hostage.
>"No, you just suck!" he continues. "You're not even a good hostage, see if we care if he cuts your throat!"
>"Don't say that, everyone knows that you care except the person who can cut his throat." the draconic girl besides him says.
>"Well don't tell the barbarian that! Let him guess!"
>"First of all, the barbarian is the one who needs to know right now. Secondly, barbarians have bad hearing, love. He can't hear me."

I can hear them fine.

Ask why they think barbarians have bad hearing

>two bandits do a somersault out of the crops and through the fence to block me in.
So they are able to go into the crops without getting in trouble. Either that means the protections you were warned about are a bluff, or they're somehow safe from them.

So much for my idea of just shoving anyone who attacked you off the path.

>Secondly, barbarians have bad hearing, love. He can't hear me.
I suppose it might be advantageous to let them think they're right? If you let them think you can't hear them when they low talk, they'll keep giving you free information. Pretend to ignore anything they say that isn't raised voices, or your hostage talking.

(Unless they're just faking thinking you have bad hearing to try and deliberately mislead you).

>what say
Hey, speak up! No games, unless you don't care about your friend's neck.

I have nothing worth stealing, and I don't fancy fighting outnumbered. But I'll take 2 to 1 over 3 to 1 any day.

"Just because I don't have giant ears like this guy does not mean I can not hear you".

Start moving him forward while you talk. Might be people sneaking up on you from behind.

I just want to get to town. I would rather not have to kill all of you to do it though. So how about you wander back into the fields and I will let this guy go a few miles down the road?

I am not a rich merchant worth robbing. Just a swordsman heading to the capitol to find work.

>>688288
If they think you're deaf and stupid, let them. It just makes it easier to outmanuver them.

"What was that? Kill him and drink his blood?"

>>688288
"Shut the fuck up, leave me alone, you know nothing of Barbarians. I have nothing worth stealing anyway, so what you're going to do is let me go past you two with my hostage in tow until a certain point, and then I'm going to run after dropping him and you're going to leave me alone. You soft city and farm folk have nothing on us who war every day. What little I have isn't worth it. I will kill a few of you even if you eventually kill me. All that loss for a little haul. Shitty risk vs. reward situation, right? REAL shitty ratio. Go raid a farm, they're softer and less protected than you with more gains."

Targeting barbarians seems like odd behavior for bandits. I can't imagine most of them carry anything of value.


Keep threatening the hostage and have the other two stand to one side so you can pass. Once you're past them knock him to the ground and run.

I can hear you fine and I will twist this bastard's head off if you don't let me pass.

Push him forward, try to move past them before they are able to adapt and make a move. If they do try anything, throw your hostage at them full force and run, into the fields if you need to.

1/2 Fen 2015/12/12(Sat)11:28 No. 688306 ID: dd338c
File 144994852498.png - (59.67KB , 800x800 , 154.png )

"Speak up! Why are all of you targetting barbarians? I have nothing of value!"
>"Says the barbarian, holding a nice looking sword and who knows how much in a backpack, inside of a nice looking backpack! You think we'd attack the farm itself or some rich merchant with a hundred bodyguards? Ha, we know what rules to play by, that's why we're the best bandits in the farms of turtle's hideaway!"
>"We're actually terrible bandits." the girl says.
>"Hun, please, if I'm the only one who can hear you, there's no need to say that."
>"Yes, but we're so good at keeping other bandits out of here, we're really just unofficial farm guards."
>"We'll talk later, okay?"
>"Okay."
"Barbarian! If you didn't have anything worth stealing than you'd hardly have the clothes on your back!"

They talk while I move closer to them, pushing my hostage farther along.

"Even if I had much, is it worth the life of a companion of yours? This one, and I'm sure I could take down at least a couple of whoever you have. Is it worth a sword and a few rations?"

>"If you don't have anything worth stealing, barbarian, why don't you drop your backpack?" the girl asks. "We'll drop some of our rations for you here, and even throw in a few copper pieces so you can get a good night's rest at town. And let you keep your sword, too, so you can protect yourself. If you have nothing worth stealing, it should be worth it, right?"
>"Yeah!" he yells after her. "And before you say we'll just backstab you, don't even think it! We're beings of our word, and that trust and special rule following is why we can operate in the middle of the farm! We have oaths, and we have honor among - excuse me - we have honor among --"

2/2 Fen 2015/12/12(Sat)11:28 No. 688307 ID: dd338c
File 144994853017.png - (51.87KB , 800x800 , 155.png )

>"SNRK"
>"Dear, dear, we rehearsed this so many times."
>"Honor among bandits, though?! That's too much!"
"Go to one side of the path!" I call out to them, now that I'm getting close.

They respond by blocking the path more.

"I will twist this person's head off if you don't move."

They fidget, but their feet don't leave the ground.

>"I am so sorry about this!" my hostage says. "Please don't kill me." he whispers. "The crops are blind below the waist. If you crawl through and don't damage and of the crops, it'll be slow, but you can get through."

They're not willing to cooperate all-or-nothing, so go for incremental concessions. "Green girl! One step to the left before a count of three or I break this guy's littlest finger. One... two..."

>>688307
Let's go there together, then.

Stab him through, but don't kill him. Try your best not to hit anything vital.

"Your friend needs healing now. You won't have time to fight me. Get him to a healer before he bleeds out or lose one of your numbers. I will remove the sword as soon as you let me pass. Try anything, and I will rip it out of his sides ensuring his death. Keeping the sword in will keep him alive and stabilized for now, but I have to remove it when I leave, so you'll need to keep pressure on the wound as soon as you can. Bind him tightly with cloth to prevent premature bleed out, and you'll need the two of you to transport him to a healer quickly enough. You could also try making a fire and sodering the wound yourself, but if he dies of his wounds, it's both your own fault and his, not mine."

Showing you mean business but in a non-permanent way would be a good start, go with >>688311 and follow through with breaking his finger if they aren't moving by 3.

>The crops are blind below the waist. If you crawl through and don't damage and of the crops, it'll be slow, but you can get through.
That doesn't really help us. We can't crawl slowly and low when there are people pursuing us. Especially if they like, just throw something at a plant above us to piss them off.

>what do
Make more threats. If they're not scared of us cutting his neck, how do they feel about us shoving him face first into the crops and bringing the defenses down on all of us?

Keep moving forward.

You think I'm joking?!? I used to stack fuckers like this five foot high and use 'em like earthworks! One side, now!

The crops being blind is good to know but am not about to trust that info or try to use it to escape.

Pull him over to the side of the road and order him to put his hand into the crops. Above waist height. If he hesitates tell him you can just as easily test this with his cut off arm. See how everyone reacts.

Is anyone behind you? Or is it just these two so far?

You are going to have to show them you are serious. Otherwise you will have to slit his throat. Which is fine but will have to kill them all most likely. This is probably the other guys brother.

I like the using the crops idea. Would also let us test what they do. Just be ready to kill him if things go south.

Tell him to stick his hand into the crops above waist height or get his arm cut off.

Slow crawling through the crops, while these guys who seem able to move quickly through them can just come up behind and stab you? Phaw. Don't cut his throat yet, but draw a little blood. See how they react when he starts whining.

Once he's a bit more spooked, ask him how they get past the crop protection.

This is the only road you know of right now; going into the crops where you will be outnumbered, on equal ground, and lost is a terrible idea. Start breaking his hand.

Call them out on calling you a barbarian. Brigandry and Banditry are much more barbaric than travelling. Obviously they can't hear their own thoughts too well, being barbarians, which is why they seem to be too dumb to notice the flaws of their reasoning!

Fen 2015/12/14(Mon)18:11 No. 688794 ID: dd338c
File 145014547846.png - (61.37KB , 800x800 , 156.png )

I'm tempted to show them that I'm serious by giving this person a broken finger, but then I get the idea to test whether or not his words about the crops sensing waist high and above is correct.

"Put your hands on the crops. at chest level or hire."
>"Wh-what?! I just told you what that does!"
"And I want you to prove it! I can easily test it with a chopped off arm."
>"Don't even fuckin' dare make him, you idiot! You'll sic the dogs on all of us!" the man says.

I hear some running from where I came, and I make sure to keep my vision where I can see them around the bend. In the interest of maintaining my hold on him, I scrape my blade against Firlin's skin enough to start drawing blood. He makes a loud exhale while holding back a cry.

>"Stopstopstop!" the girl yells at me. "We'll let you go, barbarian! Get on the side, Rals, let him through!"
>"Fine, fine! Are you okay, Firlin?!" the man, who must be Rals, asks. Firlin nods his head in short, sporadic bursts while trying to suck in his neck.

>Call them out on barbarianism
Although 'barbarian' is said like a slur a lot, it also just means 'someone from between the two empires.' It's hard to tell if they're using it as an insult here.

They start moving to the side. I should be able to leave now.

Advance through, cautiously, holding your prisoner. Make sure you keep facing them. Back away a few paces, then shove him at them.

Ultimatum before you release him: if you come after me, someone is going in the crops. Even if you bring me down with numbers. I'll bring the dogs down on us all before I let myself be cheated.

Make your way past them, then shove him at them full force and book it.

Keep a hold on him as you move and watch for anyone trying to grab you from behind the fence. Might still be some of them crawling around behind you. If someone tried something right now with how tight you have your sword this guy is probably dead whether you mean to kill him or not.

Tell them loudly that you will let him go once you are well out of range. But any tricks or sudden movement and he is dead.

>>688794
Shove him into the others, then start running. At some point you should get into the crops, and start crawling. Try to move deeper into the crops then forward and back towards the road so you can get back onto the road further on.

>>688795
This. There's no honor among bandits and you'd rather they die along you than get killed.

>>688795
This seems like the best thing to do.

>>688907
Also, just for fun, tell them, "And just so you know, even though I don't have big ears like your friend here, I can still hear perfectly fine."

>>688909
No, no need to make things harder for the next barbarian they ambush.

Fen 2015/12/21(Mon)17:52 No. 689850 ID: dd338c
File 145074913937.png - (83.70KB , 800x800 , 157.png )

I move very slowly forward so that I can keep my sword in Firlin's neck and not cut him too deeply. I get to the other side, and a couple more bandits show up from where I came from. At their leader's raised palm, they don't come after me.

"Know this. If I see any of you, or anyone I think is associated with you, I am going to cut the crops."
>"Are you suicidal, outsider?" the girl asks. "Have you ever fought a farm dog?"
"What matters is that if I'm going to be taken down, I'll take down as many of you as I can."
>"Goddamn, what shithole was he raised in?" the leader whispers loudly to the girl. "This one doesn't screw around."

2/2 Fen 2015/12/21(Mon)17:52 No. 689851 ID: dd338c
File 145074915073.png - (39.98KB , 800x800 , 158.png )

I walk a ways longer, making sure I don't see anyone else through the crops. Once satisfied, I shove Firlin at the others. I almost think I have to sprint, as it looks like they might be chasing me, but they only ran to Firlin. It looks like they might care for one another after all. Still, I run for a long ways before stopping.

At the top of a hill, I see a town. It's definitely about the biggest settlement I've ever seen before.

Which probably means that it's not the capital.

I can either take a chance and try to walk through it, as it looks like this path leads straight there with no forks, but I can see another path on the other side of the town. I can probably avoid this village altogether by crawling through the crops if I wanted.

>>689851
Head through the town. If the biggest threats to you in the army or in the arena are gonna be foreign kobolds, you might as well get used to dealing with them in these minor leagues instead of sneaking around.

Through town. You need to acclimatize yourself to the culture where it's less likely to cause you serious trouble, instead of waiting until you're somewhere where you can get executed for sneezing in a noble's direction or something.

This is the place the chatty lady mentioned and she seemed trustworthy enough. I say head to town.

Save crawling through the crops for a emergency. Its not easy to crawl around for long distances and it would wear you out quick.

Plus the farm lady said they had a magic warp to get to the capital here. If it can get you to the capitol faster than its worth the cost. Just make sure you are getting the official price and not the lets cheat the barbarian rate.

You, uh, had a way to wipe the bit of blood off the blade, right? Even just a bit of cloth that you then dirty up with the ground beneath you afterwards to hide it on the cloth would work.

Fen 2016/01/03(Sun)18:23 No. 691575 ID: dd338c
File 145187420844.png - (33.76KB , 800x800 , 159.png )

I'll go to town.

>You, uh, had a way to wipe the bit of blood off the blade, right?
Yes.

I'm almost worried I'm off the right path, as that girl from before mentioned nothing about towns between me and the province capital.

I get closer, and it seems like it's hardly a more complex village than most barbarian villages. Just some basic wooden structures and tents for shelter, and not much more aside from a basic town wall.

As I get closer, though, I can see that the town wall doesn't appear to have been maintained well at all, and may even be rotted in areas.

The town also seems suspiciously quiet.

Check the guy on the ground, has he been injured? Keep your guard up, rundown mostly abandoned towns are likely places for bandits and criminals to hide out.

>>691575
Looks like it's been raided. How damaged are the buildings, any smell of smoke?

This doesn't seem right. This area is important enough for them to enchant all the crops so any towns should be kept up.

Keep a eye out and maybe go poke at the guy over there and ask where you are.

Starting to see how the incompetent bandits you met survived. If things have fallen apart around here it will breed bandits like crazy.

If need be can quickly pass through and keep a move on.

Is this really a town I wonder, or just some kind of overgrown vagrant camp?

But yeah, the wall is falling down, and that guard looks like he's asleep (or passed out drunk?), not felled by violence. It doesn't look like the silence / lack of people and the damage is the result of some kind of raid or attack.

Still, there should be people out and about in the middle of the day. That suggests that something is wrong, maybe that we're walking in more dregs of society, or that this is some kind of trap.

I'm almost reconsidering sneaking around, but that would require doubling back a bit and would take a long while, and if there are any watchers here, they've already made you.

Advance, cautiously.

Speak to no one. Just pass through.

1/3 Fen 2016/01/04(Mon)19:56 No. 691734 ID: dd338c
File 145196617126.png - (27.71KB , 800x800 , 160.png )

I move forward, cautiously, towards the guy on the ground. There's no sign of injury, and then I notice that he's breathing. Even if there's a slight wheeze to his breathe, he's just sleeping.

If the town was raided, then it was from a long time ago. There's no smoke or signs of battle, and the wall appears more unmaintained than destroyed.

I decide not to poke him. I don't know what guards are like, and guards who shirk their duties even less.

2/3 Fen 2016/01/04(Mon)19:56 No. 691735 ID: dd338c
File 145196618562.png - (66.56KB , 800x800 , 161.png )

Moving forward, I look around while making my way through to where the exit is. It's terribly empty, but on walking past the maze of tents, I do see one person eyeing me carefully.

3/3 Fen 2016/01/04(Mon)19:56 No. 691736 ID: dd338c
File 145196619324.png - (60.98KB , 800x800 , 162.png )

And on the other side, there's a few people unloading boxes onto some tables. I can't see them clearly, but I think one waves to me.

>>691736
Might as well approach? They at least look like they're doing something productive, which is a good sign.

>>691736
Probably to someone else. You can just slip by, no one cares about you.
Let's keep moving, because someone who might be friends of those thieves earlier might be here, then we'll get lynched if the thieves show up and say we're a thief or something.

Oh crap this is not a town. This is a harvesting station. Its just some tents for storage and where people hang out while prepping crops for shipping.

The walls are crap because they have gotten lazy with the protection of the spells and its a mess cause it only exists for part of the season. Is probably nothing here in the winter.

That's why the guard is sleeping because there is nothing to worry about guarding.

I would continue on through and ask directions from one or two people on how far the actual town is from here.

That or its a bandit camp and things are way worse than they should be.

So say hi to the waving person and get directions.

>>691736
Wave back. Maybe go see what's going on. If they seem friendly you can ask what's up with this little town, you weren't told it was here at all.

Don't bother approaching unless they make an approach, themselves. Stop for a few seconds to wave back, but if they just carry on with what they were doing before, continue on yourself.

1/2 Fen 2016/01/05(Tue)17:44 No. 691897 ID: dd338c
File 145204469793.png - (79.96KB , 800x800 , 163.png )

I wave back. The smaller kobold waves harder back at me. I'm not approached, but no one has given me the impression that northern kobolds wave people they dislike over, and I can't just keep my eyes to the ground the whole way to the capital. Therefore, I will go over and at least see if they are willing to give me directions.

.... I'm not sure what I'm approaching.

2/2 Fen 2016/01/05(Tue)17:47 No. 691899 ID: dd338c
File 145204485616.png - (21.13KB , 800x800 , 164.png )

>"Oh hey hey you're not shying away from me or even averting your gaze! That only means you just made a goodbuddy for life. So who are you?"
"I'm - my name is Fen."
>"Oh my god you actually are a sava I mean barbarian I mean - yeah barbarian - right?"
"I've been called worse." I take a moment to respond. Her accent is heavy, and not one I've ever heard before, so I'm having difficulty understanding her. It's like her enunciation on words breaks up in the middle of each word, while she strings the end of one word and the beginning of the next together to join them awkwardly.
>"Hahaha so have I! I'm Cheese." Her voice is also strange, like her mouth is popping a hundred bubbles in different ways to make different sounds.
"Why are you named Cheese?"
>"Cause I smell funny if I don't bathe for too long."
"Did your parents not find a better name?"
>"Haha who said I had parents?!"
"Everyone has parents."
>"Well - wait a second, you ever seen someone like me?"
"No." I barely hold myself back from asking what she is.
>"Well there you go! I don't got no parents to name me."
"I'm looking for the capital."
>"Province or empire?"
"Province, to teleport to the empire."
>"Oh cool, you just came from the forest?"
"Yes."
>"Well if you got a copper on you, I got rations for sale!"
"I have food."
>"What? From here?"
"From the forest."
>"It's gonna rot in like a single day! Get one of my rations from my shop I'm in the middle of setting up, it'll last a whole week!"
"What? I didn't think food rotted that quickly outside of its boundary." That explains why Zizi didn't make me try to bring more.
>"Well it depends on what, but why do you think the wood around here is so rotted? I mean this is just a little break town to store supplies and stuff, and sleep overnight and all that, so no one cares too much about the wall here anymore, but this wall is only like 5 years old! I mean 'ey I didn't even see a damn guard on the way in so they can't care that much. It's not like nobles hang out here."
"Thank you for explaining. I almost thought this place was raided at first glance."
>"Pffff the guard that supposed to be on duty would love the excitement from it.
"I also thought the crops here were highly guarded against barbarians."
>"Yeah don't go fondling the crops, still, but I mean, you're gonna get nothing but all hostility right by the border cause that's where you guys make the trouble, but this far and beyond in the empire, it's just some hostility. Because really, what kind of barbarian would travel a buncha hours to try to sneak into a dumb encampment for a bushel of hay or whatever? "

The two mountain kobolds glance at me.

I didn't mean to talk so much, but this is the first cordial conversation I've had in days.

>>691899
Wait... is she... not a kobold?
Ask her if there are any more bandits further on. You met some but managed to avoid a fight or a robbery.

Buy some rations. How long will they last, though?

>I'm not sure what I'm approaching.
A weird kobold? Although if green and spikey comes from a deciduous (?) forest, and brown and fuzzy comes from wan farmlands, I'm not sure where purple and burbly would be normal. Some kind of mushroom biome? Something slime or swamp based? Underground, or landscape like the moon?

Although I think she's a good deal further from home than you, especially since if she never knew her parents, I doubt she even knows where home is to her sub-type of kobold. (Which is probably why she asked if you've seen others).

>stuff rots / decays when you move it from one region to another
Well damn, that makes trade and using natural resources somewhat challenging, doesn't it.

Why aren't people affected when they go from one region to another? Is there a time limit to how long a kobold can be away from home before they start going to pieces?

>trade for food
You probably should. In fact, the stuff you brought with you needs to be eaten today, before it goes bad. So you should see if you can trade the stuff you can't eat- there's gotta be a bit of demand for fresh food that's different than the stuff they get every day.

I think everyone starts to smell funny after not bathing for awhile.

Buying some rations might be a good idea. Just make sure to not go flashing silver around if you can help it. Might want to quietly ask about making change while no one else is in earshot.

We did not expect to talk but here is a friendly shopkeep who might be able to give us plenty of info. Just keep from mentioning your brother for the moment and stick to the story that you are here to join the military.

Ask what is up with the boundaries. If there are more of those along your travels might be nice to know if they affect stuff other than organic materials. Like how would Shup bring back the shiny plant stuff and not have it rot for instance.

Also ask what she is doing setting up shop here. Is she expecting a influx of customers soon?

I wonder if she is a hybrid or some crazy rare sub species. No parents and her questioning you if you had seen anyone like her points to her not knowing herself. Might ask about that and can always let her know if we ever run into anyone else like her.

Well, then keep on having your conversation with your new... crossbred magical experiment amalgamation abomination maybe friend? It seems like you could both do with a nice chat.

Ask what it is that makes things rot faster here than in the forest, and also ask if she knows any common mistakes barbarians make that you should avoid. Also ask if she wants help setting up her shop, you can get a look at what she has while you do, and if you don't want anything you'll be able to back off without looking like you were properly evaluating them for purchase and then rejecting them.

>>691899
How much money you have on you? I suppose some rations wouldn't be too bad.
Is the rotting thing magic based? If I found something in the forest, captured it, brought it to THIS region, and killed it, would the food last?
You have a map, right? I forget, but it would be useful for her to tell you where her rations will last a week, and where it will rot immediately. We're going to have to do some math here and we don't really have the proper information to do it with. We can approximate walking speed from our previous experience using the map, assuming most of this is flatlands.

Carefully watch those 2 mountain kobolds. I think they're just helping her set up shop, but just in case they try something, watch them so that they don't catch you off guard. And if they're friendly, then be nice to them.

1/2 Fen 2016/01/08(Fri)21:12 No. 692354 ID: dd338c
File 145231634953.png - (64.16KB , 800x800 , 165.png )

>Why aren't people affected when they go from one region to another?
The most accepted guess is that us kobolds are partially magical beings to begin with, and we and our offspring's magic creates a shield against normal deterioration. Dead people and normal organic material, though, decay faster outside of their home areas. I think even some non-organic materials like stone do, as well, but stone lasts for so long that even if it decayed faster, it would still last for awhile.

I think that wild animals are attuned to where they were born, though, so their meat would rot in a foreign land even if they were killed after being moved to the foreign place.

"I have a question."
>"Just ask it!"
"If all of this rots, how do people like nobles have keepsakes from other lands?"

She puts her hands up and wiggles her fingers around.

>"Maaaaagic. No, seriously, just having a wizard who grew up in the local land have shove some generic magic in the object works fine! Even just a mediocre wizard can maintain a big part of town. Which is why this land can have towns built out of cool materials now! Well and not end up like this place. No one cares about this place!"

That's probably why us kobolds can survive in foreign areas.

"Are you magic?"
>"Uh, I'm a kobold, so as much as you I guess?"
"What kind of kobold has no parents?"
>"What?"
"You said you had no parents."
>"...pffffft oh my gosh barbarians are the best, I just meant I never knew 'em!"
"Did they not raise you?"
>"Oh my gosh - okay, I'm just a cave kobold, but I was raised in a place called Erja Nokol, and the kobolds there are extinct, probably! The land got really screwed up there, so people who grow up there get really twisted up by it - wait, you know people's appearances get changed based on where they grew up from, right?"
>"Yes, my mother - " I shouldn't say too much, for all I know, Zizi made it apparent that our mother spent part of her childhood in Dragon's Fall, so she is spikier than most. "Is different."
>"Oh okay. Anyways, people in Erja don't want to have their little babies grow up there, but people still have sex! And a long time ago, when that happened, I came out of one of them! Because when two people - "
"I understand."
>"Oh sorry it's just so... great. That people don't know what Erja grown people look like." I avoid saying that I have never seen a cave kobold in my life.
"Why did you not move out as soon as you could, to minimize the effects of growing up there?"
>"Well I did! But Erja Nokol's effects are pretty distinguishable, soooo it didn't help. But I ran away when I was 6 or something! I had adventures! It was terrible! So I went back. But you didn't want to hear about my life story, right?"
"It's just nice to talk to someone. I'm obviously a foreigner, so please tell me about common mistakes us barbarians make."
>"Try to be careful about murdering people in towns! You'll probably be seen."
"That might be the worst advice I have ever heard."
>"Do you think stabbing people is okay?!"
"No! That's the point, why would I ever do that?! More importantly, how dumb do you think barbarians are, that that advice would help anyone?"
>"I, uhm, don't want to answer that! Ask another question!"

2/2 Fen 2016/01/08(Fri)21:12 No. 692355 ID: dd338c
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"I'm just going to change the subject. Why are you setting up shop here, if no one cares about here?"
>"Lemme elaborate! I should say wizards and nobles don't care about this place! But it's one of the outposts for people to take breaks and sleep in, and in about one hour, it's breaktime, and this place is gonna be crawling with people!"
"Do you want help setting up your shop?"
>"Wha- are you offering?"
"Yes."
"No." says a mountain kobold.
"You can't be trusted." says the other.
>"Noo, let him! Take it out of my - oh wait no nevermind yeah uh.... uh... thanks anyway, Fen."
"Okay. I have rations for days from the forest that have only been through the boundary for a few hours. Could I trade for rations here, that would last a week?"
>"Some people like imports, yeah! Okay, not evenly, but do you have a couple copper? Then I'll give you food for a full week."
"Does it last only in this land?"
>"Yyyyeah, but unless you just stop eating, you'll get your money's worth!"
"I'll do it. What else do you have for sale?"
>"I got food! I got weapons! Supplies for travelling, supplies for not travelling, you name it, I might have it!"
"A map?" Zizi would have given me his, but he lost it.
>"I've got a map, yeah! It's a beatiful map! So beautiful that it costs too damn much! Who would even pay that much? No one!"
"How much?"
>"60 silver!"

That is much more than I have. I should have at least 20 silver, but I don't know how much silver a copper piece is worth.

>Carefully watch those 2 mountain kobolds.
I keep my eye on them, but so far they have only been moderately unfriendly and look like they want to be anywhere else.

Hmm sort of worried that the bandit group might show up over the break. Being locals they could make trouble for you by claiming you attacked one of them. If the others don't know they are bandits they would automatically believe there side of the story.

On the other hand they did seem pretty stupid.

Might be worth it to hang around over the break chatting with Cheese and getting more info about life in the empire. We want to move fast but would be nice to learn more before we get to a big town.

Plus you could maybe do some work around her for a few copper for food. Would help you figure out how much a copper is worth and keep your silvers out of sight.

>Take it out of my
Her pay? Her debt? Sounds like she's not in charge at least. She's working for and/or indebted to someone and answers to the guards, not the other way around.

>Even just a mediocre wizard can maintain a big part of town.
Huh. So I guess anyone with magic has a pretty steady gig. There will be a lot of demand to keep stuff from falling apart, especially in big cities.

>dead people outside of their region decay fast
Well I suppose that's convenient for the army.

>don't know how many silvers to a copper
Maybe see if she can break a silver for you? (Ie, trade a silver for equivalent worth in copper?). She doesn't seem like she'd be bold enough or a good enough a liar to cheat you.

Buy the local rations, see if she's willing to buy any of your imported rations for resale. (She's got the shop, and should have an easier time selling stuff than you trying to sell to people all trying to rip off the barbarian).

Should we stick around long enough to see what this place is like once it gets busy?

Tell here that is a ridiculous price seeing as you don't even have a copper to tour name. (technically true).

Ask if there is anything you could do around here to earn some traveling money for food.

Also ask how many coppers 60 silvers is.

Oh, maybe you could ask to see the map? A good look might be enough to get you where you're going, and if you don't even touch it it's not like you're wearing it out.

How is it that you can hear us, or was that already established?

>>692365

As per most Lago quests our suggestions are just thoughts Fen is having. No orb or spirits needed.

Asking to just see the map would be a decent idea. Even if you forget the details, a vague image could still be a little useful. It'd be like renting it for a very short time. She could keep a hold on it and everything.

Say that as a dull barbarian you have not much familiarity with the higher coins. How much does one silver buy? Or ten silver?

Fen 2016/01/08(Fri)22:36 No. 692380 ID: dd338c
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>So I guess anyone with magic has a pretty steady gig.
From what I have gathered, almost anyone capable of outputting reliable, steady magic is virtually guaranteed an easy life.

"I can't afford it, but how much copper are 60 silvers?"
>"Exchange rate, uh, roughly 5 copper a silver, now!"
"That makes it easy."
>"Well it's more like..." she pulls out a piece of paper with a lot of notes. "4.6 down this far south and could actually have breached 5 up in the capital right now, but most merchants prefer to round up since a lot of people have trouble with math but the shopkeeps obviously to come out ahead on the exchange rate and it's just called a gratuity fee for making the merchant deal with small change but if you wanna haggle you can really argue for hours about exchange rates and patterns."
"I don't."
>"5 copper a silver!"
"Can I break a silver?"
>"Yeah! Going the other way, it's 4 copper coins, but since you're trading in your imported food, I'll give you an extra small chunk of food to make up the difference."
"Why is a map so expensive?"
>"Because this thing is a week old, and has information on bandit movements, current rebellions, warband, towns, populations, all sorts of stuff! Everything you could want to know, and some you don't. I gotta move it out inside of 2 weeks or it'll expire and be worth, I dunno, affordable!"
"Could I see the map?"

The mountain kobolds laugh loudly. Cheese doesn't, but only out of politeness.

>"Nope! I once tried to set up a thing where 1 silver got you 1 minute of looking, but of course then just a few people would team up to basically recreate the whole map, and then it's competition, and... actually you're a barbarian, obviously alone! No, then I gotta be fair and let others do it - wait, if you promise not to tell anyone I let you see it, then yeah! Do you have silver to spare, though? Oh wait the other idea, since it's quiet right now, is that I can draw a map for you right now for 1 silver. It'll be, uh, well, your standards can't be that high!"

I can probably memorize the overall layout of the empire if I saw one minute of it, and might be able to remember a few facts here and there. 5 silver, and I can get some good detail that may be somewhat worthless to me.

>>692380
Draw a map and let you see the good map, 7 copper.

I think we can afford spending one silver to learn the layout of things. Spending more to learn a lot of political details you really aren't gonna be in a position to use doesn't seem worth it.

Get the cheap map. Don't care about military intel, you just want to know which roads go where so you can find your way to the capital. A basic navigation aid that you can bring along for reference (and maybe even resell!) is more useful than momentary access to a dense jumble of information which you'd probably memorize the wrong details of.

As long as you're bartering, offer descriptions of the three bandits you encountered on the way here. Might be worth something to pass that data back up the map-making supply chain, incorporate it into next week's edition.

>>692381
Yeah I like that. We can take a look at the full map for long enough to get a good deal more useful basic facts than a full minute of trying to memorize it, and we won't have to worry about possibly-faulty memorization for the routes and stuff.

You will have to put become a Mage on your list of insane goals for the next year then. Lily said it can take years of training but if Shup bypassed that somehow there is a trick to learning it faster. Course that method might involve something horrifyingly expensive or secret or lethal but keep a eye out.

Tell her you just want to get to the next big town with a warpgate so you can get to the capitol. So do not need a very good map for the moment.

Also ask what the going price for warp travel is right now so we can make sure we have the funds or not.

Oh another thought. If good up to date maps are worth that much it might benefit you to start learning to make your own. A good cartographer can make a fortune and while you might never reach that level you should at least be able to chart your own journey. Plus if you get decent at it you could make some side money.

1 minute, and the cruder sketch map. Since you're looking to join the army, offer another silver or two if she'll point out where armies are likely to be active for the next while, and what big nobles are doing what.

Fen 2016/01/09(Sat)12:47 No. 692491 ID: dd338c
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"Both. You draw me a simple map, and I will look at the detailed map, all for 7 copper."
>"Uhhhehhhhhh okay I tell you what, 7 copper, plus 3 for the food trade, so, exchanging silver, you'll give me 3 silver, and I'll give you, uh... 2 copper back!"
"Okay."

She draws one of the worst maps I have ever seen in my life on some cheap paper. The good map, on the other hand, is amazingly crafted. Unfortunately it also assumes at least basic knowledge about the land, and so I spend nearly the entire minute trying to piece a general good picture from the details. It's fine, though, as I don't need to know about the low level banditry migration in a far off land.

It almost seems like a straight shot between here and this province's capital, Graskin, so I shouldn't have trouble getting there. I still make a point to memorize some forks in the road.

"How did they make this map so accurately if they expire so quickly?"
>"Oh, by having a big old cartographer meeting! A huge amount of cartographers will keep track of small segments of land, and they get together with a chief cartographer to map out the province, then those guys get together and go to the royal cartographer to map out the whole known map as we know it, then it goes to a small army of artists to replicate the map quickly and effectively before getting distributed."

A cartographer doesn't sound like easy money anymore.

While a magician would almost definitely grant me nobility, most mages have to show some knack for magic to be able to get started learning it. I've been told about exceptions, but only people who had the funds for tutilage and time to practice. I think that Shup's only ability to 'bypass' the training was him practically purchasing the ability to use magic.

"By the way, I met some bandits on my way over." I tell Cheese, and give a description of the event.
>"Oh yeah those guys! They're the worst bandits, but believe it or not, the best guys there are really good fighters. Like, I wouldn't get in a fight with 'em! You probably got one of their recruits. Or maybe you're really good that's possible too!"

For inventory and brief map descriptions:
http://tgchan.org/wiki/Fen_Quest_Statistics

So wait does the world change then? Cause they should not have this many problems if the terrain is not moving around. I can see borders shifting all the time but mountains and roads and rivers stay the same right?

Shouldn't the trade equal 2 silver with no change back? Unless I am missing something.

If Shup bought his magical ability it would still be a good idea to find out how he did it. Even if you have the innate magic ability of a rock it never hurts to at least explore some options.

Well I think we have what we need from here. I think it would be safe to tell Cheese our plan of going to join the army and finding out if she has any advice. Plus find out more about warp travel and such.

If 5 copper is 1 silver, then 7 copper plus 3 copper is 10 copper which is 2 silver. 3 silver minus 2 overcharges by 3 copper.

Ask her if people are going to expect you to not know basic math or be able to read because you're a barbarian.

Also ask if she could add some of the most major roads and rivers on, there, that's pretty essential map material.

>They're the worst bandits, but believe it or not, the best guys there are really good fighters.
Uh, the best and the worst bandits aren't in the same group, right? I won't have angered the best bandits by embarrassing the worst ones?

>>692491
>7 copper, plus 3 for the food trade, so, exchanging silver, you'll give me 3 silver, and I'll give you, uh... 2 copper back!
7 plus 3 is 10. 5 copper per silver is 2 silver even, isn't it? 15-2 would be 13. I mean if she wants to charge more for looking at the map that's fine but the math she gave us is wrong. Also wasn't it 4 copper for the food?

I'm guessing the graskin on the map is actually graslow.
Anyway, it seems like we're about set. Ask for info about prices you can expect in the capital, then we can go.

Fen 2016/01/09(Sat)15:47 No. 692532 ID: dd338c
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I'll investigate looking into magic when I have the chance, I'm sure I can pick up some facts while I travel.

"Do the maps change? I can see bandit movements changing, but what of the borders?"
>"Yeah those change too! Well, borders, anyway. That's why maps that just show land are cheaper, it doesn't change toooo much. But roads, smaller towns, and the people, that changes all the darn time! The good map is made for you know bigtime merchants who need to route stuff well.
"Also, those bandits, would I have angered the best ones?"
>"Eh? Sounds like you met the two leaders, so that's them! Really good fighters, just terrible at being bandits."
"Oh. Also, was it not 5 copper a silver? The math you gave me back does not add up."
>"Yeah if you wanted to convert copper to silver, you'd need to give 5 copper for a silver! But if you want to break a silver, it's 4 silver a copper. I mean, that's just if it's involving one silver, if you had ten silver, we could say 45 copper."

I'm not sure I want to argue with someone who's been hospitable to me, even if I remember what Zizi told me about merchants only being nice to swindle me.

"Alright. I am traveling to Dragonspine to join the army. I heard there are teleports every once in awhile."
>"Yep! Uh, the next one is in 4 days, I think."
"And how expensive is it to live in that capital?"
>"Like 4 copper a day for a healthy amount of food, and 3 or 4 copper for a night that isn't in a disgusting place. You could probably survive for 2 a day, though! But hey, if you're going to join the army, they'll feed you! Then feed you to the enemy! There's a difference between barbarians who get drafted and barbarians who join up, you know?"
"How so?"
>"Oh, they probably won't send you on suicide missions, but they will assume that you want to fight! Especially if you join the main dragon army."
"Do you have any advice?"

"Hey, Cheese." the mountain kobold interrupts. "I'm seeing workers come. If you're going to coddle this guy, you better start charging. Maybe he can afford it, if he has silver coin."

>I'm not sure I want to argue with someone who's been hospitable to me, even if I remember what Zizi told me about merchants only being nice to swindle me.
If you were going to argue / haggle over pricing, you should have done so before coins changed hands and she showed you the maps. Now all you're going to do is get your butt tossed if the guards decide you pushed it too far.

Lesson learned: make sure you've done the math first.

>"I'm seeing workers come. If you're going to coddle this guy, you better start charging. Maybe he can afford it, if he has silver coin."
I won't keep you busy if it's going to cost you customers. Thank you for the help, Cheese.

I don't think we need to spend silver on anything else, unless she has something specific she thinks we'd want...?

So far this has been good advice. Staying around during lunch and chatting with Cheese seems like it might be worth the time and effort. Even if you do have to work a bit for it.

Tell her that you are very thankful for all the advice and if it would be ok to help her out at her stall in exchange for being able to hang out over lunch and learning more from her.

Say that while you are a ignorant barbarian you would like to learn enough to avoid making any huge blunders once you reach civilization.

You should seek out a second source of info on coin exchange rates, if she's lying it would be an easy way for her to rip you off.

>if it would be ok to help her out at her stall
They kinda already said no.
>"Do you want help setting up your shop?"
>"Wha- are you offering?"
>"Yes."
>"No." says a mountain kobold.
>"You can't be trusted." says the other.

Pay for your stuff and thank her for her time.

She seems like a good one to get advice on finding your fortune. Can tell you if she knows of a better plan than the one you have.

Like finding a way to join the elite guards or a nice mercenary company. Or more about the arena.

Once you do leave thank her for all the help.

>>692532
Her math makes sense since you're exchanging silver to copper, and the merchant gets profit by rounding down in that case. You gave 3 silver so that's 12 copper. If any of the items involved silver directly then there wouldn't have been an exchange loss for those items. (the author) just forgot you were carrying silver, not copper, thus the confusion over the exchange rate.

Anyway, thank the merchant and go.

Is there a service or favor we can do that within the amount of trust we've acquired so far?

Fen 2016/01/09(Sat)21:26 No. 692609 ID: dd338c
File 145240361653.png - (60.47KB , 800x800 , 170.png )

>You should seek out a second source of info on coin exchange rates
I'll be sure to ask when I get a better chance. However, I have reason to believe that if she is scamming me, it isn't to a ridiculous amount. There is no way that a silver is worth dozens of copper, as Zizi would tell me if I was holding on to that much wealth.

"Okay. Let's trade, then."

My coin bag is wrapped tightly so that it won't jingle too much when I pull it out. Even so, the mountain kobolds stare at me a bit too much as I pull out a few silver.

"Thank you for your time." I say, and sure enough, I begin to hear the commotion of many people coming up from behind me. "I'll leave you be for the time, but would you be willing to talk with me more during any lunch breaks or other time off you may have?"
>"Haha are you kidding me? Are you willing to talk to me? Do you know how many people here think I'm contagious or whatever, and just won't talk to me? I shouldn't even be a shopkeep, you know! I'm talking too much but I am so desperate for friendly banter!"
"Can you not speak with your guards, here?"
>"Don't even start!"
".... okay."
>"Uh, I mean I'm going back to the capital in time for the teleportation if you want to just hitch a ride with us and be a hired guard or something. Hired for like... food and shelter as long as you follow the rules, cause I don't have the authority to pay you. But I'd love the company!"

I like the idea of tagging along with her. Gives you more time to talk and more people in case of bandits.

Go check stuff out while lunch is going on. Maybe find some more people to talk to. The more info we have on the army and such the better choices we can make.

Maybe see if that guard is awake now? Or anyone else that looks like they would chat with a horrible barbarian.

That sounds like it would be a good idea. Say that you intend to continue looking around, and it may be that something else will come up to demand a different plan, but it's unlikely as far as you know. If not, then you'll take her up on that. Then thank her for her time, and for being the first friendly face you've seen since you set out.

Well, no one was paying you to walk this road in the first place, and you have no objection to walking it with her.

Fen 2016/01/09(Sat)22:04 No. 692627 ID: dd338c
File 145240589931.png - (66.27KB , 800x800 , 171.png )

"Yes, I would like that. I am going to look around, but will come back."
>"Okay!"
"And thank you, you are the first friendly face thus far."
>"Hahaha well I mean don't single me out now!"

I move around. There are a lot of people.

A lot. I knew there was supposedly a lot, but I have never seen so many people at once before. There are dozens in town, and I see many dozen more walking down the trail. I get a few glances now and then, but not a bad amount. I may not look terribly out of place, and I may just be one of many new faces. There can't be any way everyone is familiar with everyone, here.

I have no idea how to approach new people like this. Everyone is either speaking already, or looking like they don't want to speak.

I do manage to get sight at the gate. That guard is not just awake, but standing on something, appearing ot take his job seriously.

Well slide on over to him and ask if he has a moment to chat while keeping watch.

If he is up for talking tell him you are new to town and figured he might be able to tell you more about being a guard and what the local peacekeeping forces were like.

If he asks why mention you are fresh out of the wilds and trying to learn more about how to make a living in civilized lands. You had been pointed to the army but want to learn more before you go that route.

You won't get anything if you don't ask for it. So go over and ask him about his job.

Maybe he is busy watching for trouble and wont have time to chat but you never know.

Fen 2016/01/10(Sun)00:44 No. 692646 ID: dd338c
File 145241546969.png - (24.54KB , 800x800 , 172.png )

The guard may be more willing to speak than random northerners, so that is who I go towards.

"Hello."
>"Good afternoon."
"I would like to ask about your job. I understand if you are too busy."
>"Does it look like I'm busy?"

....

>"'cause I'm not."
"I've just came from the Shroomleaf forest. I am considering the army, but I want to learn more about making a living in this empire before I make a certain decision."
>"An ex savage, huh? Asking about my job?"
"Yes."
>"You don't think I was in the army, kid?"
"These are the things I would like to learn about."
>"Hah, right, right. Listen up and listen well then, my barbarian acquaintance. Up here, we like to fight. Anyone who's anyone has either been in the army, or can do magic. Men, woman, tall ones, short ones, doesn't matter, near everyone's got experience in their local militia at the very least. You see all these fine folk you see coming in town to relax? They can fight better than you think, but most of them haven't joined a real army before. No matter how much I look down on the cowards, I still hope that every single last one of them is happy with where they're at right now, because right now is where they'll be till the day they die. So here's the bottom line for you. If you want a cushiony, boring job like mine, you get in a respectable army for some years and make some connections. If you don't want to fight for your life, then you'd be better off asking these talented farmers for advice on their jobs, not me on mine."

And what if I don't want a cushy job? What if I want to reach for the stars and make a name for myself? Find fame and fortune even though it might cost me my life?

What would be the best path for someone with those sort of ambitions?

Ok then what sort of advice would you give a young ambitious guy who wants to become a noble someday?

And for some crazy reason has to do it before the end of the year?

>>692646
I just want to get noble quick and dirty so I can offer a awesome noble girl an alternative to saving her family from going not noble, basically.

Which means capital to buy a nobility, I think.

>>692646
Ask a leading question like, "What if I wanted to aim higher than that?"
DO NOT let slip that you're straight up trying to become a noble.

Fen 2016/01/10(Sun)10:31 No. 692711 ID: dd338c
File 145245071436.png - (106.71KB , 800x800 , 173.png )

"I don't need a cushy job. What if I want to reach higher, and faster?"
>"Get off that thought. If you reach too high too fast, the only thing you'll grab are the worms from your grave. If you want to test if you'll be the one out of a million other people with the same ideas, then keep it simple. Join the Dragon Army and tell 'em you want to make a name for yourself. All you need to do from there on out is live. Wait a second, you from Zizi's tribe?"

That gets the attention of a couple others in close earshot.

>>692711
Say something like "I'd prefer not to be associated with them."

'Ha ha... what makes you think that?'

>>692713
Probably the white eyes that only Zizi/Fen's tribe has.

My theory is that they're all magic resistant.

"That... depends. Would that be good, or bad?"

Why do I keep getting asked that? Who is this Zizi guy?

>>692646
That sounds... like I don't really believe him. I think he's exaggerating how tough the citizens around here are to try and discourage you from trying anything.

>Wait a second, you from Zizi's tribe?
Let's avoid the fame and notoriety this time.

Who? Sorry, don't know him. The different forest tribes don't really talk to each other much.

If they push you on the white eyes, lie. It's not one tribe, it's how far you live from the center of the forest. The further in your tribe lives, the yellower they get.

Where do you guys get these ideas? Was this Zizi guy telling stories about his tribe being special or something?

"Yeah, and I don't intend to let that arse hog all the fame and glory."
Better to come off as an envious member of Zizi's tribe than the alternative, perhaps?

Might work as an excuse as to why you're so insistent on climbing the ranks, too.

>>692711
Say, "Zizi? Who's she?"

Pretend you don't know Zizi's gender, that'll make it easier to convince everyone that you don't know who Zizi is. And if they go into more detail, then we can find out what it is that Zizi did that got him so famous.

>>692721
Oh, I like this one. "I'm tired of being 'Zizi's tribe'. I want it to become known as 'Fen's tribe'!"

>>692711
No, rival tribe. I'd like to know what's gotten everyone up in arms over Zizi though. All information I've gotten from my own tribe's scouts describes the one we know as Zizi as a lazy warrior that does nothing but lay in the sun all day... okay, I also know that when he DOES fight us, we haven't won against him once but some warriors are just lucky like that. Actually, and I quote "There's this super lucky and spiky green motherfucker who keeps getting our meat and dodging our traps, and it's NOT you Fen, stop smirking you shit."

This is the SECOND time I've been asked this question, and it's annoying. I didn't think too much of it the first time, but something tells me I'm going to be asked it constantly.

Let's not be a liar if we can avoid it. We don't just want to reach as high as we can go, we want to build a reputation that makes Fen admirable and attractive and so on, someone a lady could love. Obviously we will have to pull some dick moves on the way up, but we should keep it to a minimum. Keeping good habits on the small stuff helps you stay in good habits for the big stuff.

Also, building a reputation for honesty will be very helpful when you really need to lie. Gotta think ahead, too. The adventure won't stop once Fen's a noble. The old-nobility won't ever like him much for being an upstart, so he'll have to build his powerbase from being popular with the lower orders, and he should think forward about setting that up all through his ascent.

1/2 Fen 2016/01/10(Sun)18:20 No. 692843 ID: dd338c
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I don't like to lie about things that are important to me. I am sure I will lie at some point, but I would like to avoid this. I will try to avoid direct answers towards my relation with him.

"I am continually asked that. Zizi's tribe is not the only one with white eyes."
>"Really? What made you think it was the white eyes?"
"Because you are not the first one to ask me if I was related to Zizi in some way. I know very little about him." That is less of a lie than I would like.
>"Well, you better get used to hearing about the guy, cause he really set up a high standard for you dirt rollers."
"I'm hoping to not live under his shadow."
>"You'll have to do more than hope, cause there aren't any rogue dragon knights to slay these days."
"I am not familiar with dragon knights."
>"Immortal, first generation draconic kobolds that founded the empire."
"That only makes me have more questions."
>"All you need to know is don't piss 'em off."

2/2 Fen 2016/01/10(Sun)18:20 No. 692844 ID: dd338c
File 145247885662.png - (72.65KB , 800x800 , 175.png )

"I dunno 'bout you." someone from behind me says, walking forward. "Empire likes to keep eyes on the barbarians, ya know, make sure they're not banding together or nothin'. An' I pay attention to this stuff, bein' so close to the border ya know, an' as far as anyone has seen or I've heard, there's only the one white eye tribe."
"We don't know what causes it. What if I am related to Zizi, though, is that not a good thing?"

He spits.

"You listen, I got half a mind to kick your ass right now. I had family in the rebellion, and if Zizi didn't lop off its head too early, they might still be alive now. And you know what, the other half of mind is to kick your ass just for thinking you can walk into the empire like we take in forest trash."
>"If you guys have something to settle, keep it a clean fight." says the guard. "If one of you ends up crippled or dead, I'll see to it the other one ends up just as bad, too."
"It's not worth it, then. Just get out of here, barbarian, we don't want your ty-"
>"Darken your tongue, you filthy worker. If you have the energy to fight, you didn't work hard enough. Go play and rest, while I do my job."
"Look at his clothes, fresher than us workers, and fresher than him! You think he doesn't have stolen goods in that bigass backpack of his?"
>"You really wanna push me, huh? Sure, I can search 'im, and if he's just holding food and sticks in that pack, you'll be the town's finger pointing asshole. How about it, Barbarian, mind if I rummage through your pack?"

>Immortal, first generation draconic kobolds that founded the empire.
Huh. So the first generation of kobolds born from the death of a great beast are immortal? If they can be slain, I guess they're elf-type immortal- just no death of natural causes / old ages / illness. Something has to kill 'em.

>How about it, Barbarian, mind if I rummage through your pack?
If they search you, they'll probably make a big deal over the dragon cloth. We should avoid being searched, if possible.

"I don't have to be particularly savvy to know if you accuse me of having stolen something, I have no way to prove I own in fairly. Unless you have more of a reason to search me than indulging his anger, I would prefer not to engage in such foolishness.

I am sorry for the death of your kin, and I wish no quarrel with you."

Hmm... if I'm right, the only possibly dangerous things for him to see in your pack are your silver and Lily's cloth.

Say yes, but only if you and he can move off to the side so others can't see. You don't want anyone taking a chance on grabbing something or to get ideas about ambushing you for your stuff later. Once you have moved off, you can whisper to him that you are actually Zizi's brother, since the guard seems trustworthy, and that he gave you your money. You can also tell him about the cloth, and that it was given to you. If he seems suspicious, you can ask him how he thinks a forest barbarian could have possibly stolen it.

I would rather not to be honest. Letting anyone in sight knowing what I am carrying seems like a bad idea. Even if it is just food and traveling supplies.

If you do insist it would have to be in private. I already had to fight off some bandits to get here and would rather not have anyone get any ideas about following me out of town so they can rob me.

If you do get privacy for him to search your bag, you could even just say "Zizi gave me a few things to take with me, and I didn't want anyone to see them", and let him believe that the cloth is included in that. If Zizi did things like what was just mentioned, it wouldn't be unbelievable that he could have had such a thing.

>>692844
I did just buy some stuff from Cheese, one of your merchants so there's more than food and sticks. Got a map and some coin, just a little though, the trade cleaned me out. Please do not tell me I was swindled by the "Shit rots outside its home region", because that sort of made sense considering the travel advice I was given at home, but my advisor was vague as shit on details.

>>692844
Tell him you'd rather fight than be searched. Time for a demonstration of your prowess.

>>692844
He's just being pushy because he thinks he's stronger because he's bigger. You'd like to show him which of the two of you measures up better. If he's got more guts than gut, he'll accept accept a formal challenge from a barbarian.

Yeah if you let them search that's just going to be a lot more questions considering the cloth you have obtained from Lily, You may have to fight.

This guy seems to respect strength so stand up for yourself. Fighting him on the other hand would just be silly. No need to escalate things just yet.

Yes I do mind. I don't like being accused of being a thief just because some farmhand with a grudge is envious of my clothes.

>>692844
(Just to clarify, this is aimed at the pissed off guy, not the guard.)

"Everyone here seems to stereotype me as an idiot who only knows how to fight and steal. Where I come from we stereotype all of you as intelligent and honest. But as you can see, there's exceptions to both stereotypes. Sure, I don't know much, but I am smart enough to know how to avoid pointless fights, like the one you're trying to start. If anything, I'm the one who's acting civilized and you're the one acting like a barbarian. A childish one I might add, considering the fact that you're trying to use violence to solve your problems instead of words. Besides, I was told I would always be accused of stealing, even if I actually paid for something. So if I show you what's in my bag, what's going to stop you from claiming I stole something? Actually, what's to stop you from claiming what's in my bag belongs to you and you say I stole it from you? No, I refuse to fight you and I refuse to show you what's in my bag. Oh and before you say I'm trying to hide something, which I know you will, continuously accusing me will only prove that you're trying to start a pointless fight based only on the fact of who I am and where I came from. Now, unless you have anything meaningful to add to the conversation, I must be on my way. Have a nice day."

Make sure you get close and whisper back before talking.

A noble friend. If you can keep a secret I will consider telling you the tale.

But if you can't its probably better you don't know.

And before you ask it was a gift freely given. So no one is chasing after me looking for it.

"That was the one I was worried about, yes. Our mother told me that if I showed that further north, muggers and so on would be less likely to bother me, as only nobles or people connected to them would normally possess such a thing. I assume she got that from Zizi."

You'll intend "assume she got that from zizi" to refer to the information, but with luck he'll take it to mean she got the cloth from him, too.

1/3 Fen 2016/01/11(Mon)16:58 No. 693102 ID: dd338c
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"I'd rather fight him than be searched for no reason."
>"You hear that, farmer? He wants to fight you."
"Does that mean I can break a bone or two?"
>"No."
"Then it's pointless."
>"Sorry, outsider. I answered your questions, so consider this repaying the favor. It'll just take a second."
"Fine, but only if the search be done in private."
>"Got something to hide, buddy?"
"All I got from this town are local rations, which I purchased from your merchant. Is privacy a difficult request when the accuser has no proof?"
>"Naw, I'm just testing ya for cracks. Come on, I'll show you to privacy."

He leads me away from the farmer's hmphs and into a nearby tent right by the entrance. It looks more like his house.

>"This is my house. Don't get too comfy, there isn't much. Normally I'd show you in first, but I'm just going through this for an excuse to punch that guy when you got nothin', so let's do this."
"By the way, I am Zizi's brother. I wished to hide this, since I would like to keep my enemies at a minimum. Most of my gear is from my family, including him."
>"That so? You got the look but you're nothin' like him. Well, whatever, it doesn't matter to me too much. Just set your bag down there."
"Fine. By the way, food does rot outside of its home region, correct?"
>"Huh?"

...

2/3 Fen 2016/01/11(Mon)16:58 No. 693103 ID: dd338c
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>"Yeah, that's right. And quit looking so mad, alright? You look like that asshole plantfondler out there, and no one likes him."
"Then why are you entertaining his wishes?"
>"Cause I wanted an excuse to look through your stuff, because you wouldn't be the first outsider to try and get comfy with the guards so that we wouldn't be looking when the swiping starts. But hey, it just looks like you got appropriate food, here, like you said. Not too much. You gotta loosen up. Try to visit the big tent tonight when people stop working for the day, get to know 'em. Anyway, you got anything else to come clean about, before I check out what's in this bag that looks like a nice-"

3/3 Fen 2016/01/11(Mon)16:59 No. 693104 ID: dd338c
File 145256034129.png - (21.78KB , 800x800 , 178.png )

He yanks his hand out like he got bit by a bad bug.

>"Like where you got this cloth from?!" he whispers at the highest volume a whisper would allow.

>Like where you got this cloth from?!
Be completely casual about it.

From Lord Shup's betrothed. The Lord's party passed through our forest recently, and inspired me to leave myself, and seek out the army. (Half truth, we're leaving out your interest in Lily).

I think you can understand why I didn't want to show it off in public. And I don't think I could have possibly stolen anything like this from the farmers around here.

It's a gift. You made a good friend who happens to be very rich, and they gave it to you so you could eventually get something nice to wear made out of it. You were hoping to keep it hidden until you got further north, where it would keep people from bothering you as much.

>>693104
Noble girl, Lord Shup's wife to be. She took an interest in our tribe, so Shup and her came out with a convoy. We became good friends, and she gave me this as a gift.

I have no method to prove this story, just that it is the truth. I know the choas it would bring should word get out that something like this is in town. If it IS stolen, it's too hot to fence, too hot to keep in an evidence locker, too hot to wear or fashion it into something. It's pricelessness actually, in form, makes it worthless beyond personal value.

>>693104

Be brutally honest.

Tell him you were gifted the cloth from a very kind and lovely lady from a noble family who visited the forest and stayed with your tribe for a week this spring. You're currently headed to the capital in your quest to become a noble, so that you can find some way to properly express your feelings to her and annul her end-of-winter engagement to Lord Shup. You're not sure how you will manage, probably either from getting into the Dragon Army in Dragon's Fall or the gladiatorial bouts at the capital, but you are going to try.

Clean enough?

he is probably not gonna buy the truth,sounds outlandish as heck. try lying and telling him your brother or family had it for a long time and gave it to you.if not, just be honest as you possibly can.

Fen 2016/01/11(Mon)20:58 No. 693129 ID: dd338c
File 145257468059.png - (73.30KB , 800x800 , 179.png )

"A gift, from a noble."
>"That must have been a long story."
"Lord Shup's wife to be. She came with Shup some time ago, soon after winter. She left me with this as a gift."
>"If you didn't have white eyes, I'd probably throw you in a cell, barbarian, for a blatant goddamn lie."
"If I lied, I would say that it was Zizi's gift to me."
>"Ha! Then I would know you were full of it! Zizi had a noble title ready with his name already on it, and he walks off right back to his home without even healing his scars, a couple of which he got for not wearing the right armor 'cause it was too flashy for him! Like hell he'd ever bother with something like dragon cloth. But hey, I'm not his brother. What did you do to earn a piece like this from a noble lady?"
"Nothing. She simply... she was lovely and kind. At best, she found it admirable that I was inspired by Shup's arrival, and was not happy with my life in the forest. In any case, this is priceless for me as a gift, not for its monetary value."
>"Friend, that 'monetary' worth is more than some family of peasants makes in their lifetime, and that life of comfort is beyond monetary value. I don't know if you're the biggest dumbass to carry it like this around here, or just think it's that important to you."
"I was told that if I wore it more up north, bandits would be less likely to attempt to assault me."
>"Yeah, you'd lose the attention of bandits, but gain the attention of more dangerous people. The only people who wear this are nobles and royal guards. There's no law saying you can't, but damn your head if you aren't aware of the message that would send."

He puts his hand on my shoulder.

>"But I like your attitude, barbarian. Just know how easy it would have been to slip a knife in your back and take this for myself, and think about that the next time you put yourself in a position to be searched, you hear me? As hot as dragon cloth may be, there's a lot of people who will do some dumb things in the hopes of coming out covered in gold at the finish line. And by the sounds of it, you're one of them. But hey, I think I've lectured you long enough you think?"

"Perhaps. I'm beginning to think I should be given a few more lectures, but you've already been more than generous enough to me. Particularly so, considering what the common attitude toward barbarians seems to be. Thank you."

>>693129
Perhaps it's time to leave, I'll likely irritate too much of the populace if that worker is going to start spreading rumors, which he probably will.

Honestly I could probably use a good lecture. This is literally my first day out in the world and I need to learn as much as I can as fast as I can.

I have a few weeks worth of training as a soldier and a brother who told me less than nothing about life up here. So any advice from someone who has gone down this road would be appreciated.

A half hour talking to you is probably better than days chatting with random farmers I meet along the way to the capitol.

>>693129
Hey! I may be a dumbass for carrying this around, but I'd like to think that I'm smarter than other barbarians I've seen walking around naked with a big club saying, "Unga bunga! Me smash puny head!"

Lectures beat object lessons.

>>693129
I might not be as easy to stab as you think, but I take your point. I need to work on keeping a lower profile, I can't keep explaining myself to everyone I come across and hoping they will all be trustworthy.

Maybe you need to modify your pack, later. Hide the dragoncloth beneath a false bottom?

>>693129
Probably. Wanna spar?

Hmm. If you can't wear the dragon cloth visibly, then what the hell are we going to do with it? Seems inappropriate to make it into underwear.

Fen 2016/01/12(Tue)21:11 No. 693411 ID: dd338c
File 145266191764.png - (18.58KB , 800x800 , 180.png )

>Hide the dragoncloth beneath a false bottom?
I may look into this, but I doubt I can personally craft one that would look convincing. It would already be difficult, since the cloth is thick and doesn't take a small amount of space.

"Is that farmer going to spread rumors about me?"
>"He can try, but you're not the only savage in town, and no one likes that guy, barbarian or farmer."
"Okay. I don't think I'm as easy to stab as you may think, but I understand your point. I also am not against lectures; they are invaluable for me. I was told a great deal of nothing in preparation, and talking with you for half an hour would be more informative than days with these farmers, I think. Thank you for your kindness in place of where others look down on my kind."
>"Hey, don't get sappy on me, it's my job to keep the peace."
"You are doing a good job."
>"What did I just say, savage! But hey thanks."
"Sorry. Would you like to spar?"
>"What? Guards aren't training dummies."
"I know this. I'm not demanding this of you, it's only a request."
>"People are going to have the wrong idea if they see us fighting, friend. And even if not, I'm still on duty. Now when I'm off duty, if you buy me a drink tonight, I'll tell you a story or two and even make it educational. And if you want to get some respect, go clean yourself up, you're getting my ground dirty. There's a river 20 minutes west. And unless you bathe with your backpack on, you can leave your stuff with me if you're more comfortable with that."

>>693411
I we're still in town tonight, we probably do owe him a drink.

Mention you were thinking of traveling with Cheese's caravan back to the city so you could have some safety in numbers and someone to chat with during the trip but if she is not leaving today that sounds like a good plan.

Mention the bandit attack and if wandering off to the river is safe with them lusting for revenge.

>>693411
20 minutes west? We're surrounded by deadly, magic grass protected by monsters and bandits that know how to hide in it without triggering the monsters.

How much are drinks in this town?
Also, be careful, due might be setting you up for a robbery. Might be feeding you a line a bullshit and kindness like he thought maybe you were, so be careful. A man is most vulnerable when he is bathing.

If we're going to leave with Cheese, then we can't get him that drink. But we could give him the money for a drink, if that still counts as getting him a drink.

>>693411
Leave your stuff with him and go wash up. If he wanted to steal the cloth he could just take it from you right here right now, and it'd be his word against yours that you didn't steal it.

One thing is vaguely worrying, what if the farmer attacks you while you're bathing? Ask him exactly how far you would be allowed to go in defending yourself.
Also do we have 40-50 minutes to spare? When exactly is Cheese leaving?

You should probably get his name. (And give him yours, if you didn't already).

>>693422
Actually, Cheese didn't give us an exact departure time. If the caravan is leaving say, in the morning, we might be able to. (Or if we just planned to catch up, assuming we could travel further alone than the group could).

1/4 Fen 2016/01/13(Wed)21:18 No. 693682 ID: dd338c
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"Alright, I will leave it in your care. What is your name?" I ask of him, while I know I have given him mine earlier.
>"Moss. You know where to find me when you want your bag back."
"I am planning on leaving with Cheese, and I don't know when she intends on departing."
>"You can bet late tonight after everyone goes to bed. A lot of people are getting paid today, so a lot of purses are untied."
"In that case, I understand. What if the farmer attacks me while I bathe?"
>"Then you can give him another black eye."
"I was also attacked by bandits. Is there any chance of them lying in wait?"
>"No, it's the same river everyone else uses, so it's way too populated for bandits to touch. There's safety in numbers."
"That's why I'm leaving with Cheese."
>"Odd choice, but I won't judge much. Now let's get out of here before the town starts thinking something's going on."
"Final question. How much are drinks?"
>"Ahahh, good question. One copper'll get you a good amount. Two will get some good food. And three... well, I'd be surprised if they had anything worth three. People will trade smaller goods for smaller denominations, but that's a different game."
"Alright. Thank you, Moss."
>"Anytime, unless I'm busy. Speaking of which, come with me."

He locks my backpack away in a chest, including my coin purse, and starts pushing me out of the tent. I'm not sure what he is doing, but he isn't being forceful with his pushes.

2/4 Fen 2016/01/13(Wed)21:19 No. 693683 ID: dd338c
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We don't get far before the farmer is nearby.

"Ha, he did have something, didn't he?!"
>"About that! All of you, gather around! This farmer had the courtesy to accuse this barbarian of stealing and looting from the country side! And what do we say to barbarians like that?!

There's a lot of people nearby, and by the time Moss stops speaking, there's a lot of people that start booing. I may be in trouble, but Moss's actions don't match up with backstabbing me now of all times, so I just stand glaring.

>"Silence!... That's right! And what do we say to local farmers who accuse barbarians of crimes with no evidence?!"

The crowd remains quiet.

3/4 Fen 2016/01/13(Wed)21:19 No. 693684 ID: dd338c
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>"We tell them to shut their goddamned mouths and quit causing trouble! We take barbarians on a case by case basis, and this one's fine!"

He punches the farmer to a sound between a thud and a crack.

4/4 Fen 2016/01/13(Wed)21:20 No. 693685 ID: dd338c
File 145274880755.png - (71.59KB , 800x800 , 184.png )

The farmer skids back on the ground, rolling with limp limbs. He was knocked out.

>"Keep on not causing trouble, and I'll keep calling you friend, alright?"

I would have said keep your sword with you at all times but if Moss is convinced you don't have to worry then should be ok.

Plus you need plenty of practice in unarmed combat so if something does come up its a learning experience.

So go clean up but keep a eye out for trouble or friends of that idiot.

>>693685
Yes sir.

>black eye
Interesting word choice, since fuzzbolds shouldn't get them. Fur don't bruise.

>>693684
>>693685
I don't think Moss made you any friends in that crowd today. Still, we should probably trust he knows the right balance of intimidation to keep the people around here behaved.

>>"Keep on not causing trouble, and I'll keep calling you friend, alright?"
I don't plan on causing any, friend.

Tell him that he has a deal.

That was a interesting display of frontier law. While they probably handle stuff a bit differently in the big city you can learn some good lessons from that.

I think the biggest thing is to watch your use of force. If someone attacks you with fists try to respond in kind if possible. Is a lot easier to explain some black eyes or bruises to a constable than a chopped off arm.

Once you join the army or arena or some mercenary guild you should have some protection. Until then be careful around authority figures because you are bottom on the totem pole until you get some status under your belt. Moss could have very easily been some thug who let his position go to his head.

"Deal, friend. I just hope no-one else is going to want to cause trouble, after that."

>>693682
>"Then you can give him another black eye."
Wait, what? Another? But he doesn't already have a-

>>693684
Oh.....Oh, now I get it! He was telling us that he was going to punch that guy! Clever! XD

>>693685
"Yes, sir!"

1/2 Fen 2016/01/14(Thu)16:40 No. 693933 ID: dd338c
File 145281840093.png - (90.66KB , 800x800 , 185.png )

I still have my sword. While there is merit in unarmed combat, I am not willing to leave my sword behind to practice it.

>Furbolds can't get a blackeye
The term blackeye is still used to describe a bruised eye, since all other kobolds do get a visual bruising.

"Yes, friend. Moreso, I am hoping no one else would want to cause trouble after that."
>"Not unless they want the same treatment."

I leave to take a bath. The path is frequented by others, and even the dirt is hard from being stepped on by so many people. Some other barbarians cross my paths. We stare ahead, not making eye contact. Furthermore, I trail another kobold headed on the same path, who never bothers looking behind him despite that I am not walking quietly.

2/2 Fen 2016/01/14(Thu)16:40 No. 693934 ID: dd338c
File 145281844079.png - (63.26KB , 800x800 , 186.png )

As Moss said, there is a river this way, and the crops are fenced off leaving grass to grow up until the river. There are many people bathing or gathering water upstream, and I see some children chasing one another.

>>693934
wosh u body

Hmm. Seems like underpants are in fashion. Do you have underpants, Fen?

Because those other barbarians walking back the other way looked like they didn't, and they also looked like they were still dirty. Maybe they got turned away for improper modesty?

God you are filthy. Go find a quiet spot and wash up.

>>693934
Give the others and their kids a little bit of space, so as to be nonthreatening.

At least lots of witnesses and the presence of families / children mean you're less likely to see any aggression.

Make sure you bathe downstream of the people gathering water for drinking / cooking / whatever. It would be rude to put your dirt in their mouths!

...oh, you should probably ask if there's some sort of proper procedure.

Also keep your sword on while bathing. Or at least within arms reach at all times. Get used to never being without it.

>>693934
Anyone catch your eye?

I know you have strong feelings for Lily, but, like, extremely low odds stopping the wedding in time with a nobleship of your own, and even then she may deny you over Shup. Your mostly using your feelings for her as inspiration to move on, adventure and become something more than what you were, so like... maybe you'll meet someone special here or elsewhere on your journey, so don't be too shy man!

Though I guess you shouldn't be creepin' here either. So look but don't creep.

>keep your sword on while bathing
No. Intentionally getting your sword wet while you have no way of oiling it is one of the worst things you can do quality wise.

Leave it on the shore. The people seem honorable enough, and openly stealing from someone (even a barbarian) is probably a no-go.

Head downstream so you don't get everyone's water dirty.

>>694015
Maybe you should take a bucket instead, or handbathe yourself since you don't have a bucket, Fen. Or use your shirt as a sponge/towel and give you a shirtbath, which is like spongebath.
Bathing downstream will just get you covered in THIER filth.

>>694016

It goes in filth order, filthiest people downstream, cleaner people upstream. Fen is pretty filthy compared to everyone already in the river so he should go downstream.

>>693934
If you take your clothes off, make sure you keep them close by. Because we REALLY don't want someone to come and steal your clothes while you're bathing! DX

1/4 Fen 2016/01/15(Fri)18:21 No. 694198 ID: dd338c
File 145291090668.png - (30.20KB , 800x800 , 187.png )

>Anyone catch your eye?
No one appears to be out of the ordinary.

>Anyone catch your eye in an attractive way?
No one. Although I would be lying if I said that I only found Lily to be attractive, Lily is the only one that I felt strongly for outside of my direct family. Furthermore, most of the people here are field kobolds.

>wosh u body
I remain within the clearing so that I have a wide field of vision from any approachers, but I do head more downstream than most others.

I notice that there is no one not wearing any underwear. Although I do have a softer cloth underneath my shorts, I was not expecting to have to wear them. Nonetheless, they are durable, and should not react unfavorably being wet, other than taking me longer to dry.

My sword and clothes are left at the shoreline, but I do wade far into the river, only enough to be able to submerge myself while lying down. I make sure there is no one approaching me, swimming to me from behind, or that no birds are overhead. I begin simply washing myself with my hands.

>"Ewwww!" a child cries out nearby. I look over, and see many people swimming to the edge of the river, or exitting it entirely.

2/4 Fen 2016/01/15(Fri)18:21 No. 694199 ID: dd338c
File 145291091394.png - (43.17KB , 800x800 , 188.png )

I do the same, if only to stand out. However, soon I see the reason, as a rotten corpse floats down the river. Everyone upstream starts reentering the river as the corpse clears out.

3/4 Fen 2016/01/15(Fri)18:22 No. 694200 ID: dd338c
File 145291092263.png - (21.83KB , 800x800 , 189.png )

I do the same, although only for a moment, as I am nearly done.

Apparently this is not seen as anything more than a mild inconvenience. The people go back to swimming, fishers fishing, and children playing.

Once I finish, I begin putting on my clothes.

>"Hey, what're you doing?!" a girl calls out nearby.

4/4 Fen 2016/01/15(Fri)18:23 No. 694201 ID: dd338c
File 145291098258.png - (31.18KB , 800x800 , 190.png )

I look over to her, and it does appear that she is calling out to me.

"I was bathing, but now I am done."

She laughs.

>"What's the dang point if you're just going to put those filthy clothes back on? I saw you just leave them there! Where are you from, Goldyard?"

getting ready for you!

To be honest this is my first time in civilized lands. I am traveling to the capitol to find a job and realized I had a bit to much of the wild covering me. Sadly have no spare clothes at the moment.

Washing your clothes lightly in the river might be a good idea. But sort of depends on what they are made of and how long it takes to dry. If you do it quickly can bask in the sun for a bit.

>What's the dang point if you're just going to put those filthy clothes back on?
*Shrug* Well, I'm cleaner than I was.

I suppose you could wash your clothes too, but then you'd have to wait for them to dry. Dunno if you want to take the time for that?

>Goldyard
Shroomleaf, actually.

"I don't have any other clothes, and these won't wash well with just water. I'd buy some more, but once I leave this area, any made here will decay quickly, won't they? So I should wait until I'm somewhere I intend to stay for a while."

>>694201
>Goldleaf
Yeah, somewhere around there.
Well, if we're to wash the clothes, how long would they take to dry? Gonna have to wait around. I guess we could watch people fish in the meantime. Or do some fishing if we can borrow a fishing rod.

I saw some racks to dry clothes on.

>>694204
>shroomleaf
Ahh, we shouldn't keep saying that. There's only one white-eyed tribe in Shroomleaf, and we're trying to distance ourselves from Zizi.

Fen 2016/01/15(Fri)22:46 No. 694280 ID: dd338c
File 145292679384.png - (22.38KB , 800x800 , 191.png )

I decide to just ignore the last question.

"My shirt and shorts are not intended to be dunked in water, and they may shrink."
>"So are you going to end up wearing a coat of dirt held together with leather?"
"They only get so dirty."
>"Oh gods, that's awful! No one's gonna want you around if you have that mentality."
"These are my only clothes, and I don't wish to lay here all evening waiting for a single set of clothes to dry."
>"Ugh, you here to stay?"
"No, I'm headed towards the capital. These clothes will be rotting quickly, I assume."
>"Looks like they'd last a month or two, three if you take good care of 'em. Just clean your damn shirt, you being clean just makes your clothes look even worse!"

She starts getting closer to me, like she's about to yank my shirt from my hands.

Say ok. Worse comes to worse you can just go about topless, or buy a shirt if that gets problematic.