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

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

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

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

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

Baron of Spades 2010/11/26(Fri)23:48 No. 260029 ID: 38e619
File 129084409296.png - (38.45KB , 898x714 , 5.png )

"I no care."
"Well you should! Your sister thinks she's my brother's wife!"

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

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

"Are all Rezan this loud?"

Baron of Spades 2010/11/26(Fri)23:50 No. 260030 ID: 38e619
File 129084425356.png - (41.16KB , 898x714 , 6.png )

Dammit where's that ship?! You promised it'd be here!"

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

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

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

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

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

>>260030

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

>>260238

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Lord Venian! Yangsen. He-"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

>>260355
"What time will he arrive?

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

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

"Just barely."

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

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

Then bring him to me. Every second counts."

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

>>260610

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

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

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

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

Baron of Spades 2010/11/30(Tue)01:36 No. 260821 ID: 3b8a9d
File 129110976719.png - (18.34KB , 662x502 , 12.png )

"What you want human? Aren't you ready to fight annoying Tsang Naji man?"

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

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

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

"Possibly. But even that take long time."

"How long?"

"More than you have."

"A mist? What about that?"

"Easily."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

>>260858
"Well make it so Kamagan."

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

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

"Lord?! Lord Ju Gwah!"

Speaking of which.

Anonymous 2010/11/30(Tue)23:45 No. 261119 ID: 38e619
File 129118955183.png - (23.38KB , 662x502 , 14.png )

"I have a name you know."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

>>261119

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

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

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

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

"Lord Venian."

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

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

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

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

"Hush-and?"

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

"Very well."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

>>265038

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

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

>>265046
Maybe you could give us to him.

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

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

>>265046

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Hear who?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*uploads goatse.png into neural net*

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

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

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

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

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

"I hear nothing Ju Gwah."

"Wha-? Are you sure?"

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

It seems some people are naturally dense...

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

"Stop! Lord Yangsen."

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

>>266153

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

That'd be a great proclamation to make.

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

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

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

>>266220
"ACK! What happened?"

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

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

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

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

"Hunted. What?"

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

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

>>266505
[HEAR OUR WORDS] >>265752

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

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

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

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

"Tha-"

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

Wait what's this about fiancee and such?

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

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

Lets see what he has to say now.

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

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

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

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

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

"Who?!"

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

"Oh you'll see."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"What'ya mean?"

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

Am I forgetting any other oddities?

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Er...and how did tha-"

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

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

"Yes. Her.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"So she's important then?"

"ACH KA! Bad direction...

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

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

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

"So she's a personal servant then?"

"For now yes."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Moving right along, who are Nietch and Rokof?

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

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

>>268787

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

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

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

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

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

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

>>269303

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

>>269327

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Speaking of pain..."

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

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

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

Stupid bastard.

>>269629
How many did you get?

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

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

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

What family traditions is he talking about?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Even so I still have more it seems."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Yes Mangalo, why should you ca-"

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

"What?"

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

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

sounds like a plan.

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

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

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

"Then you are free to try."

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

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

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