Who do you want to take with you to meet with the Sunsplitters?

Previous Thread: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/14500694/

Roster:
Tukon Reid, human duellist
Cagrazod, Marteau technologist/warrior
Marred Khess, Human Priest of Thunlin
Orpheus, Kapoacynth Spy/Shadowdancer
Ritter, Mandragon Dragonblooded Warrior
Jethar, Ripouse Artisan (And Family)
Rejek, Gnoll/Ripouse halfbreed (unknown skills)
Yumea, Ripouse Fighting Woman
Paima, Ripouse Fire Elementalist/Thief

Riposue Honor Guard: 5
Nabur
Martred
Gaphreg
Uljerg
Frizrez

Ripouse: 65

28 humans (3 injured)
11 gargoyles (1 injured)

Total: 119 (4 injured)

Important Possessions: Dominion's Memory
Aldinian Leather Talent

Do we have a limit on our little diplomatic group's numbers?

But I would suggest Paima (given his connection to Algers and having had some semi-contact with Kresis), Tukon for security purposes, and Cagrazod because he's a pretty cool guy.

You continue deeper into the swamp, on occasion seeing strange, grayish-blue birds roughly the size of parrots flutter about. Orpheus waits, then hurls out a dart, pegging one in the neck in mid-air. It lets out a horrified squawk, flailing to the ground with a finned wooden dart embedded in its neck.

"Why did you do that?" You ask him.

He grins, his lower jaw's pointy teeth rising up in front of his upper row, quietly sneaking forward to snap the dying creature's tiny neck. "These fowl secrete a poison in small needle-like feathers in their tails known to temporarily paralyze." He fans out he tail feathers, and you can see a few slick, bony needle-like feathers with small amounts of feather on them. "They hunt in flocks. Using this venom, they paralyze their prey, then strip it and eat it alive."

"How awful." You say, shivering at the thought.

Orpheus plucks the needles out, and bags the body. "Do not worry, Melane Kiried. Cagrazod of the marteau should be capable of making an antidote for such a thing, and they have far less of a likelihood of attacking such a large group, especially after one of their number has been slain. Their meat is run through with the poison, as I found out. Perhaps it can be extracted?"

"If we use poison, it may have a negative social connotation." You say.

The pike-like icy face twists into one of curiosity. "And why should that be, Melane Kiried? The natives use them quite often with blowguns or arrows."

You shrug. "Hmm, well perhaps we can trade it with them if they need any and we do not use it."

Orpheus bows. "Aye." He slinks off to the back, where the gargoyle's wagon trails quietly.

>>14562809

Nope. You probably shouldn't bring all 119 though.

You pick out Paima, Tukon, and Cagrazod to accompany you once you reach the edge of the Assik's territory. The signs are clear that further intrusion with a group will not be tolerated. A painted human skull with a hole where it was pierced by the spear marking the edge of the land has been painted in a golden-red hue to resemble the setting sun.

"So that's why they're called the Sunsplitter tribe. I thought it was a metaphor." Tukon says.

"To be fair, I always thought lizardmen liked the sun, why would these ones want to split it?" Paima asks.

"Intimidation factor? Alliteration?" Tukon wonders.

"It's clear we should be staying sharp here, you two. Even those of us with metal skulls would do well to fear this spear's construction." Cagrazod says, flicking the shaft of the spear. A heavy thud resonates though it. "Probably an iron or steel core, to add weight. They could fight against a trained and armored force with such weapons."

>>14563585
Go into alert mode, and let's begin the slow trek to our destination.

Also, Gargoyle quest is sometime this week, correct?

>>14563663

It's happening now: >>14563695

You keep an eye out. Paima seems to be the most adept at this, with Tukon making a quip every now and then, and Cagrazod making sure his inventions are in working order, mumbling something about mechanics being out of sync.

You see a fortress constructed from palisades and a wall of wood off in the distance, blocking the road. A number of monitor-headed lizardmen patrol the fort and the surrounding swamp, and you can see a half-submerged pathway of wood stretching out past either side. A few of the assik notch arrows, but do not point them at you. One calls in their harsh tongue down the line, and a number of armed lizardmen walk over to about twenty feet away from you with poleaxes resting on their shoulders. A slender, wooden-armored assik with black scales and dotted yellow markings walks over to the top of the small fort, and shouts over at you.

"What is your business here? This is Sunsplitter territory, if you could not tell by the sign."

"We have come to make an alliance with your leader, Kressis the water master. I have with me the grandson of Algers, a ripouse Kresis knew well in the last age."

>>14564056

You bow, and the lizards all seem to flick out their tongues at you at around the same time. "We have come to make an alliance with your leader, Kresis the water master. I have with me the grandson of Algers, a ripouse Kresis knew well in the last age."

Paima bows as he is indicated.

"Alliance? Why should we bother making an alliance with you?" The assik shouts, indicating what lies behind your with a raised hand. "Your group numbers less than a twentieth of our army."

"I come to you, asking you to share the honor of being in one of the greatest fights in three hundred years. Is that not enough to hear me out?"

>>14564186
"Of course, if you would upset Kressis by refusing friends of a close acquaintance..."

>>14564186

"I come to you, asking you to share the honor of being in one of the greatest fights in three hundred years. Is that not enough to hear me out?" You say.

The assik's tongue flickers out for a moment before he answers. "We have our own problems, lady. You deal with yours, we deal with ours."

>>14564231

"Of course, if you would upset Kressis by refusing friends of a close acquaintance..." You say, somewhat more quietly.

The assik ponders this for a moment, then his head moves off to look at one of the other lizardmen, shouting an order. The lizardman runs back behind the fort, quickly.

"Algers, you say? You had better not be wasting our time."

>>14564359

"Perhaps we help with each other's problems."

>>14564430

"Perhaps we help with each other's problems." You say.

He laughs, a harsh sound almost like a shout. "A human offering to help? That's a new one." He says something int he lizardman tongue to one of his associates, who has a similar reaction.

"Depends, do you want to help us for free, or are we to help you by giving you some of our possessions for your cheap jewelry?" He asks.

"Hey, my jewelry was expensive. What gives Melane?" Paima asks, tugging on one of his earrings.

>>14564490
Give Paima a look of "now's not the time to be opinionated." He can complain later.

After that, get a good look around while we wait for Kresis or a representative to escort us? How many lizardfolk do we see? Are they all wielding weapons that would murder us in a second? Anything at least peaceful?

"Well, for starters, what kind of problems do you have around here? Neighbors not know their place? Need a healer? Or maybe you need a sorceress?"

>>14564532

You give Paima a glare.

"Alright, alright. Just trying to lighten the mood a little." He grumbles, crossing his arms.

Looking around, you see a number of the assik males hanging out in some of the trees, wearing long colorful loincloths and armbands with little actual armor. Some of them are watching you passively, others seem to be playing a dice game of some sort.

The remaining lizardmen have mostly poleaxes, with longswords as backup weapons. The swords have leather grips, small hand guards, and a wide tip. Those with shields appear to be skirmishers, from the small quivers of spears strapped to their backs, and their warspears they swing idly, looking over at your group. None of them seem any more aggressive than normal soldiers, but probably a bit tense. If you could read their facial expressions, telling that would be much easier.

>>14564535

"Well, for starters, what kind of problems do you have around here? Neighbors not know their place? Need a healer? Or maybe you need a sorceress?" You ask him.

"All these, and more. Our list of troubles is not something that can be solved in one smooth motion." He grins, baring his teeth. "Though our neighbor's hunger could certainly be solved by your folk. I am afraid you would not survive the meal, however."

One of the lizards laughs at this comment.

"Oh sure, cannibalism. These guys can't be cannibals." Tunik says, smugly. "I'm almost completely sure they wouldn't be."

>>14564769
"Well, tell us about this neighbor of yours. I like a good challenge."

If it turns out to be one of Alkenin's smart hydras, I will laugh.

>>14564769
Reply to Tukon: "Of course they're not cannibals. Cannibalism suggests they eat their own kind."

SurelyOPwilldeliver.jpg

>>14565127
I believe you're looking for this.

>>14564815

"Of course they're not cannibals. Cannibalism suggests they eat their own kind." You say.

"I was thinking more eating other sentient creatures, but yeah, I guess you're right." Tukon says.

"Well, tell us about this neighbor of yours. I like a good challenge." You shout up the the black scaled assik.

"Every other tribe in this swamp is our enemy." The assik says, his tongue flicking out of his mouth suddenly. "The frassis tribes to the south of here have tamed one of the vicious many-headed dragons and have been terrorizing our allies with it, the tunik tree-dwellers known as the Raining Leaves. Those allied with the dragon are the Death's Heads." He grunts. "And the nushad will give us no help."

The messenger comes back after some minutes, holding a small piece of bark cloth. The assik you have been speaking with looks it over, his tongue nearly licking it. He looks down at you. "Please excuse my rudeness. You may come inside."

>>14565244

Sorry, my computer was being full on retarded.

>>14565316
Alright. Let's head in and have a chat.

The assik village is about a mile walk back into the swamp, with a similar construction to the road holding the wooden buildings out of the swamp. The lizardmen look over at your group with curiousity, moreso at you, Tukon and Cagrazod. A pair of the males wrestle in the street, with a more slender lizardman watching the two.

"Do not be afraid, is mating competition." The assik leading you says.

"Bit more violent than ours." Tukon responds to him.

You head back into a large wooden fortress, with metal armored assik coating each available area. You note that their armbands are all a brilliant red. You note that the decor of the fort is very old, seemingly lizardman-made cloths and tapestries.

"It will be a bit before he sees you. He is meeting with our dragon patron." The lizardman says with remarkable clarity.

Your guide drops you off in a small room containing a number of open-backed wicker chairs, and another, smaller lizardman who stands about three feet tall. His tail is long and whiplike, and he has a loose-hanging frill about his neck that is dotted with bluish scales. His scales are a tan-ish green, and his eyes are a bright yellow. He is wearing a green robe with a long blue sash, into which is tucked a slender, razor-edged steel sword.

Guess there's nothing much to do here but wait around. Also, mention to Paima and the others that Melane's ancestor is not to be mentioned. Yet.

"Man, I didn't know lizardmen came so small." Tukon whispers to you.

The small lizardman's frill spreads out, making him look much larger. "I beg your pardon? I am Karn Pom Mar, of the Ressal people. I am a warrior priest sent by my people to see lord Kresis and arrange a bargain." He puts his hand on his weapon. "If you'd care to test your skill, I assure you I am no pushover."

"What? Warrior priest? No way am I attacking a priest." Tukon says.

Karn's head perks up. "What? Oh, I often forget, your people do not have those of our discipline." He moves into a back stance, his sword flickering out suddenly in one quick motion, returning to its sheath in the same. "Our warriors are required to adhere to such tenets, or they stay hunters their whole lives."

Tukon shrugs. "Yeah, I had a harsh teacher too. So tell me, little guy, how long have you been waiting?"

Karn hops up onto a chair with remarkable agility, crossing his legs as he lands and curling his slender tail across the front of his legs. "Three days."

"Oh boy. Wonder how long we'll have to stay?" Tukon sighs.

"Do not despair. They told me he would be out of his meeting shortly." Karn says.

"Well, perhaps time enough to go though a few of my inventions!" Cagrazod says, grinning. "Small fellow, I could invent a pair of mechanical stilts to allow you to make up for your smaller height."

"Why would I want that, my metal friend? Were I taller, I would also be far slower." Karn says, grinning back. Although the way he grins is... Well, some species just shouldn't smile the way humans do.

"Oh, I guess that's true." Cagrazod says, looking somewhat let down. "What about attaching steam-powered boosters to the back of your sword?"

"That would be loud, and flashy. My order is dedicated to simple things, and loud weaponry isn't my style." The small lizardman's tail sways subtle as he closes his eyes.

"So, Karn, do you mind if I ask what you're here to see Kresis for?"

>>14565710

"So, Karn, do you mind if I ask what you're here to see Kresis for?" You ask him.

One of his eyes opens as he answers you. "I am here to arrange for protection for my tribe, to join this one. After that, I can begin retirement."

"Wait, retirement? How old are you?" Paima asks.

"Twenty cycles." Karn says.

"Oh, what, at twenty? Do your people really live for such a short time?" Paima says, confused.

"My apologies. Our years are approximately 1.8 times yours. So I would be 36 years old by your calender." He says.

"That still seems early." Paima says.

"On the contrary, my job has a high mortality rate. Most start it at what would be twelve of your years." He says.

"You must be VERY skilled to have lived so long in this area. The sunsplitter tribe would do well with more warriors of your caliber."

>>14565814

"You must be VERY skilled to have lived so long in this area. The Sunsplitter tribe would do well with more warriors of your caliber." You say, paying Karn a compliment.

"Thank you. It was my duty to protect my people from any intrusion." Karn inclines his head to you. "Naturally, I learned your language so that if I came upon any of you invading our territory, I could deal with you accordingly."

"Oh." Tukon says. "Is that a common problem?"

"Only with the ones you call the 'savages'. Your people's incursions, while rare, were far more destructive." Karn says.

"I'm sorry then." Tukon says. "On my people's behalf."

"Ah." Karn says, adjusting his seated posture. "For a moment, I thought you were apologizing for yourself."

"Is that why you reached for your sword?" Tukon asks, grinning.

"Ah, you noticed." Karn says. "Most do not, and therein lies their demise. I am happy I do not have to kill you though. Your group obviously possesses great skill, and I might not get to retire if I should be forced to deal with you."

"I also apologize for my comment earlier." Tukon snickers as he speaks. "I am in the bad habit of making fun of things I have not encountered before."

"Accepted. And I apologize for considering how to kill you." Karn says, nodding. "Perhaps our peoples could make an arrangement as well." The ressal crosses his arms, flattening his frill against the sides of his neck.

"Well, you answered my question. I guess it's only fair to say what we're here for. Firstly, there's a red dragon that needs to be put down. Easy to find since he likes following us around. Secondly, there's a cult that wants to make themselves kings of the lands that used to be Aldini nation. And that's what our host is actually made to fight. There is another point, buut, it's the secrets of scary people kind of thing. I don't want to get bystanders involved."

>>14565991

"Well, you answered my question. I guess it's only fair to say what we're here for. Firstly, there's a red dragon that needs to be put down. Easy to find since he likes following us around. Secondly, there's a cult that wants to make themselves kings of the lands that used to be Aldini nation. And that's what our host is actually made to fight. There is another point, buut, it's the secrets of scary people kind of thing. I don't want to get bystanders involved." You say.

"In that case, please answer this next question with complete honesty." Karn says, looking over at you intensely. "Are my people at risk?"

well, what do we remember about the motivations of the other half of the cult's leader?

"If the cult manages to get a good foothold, likely everyone will be in for some trouble. This is why they need to be put down now."

"As for the Red, I am it's primary target. Remember what I said about the secrets of scary people? Yeah..."

>>14566082

He wants power. His aims aren't direct. He wants to get power however he can, and then go from there to achieve the goals of the cult, which include the resurrection of the Aldini Empire.

"If the cult manages to get a good foothold, likely everyone will be in for some trouble. This is why they need to be put down now." You say to him.

"Even my small culture?" Karn says.

"Yes, the possibility exists." You say to him.

"Well, then it's clear to me." Karn says, putting a hand down on his knee. "How I will spend my first year of retirement."

"We'll take every able body. There's plenty of room with our wagons. Hopefully, Kresis will be able to see us soon. I hope he's alright."

Can we scry to see what he's up to?

One of the assik walks into the room, interrupting your conversation, the armor over his toes clanging on the floor. He nods to the lot of you. "All of you please follow me."

You follow him, with Karn trailing behind you.

"So, why are you outsiders here to see him?" Karn asks.

"Uh," Paima says, looking at you. "We're here for diplomatic reasons as well."

"Oh, I see." His tail twitches. "And you represent your peoples."

"Well, not really." Paima says. "Listen, you'll get it when we get inside."

You enter a large, dome-like room, with a hole at the top of the room, letting in some of the cool air from outside. A slender, black serpent slips out from the room as you enter.

An older lizard man with faded green scales is seated at a wooden ornate throne. He wears a headdress with a set of four curled horns, as well as jeweled emerald eyes above his own, arranged on a crown made of a light, white wood. His clothing consists of laminated wood painted in oranges, yellows, bronzes and golds, a large red feather embroidered loincloth, and wrappings of thick black cord around his still quite muscular arms with metallic ornaments hanging from them. His loincloth has a bit of bark cloth skirting, with triangular His right leg has a thick, black paint applied to it, with copper ornamentation and a greave, while his left leg is made from ice, with delicate, shimmering scales that are visible as the light hits the construction. A few bands of orange and red cord, interwoven are around his artificial leg, which moves smooth as flesh. His eyes, once a distinct yellow, have an icy blue color in the iris. He tilts his head as he looks over at your group.

"You are friends with Algers? It is not like him to know ones so... young."

"Lord Kresis, it is an honor to be here. My name is Melane Kiried, a sorceress. Of my party are Paima of the ripouse, the grandson and one of the personal guard of Algers, my head bodyguard Tukon and lead scout Cagrazod of the marteaux.

I have come to ask your military support in a matter that if not checked soon, will affect everyone within reach."

Explain about the cult, the aims of it's leader, general strengths, etc and the dragon following us.

After next story post, I must sleep.

>>14566345

"Lord Kresis, it is an honor to be here. My name is Melane Kiried, a sorceress. Of my party are Paima of the ripouse, the grandson and one of the personal guard of Algers, my head bodyguard Tukon and lead scout Cagrazod of the marteaux.

I have come to ask your military support in a matter that if not checked soon, will affect everyone within reach."

"Mmm." Karn says, understanding.

You talk far more than Kresis does, but you tell him of the dragon who has enslaved your former love, of the cult called the Hand of the Masters that split from Thungon's Teachers, and of the man who leads them, Jaquio Lerenid a brilliant but ruthless man who will stop at nothing to gain the power he thinks he deserves.

"So, this man seized power when he could? I must say, I can understand that." Kresis says, his tone remaining stable, and any hint of a hiss gone from his voice, now somewhat cracked with age and mellowed.

"He wants to reinstate the old way of doing things. Like the Aldini did." You say. "This includes, among other things, an entirely magic using hierarchy, slavery, and other such things."

"Magic using hierarchy? I have ears far to the south, miss Kiried." He says, clearly recognizing the name. "The difference would be negligible."

"But, a reinstatement of slavery-" You begin to say.

"It would not affect my people. And I doubt Algers would let such a thing occur." Kresis says, his voice cold.

"You can't honestly say you would be alright with it happening?" You ask him, at this point beginning to grow cross.

Kresis stands in one smooth motion, like a man much younger than he appears to be. "I would not. However, we have far too much on our table at present to consider such a thing."

"Then, you will have no ear for my plea of protection for the Stream-Runners?" Karn says, already expecting the answer.

Kresis nods. "Indeed. At present, those damnable cross-breeds are my first priority."

"The multi-headed beasts are a cross between a dragon and a hydra, correct?" You volunteer.

"Yes. And they enjoy killing those they can get their teeth around in creative ways that disturb the peace I have established." Kresis says, pacing off to one side of the room.

"What if we were to help you? Would you assist us then?" You ask him, realizing he hasn't yet denied your giving him help.

"You'll forgive me if I don't trust you. I have not had a good relationship with your kind, unlike Algers." Kresis says, his leg obviously indicated, though he does nothing to draw attention to it.

"I think our services can speak for themselves." Tukon says, crossing his arms.

"If I give you the chance, how do I know you will not make the situation worse by disregarding my instructions? According to your religion, I am an inferior creature not worthy of notice, is that not so?" Kresis says, and though his tone remains constant, you can tell he is agitated somewhat.

"We, uh, attend to an older philosophy. That bit was added as propaganda during the end of Aldini rule." Tukon says.

"Yes, I know." Kresis says, waving his hand.

"My grandfather trusts them, and we had a number of volunteers come with this group. Does that not lend weight to our claims?" Paima says, trying his best to sound sincere.

"Your grandfather? Hm, I wonder if your grandmother knew how old he really was." Kresis muses to himself, a thin smile crossing his face. "Nonetheless, we have not talked in some time. Your grandfather may have gone senile for all I know."

"Then you simply distrust ripouse instinct, then?" Paima says, angrily. You glare at him quickly.

"Indeed. As one who has a great deal of understanding about his instincts, I know when they can be wrong. You are young, easily seduced by the thought of adventure. Such thoughts can be implanted by a skilled enough spellcaster." He says, bowing his head towards you. "The possibility exists."

"Lady Kiried would never do such a thing!" Cagrazod shouts, stepping in front of you. "I have seen her conviction myself, and it is pure. She simply wishes to bring justice and order to the Mandran city states!"

"Justice." Kresis says, smirking in a dangerous manner. "You are one of the metal soldiers created for war by a brilliant, crazed man. Without Algers, you would not exist. Without me, Algers would not be able to walk. All things are connected by indelible ties, holding them in place. How is that not just?"

"Because some of those ties must be changed." Cagrazod says, sternly. "They are wrong, and they must be set right."

"Is it really so simple to the young?" Kresis says, looking down at his palm. "I suppose so. Do you know just how much will change if you alter this one thing? How many more injustices, as you call them, will be created?"

"I will keep working under lady Kiried to correct all the wrongs." Cagrazod answers.

"And with each one you correct, more and more wrongs will be made, until you realize that this perfect world you seek will always be out of reach." Kresis says, grinning. "Justice is quite the subjective term. I once lost a leg to it. I once gained a chiefhood to it. How can you so assuredly dedicate yourself to such an unsure thing?"

"Well, that's..." Cagrazod says, suddenly caught off guard.

"Perhaps it is not justice you are dedicated to." Kresis says, grinning.

Cagrazod starts to say something, but then falls silent, looking off at one side of the room, as though trying to find a corner in the circular place.

"Indeed, this is not something to discuss in a day alone. Perhaps you and yours should stay for awhile. My hunters can show yours where to hunt for food." Kresis says, his tail swaying as he folds his hands behind his back.

"When may we speak again?" You ask him.

He turns his back on you, looking up at the ceiling. "When things have begun to move, and when you are honest with me. I cannot afford even the smallest fluke in my plans if I am to save as many as possible."

He turns back, looking into your eyes with his, full of not the fear or hatred you remember before, but a focused disappointment. "If you cannot stand to be honest with me, please leave our lands as soon as possible."

A pair of guards usher you out of the room, along with Karn, who bows to Kresis as he leaves. You can't help but think of how different the lizardman seems from who he was 300 years ago.

But you know, at the same time, that he is the same man. No one changes that much.

Not Rufen. Not Algers. Not Kresis.

No one can change who they really are.

That's it for today, obviously. Next game will be on Wednesday. I may be somewhat late for this one, or post inconsistently, but I'll try to inform you next time. Today was just full of undue circumstances.

What is justice, and if you attain it, will anyone be happy?