From high, high in the sky, the ogres came and crashed your picnic.
Not literally, of course- instead, the sgragol darted overhead, and slowly turned to a stop, touching down outside of Triune's Gift. One of the sgragol, however, slowly drifted downward to the castle gates. You hear it bang, once and twice. There was a delay as whoever was at the gates spoke with the courier, before Nahzit ran toward you, skidding to a stop.
"Your majesty." He said. "The visitors... they say that they're here to give us gifts, from the ogrish lands, for saving their people."

>>20709979
"That's awfully kind of them. Where are they all congregating?"

>>20709979
"Well, show the man in."

"That's awfully kind of them." You say. "Where are they all congregating?"
"To the east of Triune's Gift." He responded. "Apparently they're caring for their sgragol, and making sure they were unharmed by the journey."
"Well, show the man in." You say.
"Of course." He said. He spun on his heel, his tail whipping as he did so, leaned forward, and ran, glaive in hand as he belted toward the gatehouse. Soon enough, he and several other lizardmen guards arrived, with a large, heavily armored ogre in tow.
"Good morn! We greet you, Queen Ishelda, and we hope we are welcome here." He said, and knelt low. What he said next came out... strangely, as if recited. "We come from Raegosh, from Kedmalog, from Parnivash, from Shakulugj, and from the reclaimed Ozradesh. We greet you, and bring you gifts, of cattle, of wool, of seed, of meat, and of mead."

>>20710079
"Of course you are welcome. These gifts are most appreciated"

Perhaps we throw a celebration?

rolled 6, 4, 8, 3, 10 = 31

>>20710079
thank you "stand and bow "
please sit have some tea
tell me how is your home faring?

Curtsy for him and say, "You and yours are indeed most welcome here. On behalf of the city of Triune's Gift, I humbly accept your most generous gifts.
We were about to have a picnic, but I believe this calls for a somewhat larger celebration. Would you and the others you've traveled with care to join us as soon as you are able?"

>>20710079
"Why thank you. Of course you are welcome here."

Also ask Raz if there's some ogre cultural thing that we're missing through the rings.

You get to your feet, and curtsy back to him. "You and yours are most welcome here." You say. "On the behalf of the city of Triune's Gift, I humbly accept your most generous gifts. We were about to have a picnic, but I believe this calls for a somewhat larger celebration, Would you and the others you've traveled with care to join us as soon as you are able?"
"Most certainly." He says. "But first, we must care for our sgragol. They rested in one of the nations in the east, but they are unused to flying so far and so long. If I may ask. . Triune's Gift? Is this the city's name? That's... quite interesting. In history, the city was known as Aghaljusk, the city of stars."

>>20710206
>East
>WEST, goddamnit, they rested in ursae province

>>20710206
"We call it Triune's Gift because he arranged for a great deal of support for the city, and he left a message encouraging New Arcturus' founding.

>>20710206
"It is. It was named such after the ancient seer Triune left a considerable fortune for the reconstruction of the city, and an illusion encouraging me to use it for such."

>>20710206
"We didn't know it's real name, but we found a considerable sum of gold with a message from Triune so we named it after him."

>>20710206
"Yes, the seer Triune foresaw my arrival and left a great boon to aid me in founding New Actures. The city was named in his honour.
I often wondered why he would want to help me, I suppose he knew I would help your people with the 'taurs."

"We call it Triune's Gift because he left a considerable fortune for the reconstruction of the city, and he left a message encouraging New Arcturus' founding." You say.
"Without which, I suppose you would not have come to our land." He said. "They say that Aghaljusk was his birthplace. But regardless, we bring not only gifts, but ogres who wish to become citizens. Keepers of Nervghul, and farmers. Lovers of history."
You can almost feel Raziel's glee from behind you- probably because she'll get a chance to ask them questions.

rolled 59 = 59

>>20710305
I like how the capital of New Arcturus used to be called the city of stars, and Ishelda will leave a legend lasting probably all of time. Also IRL Arcturus is a star. I also believe there is an Arcturus II. Will you answer my question now Exabyte, Is Arcturus named after the star?

>>20710305
"That should be fine. We are encouraging immigration, and have ample space. Gehenna, my steward, deals with the specifics however."

>>20710305
"We would love to have them."
<Gehenna, we have Ogrish visitors, some of whom wish to immigrate.>

Also get ahold of the steward we sent off to get picnic stuff (possibly by sending off another) and tell him the picnic is cancelled in lieu of an outdoor celebration, due to the sudden arrival of Ogrish ambassadors with gifts. Tell him he has our permission to pull whoever he needs off of less important things to get that done.

>>20710305
"That is wonderful news. We are currently expanding and new settlers are welcome."

>>20710305
Dat's coo G. We be needin all kinds o shit up in this bitch. we gon throw a badass party na. errbudy gon get fukked up wit dat meed yall be havin. word.

>>20710392
We don't have magic at the moment. We'll have to send a page.

>>20710398
Get The Fuck Out.

>>20710410
You know, people who never even had magic in the first place use the rings.

>>20710406
do dis wun

>not samfuj

>>20710358
>Yep. Some of the provinces are, too.

"We would love to have them." You say. "We are currently expanding, and new settlers are welcome."
Quickly, you send a page to go inform Gehenna about what's going on. "Gehenna, my steward, deals with the specifics."
"I see." The ogre said. "That's wonderful to hear. Again, this gift is in thanks, from the entire ogrish nation, for assisting us in fighting against the minotaurs, and in thanks for your loyal servants, the kobolds, assisting us with rebuilding and reclaiming our land."

Soon enough, the sgragol were all landed, munching on the sparse grass outside of the city, while the ogres started unloading supplies. Gehenna leaped out of a window, and landed in the field.
"You requested me, your highness?" He asked- he sounded completely unsurprised at the massive ogre standing in front of you.

>>20710500
"Indeed. We've got more immigrants!"

>>20710500
Yes. I need you to stick your Tongue in my butt.

>>20710500
Do paperwork. This ogre will give you the details.

>>20710500
"The kobolds may call me boss, but they came to your help of their own volition. You shouldn't thank me, but them."

>>20710678
No.

>>20710438
Except we actually have NEGATIVE magic. You wanna risk it?

>>20710693
Why not?

"Indeed." You say. "We've got more immigrants!"
"Wonderful." He said, clasping his hands together. "Tell me, sir, where are these immigrants?"
"They're to the east of the city." The ogre said, and bowed to him. "Alongside the gifts we're giving, and the sgragol."
"I'll just go get my papers, then, and take a record of everything." Gehenna said, bowing to you. The gray, dour kalak's wings suddenly spread, and he took off, flying toward the keep once again.
"The kobolds may call me Boss, but they came to your help of their own volition. You shouldn't thank me, but them."
"We have." He said. "They have an honored place within ogre society, and always will. We thought kobolds a nuisance, until recently. Now, we know the truth- kobolds are invaluable to our kind. Hard working, loyal, even more fearsome than an ogre in combat, with the determination they bring forth."
"You mentioned... keepers of nervghul." Raziel asked. "What exactly are nervghul?"
"Cattle." He said. "Great, woolen beasts, native to the land we ogres came from, long before we came here. They're calm, as long as their wool is kept brushed and shaved, and offer a copious amount of wool and milk- meat and horn, when butchered. Their caretakers have the know-how to create cheese, and to keep the beasts happy."

>>20710730
If it fucks up the ring, we get a new one. We've made a bunch just in case.

>>20710730
We already did and it was fine, you boob.

>>20710730
Yes. The worst that happens is we can't connect because our head's too fucked up and then we send a page anyway.

>>20710738
"They sound wonderful, thank you."

>>20710738
"Wonderful, that's exactly what New Arcturus needs at the moment."

>>20710738
Super-sheep, huh?

"Wonderful. I suppose we'll have to focus on more pasture for them for a time."

>>20710738
"They sound really useful. Will this sparse grass be enough for them?"

>>20710769
Sounds more like yaks to me.

File: 1347563893007.jpg-(17 KB, 400x300, highland cattle.jpg)

>>20710769
>Super-sheep, huh?
No, woolly cows.

>They're sheep-cow-pigs. Ogrish yaks, pretty much.

"Wonderful." You say. "That's exactly what New Arcturus needs at the moment. Will this sparse grass be enough for them?"
"Not likely." He said. "But we've brought enough seeds and food for them to buy time for the plants to grow. We do not intend to burden you with them."
"I suppose we'll have to focus on more pasture for them, for a time." You say.
"I can get the pasture prepared." Raziel said. "If I can talk Cassiel or Gehenna to give me a spark or two. I still have a bunch of my forces free."

>>20710857
>>20710738
Ogre sized sheep and seed native to the land. Probably grows Ogre sized plants too. Ask if they keep bees too.

>Mead is made from honey which bees make.
>Bees would help pollinate Galadriels light.
>Result of pollinating magic flower is magic honey,
>Result of fermenting magic honey is magic mead.
Get this shit done.

>>20710857
"Don't rush things Raziel, I am sure a day or two won't make a difference. I would prefer if you would take it easy for a few days as well." Hug for emphasis.

File: 1347564363470.jpg-(199 KB, 800x600, highland_cattle_by_ottopilot.jpg)

>>20710857
"Grab some power from the Jormungandr. It's been parked for a while so it's probably full."

[x] Touch fluffy sheep-cow-pigs

>>20710879
Yes. This would allow Arcturians to have sweets and alcohol AND it would keep retard-anon from getting upset about growing anything with cardohydrates in it.

Carbohydrates is what plants store energy as.
It's also what yeast eats in order to piss alcohol.

File: 1347564593501.jpg-(62 KB, 379x541, SWTOR_Nerf.jpg)

Pic related.

>>20710935
Well I think that a nation of carnivores would be pretty cool. Who needs plants anyways?

"Grab some power from the Jormungandr." You say. "It's been parked for a while, so it's probably full. But... don't rush things. I'm sure a day or two won't make a difference, and I would prefer if you would take it easy for a few days, as well."
"I always take it easy." Raziel said. "That's why I have other things do my work for me."

You turn to the ogre. "Do you keep bees, as well?"
"We do, sometimes. Mostly in the southern islands." He said. "Sadly, we didn't bring any seeds or the bees themselves, because most beekeepers preferred staying at their home."

>>20710857
Should we use Triune's whistle at some point? We never had the chance to properly thank his sgragol.
It might decide to come, if we're lucky.

>>20710966
You do know that plants carry nutrients vital to sustain life that animals alone cannot properly provide. That seems void queenish anyways.

>>20710935
>it would keep retard-anon from getting upset about growing anything with cardohydrates in it
I was advocating grains which are full of carbohydrates. I was just arguing that we shouldn't turn anything into alcohol until we're growing enough to actually feed everyone first, because THAT is retarded.

>>20710979
"Oh, alright, Raz."

Ogre: "Oh well. We'll have to get into that later, I guess."

>>20710979
"Understandable. We'll just have to get our own bees later on then."

File: 1347564893058.jpg-(140 KB, 438x354, 6369.jpg)

>>20710959
Oh, they're nerfs then.

>>20710979
We must send somebody to be trained in this, the most holy art.

>Maybe the snake thing?

Kal could make us a few bees. Buzz.

>>20711024
>>20710959
What are these from?

>>20711037
The first one has it right in the file name. SWTOR.

>>20711037
Check the filename on the first one. They're from Star Wars. Remember when Leia called Han a "scruffy looking nerf herder"? Well apparently the same can be said of ogres.

>>20711037
>SWTOR_nerf.jpg
I'm guessing it's from SWTOR.

>>20711046
>>20711050
>>20711051
HERP, my bad. Didn't notice it.

"Oh, alright, Raz."
"I'll be back in a bit." She said, and made her way to the keep.

"We'll just have to get our own bees later on, then." You say, and the ogre nods again.
"Again, I apologize." He said. "As well, Ghidluk has bid me to become an ogrish ambassador to the New Arcturian nation. I have agreed, if you choose to accept me. My name is rather short- Jelkul, son of Ghidluk. However, I do not carry his blood, and I am not a magus."

>>20711068
"I gladly accept you, Jelkul."

>>20711003
You were just talking shit about grapes and fruits. You didn't say anything about growing grains. Not to mention that fruits provide a wide range of nutrients that grains do not.

>>20711068
"It would be an honour for me."

>>20711092
What type of fruit we grow depends on the climate. Grains are a staple food source almost everywhere. We should have both, and many more things for balanced and varied diets. And we shouldn't make any into alcohol until we actually have surplus, and your "let's make our first farm into a vineyard so Quaz can make delicious wine" idea was completely retarded so fuck off already.

"I gladly accept you, Jelkul." You say.
"I am honored." He said, and went down to his knee, bowing his head in front of you.

Gehenna ran past you, his hands full of scrolls and quills, before he stepped through the gates and out of the keep.
Grayson rolled over onto his feet, and walked up to the ogre. . and then poked the ogre's hornless head with his nose. Jelkul didn't move for a full ten seconds, before he stood again. "If you have any other questions about what we bring, or what we intend, feel free to ask, your majesty.

>>20711161
"I am very glad you decided to come here, but I musk ask - what do Ogres require to live comfortably?"

"I am very glad you decided to come here, but I must ask- what do Ogres require to live comfortably?"
"We require little, in truth. We require food, drink, a trade, enough space, and stories." He said, and then grinned- his teeth were awfully humanlike- "And we don't say no to a bit of mead, your majesty."

Soon enough, Gehenna came back, examining his paper. He was almost. . .smiling. "Your majesty, with what the ogres have given us, we're much nearer to being self-reliant. I'm not quite sure how much the new immigrants will consume, but we'll know for certain in a few weeks. And when the farms grow in, we'll know more." He said. "Is there anything you'd like me to do, other than prepare and store what they've given us?"

>>20711153
I did not say to make the first farm into a vinyard. I just said that we should make alcohol. Grains can be made into alcohol too. you were the one that assumed like an asspie that when I said we should make alcoholic beverages that I meant grape wine because in your head grape wine is the only fermentable subatance. Not to mention that rice, one of the most popular brewing ingredients, can be easily grown in huge quantities. And the water doesn't have to be super life magic water in order for it to grow.

>>20711249
"I should welcome them personally, but I'm feeling very exhausted right now, so that will have to wait until tomorrow. But we should definitely find quarters for them."

>>20711249
Order rice. We must start a paddy. Thankfully it grows in water so there is no need to magic the growth substrate or let it lie fallow for over two years.

>>20711249
"I think that's enough work to start with"

>>20711266
The argument started about Quaz making wine, then continued to be about growing grapes, THEN other types of alcohol were brought up. Whatever type we make doesn't change the fact that food is more important. You're clearly just arguing because you like arguing and I'm not going to give you the satisfaction any longer.

>>20711249
"Nothing that I can think of at the moment, thank you Gehenna. Would you like to join the festivities?"

>>20711290
Rice provides a lot less calories-per-acre than wheat though. Also we're more European than Asian.

"I should welcome them personally, but I'm feeling very exhausted right now, so that will have to wait until tomorrow." You say. "But we should definitely find quarters for them."
"Of course." He said, and wrote down a note. "These buildings were built to the ogrish style, and I'm told the ogres live one to a building, except in the cases of raising young. I'll be able to find some empty space for them."
"Also, see if you can order rice. We must start a paddy. Thankfully, it grows in water, so there is no need to let it lie fallow."
"Rice?" He asked, and tilted his head for a moment. "I'll... see if I can find some, your majesty." He said.
"I think that's enough work to start with." You say.
"Then I'll get to work immediately." He said, and spread his wings.

>>20711370
Agreed, wheat is preferable if you can afford it, and I believe we can. A field or two of some soy beans wouldn't be bad though, if only for crop rotations.

>>20711313
I only said the she should be allowed to do what she knows. You retardedly assumed that I meant other things that I did not mean. Which would be why I started listing all of the things that could be fermented. A list that is nowhere near complete. You got retard mad and decided that even though we're incredibly rich we cannot afford to do things.

>>20711370
We do have plenty of acres. So many we don't know what to do with them at the moment. And the advantage of being able to start growing immediately is clear. We can always phase out the rice once we have wheat farms up and running.

>>20711370
Rice provides infinitely more calories that nothing.
Which is what we are currently growing.

>>20711390
"Thank you. If you should have some free time later, feel free to join us."

>>20711431
Fair enough. And it never hurts to have diversity where we can. Helps provide protection against famine, makes everyone healthier, etc...

Basically plant errything.

>>20711390
Ask the Ogre how things are on their continent.

>>20711449
Good show old chap. It would be extremely boring to have just one or two crops. Not to mention that if we had enough farmers we have enough land to provide for the entire fucking world.

"Thank you. If you should have some free time later, feel free to join us."
"Perhaps." He said. "I still need to make it up to you to for killing me when you had every right to."
He bowed, and his wings took him off into the sky.

You turn back to Jelkul. "How are things on your continent?"
"Thank you for your concern." He said. "We're still rebuilding. We've retaken Ozradesh from the minotaurs, but Velghusjhak is completely burned, as is Sharniguk. Ghuzradesh's stairs have mostly been destroyed, and Felhugj is a massive graveyard... but we're rebuilding and reclaiming our land. For what the minotaurs did in only a few months, it will take much more time to undo it."

>>20711498
"Destruction is always easier than creation, but creation is far more rewarding."

>>20711498
>for not killing me when you had every right to."

>>20711498
"I must apologise. We destroyed the stairs in Ghuzradesh during the battle there, in order to have enough time to close the portal."

"Destruction is always easier than creation, but creation is far more rewarding."
"An apt phrase." He said.
"And I must apologize. we destroyed the stairs in Ghuzradesh during the battle there, in order to have enough time to close the portal."
"Oh, that can be rebuilt, in time, and closing the portal was more important than even the entire city." He said. "Howver, I must say, I'm curious about that battle- when I was a child, I examined the prophecies in Sharniguk, and I remember reading a prophecy about that. 'When all the fury of a dead legend is brought forth, and the hole to nothing is opened, a warlord will be born and killed.' It loses something in this language, but do you happen to know exactly what warlord was born?"

>>20711607
"Skarghaul. He foresaw his own death, and went to it gladly. In that battle he fought like his ancestors and died gloriously, protecting me while I struggled to close the portal."

>>20711607
"I think that would be Skerghaul, the seer. He fought with a ferocity matched only by Wharghaul. He died after making it possible for us to close the portal. I miss him."

"I think that would be Skerghaul, the seer." You say. "He foresaw his own death, and went to it gladly. He fought with a ferocity matched only by his ancestors, and died after making it possible for us to close the portal." You say. "...I miss him."
The ogre sighed... and then put a hand on your shoulder for a moment. "Most seers who see their own death run from it. They choose to twist fate... but you have to respect the ones who don't. I'll have to hear this story in full, later, so that I can tell the others."
He bowed again. "My apologies, but I'd best see to Helgred, my friend and mount."

>>20711716
"Of course."

>>20711716
"Of course. He must be exhausted after such a long journey."

"Of course. He must be exhausted after such a long journey." You say.
He bowed again. "Feel free to greet him, if you wish." He said, and made his way down to the gates, were an enormous, shaggy sgragol sat. Immediately, Jelkul started scratching the sgragol's head, and the enormous, fuzzy wyvern-like creature rolled onto his back, and the ogre started rubbing his belly. One of the sgraol's short, stubby legs started kicking, and the tail whipping this way and that. Jelkul started chuckling. You see a few of Gehenna's personal couriers run past, carrying notes.
"Well." Lewin said, having crept up behind the crew, unheard, his bow on his back, and his arrows on his hip. "You don't see that every day."

He chuckled, and scratched under his eyepatch.

>>20711779
"Well, you might, some are staying."

>>20711779
"No, you definitely don't. I'm sure they'll make a great addition to New Arcturus... I don't mean to pry, but have you ever considered to have Marigold hear your eye?"

>>20711779
"That soon will change." Then pet the Fuzzy.

If he's big enough jump onto him to increase fuzzy contact. Do t with childish glee.

>Maybe ask permission first.

"Well, you might." You say. "Some are staying."
"Really? Because one of those big flying things might be useful for the guild. I'll see if any of them want to join."
"I'm sure they'll make a great addition to New Arcturus... I don't mean to pry, but have you ever considered to have Marigold heal your eye?"
"I have considered it." He said, and flipped the eyepatch down again. "But see, even though the eye itself is pretty bad, my talent still lets me see like it wasn't. So it doesn't bother me. Plus, it just looks cool and imposing." His scarred face grinned, and he chuckled. "I'd lose all respect if I started healing these scars. I earned them. Even though I had the burn on my face healed so it'd stop oozing. . "
He shrugged, and munched on one of Cassiel's cookies.
"You try one of these? Ell and Kiyara were going wild after them."

>>20711871
Who Dickbutt.

>>20711871
"I have. They're to die for." Giggle.

>>20711871
Ignore cookie. Touch fuzzy.

>>20711867
Quickly say they're good, then do post related.

>>20711871
"Oh, my, yes. There seems to be a trick with them to waking Kali."

Now, engage the fluffy.

>>20711891
Who Peed.

"I have." You say. "They're to die for."
Quickly, you make your way down to Helgred and Jelkul, where the latter was scratching the former's belly, and give Helgred a leaping hug, with childish glee. You quickly sink into the infinite plane of fuzziness as you continue petting him and scratching his chin. His leg starts kicking harder.
"He likes you!" Jelkul said, laughing.

>>20711955
"Sqeeee!!! He's so fluffy!"

>>20711972
This.

>>20711955
Wave to Marigol
"Mar, you've got to hug this!"

>>20711955
"I've yet to meet a sgragol that hasn't!"

>>20711972
I like the way you think.

>>20711972
This and then begin to giggle uncontrollably.

"Squeee!" You cry, happily. "He's so fluffy!"

After losing track of time engaging the fluffy, your stomach growls, and reminding you that you hadn't yet eaten. You turn around- and find Marigold and Cassiel standing out there, talking with the group, and covered in picnic supplies.
For a moment, you have an enormous dilemma- Food to survive? Or more fluffy?

The sun's high in the sky, and everyone is having lunch. You throw yet another apple to the sgragol, and he catches it, crunching down on the fruit, as you lean back on Grayson. Jelkul is leaning against Helgred, munching down on a large bit of bread.
Marigold gives the sgragol another hug, and he nudges her with his wing.

>>20712060
Grayson is awesome, fluffy, and supremely comfortable. I don't think we tell him often enough.
"Grayson, you're the best bear a girl could want."

>>20712060
"I think he likes you, Mar."

>>20712089
And if you don't become more fluffy and learn to fly, I'm going to trade you in for a sgragol.

"Grayson, you're the best bear a girl could want." You say. Grayson harrumphs.
"You haven't seen my bear form yet." Kaliel mentioned, and reached for another cookie. Cassiel caught her hand.
"Real food, Kal."
She pouted, and sipped at her tea.

Qu'az suddenly eyes Helgred, grinning widely, and gives him an enormous hug, her tail wrapping around his. "He's so *waaarm*!" She said, luxuriously. The sgragol was, no doubt, *much* too large for the snake woman to eat. You hope.

>>20712124
Remind her that those aren't snacks, they're friends.

>>20712124
"He sure is, Qu'az. Say, how is being able to see heat again working out for you? Is it hard to get accustomed to again?"

>>20712124
"An excellent day, I think. Immigrants, cattle, new crops, a full larder, fluffy Sgragol... But I worry, Jelkul. Things might be a little awkward in New Arcturus, for a time. You see... I happen to have Orcish immigrants as well. Time heals all wounds, and I'm ready to mediate, but still, I worry that your peoples might come to blows again over something silly."

"You're just like the great wyrm!" Quaz said, giving the sgragol several kisses on the forehead.

"An excellent day, I think." You say. "Immigrants, cattle, new crops, a full larder, fluffy sgragol... But I worry, Jelkul." You say.
"Oh?"
"Things might be a little awkward in New Arcturus, for a time. You see... I happen to have orcish immigrants as well. Time heals all wounds, and I'm ready to mediate, but still, I worry that your peoples might come to blows again over something silly."
"Hmm, that may be problematic." He said. . .and tapped his chin. "I think the reasonable thing to do would be for I, or some of my kin, to go and meet the orcish royalty, personally, and apologize for the actions of our ancestors."

>>20712246
"That might be a good idea. I'll ask them about it.... tomorrow."

>>20712246
"That would be a grand gesture, and go a long ways towards relations. Thank you. I'll set up the meeting myself first thing tomorrow."

>>20712246
"Maybe, but that's not something we'd be wise to spring on them. We'd have to tell them well in advance of the diplomatic mission and give them time to meditate upon it. Tell me; why, exactly, were the Orcs enslaved? I understand that the Orcs were almost feral before the Venerable King and Queen tamed themselves, but Whargaul pointlessly brought a plague unto their free, tamed nation with the Trollseed Azariel told him to plant to defend the Wall."

"That would be a grand gesture, and go a long ways towards relations." You say. "I'll ask them about it... tomorrow." You say, and take another sip of tea.
"Tell me; why, exactly, were the Orcs enslaved?" You ask.
"The lizardmen were a great risk." He responded. "We had no other choice, as far as I know."
"I understand that the orcs were almost feral before the Venerable King and Queen tamed themselves, but Wharghaul pointlessly brought a plague onto their free, tamed nation, with the trollseed Azariel told him to plant, to defend the wall."
"Wharghaul did what?" He asked. "I. . don't recall this in any of the stories. He spoke with them, and left, deciding once and for all that orckind had earned their freedom, according to the story."

>>20712325
I do not think he knew what he was bringing to them. It was an act of war made in complete ignorance.

>>20712325
Maybe you could offer to clear the remaining trolls.

>don't say if we already did this.

>>20712346
Send a courier, or ring message, to tell them that Ogres are coming in peace to apologize for their ancestors actions.

>>20712355
Actually Kell has been our solution to that.

>>20712325
"I divined the Orcish side of the story from their tower of history. Not merely read it, but... Saw it. Whargaul gave them trollseed, lying that they were crops. All the pesky wild trolls of these continents descend from those wasted, wayward seeds, to the best of my knowledge. Thankfully, the trolls have been increasingly pacified in recent years. Plus, the tower left me decently fluent in Ogrish."

>>20712325
A bit off topic, but when we start growing the rice, it will be extremely difficult to start growing something different in the same place, unless it also grows in a paddy. I don't think it will be a problem, considering the ratio of people to land, but I'm just saying.

You ask a nearby page to go get you a long-range courier, and soon enough, the cloth-bound lizardman arrived, strange, long shoes attached to his feet. Quickly, (borrowing one of the page's quills) you pen up a letter to the orcish royalty, informing them that an ogre would soon arrive, in peace, to apologize for their ancestor's actions. Using your signet ring and a bit of wax, you seal the letter and give it to the courier. He nods, puts it in the satchel, and takes off like the wind, wisps of abjuration and evocation magic bursting up in his wake.

"I divined the Orcish side of the story from their tower of history. Not merely read it, but... saw it." You say. "Wharghaul gave them trollseed, lying that they were crops. All the pesky wild trolls on this continent descend from those wasted, wayward seeds, to the best of my knowledge. Thankfully, the trolls have been increasingly pacified in recent years. Plus, the tower left me decently fluent in ogrish."
"Interesting." He said. "Most of our magics look toward the future, rather than the past." He said.

>>20712442
"Well, one can not neglect history. But neither should one be caught up in it to teh detriment of the present. A toast, to a bright new future!"

Exabyte, what language is Ogrish analogous to? I don't think it's ever been formally established. All this time I've been imagining it as Serbian, because imagining Ishelda shouting "U PITCHKU MATERINU" amuses me.

>>20712442
"Hmm, I'd guess the past is easier to discern without magic than the future."

>>20712442
Their tower is like a history book of all of their important happenings. I accidently the whole thing.

>>20712492
I kinda imagined it to sound like Assyrian. Why? No clue.

>>20712492
>Ogrish is roughly analogous to coughing up mucus, intersped with the loudest snoring you've ever heard.

"Well, one cannot neglect history. But neither should one be caught up in it to the detriment of the present." You say. "Their tower is like a history book of all their important happenings. I accidentally read the whole thing, with magic."
"Interesting." The ogre said. "The concept reminds me of the library, in Sharniguk- full of prophecies of the future. Our peoples are a strange mirror of one another, I suppose."

>>20712548
So pretty similar to her existing scottish accent then.

>>20712548
Well I hope your peoples are able to overcome your differences and become friends. I'm perfectly willing to oversee negotiations if it is needed. The Venerable King and Queen like me to I ought to be able to smooth things along.

A piece of advice, do not lie. The Venerable Queen detests lies.

>>20712548
"That's true, I guess."

"Well, I hope your peoples are able to overcome your differences and become friends." You say. "I'm perfectly willing to oversee negotiations, if it is needed. The venerable king and queen like me, so I ought to be able to smooth things along."
"I don't think that will be required." He said. "But thank you for offering. It's something. . something that will need to be done personally, I suppose, between our two people. I don't mean any offense, but relations between ogre and orckind is relevant only to us- it isn't your place."

>>20712548
> I accidentally read the whole thing, with magic.
>I accidentally the whole thing.
I came

>>20712643
"I can understand you opinion and will refrain from interfering, but I must disagree. It is something that concerns me, if ogre- and orckind live in my kingdom."

>>20712643
I understand completely. I just like to help when ever and where ever I can, In any way I can.

>>20712643
"It's extremely relevant to me if you're both going to be living here. But I understand your need to sort it out between yourselves."

>>20712675
This too.

>>20712643
"It's okay, I really just wanted an excuse to vsit them and to drink tea with the Queen. I wish you luck in the negotiations."

I understand, but you must also understand that I am trying to build a prosperous nation and warring factions lead only to destruction. I do not want wars on my soil.

>>20712720
>wars or racism

I vote for that if it has my fix.

"I understand completely." You say, the Tone of Command leaking into your voice. "But I must disagree. It is something that concerns me, if ogre and orckind live in my kingdom. I am trying to build a prosperous nation, and warring factions lead only to destruction. I do not want wars or racism on my soil."
"Of course, your majesty." He said. "If it's not something we can settle on our own, then I will be certain to request for help."
Behind you, Kaliel touched your shoulder. "Ishelda." She whispered. "My magic just came back. Do you think we should check your arms?"

>>20712757
"Let's wait with that. I don't want to ruin my good mood if mine's still missing."

>>20712757
"Thank you, but is it really necessary? Won't they heal on their own? It's just a little raw magical burn."

>>20712757
"I have no idea what you're talking about." Flash a charming grin. We can discuss it later, not important right now.

>>20712757
"It can wait until we're done celebrating the Ogre's arrival. For now we ought to eat, drink and make merry."

Give her a chaste hug as we're in public to reassure her.

>>20712757
Map, please? The most detailed one, geographically, of New Arcturus.

"It can wait until we're done celebrating the ogres' arrival. For now, we ought to eat, drink, and make merry." You say, and give her a hug, before sitting back down onto Grayson.
"Okay, I'll do that." She said, nodding. A few more couriers wander into the castle and into the keep, returning to Gehenna, and a second ogre arrives, also wearing armor. Two lizardmen guards carried a massive sword, large even for an ogre, behind her.
"Lord Jelkul." The ogress said harshly, her voice obviously feminine. "We windriders have rested, and we are ready to return to our homeland. Has the queen accepted our gifts?"
"She has." Jelkul said.
"Very well then." She said. She turned to you, and bowed. "Your Majesty."
Without waiting for a response, she turned around, making her way out of the castle.
". . .Ever since I refused her, she's been rather harsh with me." Jelkul said. "She doesn't mean to be impolite to you."

Suddenly, an enormous portion of Sgragol took to the air. Helgeld cried up in greeting, happily, and the sgragol responded in like, before taking off to the west.
"Our escorts are gone." Jelkel added, scratching Helgeld's chin.

>>20712928
How many are left? This is a major net loss of fuzzy for the kingdom of New Arcturus, this is concerning.

File: 1347575128147.png-(850 KB, 1032x1032, Map.png)

>>20712924
>Sorry I didn't catch this earlier- right here. I don't have anything in better quality right now, but I can start work on it, I suppose.

>>20712949
It's not a net loss, as most of it wasn't staying in the first place. Even if just one sgragol stays, it's a gain in fluffy.

>>20712951
I only posted a few seconds before you. No worries. I would definitely love to see a more detailed geographic map, New Arcturus is the only important place. I need to plan land usage. Also, how skilled can Raziel's zombies be? They rebuilt the Ogrish cities, no?

>>20712928
Is that her sword? why does she use a sword she cannot carry?

>>20712951
That map needs a key.

>>20712998
>Keep in mind, I'm *really* bad at this sort of thing, and the only version of the more-detailed map is from pre-warping of the warped lands, and before the constant dust storms and erosion, so I'll have to deal with all of that, and I'm even worse with scale- triune's gift might end up much too small or much too large.
>Raziel's zombies are ogrish skeletons, and they're good at unskilled labor, or apprentice-level skilled labor if it has to do with the skeleton's life- a skeleton blacksmith might be able to make some crappy weapons or horseshoes, for example.

"Is that her sword? Why does she use a sword she cannot carry?"
"Oh, she can." He said. "She just doesn't have a sheath for the weapon, and was too polite to bear it in front of you."

>>20713087
"You must indeed be brave to refuse her, then."

>>20713087
"She sounds like quite a woman. Forgive me if I'm prying but why did you refuse her? On that note how do ogre relationships work?"

>>20713087
I do not envy ogrish courtship.

"You must indeed be brave to refuse her, then." You say. "Forgive me if I'm prying, but why did you refuse her?"
"Helgred prefers to sleep and rest." Jelkul said. "He doesn't like flying much, so I didn't wish to join the windrunners and make him do things he wouldn't want to."
"... I thought you meant refuse as in... refuse as a lover." Cassiel said.
"Oh, no, I didn't mean that at all!" He said.
"On that note, how does ogrish courtship work?"
"It's simple." He said. "We hold festivals, every season. Many times, a couple meet one another there, and enjoy their night of festivity together. And if they do enjoy it, then they continue to enjoy the festivities every season from then, eventually moving into the same house."

>>20713207
"Oh. That's rather simple then."

Let's go investigate the fluffy sheep-cows.

>>20713207
"If that's the case, I'm sure Helgred will get along brilliantly with Grayson and Qu'az."

>>20713207
"Interesting. When does an ogre move into his, or her, own house? I know very little about ogrish culture."

>>20713207
"That's rather interesting, very casual. We often go for elaborate courtships, or at least we like reading stories about them.

I understand the feeling of having a fuzzy companion who wishes to rest quite a bit."

Scritch Grayson's behind the ears.

After that we ought to visit the nervghul.

"If that's the case, I'm sure Helgred will get along brilliantly with Grayson and Qu'az."
"It seems he's getting along with them already." He said, chuckling. He turned to Helgred, who was still being hugged and kissed by Quaz, and patted the sgragol's shoulder.
"That's rather interesting. Very casual. we often go for elaborate courtships, or at least we like reading stories about them."
"Oh, really?" He asked. "What sort of courtships are you used to?" He asked. You notice that Kaliel is listening very intently to you, absentmindedly scratching Grayson's ear. The bear looks up at her, and she looks back down. It was strange, the way the two of them seemed to tip-toe around one another. It felt like they were constantly communicating, wordlessly.

>>20713207
This reminds us of that picture of fluffy Kaliel we found in zeke's collection. We should get a bit distracted for a while thinking about that.

>>20713277
"Personally? I'm not really used to any of it. Humans who are considered nobles most often have long, drawn-out courtships, some for purely political reasons. Other humans are lucky, since their courtships will mostly be at whatever pace they're comfortable with."

>>20713277
"Well, I grew up in the Arcturian court, so I am used to tales of heroic knights, completing arduous quest to win somebody's heart. Or big balls, to introduce the next generation to each other. It wasn't that interested in it, to be honest."

"Kal, are you having long conversations with Grayson behind my back without letting me participate?"

>>20713277
"Well I never really had any experience with courtships until recently. I was a rather sheltered child. I was surrounded by stories of grand romances and saw on occasion how a great deal of noble marriage was purely political, though I heard of some truly romantic ones.

The way it worked in my case was that I became close to someone, they told me that they liked me romantically, I realized I felt the same way and it was rather simple from there."

Then give Kal a quick hug and kiss.

>>20713327
skip the second bit.

"Well, I grew up in the Arcturian court, so I am used to tales of heroic knights, completing arduous quests to win somebody's heart. Or enormous festivals and balls, to introduce the next generation to each other. I wasn't that interested in it, to be honest. Humans who are considered nobles most often have long, drawn-out courtships, some for purely political reasons."
"I see." He said, nodding. "It does seem rather complicated- I don't quite understand why some would court one another for political reasons, though. All that's important are the hearts."
"... Hearts?" Kaliel asked. "More than one?"
"Of course." He said. "One for each partner."
She quickly settled down. "Nevermind." She said, obviously disappointed.

>>20713277
"Well, the idealized romance novels usually depicted a heroic knight performing some great and glorious deed to win the heart of a princess.
In my homeland of Arcturus, it seemed that the higher up in nobility you were, the more elaborately one was expected to act in everything, including romance.
In actual practice though, I've found that it was the person I had the easiest time sharing things with..."

>>20713370
"I don't particularly like the idea either, but marriage can be used to... cement alliances, or even as part of a deal. It's rather tragic, since most of the time the partners have no say in the matter."

>>20713370
Kal wants to give us hearts, presumably still beating. Creepy.

"Hearts are a symbol of love. But land rights are complicated matters, and inheritance laws mean that arranged marrages are a thing that is done. I don't want any of that in my kingdom, but I am already dealing with political meddling in my private life." <indicate belethor>

>>20713370
"It makes sense for them to be political in nature.

If you've got two powerful families, groups or nations, there is no better way to ensure an alliance than to have them marry their kids to each other. It's a much more solid agreement than anything you can write on paper or any money or goods exchanged. It's sad for the kids but it worked."

>>20713370
"Were you hoping for some pointers on a organism with multiple hearts, Kal?"

>>20713370
Shrug, "Cementing alliances, spreading the bloodlines, things like that."

>>20713370
Silly Kal, he's an Ogre not a Timelord.

>>20713429
This, then a soldier says "Wrong canon."

"Were you hoping for some pointers on an organism with multiple hearts, kal?"
"... A little." She said, and gave you a grin.

"It makes sense for them to be political in nature." You say. "If you've got two powerful families, groups, or nations, there is no better way to ensure an alliance than to have them marry their kids to each other. It's a much more solid agreement than anything you can write on paper, or any money or goods exchanged. It's sad for the kids, but it worked." You say.
"Me and Ishelda's great grandmother was politically married to the arcturan king." Marigold said. "It's how the duchy got started- It was once it's own, small kingdom at the time."
"I see." He said. "We ogres don't... marry. We simply spend time with one another, until such time as we no longer wish to."

>>20713462
And then Meta-Archer gets in a blue police box with a strangely dressed man saying "Allons-y".

>>20713483
"But then you don't get marriages. Marriages are amazing, they're like a giant party with cake, pretty dresses, fancy suits, and lots of alcohol. And it's all for two people and everybody wishes them well and tells them how happy they are for them.

I bet Grayson would make an excellent best man, or maybe he'd officiate."

I don't think ishelda should be all marrige happy...

>>20713483
"Hmmm, that's a rather sensible solution."

>>20713527
Better yet, Kaliel and Ishelda get hot and heavy, and Grayson says that the cycle must be corrected and there's only one way to do that. Then threesome.

>>20713483
"I'm not sure if the Elves or Orcs do either."

"Hmmm, that's a rather sensible solution." You say. "Though I'm not sure if the elves or orcs do either."
"The orcs do." Lewin added. "They're supposed to be able to control one another. Mediating, taming forces." He said, and shrugged. "Treechild talked about it, once or twice."
"We could probably ask Ell and Kiyara." Marigold said, patting Kell's hand as the troll looks this way and that. "I think they're up in the airship tower, like usual."

>>20713651
"I'll remember to ask them next time we see the two."

>>20713651
<Hey Ell and Kiyara, when are you two going to get married?>

>>20713651
"Oh, treechild talked to you about marrige did she? How interesting."

Make eyebrows at Marigold.

"I'll remember to ask them next time we see the two." You say, after looking down at the ring- you don't want to try using it to communicate while your magic was gone.
"Oh, treechild talked to you about marriage, did she?" You ask, and give marigold a Look. Her grin in response is palpable. "How interesting."
"I... Well..." He said, raising a hand. "Uhm. Well."

"Uhm. Well." Marigold said, still grinning. "I suppose I'll have to ask Treechild about it later."
Lewin sighed, and leaned his face on his hand, mumbling something to himself.

>>20713756
"You can't escape, Lewin!"

>>20713715
>Make eyebrows at Marigold.

But we have no magic.
Plus you have to roll for it.

"You can't escape, Lewin!" You say, and grin.

"I." He said. "Am an adventurer."
And then he bolted.

Nahzit grinned. "Would you like me to go catch him, your majesty?" He asked, laughing in that strange, hissing way that lizardmen did.

>>20713890
"Give him a good chase, but no need to actually catch him." with a grin

>>20713890
"Not this time."
sip tea.
"I'll have Treechild catch him later."

>>20713890
"There's nowhere to run. Let him think he's safe."

>>20713890
"Absolutely, but wait until I say go." Then pull out opera glasses from our convenient inventory.

>>20713890
No, don't worry.

Drink some tea.

>>20713929
Give him five minutes before the mark.

>>20713890
"That won't be necessary."

"That won't be necessary" You say, sipping at your tea. "I'll have Treechild catch him later."
"As you say." He says, and salutes you.
You sit back onto Grayson, lay back...

And then something inside of you... bursts free, light sparking from under your gloves. You didn't know you were missing it, but you regain your strength, and speed, and you can breathe deeper. Your physical strength has returned...

And although you're out of energy, your magic has, too. You feel like you regained some important, integral part of you.

The sorceress-queen of New Arcturus is back.

>End of thread!
>Sticking around to answer questions.
>Also, I'm working on the in-detail map of New Arcturus. What kind of details would you guys like?
>Keeping in mind, of course, that I completely suck at these sorts of things.

>>20714023
I'd like to see rivers, lakes, forests, roads, elevation, farm sites, bays, and many other things.

>>20714023
>You sit back onto Grayson, lay back...
I'd love to see an economic map with trade routes, and what's produced where.

>>20714023
If you can manage the level of detail required for it, I'd love to be able to see individual buildings so we can plot them out.

>>20714050
A topographical map would be amazing.

>>20714050
I can do the rivers, lakes, bays, and elevation, but the rest don't exist, for the most part- the warped lands have been buffeted with sandstorms, magical nuclear explosions, etc etc- so the roads, forests, farm sites, and such (other than the restored ones in Triune's Gift) don't exist.

>>20714058
Right now I'm only detailing New Arcturus, but I might be able to throw trade routes up on the continental map proper.

>>20714089
. . No way. No offense, but if I do that I'll end up fucking up so much. I can't into anything well enough to plot out the individual buildings.

>>20714105
I *may* be able to do this one. Possibly.

>>20714133
>but I might be able to throw trade routes
The would be great, thanks. If you could add the main goods for each route, it would even better.

>>20714133
>No way.

What if you just made a map of the landscape of the city and we could kind of fill in the rest? Would that be okay?

>>20714204
Sugarcane, spices, and tobacco.

>>20714222
Oh, this is perfectly fine. Though the landscape is mostly just a gently sloping hill with a river going down it. I should also get the castle done eventually, too.

>>20714230
Do people smoke on Daveplanet?

>Assuming that's where sorceress quest takes place.
>If so, what, and what effects does it have?

>>20714251
That sounds perfect for the creation of a few paddies. Some unskilled, strong laborers and a few overseers And it'll only take a few weeks to turn that into a place to grow plenty of rice.

>>20714251
The castle itself is on a somewhat steep hill surrounded by a trench, isn't it?
...or is it a moat?

Also, does the castle itself have a name?

>>20714313
It isn't surrounded by a trench, nor a moat, either. The castle has no name because it's mostly up to you guys to name it. I felt rather iffy naming Triune's Gift without any input, so I don't want to do that again with anything New Arcturian.

>Wat castle name?

>>20714332
Demonsbane

or 'Sanctuary'.

>>20714332
It's a star fort, in the City of Stars, in a kingdom named after a star. It needs a starry name.

>>20714363
I kinda like Sanctuary.

>>20714332
>>Wat castle name?
Please don't make us decide on stuff after the regular quest has ended.

>>20714332
Do people smoke tobacco on Daveplanet? Or have a substance that is to tobacco that Swampbrew is to alcohol?

>>20714332
>Do people smoke tobacco on Daveplanet? Or have a substance that is to tobacco that Swampbrew is to alcohol?

I don't want Ishelda to ever touch the stuff, but I would like to know. We may be able to grow it and sell it.
>Not that we need the money.

>>20714555
>Not that we need the money.
This is not Ishelda setting up a lemonade stall for pocket money, this is a country's exports. Exporting will keep our currency valuable and strengthen our economy. Besides, any amount of money will run out eventually without regular income.

...do we even have our own currency yet?

>>20714509
There is tobacco, but nobody smokes it, and it grows in southern elven lands / lizardman lands. It, along with crocodile dung and and chocolate, is a component of Swamp Brew.

>>20714454
Well, we don't have to decide on one for sure, but we can still brainstorm a list of good names, and bring it up in the quest proper tomorrow for voting.