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>>33630721
He seems to leave it at that. A few minutes later, when you hazard peeking out of the blankets, you see both McCain and Keel are up and about. The mass of furs above what you presume is the bulk of Veles is still unmoving, but given the cold, you can't blame him. Grumbling about how cold these summers are you pull yourself out of your bedroll and grab another coffee. At sunrise, you take stock o your surroundings. Off in the distance where you expect Bralin is, you can see where the badlands end, and the grasslands begin. The start of a valley seems to run off along the far mountains.

>Keep to the hills, don't go into the grasslands until you have sight of the town.
>Head into the valley.
Going to need a d20 roll regardless.

Rolled 4

>>33630727
Time for snakes.
I say we
>Keep to the hills, don't go into the grasslands until you have sight of the town.
Just so we have more visibility and don't get lost. Getting lost would not be ideal.

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Thinking back to the troll feast you stumbled across yesterday, you opt to keep to the hills. After a quick breakfast, stoking the fire to at least get something approaching civilized food and dragging Veles out of his apparent torpor and back to reality, you make for the hills. Its rocky going, but nonetheless effective, and the slower pace does let you keep a weather eye out for any hazards. Thankfully, there appear to be none so far. You notice that the valley extends far south, the difference in elevation between your current position and the center of the valley approaching small mountains in height. That said the slope is gradual and rolling, as if whatever carfed this out has long since been gone, nature doing its work to cover up the monumental act that created this valley.

Around early afternoon you spot what appears to be the start of a river at the base of the valley. Keeping the valley on the right, you forge ahead, Veles taking the lead and McCain providing rearguard. It is nearly dusk when you first catch sight of the Szlachta fiefdom. The river appears tapped into irrigation ditches for field, and the sight of stone wrought buildings make their presence known in the scant few seconds before the shadows overtake the valley.

>Head towards Bralin.
>Wait until tomorrow.
>Other?

>>33632201
>>Wait until tomorrow.
We'll go introduce ourselves to the townfolk in the morning. Coming in while everyone is asleep wouldn't quite be optimal.

Maybe ask veles if there's anything interesting in that valley. We'll have a bit of time before bed.

>>33632201
>Wait until tomorrow.

>>33632201
>Wait until tomorrow
No sense in scaring people

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"We'll head in tomorrow. Is there anything I should know about Veles?" You ask as you make camp for the night.

"Not much. The peasants are not of much in way of talking to outsiders. Will likely have to talk to whoever is in charge of trading post." The old snake says. "Depends. Have not been there in while."

"What do you mean by peasants." Captain Keel asks, pulling out his notebook.

"Field workers, serfs, not sure what word you have to describe them. They tend fields, build things, the like. Most of the gentry leave the work for them while they follow their own interests. Supplies are stored in communal warehouse things for trade with other nations."

"So each of these towns are micronations?"

"In way, yes. But they are all beholden to the King, I believe current one is Sigismund. Curious fellow very close to the Kozaks, but apparently tends to the royal farms along with his serfs. Popular among peasantry and nomads alike. Shrewd though, last I heard they had been doing sweeping changes to roadways between towns near capitol. Bralin is far enough away that even in time since I was here last they would not have had time to finish that construction."

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Rolled 11

>>33633923
"And how long was it since you were here last?"

"Two, maybe three decades?" Veles says with a shrug.

On that note, you turn in. Thankfully, outside of a general feeling of a myriad of images, nothing like the what you experienced the night before occurs. You awaken refreshed, and headache free to the sight of the sunrise cresting the mountains.

>Head to the town proper.
>Ask around for the trading post.
>Other?

>>33633950
Let's go ask around town for the trading post. See what sort of stuff they have available, meet the guy in charge, all that good stuff.

>>33633950
>Ask around for the trading post.

>>33633950
Let's head to town proper. It might be nice to get an idea of the wealth of our future trading partners.

>>33634256
Sure, sure.
Just so long as we ask for directions while we're there. Gotta make good use of that time.

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Rolled 1

After your standard morning routine of food, packing, and confirming your bearings, you start to make your way down into the valley. Its surprisingly fast going despite the steep downgrade as you and Veles scout ahead, to use the term loosely. Mostly it just consisted of you and Veles racing down the slope to the next outcrop wand acting as a safety net for the hapless bipeds following you. Keel nearly fell once, but other than that, you make it to the outskirts of Bralen safely.

Slithering across the dirt packed road on either side of the massive field, you can see what Veles meant by the locals being cagey. Even well exposed and moving at a sedate pace, you see the workers in the field hurriedly finish their chores nearly gallop, as loathe you are to use the word, to the far end. You catch a few younger centaurs point in your general direction, only to be reprimanded and bustled away by their minders. The outskirts of the town seem a bit desolate despite that, the fields being lightly manned and not much in the way of traffic.

Reaching the town, your path through the heavy stone walls is barred by a pair of heavily armored hussars much like the House Krasick soldiers you saw at the Kozak camp. Only these are bedecked with a deep purple silk finery beneath the silver armor. They make themselves known rather forcefully as their halberds cross in front of your path.

[What is your business here?] One of the gleaming soldiers asks.

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>>33635799
>1
You can't read his expression through the facemask, but you respond unfazed by their aggression. [Looking to trade. Where is the trading post?]

You duck as the other hussar swings his halberd up and over the assembly, pointing toward a ramshackle building of wood and stone attached to the wall. [Kozaks, Kutkh, and merchants use that building. Only those in good standing may enter into the hold itself.]

You huff in frustration. Despite the cold reception, at least they gave you information and make your way there. From the gate, you can hear a muttered conversation between the two guards. You only pick out the name 'Boris' from it, but it must be some great joke the way the two laugh.

Entering the so called trading posts you are a bit taken aback by how... well unused it looks. Its tidy enough, but there is a musty odor of something that hasn't been aired out enough. You can see a ramp heading into a back room, but nobody appears to be here to meet you.

>Action?

>>33635828
Look around for someone here. Peruse around to see if there's anything interesting while we look.

You'd think they'd be more, well, bustling.

>>33635828
Perhaps start shopping around. Seems like this area is where they send folks to get rid of them.

>>33635828
Flag down an unofficial looking centaur and ask what's up with the trading post.

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You have half a mind to find someone not in guard uniform and try and find out where people really go to trade, but decide to play along for now. Looking through what there is in this storage shed, or whatever it is, you see a lot in the way of preserved goods. Canned apples, carrots, fresh potatoes, and what looks to be some bottles of liqour near the top shelf. McCain stands uneasy near the doorway while Keel scribbles away furiously into his notebook moving from item to item. You don't see much that interests you off hand, but you see several crates with complicated looking latches that you are tempted to open. Veles in the meantime clears his throat loudly, and from ramp you hear a crash and a frantic clattering of hooves. You are taken aback as a portly centaur comes down the ramp, hastily cinching a silken robe around him. He freezes when he sees your party.

You attempt to introduce yourself but that is stopped by a boisterous shout. [GREETINGS KUTKH, I AM BORIS AND THIS IS NORTHERN BRALIN TRADING POST.] You wince as his voice lowers several decibels but increases in speed as he moves forward to shake hands with all your associates. [We've heard tell of you from Kozak parties at southwest post, but to think you would grace us with your presence is something else. Please, what can I do for you.]

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>>33638262
[Well I-] You say before he cuts you off.

[Ah, the young lady is in charge. good good, what can I interest you in? Silks? Jewelry? Perhaps something else?] He says, heading towards some of the crates and prying the heavily nailed lids off with his hands.

Well, you can definitely see why the guards found this funny. [Well, not quite yet, we were hoping to-]

[FOOD, Of course, Kutkh need to eat too yes? We have many fine preserved meats. Makes a great stew.]

Oh boy...

>Action?

>>33638297
Okay, we might be tempted to buy some meat, but we were mostly seeing what goods you have available to tell merchants back home.

So, what's this about silks and jewelry. Do you make them locally? Or are they from some far off land?

>>33638297
Seconding >>33638443, also we have these goods and would like to know if they are of interest to your people.

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[The meat is tempting, but I was more asking about what wares you trade much of.]

His face falls a bit at that, [We do not trade much at all, given where we are.] He then recovers grandly, [But being on a frontier post, I've got enough backstock for rich buyers. I get the occasional noble in, but the Szlachta can get the same goods closer to the capitol.]

[Are the silks native then or are there jewellery and silk trade between nations?] You ask.

[Nations? No, just between the holds. Smolensk makes the silk, treat it with a wax from the Krasick owned lands combined with the secrets from the royals to make it supple again. Wicks away water. Never be wet and cold again, just cold.]

[And the jewellery?]

[I suspect that might have caught your eye.] He says, hefting one of the smaller crates and setting it on a bench tied into the wall. Opening it you see an abundance of silver, inset into the silver rings, necklaces, and other fare are a variety of precious gemstones. He then points to the crate he ripped open, [The silks are there, though I see your...] He struggles to find the word as he gestures to Veles, [Companion, I suppose, already has some of our wares. As for Bralin? Vodka and produce. It isn't much but it is always needed. We get by.]

>?

>>33640035
Well, I'd like to buy a sample of your silk then. Nothing large, we didn't bring much to trade, just a few swatches to show around. And a can of your meat, for the way back.

The people around here seem a bit unfriendly to strangers-Do you think there would be any problem if larger groups came around? Folk back at home will probably be mighty interested in the silk, at the least.

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[I suppose if it is ok, I'd like to trade for a sample of the silk then.] You say, producing your bag full of barter material.

[Trade? Oh yes, of course. Lets take look here yes?] He says, moving up to where you've put your trinkets.

He regards them a while, poking some of the watches until you enlighten him on their function. He seems a bit nonplussed. After a while he speaks.

[The function, while interesting, is novelty at best. Unless you have secrets of making them, it probably won't buy much. Although, best I can do with what you have here is... 3 armspans worth.]

That's actually quite a lot, but you have the feeling he might be underselling it a bit.

>Take the offer.
>Try and haggle for more
>Inquire how one gets into the village proper
>Other questions?


>Pausing the thread here. Will continue tomorrow if it is still up with the selected choice. Apologies for the slower than usual updates.

>>33641476
>>Try and haggle for more
>>Inquire how one gets into the village proper

>>33641476
>Try and haggle for more

>>33641476
It's a good offer. Only dicker a little, try not to test patiences.

And DO
>Inquire how one gets into the village proper
because I'm curious and we've not seen the place.

Well, we've pretty much found the profit here. All we need is some things that interest them. We should maybe ask him what things fetch a high price around here.

>>33641476
Try and haggle for more

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[Only three? These are goods you've likely never seen before.]

[I have never seen snake with arms, but I doubt I could get much in travelling sideshow to show it. No offense.] Reading your frown, he continues. [Best I could do is throw in bottle of vodka. Is not much, but I have to keep stock if someone does show or in case of emergency.]

You figure that it'd be best to change the topic real fast, [What about the town proper, the guards said something about standing.]

He shrugs, [Not much to say, only those trusted are allowed in. Throwback to worse times. That said, if you are the same Kutkh that caused the incident in the Kozak encampment. Well, anyone who makes a Krasick look foolish is already welcome here.]

[Oh?]

[Pompous asses that you have to work hard to get payment from. Only reason they are powerful is their troops and their bees. They have the knowledge and queens are a top commodity. Not to mention the silks. Though they do not have monopoly there royal silk is of better quality. That said, three armslengths and a bottle. Do we have a deal?]

Doesn't look like he's going to budge from that.

>Action?

>>33648807
You are lucky that I am thirsty. Deal. Tell me more about getting standing. I am trying to negotiate a longer term trade agreement.

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[You are lucky I am thirsty] You say, offering a hand which he shakes with enthusiasm.

[SPLENDID. I shall get container for your purchases.] He all but shouts, heading back toward the rear of the store.

You call out to his retreating form, [How does one go about getting standing, I am looking for a more... permanent trade agreement.]

He doesn't answer, coming back with a smaller crate that he places the bottle, neatly wrapped in the folded silk. Before thinking for a moment. [Well, like I said, you are on your way. But normally to get standing you either need to provide some sort of service to those inside, or know a person. I can do what I can, but...]

[You can only do so much. Right, I get it.] You say as you tie the crate to your pack.

[Is there anything else I can help you with?] The centaur says, placing the lids back on the crates he's opened.

>?

>>33650349
Nope. Let's get going, maybe talk with locals about recent events.

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[No, that will be all for now.] You say, signalling for your associates to head out .

[Ah, shame. Nonetheless, good fortune to you.] He all but shouts, as you slither out of the trading post. Ignoring the chuckles emanating from the guards, you attempt to try and talk to some of the locals on the fields. Attempt being the operative word. Every time you approach, they either all but gallop off, or excuse themselves and head somewhere else.


<They are not allowed to speak to foreigners outside the walls. Throwback to olden times when the holds were still warring.> Veles whispers to you in snake cant, after your third failed attempt.

<Any reason you didn't tell me this sooner?> You ask, annoyed.

He shrugs, <Three decades is a long time to have been away. The gentry enact and repeal orders like that pretty much on the whim of the fae that advise them. I know not what prognostication prompted this, but last I was here they were free to speak, even if cagey. Something may have changed.>

You look back toward the gate, where the two guards still stand.

>Try to talk with the guards.
>Head out.

>>33651465
>Try to talk with the guards.
We don't lose anything by trying one more time. Maybe they'll be easier to speak after the laugh they shared.

>>33651620
Might as well. We need some more contacts here if we are going to get this venture off the ground. Perhaps being a Kozak endorsement might get us an official audience?

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"We should take another shot at the guards." You say, "Maybe we can figure out some other arrangement to get inside."

"Not sure about that, Miss" McCain responds warily

"You're just worrying too much about me." You say, slithering back toward the two hussars, who seem somewhat more at ease than before.

[Is there any way I can get inside.] You ask them, causing the one who directed you to the trading post to step forward.

[You are not a recognized individual in good standing. It would be remiss of us to allow you inside.] He says, the tone of voice indicating a hint of exasperation.

[Boris said something about an incident at Ursus that might be in our favor involving a Krasick looking foolish?] You venture.

He chuckles, [That is all well and good, but I'm still afraid I cannot help you. The head of the household is currently away at meeting called forth by King Sigismund. Until he returns in three days, anybody not already in good standing may not enter the hold.]

[Any idea what the meeting is about?]

[It is not my place to speak on that.] He says.

[Something to do with the Fallen.] His second says brightly.

The first turns to the second, [Remind me to teach you about what we can and cannot talk about sometime, Misha. I know you are of Kozak blood, but knowing when and who to speak to is a trait they teach in the badlands too, yes?]

[Yessir, sorry sir.]

[Nevertheless, I have my orders.] The first says, addressing you.

>Response?

>>33652692
"I won't pry further, but part of the trade agreement I am seeking would include weapons proven efficacious against the fallen. If you might relay at least that much for me, I would owe you my gratitude."

>>33652829
Sounds good to me.

>>33652692
bluh, I'm finally awake.

Anyways, thank the guards for their politeness and all that. They've been helpful. Also,
>>33652829
maybe a little. Let the head of the house know there were traders here.

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Rolled 7

[I won't pry further, but part of the trade agreement I am seeking would include weapons proven efficacious against the fallen. If you might relay at least that much for me, I would owe you my gratitude.]

He just moves back to his posts, you don't know if he'll relay it or not, but you do rest easy knowing that your first contact with the two major factions of the centaurs have at least been peaceful.

"What now Miss?" McCain asks, when you regroup on the outskirts of the town.

The midday sun ensconces the valley in a pleasant (for you) heat.

>Action?

>>33654160
Perhaps a visual inspection of their farms might give some ideas for crops or livestock we might be able to trade. Might also get an idea of per acre yield given crop land to apparent population, perhaps act as a broker for the services of a druid or soil wizard or whatever the fuck sort of equivalent that might exist.

>>33654160
Well, I had honestly expected to run into the guys in charge. To hear they're away sort of screws our plans.

On the other hand, look at all this silk we've got. Good relations with these folk are pretty certain so long as the merchants we send aren't actually robbers.

As of right now, let's go look around the outskirts. See what they have available to travelers who can't get into the town proper. Maybe they have a place to stay for us.

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"Well, getting inside all official like seems to be a wash. At the very least, we can see what their field situation looks like."

Keeping a respectful distance, mostly not to spook the already skittish peasantry working the fields, you make your way around the hold. The fields are rather massive, but curiously enough you you don't see anything by way of housing. You'd figure there would at least be sheds for the farm equipment. That mystery is solved when you see a pair of centaurs leading a cart out from the hold itself, dispensing tools to the rest before returning behind the walls.

It takes the better part of the afternoon to get around to the western side of Bralin. You note that if the fields on the other side match the ones you've seen, their production capacity far outstrips whatever the population inside the hold must be. If the ramshackle carts are any indication, you suspect that this town might supply food that reaches the entire region.

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>>33656590
Veles points out that traveller accommodations are not something that the szlachta consider their responsibility for those not of good standing, and is due in part to keeping old enemies from infiltrating, and as a degree of trust tto those that are allowed within the walls. This was one of the reasons that the rule of four came to be, by now it has become ingrained into centaur tradition. You do note, curiously, that despite all the plant life, you do not see much in the way of livestock. Such that you probably have seen more animals at the Kozak camp.

By late afternoon, you've managed to confirm your suspicions that the town itself was surrounded by farmlands. The size and scale of something like this, is far beyond what you'd expect from a people with as little tech as you've seen. Making camp at the edge of the southeastern side of the fields you begin planning your next move.

>>33656619
Well, seems like setting up inns for travelers could be a moneymaker.

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>>33656619
Gonna call it here. Had hoped to run a bit longer than usual, but getting two or more full days free is a bit of a crapshoot. Will be back next week.

Thanks again for reading.

>>33656826
Thanks for runnin', guy. See you next time.

>>33656826
Thanks for running, Chemlab