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You stay low - there's a crosswind blowing, so you don't need to worry about your scents being picked up, but it won't do to be spotted before your companion is in position. You don't have long to wait - soon, the signal drifts through the air, the notes of a lone songbird telling you that it's time. You nod to the orcs at your back, and the three of you stand.

With the force of a runaway aurochs, the three of you pound through the light brush, slamming into the nervous and demoralized gnolls with the twin howls of the orc warriors shaking the hyenoids almost as much as the force of the charge, gnolls flying through the air with the sound of broken bones and cries of pain. Shortly after, your companion and the third orc hit the gnolls from the other side, and it devolves into more of a slaughter than a fight.

The gnolls, spirits already shaken by the losses they've taken, break under the sudden attack, and scatter. More than half of them are dead or crippled on the ground, as the rest abandon them to their fates, morale broken and spirits weak.

>Worry about their captives, first.
>Run them down.
>Have the orcs run them down while the two of you deal with the kobolds.

>>38251233
>>Worry about their captives, first.

>>38251233
>Worry about their captives, first.

>>38251233
>Worry about their captives, first.

>>38251233
>Worry about their captives, first.

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Well, let them run. Your first concern is with the kobolds. You sheathe your blade, and make your way over to the diminutive nomads. The largest of them watches you closely as you approach, before huffing curiously.

"...How interesting." It says, in the western trade tongue. The voice doesn't betray much, but judging by the shape of its face, it's probably a 'he'. "Orcs and men? An Eshmakebs?" He tries another tongue before you can reply. Your companion joins you at the captives, and he eyes her curiously, falling silent briefly. "Perhaps not." He allows, although you're not sure what he's talking about.

"I'm a human." You admit, as you crouch to begin undoing his bonds - the gnolls are not fantastic with ropes, but they're not unpracticed at binding captives.

"Ah." He bobs his head left and right, the kobold version of a nod. "I thank you then, human, and your..." He eyes the orcs. "Guards?" He tries, clearly not entirely accustomed to the composition of your group.

"That works." Your companion answers the query, as she releases other kobolds, her claws making short work of the rope. It's a bit late for you to pull a knife and just cut him free without feeling silly, so you just speed up your fumbling with the knots, and try not to acknowledge the definite sense that you are being judged.

"Our tribe owes you a debt, today." The kobold acknowledges, as the other canines gather together, all watching your group as the orcs begin rummaging through the gnolls' belongings. Finally, the ropes drop off of him, and he hops to his feet, backing away from you towards his tribesmates.

Your companion suddenly startles, and eyes the brush around you warily. You frown. She's noticed something.

>What is it?
>Let it go.
>Be ready.

>>38253611
>Be ready.
>What is it?

>>38253611
>What is it?
Her demon lord senses are tingling.

>>38253611
>>Be ready.
They don't know we know.

>>38253611
We're returning to our own caravan. Will you be safe on your own, or would you like an escort?

>>38253611
>Be ready.

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Your hand falls to the hilt of your sword. It could be almost anything.

"...What is it?" You murmur, softly, confident in her hearing. She glances at you, a frown on her face, and shakes her head.

"I'm not sure." She returns, as the clanking and clattering of the orcs slows. You glance back to check on them, and find they've made a couple different piles - two different piles of weapons alone, actually, one clearly the gnolls', with their preference for cruel barbs and flails, and the other...the weapons are mostly smaller, hammers and axes, a couple crossbows... A large, cleaver-like blade stands out.

The kobolds' perhaps?

Your companion stiffens, and you turn, almost instinctively, as from the brush all around the clearing, kobolds practically materialize from thin air, the small canines emerging from hiding. The orcs behind you scramble for their weapons, as they move closer to you, whether for your protection or simple solidarity, you don't know.

"...As I said, the tribe owes you a debt, human." The large kobold says, mildly. "You do not need to be alarmed."

>Be alarmed.
>Trust him.
>Wariness, at least, is called for.

>>38254448
>Wariness, at least, is called for.

>>38254448
>>Be alarmed.

>>38254448
>Wariness, at least, is called for.
Kobolds are cute.
Demon Lords are cuter.

>>38254448
>Wariness, at least, is called for.

>>38254448
>Wariness, at least, is called for.

>>38254448
>Wariness, at least, is called for.

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Wariness is called for, at least, but not distrust. You pointedly lower your hand from the hilt of your blade, and a lot of tension eases from the large kobold.

Your companion relaxes a bit as well, although you can see her discomfort with the situation - sometimes, she can be awfully easy to read, you reflect, as you eye her ears.

The orcs behind you mutter softly to each other in their tongue, your own studies not yet advanced enough to even guess at what they may be saying.

"Who are you?" The large kobold asks you, eying your companion and the orcs behind you. "To lend your aid so freely to those not your own? Not your own kind?" You can hear the kobolds behind you rooting through the piles of loot the orcs were making as he speaks.

>What do you have to say to him?

>...?

>>38255504
I am not racist, obviously.

>>38255504
>What do you have to say to him?
i am he who would defy fate and destiny

>>38255504
"Just a man that tries to help where and when he can."
I'm guessing saying that we're the Hero would be awkward.

>>38255504
A man who does not believe in needless death.

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You shrug.

"It doesn't matter to me." You tell him, "Whether you're human or not." You look the kobold leader in the eye, to them an aggressive, challenging gesture. "Orc, kobold, human..." You shake your head. "We're all the same. And I..." You break eye contact, looking up and away, a little embarassed to say it, "I'm just a man that tries to help, where and when he can." There's a long moment of silence, before you hear the kobold huff, amused.

"I see." He says, and there are far fewer kobolds around than there were a moment ago. "Well, human. I am the Kmet of the Pliska. I say a third time, the Pliska owe you a debt, and we will repay it." A number of the remaining kobolds nod at this third repetition of their debt, even as more of them melt away into the brush. "We will find you, once the herd has been gathered, and the rest of the tribe has joined us. Be well, human."

And he disappears into the brush as well, his small size and dark coat helping him vanish almost instantly.

"...Kobolds." Your companion shrugs, almost apologetically. "...They'll probably show up at the castle, sooner or later." She tells you, an odd expression on her face. "They take these things kind of seriously." She sighs, "Especially since he said it three times, like that."

>Let's catch up with the caravan.
>Tell me about kobolds. You said something about working for them, before.
>I'm not sure how I feel about them just kind of...showing up.

>...?

>>38257201
>deaths of greenskins and kobolds
>needless
where is that page desciribing kobold PCs when you need it.

>>38257386
>Let's catch up with the caravan.
>Tell me about kobolds. You said something about working for them, before.

>>38257386
>Let's catch up with the caravan.
>Tell me about kobolds. You said something about working for them, before.

>>38257386
>>Let's catch up with the caravan.

>>38257386
>Let's catch up with the caravan.
>They seemed nice. Already taking care of the orcs, at any rate.

>>38257386
>>Let's catch up with the caravan.

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>>38257417
>Having a problem with kobolds

Look at this guy. How could you ever hate this adorable little creature.

>>38257386
>Let's catch up with the caravan.
>Tell me about kobolds. You said something about working for them, before

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You roll your shoulder, looking around your suddenly-empty surroundings.The three orcs are disconsolately picking through the remains of their piles, apparently not finding anything to their liking. Rather than angry about this, like you might've expected from an orc, they just seem somewhat disappointed as they eventually find themselves each a little something, leaving the rest of the picked-though piles on the ground.

"Let's catch up with the caravan." You announce, and they fall in with you and your faithful companion, as the five of you begin to move.

...Speaking of your companion.

"You said you'd worked with kobolds before, didn't you?" You ask her, as you hike after your caravan. "What can you tell me about them? I'd never met one before."

She just laughs, a bit awkwardly.

"Did I say something like that?"

>Didn't you?
>Yes?
>...I might be mistaken.

>...?

>>38257957
>If you don't want to talk about it, just say so.

>>38257994
Second

>>38257957
>>Didn't you?

>>38257957
>If you don't want to talk about it, just say so.

>>38257994
This

>>38257994
Supporting. If she isn't ready, we can wait. She is our most trusted companion after all

>>38257957
>Yes?
>If you don't want to talk about it, just say so.

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"That's okay." You tell her, with a good-natured shrug. "If you don't want to talk about it, that's fine. You just need to say so." It's another four steps before you realise she's not walking beside you anymore. You turn, and see her, stopped a few steps back, looking uncomfortable.

"Jeez, Hero." She says, a hint of guilt in her tone. "You're really too good a guy, you know? At least pry a bit..." You just shrug.

"You're my most trusted companion, you know? And my dearest friend. If you're not comfortable talking about it, that's fine. I'm not going to push you." If anything, she looks even worse after that.

"...Y-yeah." She starts walking again, not looking at you, every line of her body radiating guilt and discomfort. "...Sorry about that."

"I don't mind at all." You reassure her, with a frown. "There's nothing to be sorry for."

"...Right." She says, "...Sorry."

"No sorry."

"Yeah. Sor....right."

You look at the sky, gauging the time.

"The caravan's probably stopped by now." You estimate, "Or they will be soon, if they want to get camp made while it's not dark out." You hum, considering.

>Well, if they've stopped, there's no need to hurry. Maybe we should see if we can't find something to bring back for food.
>No need to slow down, just because they've stopped.
>Let's pick up the pace. We're practically there.

>>38258904
>>Let's pick up the pace. We're practically there.
no assumptions.

>>38258904
>Let's pick up the pace. We're practically there.
train these orcs to run like a hero!

>>38258904
>Well, if they've stopped, there's no need to hurry. Maybe we should see if we can't find something to bring back for food.

>>38258904
>Well, if they've stopped, there's no need to hurry. Maybe we should see if we can't find something to bring back for food.
Oh man she actually is the demon lord isn't she?

>>38258904
>>Let's pick up the pace. We're practically there.

>>38258904
Did we bring not bring provisions, or something? Anyway, even if we did go look for food, I doubt we could bring back enough for the entire caravan. Didn't we have fifty orcs there?

Also, glad I discovered this quest an hour ago. It's very good so far.

>>38258904
>No need to slow down, just because they've stopped

I feel like we might accidentally overwork our trusted companion if we pick up the pace. Although I guess we could also carry her on our back if she tires out?

>>38259030
Maybe, maybe not. She's our most trusted friend, at least, and there's obviously a reason that we trust her based on our long and storied past, so I wouldn't really bother to worry about that.

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Thanks for everything, guys - I'll be back in about eight or nine hours, again.

In the meantime, anything you guys really want to know?

That I haven't been specifically avoiding explaining for the entire length of the quest so far?

>>38260379
Yea.Do you have a twitter?

>>38260636
@QuestBaker

I'm not very good at the twitters, but you'll get at least a day's notice or so before a new thread comes up.

>>38260379
The articulation mentioned in first thread. It was articulation on the sword or shield? It was vague.

It was articulation in this sense, right.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Articulation_(architecture)

bump.

one more bump for the road

>>38261910

It was on the armour, actually. Orcish armour traditionally doesn't articulate - ridiculously heavy slabs of metal in the rough shape of an orcish torso is the norm.

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"Let's pick up the pace." You decide, "We're practically there." One you pick up speed, though, your companion almost has to jog to keep up, and the orcs are beginning to look a little run down after the full day of travel and fighting. It shouldn't be far, so pushing them a little bit should be fine.

------

An orcish call goes up from somewhere ahead of you. It looks like you've reached the camp. The three orcs split off from your group as you arrive, heading over to get themselves a meal - it looks like the foraging parties manged to bring in a little bit of extra food, so for now it's not just gruel. You, naturally, have some rations for yourself, and your companion, so you're not terribly concerned about sampling the state of orcish cuisine.

The Bey comes out to meet you.

"All went well?" It asks, eying you and your exhausted companion. "No problem?"

You shake your head.

"No trouble." The orcish commander nods, and invites you to come tell him about what you found - you ARE still deep in nominal orcish territory, so he probably needs to be sure whatever it was doesn't need any further attention.

The two of you join him in his tent, and take seats, the provided cushions apparently the orcish solution to the unwieldy chore of bringing stools or chairs along on a journey.

You relate to him the presence of gnolls, and their attack on the kobold nomads, through your companion's translation. He asks a couple questions, but overall, it looks like you've covered most of the relevant information.

"Kralj. Should we hunt the gnolls? The villages will probably have no trouble, but they can still cause problems."

>No, we need to keep the caravan together.
>Yes, issue the orders.
>Send a messenger to the Beglerbeg. Let the garrison handle it.

>...?

>>38267268
>>No, we need to keep the caravan together.
Seed first.

>>38267268
>No, we need to keep the caravan together.
STAY ON TARGET.

>>38267268
>No, we need to keep the caravan together.
I don't think they will be a huge problem for now. We should be back before they try anything major, if they do anything to begin with

>>38267268
>No, we need to keep the caravan together.

>>38267268
>Send a messenger to the Beglerbeg. Let the garrison handle it.
Let's nip this potential problem in the bud before it can get worse.

>>38267268
>No, we need to keep the caravan together
I don't really feel like sending our Orcish army suffering under famine to hunt down vicious dog-things that aren't presently causing major problems is a very good idea at this point in time. Maybe later, if the start harassing our food stores or something.

>>38267765
If they start, I should say.

>>38267765
They're running free among our civilian zones, though. It'll be a little late when we get reports of gnoll raids on orc villages.

>>38267821
we just gave them a royal ass kicking and besides if they are going to try shit who says they won't ambush a lone Messenger.

>>38267847
The gnolls are on the run right now, and unlikely to be in a position to ambush a messenger with no obvious loot going to the garrison.

>>38267821
Maybe we could try to remember if we know anything about the size and reach of the region's gnoll tribes from our study of the enemy, or ask our trusted companion whether she has any such knowledge. Unless there's a ton of them or they're well-organized, I think confronting them can wait a bit. This journey is only supposed to take a few days anyway, right?

>>38267971
We're not confronting an entire tribe.
This is whether to hunt down or not the group of desperate gnolls that are loose in this region of orc civilians.
The hunting being done either by us, or by sending a messenger back to the garrison so they can get on it.

>>38268049
What makes you think they're desperate in any sense other than "need to go and lick their wounds"? All we observed is that they're unusually far north, and that could mean any number of things. Our officer even admitted that the villages should be able to handle these gnolls on their own. Now that I think about it, though, we should probably alert our garrison about possible incoming Kobolds so there aren't any misunderstandings.

>>38267268
>Send a messenger to the Beglerbeg. Let the garrison know friendly Kobolds might show up relatively soon.

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"...No." You decide, "For now, let them run. This is the first you've heard of gnolls in the area, yes?" Once the message is relayed, the Bey nods, considering your words. "Then either they haven't been here long, or there are very few of them. And after the slaughter earlier, they won't be very eager to deal with orcs soon." The commander nods again, more decisively.

"It is as you say. We will let them go, then." You pull yourself to your feet, and stretch.

"Well. We need to get our accommodations set up. Have you arranged the watch?" Uzair waves a hand, negligently.

"Go, Lord. It is seen to. You do not need to worry." You nod.

"Very good, then." You make your way out of the tent, to set up your own.

---------------------------------

The morning comes with the clatter and racket of half a hundred orcs, tearing down the camp, and getting ready to move once more. When you emerge from your tent, two orcs, in their full gear, standing nearby nod to you.

As you tear your tent down, with your companion's help, and pack it away, they hover nearby, and when you start towards Uzair's command tent, they follow you.

...Hm.

>Ignore them, for now.
>What's this about? Confront them.

>...?

>>38268556
>What's this about? Confront them.
it's probably bodyguards but might as well get it straight now.

>>38268556
>Ignore them, for now.

>>38268556
>What's this about? Confront them.
Heck, we should at least tell them good morning.

>>38268556
>What's this about? Confront them.
Not hostile or anything. Just checking on them

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Some minor issues delayed the post - and now there's not time to write it. Today's delay is another six hours.

If this thread falls off, though, the next won't be for a couple days.

>>38270818
Bump shift reporting for duty, then.

>>38270818
Bump oh baby Bump

>>38270818
This quest is really good, but I just wish it wouldn't have so much down time

My life for the bump

>>38276192

So do I, but there's not the interest nor the conversation to burn through a full thread in ten or eleven posts, like most of the quickly-moving ones, and I can't power through a thickly-written thread because I have no free days at all.

Anyway, I'm writing now.

>>38279807
Still waiting...

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You pause, in your walk over to meet with Bey Uzair, and turn to evaluate the two orcs following you. They look a little familiar...

After a long moment, you recognise them. These are two of the orcs that went out after the gnolls with you. Well, with that mystery solved - and a small bit of pride that you're beginning to distinguish individual orcs without relying on their equipment and adornments overmuch, you walk over to talk to them, your companion looking curious as she follows you over.

"Did you need something?" You ask them, mildly. They look at each other, confusion written on their faces, before looking back to you and shaking their heads. "Want to ask me something? Anything?" Again, they respond in the negative. "Then why are you following me around?" This question clears the confusion, at least mostly, and their reply leaves a bemused grin on your companion's face.

"They say they're your personal guards." She says, with a shake of her head. "...You, needing guards." She chuckles, apparently finding the idea itself rather funny.

You just sigh. It's not that big a deal, but it doesn't really seem necessary.

>You don't need guards.
>You don't mind.
>Where's the third? The one that went with your companion?

>...?

>>38280682
>You don't mind.
i will expect great things from you two in the future

>>38280682
>You don't mind.
But
>Where's the third? The one that went with your companion?

>>38280682
>You don't mind.
>Where's the third? The one that went with your companion?

>>38280682
>>Where's the third? The one that went with your companion?

>>38280682
>You don't mind.
>Where's the third? The one that went with your companion?

I wasn't even going to bother to vote, since the total's exactly where I'd like it to be anyway, but I'm monitoring this thread.

>>38280682
>You don't mind.
>Where's the third? The one that went with your companion?

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"Well, that's fine, I guess." You shrug. It doesn't matter all that much, really, but at least now you have some volunteers, if you ever need them. But... now that you think of it, where's the other one?

The one you sent to circle around with your companion? You look at her for a moment, and then eye the crowd of busy orcs, behind her. It takes you a minute to spot it, but...

"Hero?" She asks, looking a little confused. "Are you looking at something?" She's looking in the same direction, but...it looks like she's not sure what you're looking for.

"It looks like you have a guard, too." You tell her, amused, pointing out the orc standing by. Her good humour fades.

"...Well." She huffs, "Anyway. Weren't you going somewhere?" You can't help but laugh.

------------------------------------

The journey to the north takes only two weeks, at the speed the orcs can move - for the distance, an incredible time. You hesitate, as you enter the region patrolled by the Free City - orcs are not, in general, welcome in most places.

A day outside of the city, you shouldn't have to worry too much about them being spotted and attacked, but... that will make the wagons harder to deal with, both going in and coming out.

On the other hand, the Free Cities are known to have a fairly open society - as long as you haven't committed a crime, you're generally left alone, from what people say. Rumour has it that even Devils engage in trade with the republican state.

>Bring the caravan right up to the city. They can't be too unfamiliar with orcs, so close to the orcish homelands.
>Have the camp made a day out. You can hire horses and porters to bring the wagons to the city.
>Have the camp made a day out, but bring the wagons as close to the city as is feasible.

>>38282723
>Bring the caravan right up to the city. They can't be too unfamiliar with orcs, so close to the orcish homelands.

I drifted off there, for a few minutes - so I'll get a few more posts up after I sleep. Tomorrow's long delay is considerably shorter than the rest of the week, so I should be able to get more posts in then.

Good morning and good night, /tg/.

>>38282723
>Have the camp made a day out, but bring the wagons as close to the city as is feasible.

This seems like the best course of action.

(Also bump before I sleep)

>>38282758
A question, what are our Orcs actually equipped with?

>>38282723
>Have the camp made a day out, but bring the wagons as close to the city as is feasible.
we can probably convince them that the orcs are here to trade and not to raid everything.

>>38282723
>>Bring the caravan right up to the city. They can't be too unfamiliar with orcs, so close to the orcish homelands.

Time to practice some Israeli diplomacy.

bumbs for the bump god.

>>38282723
>Have the camp made a day out. You can hire horses and porters to bring the wagons to the city.

>>38282723
>Bring the caravan right up to the city. They can't be too unfamiliar with orcs, so close to the orcish homelands.

>>38284048

Standard orcish infantry equipment - heavy hand weapons, and varying levels of armour, tending towards 'lightly armoured'.

I am awake, and currently in the process of caffeinating. Writing commences shortly.

>>38288047
Bump the baker

Bump him awake

>>38288047
well then 1 more anon reporting in.

>>38288047
Please Baker, stay awake!
Do it for the qt demon lord!

>>38282723
>>38282723
>>Have the camp made a day out, but bring the wagons as close to the city as is feasible.
or
>Have the camp made a day out. You can hire horses and porters to bring the wagons to the city.

>>38282723
>Have the camp made a day out, but bring the wagons as close to the city as is feasible.

>>38288314
>>38288462

Too late - I'm most of the way through

>Bring the caravan right up to the city. They can't be too unfamiliar with orcs, so close to the orcish homelands.

Sorry.

>>38282723
>Have the camp made a day out, but bring the wagons as close to the city as is feasible.
Almost surprised I didn't miss the vote.

>>38288507
Oh, whoops. Maybe I shouldn't have said anything.

>>38288499
Bump, Bump on the Range

Where the bumps go to play

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As your caravan approaches the City, you can see the mounted scouts keeping an eye on your party. You don't begrudge them their suspicions, though - orcs are renowned raiders and bandits, their disproportionate strength and high mobility serving them well.

This time, however, their worries are unnecessary. Your caravan has made it to within sight of the walls - and impressive walls they are, unbreached by enemies in over a thousand years - when finally a party of riders pulls up along your path. You make your way to the front, accompanied by Uzair and your companion as the wagons grind to a stop.

The riders look a little nervous, for the most part, as their leader - you assume that's who it is, at least - brings his horse forward, to speak to you.

"...Quite the group, you have here." He says, mildly, eying the three of you. "May I ask your intentions?" Well, it seems he's not terribly concerned by the presence of your caravan, although whether that's due to actual unconcern or, say...a large band of concealed crossbowmen, who can say.

"Trade." You reply, with a shrug, matching his casual attitude. "We find ourselves in need of certain supplies, and naturally we thought of you." He nods, leaning back in his saddle to stroke his mustache.

"Of course." He agrees. "But with a band such as yours..." He continues, "There will have to be a few considerations that need to be made." You motion for him to continue. "Of course, no more than ten of your..." He considers the word to use here, "Guards, will enter the city at any time. They will not be unaccompanied. Your camp will be made away from the gates. Wagons are, naturally, banned from city streets during daylight hours, and you will be required," He eyes the wagons, "To purchase certain permits and privileges to engage in the disposal of your wares, or contract with one of the Houses."

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"Beyond this, you would of course be expected to comport yourself appropriately - matters of discipline and justice are the dominion of the Republic, and will be executed according to the laws and traditions of the Republic."

>This is acceptable.
>Unacceptable.
>Is there, perhaps, a House you would recommend?
>There's just one or two points you'd like to negotiate...
>>...?

>>38289280
>Is there, perhaps, a House you would recommend?

>>38289280
>Is there, perhaps, a House you would recommend?
>There's just one or two points you'd like to negotiate...
We will be allowed our weapons, for self-defense purposes.
The City Guards will stay out of our camp, and our internal affairs.

Motherfucker is trying to cheat us by making us buy these permits that no other merchant has to buy.
By the end of it, we'll have ended up paying three times the market price of the seeds; the kobolds and their double price would have been a bargain in comparison.

>>38289280
>This is acceptable.
Just have to control the boisterous orcs.

>>38289280
>How long does it typically take to obtain the needed permits
and
>Is there, perhaps, a House you would recommend?

>>38289412
What? Why would we not just leave our weapons with our camp when entering a peaceful city? Bringing our weapons just makes us look like a threat. Do you think we're incapable of defending ourselves without weapons, or something?

>>38289599
It's a matter of negotiation to see what he's willing to give up, and what we can get in exchange.

>>38289632
'negotiating' with city guards and a city's laws does not seem like a normal thing to do.

>>38289280

>>38289280
>comport yourself appropriately - matters of discipline and justice
I don't suppose we know the exact terms of these, or if there's an obscure trap here.

>>38289632
But he has no reason to give up anything at all. He's sworn to defend a walled city that hasn't been breached in a thousand years, remember? If they decide they don't like us, they can just close the gates on us and be done with it. It's not like what he's asking seems unreasonable yet, either.

>>38289280
>This is acceptable.
Hero is as Hero does.

>>38289280
>This is acceptable.
Though the exact laws for behavior would be useful to know.

>to engage in the disposal of your wares,
Oh right we have to sell the gold for currency to some assessor who wants a dead civilization's coins in order to get local currency.

Then buy seeds.

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"Your terms seem reasonable." You acknowledge, not interested in bickering with the man and possibly losing your chance to enter the city, "...Is there, perhaps, a House you would recommend?" The leader of the horsemen smiles widely.

"It is quite the coincidence that you should ask." He says, "As I hear it, the House of Getaldić is on the rise - and always looking for lucrative new opportunities. It could be quite the opportunity for you." He strokes his mustache. "Of course, you would need someone willing to introduce you to the Councillor. He is a very busy man, after all." Ah, so that's how it is.

"I see." You reply, considering the offer. It seems a bit soon for bribes, but... "Perhaps you could show us to our campsite? We aren't familiar with the area, of course, and wouldn't wish to trespass..."

"Certainly." The man agrees, good-naturedly. "Right this way."

And the caravan rolls back into motion.

------------------------------------------

You spend so time talking with the man, and learn a few things. There's some political unrest, apparently - the House of Getaldić is rising in status, as the head of one of the major political factions of the city, while the House of Ranjina, at the head of an opposing faction, is on the decline - apparently, the current duke's term of office is about to expire, and with the Small Council appointments coming up soon, if the Getaldić can manage to seize the office, they'll be able to bring their faction into real power. The Ranjina are less concerned with acquiring the office for themselves than simply preventing the Getaldić from getting it. Their faction seems to exist mostly to impede the other, rather than to advance any particular policy.

Republican politics has always been incredibly convoluted and vicious, and you don't really want any part of it, if only to avoid having to deal with assassins in the street. The street toughs are enough of a problem, in these cities.

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But with matters settled regarding your camp site, and Lucijan, the noble leading the band of outriders, about to leave for the city, it's time to make your decision.

>You'd like to meet with The House of Getaldić.
>You would rather not deal with the politics - he mentioned that the House of Sorkočević was ineligible for election...
>Thank him for his offer, but no - you'll purchase the necessary titles, instead of dealing with the Houses.

>...?

>>38290903
>>Thank him for his offer, but no - you'll purchase the necessary titles, instead of dealing with the Houses.

>>38290903
>Thank him for his offer, but no - you'll purchase the necessary titles, instead of dealing with the Houses.
ugh nobel conflicts so full of nonsense.

>>38290903
>You would rather not deal with the politics - he mentioned that the House of Sorkočević was ineligible for election..
>>38291037
to me this option is the least political in a way because if they discover who we are, now or eventually, blowing everyone off by buying licenses may piss em off, plus having contact with a neutral(ish) house should facilitate future business.

>>38290903
>You would rather not deal with the politics - he mentioned that the House of Sorkočević was ineligible for election...
Reconsidered, deleted old vote and changed to this.

>>38290903
>You'd like to meet with The House of Getaldić.

We going to unload a crap ton of gold and make future purchases, that going to change the balance of power one way or another

>>38291149
>>38291278
Wait, shouldn't we find out WHY they're not eligible before going to them?
They might not be eligible because of some scandal or because they were found committing some kind of crime.

>>38290903
>You would rather not deal with the politics - he mentioned that the House of Sorkočević was ineligible for election...
I do have to wonder why though they are ineligible

>>38290903
>>Thank him for his offer, but no - you'll purchase the necessary titles, instead of dealing with the Houses.
Loadsagold.

>>38290903
>Thank him for his offer, but no - you'll purchase the necessary titles, instead of dealing with the Houses

>>38291487
it is rather wierd isn't it, i can think of a few reasons why they ineligble there are a few like you said above crime it could also be due to a scandal or because of some politics between the nobles, however it could also be that they pulled back from it all, though i can't think of any reason why they would pull back from the biggest way to increase their powerbase other than that someone forced them.

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It seems to be a rather divided vote here, so I'm going to leave it open as I announce: It's time for the delay. Today's the short one, so I'll be back in about four, five hours.

>>38290903
>Thank him for his offer, but no - you'll purchase the necessary titles, instead of dealing with the Houses.

Eew, politics.

>>38291801
>>38290903
>Thank him for his offer, but no - you'll purchase the necessary titles, instead of dealing with the Houses.

Bump my lady Bump
Bump the night away

>>38291504
>>38291815
>>38293690
You do know that's likely to be the most expensive option, not to mention the least polite?

>>38294038
how is it the least polite the houses give no fucks about us they care about the bottom line, if anything joining a house as a outsider is the least polite besides we have a metric ass ton of gold.

>>38294155
Because we're snubbing all of the Houses from making potential profits with, as you noted, all of our metric assloads of gold.

>>38294445
Paying taxes like a good citizen is not 'snubbing.'

>>38294488
Those taxes and licenses were put in place to make traders make deals with the Houses because to go independent would be less profitable.
We're not going to make any friends here for future business, unless there's an Independent Trader's Union who will work with us.

>>38294611
That sure is a lot of assumptions you're making anon.

Especially since getting paid fees is, itself, profit.

>>38290903
>You would rather not deal with the politics - he mentioned that the House of Sorkočević was ineligible for election..

>>38290903
>You would rather not deal with the politics - he mentioned that the House of Sorkočević was ineligible for election...
But once we get some orcish feet in this city, Sorkocevic might have plans to drag us into politics, anyway. Well, that's fine.

>>38290903
>>Thank him for his offer, but no - you'll purchase the necessary titles, instead of dealing with the Houses.

>bump hero challenging the demon lord end page

Alright, I'm home and voting is closed - final tally is as follows.

Getaldić: 1
Sorkočević: 5
Purchase of titles: 7

It's decided, then.

>>38298066
it'd be a real shame if the thread died before the update was finished, right?

Due to sudden illness, delays all over the fucking place.

I'll try to at least get the next update in, tonight, I copied it over to a notepad, but I can't honestly say when.

>>38299799
Bump the cold away

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Things we know about our companion:
>she has claws such that she can use them to scale solid stone walls
>she has excellent hearing and ears that wiggle and are expressive of her mood
>she is humanoid

>implying pic related isn't our faithful companion
As I think back on it, you all displayed stellar taste in character selection in the first thread. Thanks for not succumbing to obvious trolls.

Other things:
>she has as-of-yet undemonstrated magic of some kind in addition to tooth and claw
>she is not very familiar with Devil technology (or hot/cold faucets are not common in Deviltown)
>she knows many languages and is supposedly well-traveled
>she doesn't like moving too fast and has low stamina compared to us (but we're superhuman)
>something something Eshmakebs? Perhaps not.

>>38300673
I tried watching that anime and gave up like 3 episodes in

(bump)

>>38302774
I watched all of it. It was interesting.

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>>38302774
Well, I guess unless you like ecchi slice of life comedies with monstergirls, it wouldn't really be your thing.

Not that I want to derail your thread or anything, either, Baker. Sorry!

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"Thank you, but no." You eventually decide. "I think that in this case, I won't go through the Houses." The man nods, not disputing your decision.

"If that's what you'd like." He says. "I'll give your name to the Rector, then. You can discuss your terms with him." He strokes his mustache, which is a habit that's starting to get old. "Wait out here for a messenger. He'll tell you when and where to meet with His Lordship." He eyes your wagons again, and you're glad that the gold and other treasures are concealed under thick canvases. "Although if you went to the trouble to prepare that many wagons, I'm surprised you weren't familiar with what's expected of you."

"I've...had little cause to deal with the Free Cities, in the past." You settle on, "Circumstances have changed a bit, though." And isn't that the truth. The man laughs.

"Well, this is where the money is!" He declares, proudly, before turning his horse back towards the gates.

He has no idea.

Once he's gone, you alert the Bey that you're expecting a messenger, and get your tent set up with your companion, who seems to be in good spirits.

"Come on, Hero! This is Rabrodnik! It's one of the Old Cities!" She's kind of enthusiastic, about it, isn't she? "They say if it exists, it's in the Rabrodnik market! All the luxuries and pleasures of the world can be found here~!" She frowns at your lack of enthusiasm. "You're as boring as ever, aren't you, Hero?" She huffs, "Well, I'm going to find something nice, once we get into the city. You should buy something for yourself too."

"Well, I guess I could see if they have some elixirs..." You muse, but that just seems to offend her worse.

"Not something useful! Something for yourself!" ....But those medicines are hard to find. She sighs. "Do you really just not get it?"

>Fine, fine. If we get the chance, we can go look together.
>It's not important.
>I don't really need anything...

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>>38302889
>ecchi slice of life comedies with monstergirls

That's basically my jam, man. I don't mind if it's that.

>>38304448
>>It's not important.
>>I don't really need anything...

>>38304448
>>Fine, fine. If we get the chance, we can go look together.

also, do we know what our companion's name is? If not, maybe we should ask?

>>38304448
>Fine, fine. If we get the chance, we can go look together

>>38304448
>Fine, fine. If we get the chance, we can go look together.

>>38304547
That's pretty rude, man, saying that to her after how long we've been together.

>>38304448
>>I don't really need anything...

>>38304448
>Fine, fine. If we get the chance, we can go look together.

We are agreed that our companion is the true Demon Lord, right?

>>38304448
>Fine, fine. If we get the chance, we can go look together.
>>38305034
Definitely 80 percent sure.....

We're coming up on the days when I can't keep up even my intermittent pace - So after the next set of updates, I'll let the thread die.

I'll be back in about nine hours, if I'm not crippled by illness.

i bump for the sick OP i hope that he survives.

one more bump.

>>38304547
what are you talking about? She's Companion, we are Hero, and the orc we most regularly talk to is Bey.

Now we just need to find Demon Lord.

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>>38304448
>Fine, fine. If we get the chance, we can go look together.

>>38304486
Oh, cool! Please don't die and/or be crippled, though; that would kind of suck. Get well soon!

>>38309805
Bump

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It's too bad I can't think of much of anything relevant to bump with.

What about geography? So far, relative to the Darklands we know there's a land to the West, a land to the East (where our hometown is), and a land to the North (where we are now). What about the South? And do you think we have any oceans? So far, we only know that West and North are contiguous with the Darklands.

>>38311179
Wait, I forgot; Kobold territory is to the South, and desert, if I remember correctly.

I'm just going to end the thread here, actually - I'm not doing very well at all.

Next thread will start about the same time as this one did - I'll see you guys then, when I'm feeling better.

Sorry about that.

>>38312466
Too bad! Well, rest up, buddy.