>>40196845
>Archive:
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=golem+knight

>Twitter:
https://twitter.com/BrightTegu

>>40196845
Aww yiss

>Hide in the Forest
If it's who we're waiting for we can come out with no hassle.

>>40196845
>Hide in the Forest
I'm probably going to collapse onto my keyboard sometime soon so if I do then I just want to say in advance thanks for running Lordy.

>>40196845
>>Hide in the Forest

>>40196845
>>Wait

>>40196891
Thanks for playing, even if just for a little while, anon!

>>40196925
Yeah, just woke up, he could keep going all day and then some if he pushed himself.

>>40196845
Is it time for delicious brown?

>>40196992
Not yet, anon, you have to work for delicious brown, we don't deserve it yet.
>>40196967
Then I change my vote in >>40196925 to
>>40196845
>>Head East
Assuming that East is the direction we're supposed to go in.

>>40196845
>>Wait

>>40197008
Yes, east is the way you were going to go.

Looks like hiding in the forest wins, but...

It is two hours walk back the way you came, just so you know, I realized I didn't specify that.

I will leave the vote open another ten minutes in case that changes anyone's vote.

>>40197146
yeah that changes my vote from >>40196891 to
>Wait

>>40197146
Raziel doesn't have a magnify/telescope option?
Can estimate the distance to the "wall" and its size from that?
From the description it sounds to me like it is very clearly not a Behemoth, I understand those are smaller than golems, and it was described as huge as far as I recall.
If it's just some animal then I think our best bet is following the river, as it's likely going there for water, but we will continue further even if we reach the river, it will hopefully not start following us.
I already voted in >>40197008 just to be clear, and I hold my position.

>>40197202
>Raziel doesn't have a magnify/telescope option?
He does not, you're pretty sure he used to, but several functions stopped working over the years and Virgil can't seem to get them operational again.

>>40197227
God damn it Virgil, this is why you're still a virgin! this is a shitty joke on his name
Okay, well, that's fine.
I don't understand why Sief didn't bring a telescope with him or something in that case, but whatever.
I suppose the distance estimation/size is out of the picture as well?

>>40197202
Behemoths are heavy-set leathery lizard creatures, which can range from around 10ft at the shoulder up to around 20ft for the largest royal behemoths.

They are pretty huge, it's just that golems are huge too.

>>40197243
At a guess, Sief would say they're going to take around an hour to reach him if he stays put, and it's definitely large enough to be a great beast, behemoth, giant, or something of similar size.

Looks like waiting wins.

Writing.

I have no idea why people chose to wait for a potentially dangerous enemy.
It could be that murderous rogue golem knight our Father/Paxton warned us about who would push our shit in without even trying.

>>40197312
its the middle ground that allows us time to run away if we determine its a threat, or to show outselves peacefully if its not a threat

>>40197312
He can already see us so if it is a local soldier or such retreating now would make us seem like a bandit, monster or enemy scout and they will be sure to pursue us.

>>40197327
How do you suppose we identify whether they're a threat or not? Do you think hostile behemoth riders carry big flags that say "WE WILL KILL ANYONE NAMED SIEF ATANOR"? We have literally no way of telling if they're friendly, and if they aren't we're just endangering ourselves and wasting time during which we could be heading towards the meeting place.
>>40197349
They likely wouldn't catch up before we reach the princess, we're 1 hour ahead of them ,and golems don't get tired.

I'll wait, at least until I get a better look at what this thing is. It'll save me some time on a head start if I need to move, but I'd rather not run myself ragged without even knowing who's chasing me.

I eat some dried fruit while I wait, in case I don't get another chance today, and I try to get comfortable.

Twenty minutes pass and I can finally make out the shape in greater detail. Looks like a behemoth, not as large as Prince Juti's one, so most likely not a royal behemoth, but powerful none-the-less, I've no doubt it could do some damage to Raziel if its rider wanted it to. I can make out other shapes with it too, Iquani on horseback riding alongside the massive beast.

Well, it's certainly an Iquani clan, or at least the outriders of one. The behemoth isn't royal though, so it isn't the princess', and considering that the princess is three days south-east of here, they didn't come from her camp.

Decisions decisions, they've certainly seen me now.

So what do I do?

>Wait for them to arrive
>Retreat to the forest
>Head east

>>40197391
>Head east

>>40197391
>Head east

>>40197391
>>Head east
Well how surprising, exactly as I thought, heading East is the smartest thing to do since we have no way of distinguishing friend from foe!

>>40197391
>>Wait for them to arrive
Might as well, running now will make us more suspicious if they end up catching up, and Iquani supposedly aren't so savage as to attack someone nonhostile who says he's here on "order" of an Iquani prince.

>>40197391
Can I make a suggestion to have Sief bring a handheld telescope or something with him whenever he goes out from now on? We could've avoided wasting these 20 minutes if he had one.

>>40197487
Duly noted.

>>40197373
We don't know their max speed.

>>40197391
>>Head east
At walking pace. If they want to catch up they can, just make it not look like we are trying to run.

>>40197391
>>Wait for them to arrive

Heading east wins.

Writing.

Sighing, I power up Raziel, feeling the mana currents flowing through the cockpit. They might be friendly, but I'm really not sure I can risk it.

I start east, heading towards the river. A quick glance back confirms that the group has changed its direction to pursue, the behemoth picking up its pace from a slow plod to a relaxed, heavy jog. The horsemen pick up to a canter to keep pace. They seem to be biding their time for now, content to follow. I've heard that Iquani horses have stamina that puts even the finest Imperial horses to shame, so I doubt they'll be tiring out any time soon.

This slow chase continues for most of the day, and I snack on some dried meat on the move. I'm going to need to get out and hunt sometime in the next day or two though, if I don't want to go hungry.

As the day slips into evening, the sun starting its descent towards the horizon, I spot the river. From here it's three days south-east. It's a large, slow-moving river, wide, deep, and dark.

I could cross it, which would force the horsemen to find another route across, though I doubt the behemoth would have similar issue.

As I draw closer to the river I see a ripple crest the surface, a scaly ridge that quickly slips back into the murky depths. Whatever it was it looked large, possibly large enough to be a threat. I could try to jump the river, it would be hard for Raziel, but possible. I could wade across, and risk whatever it is lurking down there, or I stay on this side and follow it, and let the Iquani continue their pursuit unimpeded.

>Cross the River
>Jump the River
>Stay on this side

>>40197779
>Stay on this side

>>40197779
>Jump the River

RAMP THAT MOTHA

>>40197779
>>Stay on this side

>>40197779
Could Raziel jump from shallow to shallow so that he isn't in the most dangerous areas in the water?

>>40197779
>Jump the River

>>40197811
He's going to have to do that anyway to some degree. He can't go too deep into the river to jump though, because all that water is going to weigh him down.

>>40197835
Have our pursuers gotten any closer to us?

>>40197851
They seem to be keeping pace a steady distance behind you, haven't gotten closer or further away than when you started.

>>40197779
>>Stay on this side
We can always just jump/cross it later if we have to, maybe if we do it further downstream this not!crocodile will not be a concern either.

Staying on this side wins.

Writing.

>>40197779
>Jump the River

If we need to go hunting, we need to leave the cockpit.
If we need to leave the cockpit we can't afford a bunch of Iquani riders to be hot on our tail, especially when we are in their lands.

The Behemoth at least we'd likely still see coming.

>>40197779
S Tay on this side

No need to do anything dramatic yet. I stay on this side of the river, following it as it winds to the south-east. The behemoth and riders continue to follow, keeping a safe distance from the riverbank, by the looks of it.

Evening gives way to night, and I am thankful that one of the few sensory functions still operating is the night vision. I can see the Iquani, still following, though their pace has slowed. Most likely they riders are worried about their mounts tripping in the dark.

The behemoth pulls ahead of the horsemen. I know that behemoths are prided for their endurance, and are built for long treks across the endless Iquani lands, but I don't recall ever seeing an estimation on how long they can stay awake and moving for. I suppose the behemoth's rider plans to pursue me alone.

I blink the ache from my eyes, thankful for the sounds of nocturnal animals giving me something to focus on other than the endless, monotonous scrubland.

What now? It's still following, I could try to pull ahead, I could try to cross the river, or I could just keep going as I am, hope it tires out before I do.

>Keep going
>Pick up the pace, try to lose it
>Cross the river

>>40198079
How far behind are the riders?

>>40198079
>Cross the river

>>40198079
>Cross the river

>>40198079
How's about we find a crag or something and ambush him?

Not violent-like, just to find out who the guy is and why he's pursuing us.

>>40198136
The riders have fallen behind quite a way, you can just barely make them out on the edge of your night vision's range.

The behemoth is keeping pace perhaps thirty minutes at your back.

>>40198158
You could do, that's another option people can vote for if they wish.

>Ambush the behemoth (non-violently)

>>40198177
>Ambush the behemoth (non-violently)

>>40198079
Maybe keep going till the riders are well out of sight and then confront the behemoth? Or just cross the river, they seem unwilling to get close to it so they may not follow.

>>40198177
How about turning around, waiting him out in the open? Maybe push our sword into the ground? Make it obvious we're open to conversation and don't wish to kill them.
Maybe wave our arms a bit or something?
As long as it's just the behemoth we should have a fair chance even if things get violent, and even he should be less prone to attack us alone.

>>40198207
>they seem unwilling to get close to it
There's probably a reason for that, anon.

>>40198079

>Ambush the behemoth (non-violently)

>>40198229
Yeah, giant river monster. But IF we can jump it, we should be safe from it and the behemoth will have wade across or give up the chase.

>>40198079
Keep going
Reminder that there is a big thing in the river and will probably attack us and ts night time

>>40198177
Would >>40198211 be a kind of an ambush thing? Is there even a place to do an ambush here?

>>40198311
The ground around here is mostly flat, you'd have to look out for a suitable spot.

>>40198321
I suggest keeping going for a little more time, maybe 20 minutes to have the horser riders even farther away, and then stopping to wait the behemoth in for a discussion.

>>40198079
>Cross the river

Looks like people want to confront the behemoth in one way or another, however there seems to be some debate on an actual ambush, or just waiting out in the open for it.

So:

>Wait in the open
>Find a good ambush spot

>>40198368
>>Wait in the open
If we ambush he may get spooked and attack out of reflex.
Iquani are supposed to value bravery and guts, right?

>>40198368
>Find a good ambush spot

>>40198368
>Wait in the open

>>40198368
>>Wait in the open

>>40198368
>Wait in the open

>>40198379
>Iquani are supposed to value bravery and guts, right?
They are.

Of course Sief knows only too well that sometimes people don't live up to the traits they're supposed to value.

>>40198368
Wait in the open

Okay, looks like you're meeting the behemoth rider face to face.

Writing.

>>40198368
>Wait in the open

Didn't crossing the river have more actual votes though?

>>40198531
I don't think it did, at least not from my estimation.

It was a bit of a confused vote with people throwing in alternate suggestions and such, but there seemed to be a majority for confronting the behemoth rider one way or another.

>>40198498
Wait, does Sief even speak the Iquani language?

>>40198589
Enough to get by for the sake of plot convenience.

I head on for another half hour until I'm sure the riders are far behind, then I turn Raziel around, planting the sword in the dusty ground, and I wait.

The behemoth slows back to a plod as it spots my sudden halt, but continues to approach all the same, I can hear its slow, ponderous footfalls as it draws closer, making out the rider sitting atop it. He looks no older than me, perhaps younger, all dressed in the rough riding leathers of an Iquani warrior. His face is set in a grim expression, doesn't look like he's looking forward to this encounter.

The behemoth slows to a stop in front of me, not too close, the beast staring up at me with two large, dark eyes. It stands halfway up Raziel's torso at the shoulder, and I can see the powerful muscles working beneath the thick, scaly hide.

The rider picks himself up from the saddle, standing on the behemoth's back, staring up at Raziel's face. He holds a bow in one hand, a quiver of arrows at his hip.

“You are in Iquani lands, Imperial, reveal yourself.”

What now, I could open the cockpit and talk to him face to face, though then I do of course run the risk of getting shot before I can close it again. If I don't though, this negotiation is off to an even rockier start.

>Open the cockpit
>Keep it closed, talk through Raziel's vocal functions

If you have anything in particular you wish to say
>Write-in

>>40198676
>Put down the bow and I will do so.

>>40198676
>Open the cockpit

>>40198676
This >>40198695

>>40198676
this>>40198695
if not >Keep it closed, talk through Raziel's vocal functions

>>40198695
Backing this

>>40198695
support +1

Okay, >>40198695 it is.

Writing.

You sigh, activating the vocal systems.

“Put down the bow first. I'm not showing you my face until I know I'm not going to get an arrow in it.”

The Iquani frowns, squatting down to place the bow on the Behemoth's back, hooked on the edge of the saddle. It's still close enough that he could grab it quickly, but it would give me time to close up the cockpit as long as I don't let my guard down.

“There, no bow, now show yourself.”

I rise to my feet, brushing a hand over the rune for the cockpit, which slides open. The Iquani youth glares up at me, several seconds passing in silence.

“You're not Jackal.”

I can't help but frown, did he really think he was pursuing that psychopath. My golem doesn't look anything like his, though I suppose at his age, he may never have even seen a golem that wasn't in pieces on some long abandoned battlefield.

“You chased me alone, thinking I was Jackal?”

The Iquani puffs out his chest. Spirits, he looks even younger with the expression on his face, can't be more than fifteen.

“Of course, I could have killed jackal and brought honor to my clan, or found a good death in battle.”

From what little I've heard about what Jackal does to those he takes alive, I'm not sure getting beaten by him would constitute a good death, but it's probably best not to mention that.

“Well, as you can see, I'm not Jackal. I'm not here looking for a fight either.”

The Iquani glowers, looks like he didn't believe that last part.

“So what are you here for then?”

> “That's private.”
> “I'm here on official business.”
> “I'm looking for Princess Qualaji. Prince Juti sent me.”
>Other (write-in)

>>40199108
>You could say I'm here on official business.
>I'm here to keep to an agreement with one of the Royal House.

>>40199108
>“I'm looking for Princess Qualaji. Prince Juti sent me.”

>>40199108
>>40199163
this

>>40199108
>> “I'm looking for Princess Qualaji. Prince Juti sent me.”

>>40199108
this >>40199163
I don't want to give out too much info, this brat seems like trouble

>>40199108
> “I'm here on official business.”

>>40199108
>> “I'm here on official business.”

>>40199163
Yep, this.

“You could say I'm here on official business, keeping to an agreement with one of the royal house.”

“Royal house?”

Ah, right, I suppose the Iquani don't really have noble houses in the same was as we do.

“The Khan's family.”

The boy glances back over his shoulder, perhaps wondering how far back the rest of his group are. I've let them far enough behind that they won't be arriving before this conversation is done though.

“Why would any of the Khan's family need you? If they had something that needed doing they could call upon any clan from here to the far lands.”

“I don't know about needing me, but we have an agreement, and I intend to keep to my part of it.”

The Iquani lets out a snort, jaw set in an attempt to look strong I suppose, which is rather ruined by his youthful features.

“I have no reason to trust you. Perhaps me and my clan should go see the member of the khan's family you spoke to ourselves, and once we are sure you are truly here for the reasons you say, THEN you can go fulfil your agreement.”

Well, since Juti will by now be long gone from my family's lands and on his way to the capital, that's not happening. What a pain.

How do I deal with this situation?

>Write-in

>>40199163
This is good, backing

Stepping out for a bit, hopefully back for my next post within the hour.

>>40199511
Then please follow me east along the river. we will meet a member of the royal family in2-3 days.

>>40199511
>that's not happening
Why not? Why don't we just
>take them with us to the Princess

>>40199511
Explain the situation with Juti, but go on to say you're to meet with the princess and if they really want to confirm your presence then they can tag along if they so desire. The more the merrier and all that

>>40199535
>>40199538
It'll be a fun three-day trip.

File: 1425174255037.png (164 KB, 465x305)

164 KB PNG

>>40199511
I have been given a task to meet a member of the family. You are welcome to accompany if you don't believe me."
>>40199523
Lordy don't you even think about flopping

>>40199511
>Considering Prince Juti is out of the country right now, I doubt doing that is realistic.
>I have not attacked or tried to intimidate you, and initiated a discussion, our nations are no longer at war, and I don't think you have any official orders to attack golems like me.
>I believe I have been civil during this conversation, and I'd appreciate the same from you.
>You seem like you seek glory and to be of use to your clan, but no that this is not a place where you will find those things.
>I plan to follow the river further and then meet up with a previously arranged guide, so please understand that I do not have time to waste trying to prove my innocence to you.
>A battle here would likely end with at least both of us injured, one of us dead, and considering that you have no guarantee that my intentions don't serve the good of your nation, combat will benefit neither of us, and your skills would better serve to do something meaningful than risk themselves in a pointless battle with an ally.
I realize you're intending for us to rescue this guy but he's such a little piece of shit, I really just want to get rid of him if we can.

>>40199511
>Since you doubt either of you would enjoy going all the way to the capital to speak with Prince Juti, argue to go meet the princess instead.

>>40199538
Because taking him to the princess is obviously not taking him to the guy we supposedly talked to.

He wants us to take him to the guy that sent us here. That guy is obviously in the direction we came from.
If we want him to let us move further into Iquani lands, we need to convince him of doing so, because that's exactly what he doesn't want us to do.

>>40199642
>He wants us to take him to the guy that sent us here
Ah yes, you're right, I misread. Still, voting to take them with us.

>>40199603
And by rescue I mean recruit.
plus he'll get in the way of the delicious brown romance possibility

>>40199603
He's a young buck who's quest for glory has turned into a rather more droll affair of pursuing a suspicious nobody hailing from a nation his people have been at war with on and off the last few centuries or so iirc and claiming we're here on a task from the Khanate. He's got every right to be sceptical of our presence here.

Do we seriously have no document from Juti saying "Yo, this guy is with me, don't kill him!" or something?
God, Iquani royalty really has no talent for administrations and bureaucracy, it seems.

>>40199705
So your reaction to potentially gaining another ally that can help us not die is to go full arrogant douchebag?
Gottal love the maturity around here.

>>40199733
They really don't seem to be organized enough for royal seals and stuff to be a thing.

Not to mention that they obviously value personal glory and fame highly enough that that sort of stuff is unlikely to help nearly as much as just sending someone who isn't a scrub.

If we fail to get random Iquani we meet on the one-week journey to meet the princess to leave us alone, we are obviously an incompetent failure noone will miss anyways.

>>40199782
>So your reaction to potentially gaining another ally that can help us not die is to go full arrogant douchebag?
>Gottal love the maturity around here.
Yes, because disliking a 15 year old glory hungry brat who is distrustful of Sief and I imagine has the possibility of rushing into battle even if an ambush was planned thus endangering the whole plan is such a horribly immature idea.
Do you really think that more people=better fighting? Why do you think ambushes and infiltrations aren't done by 200 people?
You can go ahead and flaunt what a supreme gentleman you are, but that doesn't change the fact that my opinion isn't baseless, adventuring with someone who doesn't trust you and would be willing to kill you at the drop of a hat isn't exactly the smartest thing.
You faggot.

>>40199782
>>40199835
Getting awfully OWQ in here.

>>40199835
I should probably mention that, while I do disagree with taking him along being a bad call, far more pressing of an issue is cringeworthily bad that little speech of yours was.

>>40199938
You're really grasping for straws here, aren't you, mister cool and mature anonymous sir?

>>40199511
See if they are willing to travel with me and talk about how he can get some fame by helping us kill a family of giants.

Hey Guise I doubt one golem and a royal behemoth could take on a family of giants

If anything we should try to recruit the lil fucker

>>40200182
Did you actually plan to take on the giant family all at once?
Come on anon, that'd be retarded even with 3 golems and 6 behemoths, obviously we'll have to pick them off one by one and use ambushes.

>>40200216
Yeah I know that just saying another Behemoth would expedite the process
Should've worded it better
All we're here to do is tank while a behemoth mauls it

I now realize if we knew we would have 2 behemoths with us we could've brought the bow and picked the enemies off while the behemoths distracted them.
Instead we went with a front liner kit that works when fighting alone.

I'm back, and I see this has provoked some discussion.

Once I've read through all the posts, I'll get to writing.

>>40200328
Behemoths are relatively fragile and work best when they get to flank their enemies.
We are fighting goddamn giants.

Even it weren't far too dangerous to risk the princess, her behemoth isn't remotely suited to tank these things and this new guy's behemoth is in fact smaller.

The front liner kit that allows us to actually engage these mountains of meat and muscle in close combat is us being a team player, because we're the only one who can tank them like this.

>>40200328
We were told to tank and leave the Behemoths to attack the giants

It was either our good ol drunken pappy or Pax who told us

Okay, so it seems like suggesting he joins you on your trip to the princess wins.

Writing.

>>40199603
>I realize you're intending for us to rescue this guy but he's such a little piece of shit, I really just want to get rid of him if we can.
I have no intentions one way or another, you're welcome to ditch him somehow if that's what people vote for.

>>40200472
Can we say something like he's welcome to do it if he's okay with wasting time?
I feel like being a bit sassy with him.

>>40200504
Sure, I don't mind including a bit of sass if people want.

I can't help but sigh, rubbing a hand to my forehead. I know I'm going to regret this even as I suggest it.

“I'm not going to go weeks out of my way just to prove myself to you. Three days along the river is another of the royal family, one I'm supposed to be meeting with. You're welcome to join me the rest of the way there, if you're that eager to waste your time.”

The young behemoth rider's face wrinkles up into a sour expression. I half-expect him to challenge me to a fight right then and there, but it seems he has at least some minute trace of self-control in his head.

“Fine, but I'll be watching you, Imperial. One false move and I'll take your head personally.”

“Of course you will. Now if you'll excuse me, it's been a long day, so I'd like to get some rest.”

The question now is, can I trust these Iquani enough to sleep out of Raziel, or do I have to spend another two or three knights cramped up in the cockpit.

>Sleep outside, set up a camp
>Sleep in the cockpit

>>40200660
>>Sleep in the cockpit

>>40200660
>Sleep in the cockpit

>>40200660
I'm going to regret this.
>>Sleep outside, set up a camp
Show of good faith and whatever.
Get this faggot's word that no one in his group tries anything, if they do they will be his responsibility.

>>40200660
>Sleep in the cockpit

>>40200660
>Sleep outside, set up a camp

>>40200660
>>Sleep in the cockpit

>>40200660
>Sleep outside, set up a camp

>>40200714
This. A show of trust will hopefully give him and his buddies the idea that we're not here to do any of his people harm.

>>40200660
>>Sleep outside, set up a camp

>>40200660
>Sleep in the cockpit

Cockpit wins.

Writing.

I close back up the cockpit before the behemoth rider can reply, powering Raziel down just enough to conserve energy without leaving me helpless waiting for him to start up again, should the Iquani turn on me in the night.

It's a couple of hours before I get to sleep, especially after the riders catch up and I have to hear their entire conversation about whether or not I can be trusted. Eventually though, I manage to slip into a restless slumber.

I think it would be an understatement to say that I wake up feeling terrible. Everything aches, and my bones pop as I move. I have a throbbing headache coming on, and the thought of another day spent in the cockpit does nothing to help my mood. Looking outside, I can see that the Iquani have set up camp a short distance away, and a few of them are already awake, looking obnoxiously well rested, and cooking a breakfast of meat and some sort of ground, dried leaves.

I on the other hand have some scant remainders of my dried food, which looks supremely unappetizing.

>Tough it out, eat some dried meat, then carry on towards the princess
>Tell the Iquani you're going to hunt
>Join the Iquani for breakfast, if they'll share

>>40201100
>Tell the Iquani you're going to hunt

>>40201100
>>Tough it out, eat some dried meat, then carry on towards the princess

>>40201100
>Tell the Iquani you're going to hunt

>>40201100
>Tell the Iquani you're going to hunt

>>40201100
>>Tough it out, eat some dried meat, then carry on towards the princess
After today we can sleep outside the cockpit, maybe hunt with them.
Is it 2 more days?

>>40201100
>>Tough it out, eat some dried meat, then carry on towards the princess

>>40201198
2 or 3.

>>40201217
Oh, good, then we have plenty of times to get friendly.
I wanna ask these guys what the thing in the river is and what they're doing around here.
Just to keep conversation up, in part.

Rolled 2 (1d2)

Looks like a tie.

1: Tough it out
2: Go hunting

Nothing for it, if I spend another day in this cockpit I'm going to be too stiff to walk, let alone hunt. I pop open the cockpit, drawing the attention of all of the Iquani already awake.

Judging by the horses, and counting the behemoth rider, there must be around twenty in total. So far a half dozen of them are awake. I stretch, hearing bones pop as I try to work the aches and cramps out. When I'm certain my legs aren't going to give out from under me, I climb down from the cockpit.

“I'm going hunting, I'll be back soon,” I explain, stringing my bow.

One of the Iquani, a few years older than the behemoth rider, looks from me, to the golem, then shrugs and goes back to his breakfast. I suppose they figure I won't be getting far by foot. At least they seem to have a little more sense than the one I spoke to last night.

“Hold it.”

Speak of the titan.

(cont)

>>40201423
The behemoth rider stumbles out of his tent, marching up to me with that familiar sour look on his face.

“You think I'm just going to let you run off, do you think I'm stupid?” he snaps, marching right up to me to stare me in the eye, which requires a bit of craning his neck, since he's not all that tall.

“Right now all I think you are is naked, so I'd appreciate if you not get so close to me until you've put some clothes on,” I sigh.

“You stay right here, Imperial, until I've come back,” he spits, stomping back to his tent.

“Oh, if he tries to leave before I get back, someone deal with him,” the young iquani calls.

I notice at least a couple of hands going to weapons at his words as he steps back inside his tent. He may be a fool, but apparently he's a fool whose words have some pull in this group.

Rolling my eyes, I wait for him to return, which thankfully doesn't take too long. Marching back out, now fully dressed thank the spirits, and carrying his bow, he stomps over to the horses.

“Either you're going to have to lend me a horse, or we're going by foot.”

The iquani snorts. “You walk, I ride.”

Of course.

Well, time to hunt I suppose, and in such charming company, too.

>Roll 1d100

Rolled 77 (1d100)

>>40201464

Rolled 73 (1d100)

>>40201464

Rolled 55 (1d100)

>>40201464
I want to go deliberately slow to slow him down

Rolled 37 (1d100)

>>40201464

>>40201484
>>40201499
It'll do I suppose.

Heading out a little way from the camp, we start searching for food. Which is to say I start searching, the Iquani is only apparently here to keep an eye on me, and hangs back on his horse.

“Can you Imperials even hunt without an entire legion behind you,” he snorts, his voice no doubt carrying and alerting any animals nearby to our presence.

Ignoring him, I start the search for something that looks edible.

I had been concerned that trying to hunt in this unfamiliar terrain might cause me problems. In some ways it's very different from hunting back home in the forests, but the basics remain the same. Stay downwind, keep low, no sudden movements or noises.

I spy a small herd of gazelle some distance away, still unaware of my presence.

“You stay here, I don't want you spooking them,” I whisper to the Iquani, who smirks, sitting back in his saddle to watch.

I stay low, keeping to the heavier scrub and the rare rocks dotting the flat landscape. The gazelles look up on occasion, eyes out for predators, but none of them spot me as I creep closer and closer. When I think I'm close enough, I slowly and carefully pull out an arrow, pick out a healthy-looking gazelle, take aim, and fire.

The herd bolt, scattering in all directions, but the one I struck has no such luck, the arrow hobbling it. Drawing another arrow, I hop up out of the undergrowth, taking aim on the move and firing again, the second shot burying itself in the gazelle's neck.

I have to follow it a little ways before it eventually collapses from its wounds, but it falls all the same. I draw my knife, putting the beast out of its misery as the Iquani rides up.

“Look at that, not completely useless after all. Shouldn't have chosen such a big one though, because I'm not carrying that back on my horse.”

>Offer to share if he'll carry it
>Fine, then he can wait while I butcher it
>Fine, then I'll carry it back

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17 KB JPG

>>40201625
>Offer to share if he'll carry it
If not
>Carry It

>Butchering the deer here

>>40201625
>Fine, then he can wait while I butcher it

>>40201625
>>Offer to share if he'll carry it
We get a whole leg at least, if not, then cut off enough to carry it(I guess like 2 legs or something?) and leave the rest for the scavengers.

>>40201625
>Offer to share if he'll carry it

>>40201625
>>Fine, then I'll carry it back

Looks like you're offering to share.

Writing.

I can't say I relish dragging the carcass of a whole gazelle back to the camp, or taking the time to butcher it here.

“Tell you what, if you carry it back on your horse, I'll share it with you, it's too much for me to eat anyway, and it would be a waste to just leave most of it here.”

I can see him contemplating rejecting my offer out of spite, but maybe he's got a little dignity, or he's just hungry.

“Fine, I'll carry it, but I'll expect a fair share, Imperial.”

“Sief, my name is Sief.”

The behemoth rider hops down from the horse, helping me secure it to the back of the beast.

“Ratu, son of Chieftain Karuti of the Redscale Clan.”

I suppose I don't need to ask why they're called that, remembering the deep red mottled patterns on his behemoth's back.

When my catch is secured, we start the long walk back along the riverside, but never too close. I glance over at the lazy waters. I could really do with refilling my water flasks too, I have enough for maybe one or two more days, but the water looks clean enough here. The question is whether I want to risk going down to the river's edge?

>Go get some water
>Forget it

>>40201980
>>Go get some water

>>40201980
>Ask him what's up with the river, why'd they stay away from it?

>>40201980
>Ask him were its safe to refill water, we saw something in the river last night and haven't had a chance to refill.

>>40201980
>"What's in that river? I could go for a refill but rather not get eaten by [Insert this worlds Crocodile/Alligator]"

>>40201980
>Ask him were its safe to refill water, we saw something in the river last night and haven't had a chance to refill.

Seconding.

“Ratu, what's in that river? I want to go refill my water, but I'd rather not get eaten by whatever it was I saw last night.”

Ratu brings the horse to a stop, squinting as she looks back and forth, both directions.

“It was one of the great beasts of the river. I don't see it now though, so you're probably safe.”

“Probably?”

“I can only see it if it's moving, Imperial.”

“Sief,” I sigh, as I pull out my waterskin.

I approach the water's edge, ready to run the moment I see any sign of movement, dipping the waterskin into the cool, clear waters. It certainly doesn't look like there's anything lurking under the surface, at least not here.

Just as I'm finishing, I catch sight of a slight movement from the corner of my eye, spinning round, I catch sight of a horse drinking from the stream, a fine looking beast, strong and healthy, with grey hair mottled with white along the back. Don't know how that snuck up on me, that's a little embarrassing.

The horse raises its head from the water, watching me. It flicks its mane, slowly trotting over to me. Friendly animal, that's for sure.

“...Imperial,” Ratu's voice comes in low, so low I barely catch it.

>Write-in

>>40201980
>Ask him were its safe to refill water, we saw something in the river last night and haven't had a chance to refill.

>>40202169
run

>>40202169
>"Yes, Ratu?", I murmur.

>>40202169
Run away!

Remember what our dad told us!

>>40202169
>Dash backwards, fuck the river.
TACTICAL RETREAT!
HORSES AREN'T SUPPOSED TO BE MASTER NINJAS!

>>40202169
>Pet the horse

Ahahah run you stupid asshole

>>40202169
>GTFO

>“Oh, well okay. Let's see. Low races in the Iquani lands is mostly boggarts, hobgoblins and redcaps, nothing all that weird. Uh, also kelpies in the wetter areas, so if you see a horse just wandering around on its own, don't go near it.”


>>>so if you see a horse just wandering around on its own, don't go near it

>>40202201
Wait, FUCK RUN

We should probably get out knife/sword out as well, while running.
I can't believe the Iquani haven't made some instrument to refill waterskin from afar if their rivers are literally filled with death.

No, wait, do you think sudden movements are back? Maybe we should start backing away slowly instead? FUCK WHY DIDN'T FATHER TELL US?!

>>40202315
Because that's not hardcore

If you can't get water naked with your bearhands than you might as well be dead

>>40202169
>Do not touch horse. Back away slowly.

>>40202169
This:>>40202395

There's presumably a reason Ratu isn't shouting a warning, so rapid movement will likely set it off.

Okay. Let's put this to a vote.

>Run like hell
>Back away slowly

>>40202453
>>Back away slowly

>>40202453
>Back away slowly, if the "horse" increases its pace, gets too close for comfort, then run like hell

>>40202453
>Back away slowly

>>40202453
>Back away slowly

>>40202453
>Back away slowly

>>40202453
>Back away slowly
Slowly grab a knife, if it moves stab it/run!

>>40202453
>Back away slowly

So yeah, if the brat calls out to us again, like we're doing it wrong, the scratch the slow plan, go for mad dash.

I hear my father's voice as I watch the approaching horse.

>“Oh, well okay. Let's see. Low races in the Iquani lands is mostly boggarts, hobgoblins and redcaps, nothing all that weird. Uh, also kelpies in the wetter areas, so if you see a horse just wandering around on its own, don't go near it.”

Ah.

I start to back away slowly, and the horse trots along after me, giving a whinny as it goes. I catch another flicker of movement out of the corner of my eye, glancing down into the river, I catch sight of a face staring up at me from beneath the water, a dark snout and bulging froglike eyes. One hand slips to my knife, though it's not a great comfort, at least it's something.

“Imperial, when I give the signal, run,” Ratu hisses from behind me.

The horse takes another step forward, shaking its mane and stamping its foot. It looks like it's getting a little impatient following me. Then it happens, its dark eyes peel back like second lids, revealing the pale amphibian eyes beneath, it takes another step, and its lips peel back, revealing a snout filled with needle-sharp fangs.

“Now, Imperial,” Ratu shouts, as the kelpie lunges.

>Roll 1d100

Rolled 99 (1d100)

>>40202724

Rolled 78 (1d100)

>>40202724
Fuck kelpies
>>40202740
!!!!!!!

Rolled 52 (1d100)

>>40202724

>>40202724

>>40202740
Be proud anon.
Be proud.

>>40202740
The most Ancient Sacred Technique passed down by Sief's family for generations

>>40202855
THE MOST ANCIENT AND SACRED TECHNIQUES, HONED AND PASSED DOWN THROUGH THE ATANOR FAMILY FOR GENERATIONS!

>>40202740
>Special skill: [Leap of the hidden frog] *unlocked*!
Nah, it's not even a nat100, a shame, Lordy's quests seem to have good rolls fairly often.

>>40202942
except when it comes to ya'zada.
the dice gods love orge tits though.

>>40202986
>tfw I was part of that triple nat20 for ogretits
It was glorious, kind of a shame it didn't do anything special.

I turn and run, feeling the kelpie's foul breath on the back of my neck. Something whistles past my ear, and the kelpie lets out a croaking shriek.

I keep running, glancing back over my shoulder. Ratu's shot struck the Kelpie in the flank, but the beast seems more annoyed than wounded, wheeling away from chasing me to bear down on the young Iquani.

He curses as he draws another arrow to his bow, lining up a second shot, but the sight of the incoming kelpie, its throat swelling as it lets out a gurgling cry, spooks his horse, and it bucks, Ratu's shot going wide.

A second kelpie bursts from the riverbank, water sloughing off of its body, with none of the subtlety of the first, teeth bared, eyes bulging, trailing water and silt.

The first is going to be on Ratu any moment. Cursing under my breath, I grab for my own bow where I'd left it on the ground, pulling out an arrow.

The Kelpie snaps at Ratu's horse, the animal giving a terrified whinny as it throws off its rider, leaving Ratu dazed in the dust, struggling to find his feet. The kelpie slows, trotting over to the fallen Iquani, savoring the kill to come.

I line up my shot, giving a loud whistle, the Kelpie's head snapping round to snarl at me, at least for a moment, before my shot sends an arrow through its bulbous eye, straight into whatever passes for a brain.

The kelpie staggers on its feet, looking drunk as it stumbles from side to side for a few moments, giving confused croaks, before crashing to the ground, one leg still kicking. The second kelpie slows to a stop, the stupid creature struggling to take in the sudden change of fortunes as I line up another shot. With one final bitter croak, it turns around and gallops back into the river, vanishing beneath the surface.

Ratu coughs, brushing dust off of his leathers as he pulls himself up to sit on the ground, watching his horse gallop away.

“What just happened?”

“Your plan wasn't working, so I improvised,” I shrug, offering him a hand.

(cont)

>>40203175
Ratu frowns, taking it, and I pull him to his feet, the Iquani turning to look at the dead Kelpie, which has finally finished twitching. The thing reeks, seeping a dark bile from its ruined eyesocket.

“You did that?”

“I did.”

Ratu opens his mouth, but then closes it again.

“You saved me.”

“So it would seem.”

Ratu says nothing, and I turn to watch the horse disappear into the distance, my gazelle still on its back.

“Well, there goes breakfast.”

Ratu shakes his head, gesturing for me to follow as we head back towards the camp.

“The horse is well trained, it will return to the camp, with breakfast still on its back, if we're lucky.”

With that, we start walking, and to my great relief, breakfast is indeed there when I return. The Iquani look like they were preparing to move, and a palpable wave of relief washes over the camp as they spot us.

“Ratu, what happened?” one asks, jogging over.

“We got attacked by Kelpies. We handled it,” Ratu snorts.

Well, I think it would be more accurate to say that I handled it, but I don't see anything good coming of arguing that point, so I turn my attention to better things, namely breakfast.

Ratu joins me as I carve up the gazelle, though he seems a little more subdued than before, and silently accepts what I offer him of the meat. This is a first for me, gazelle meat, so I'm a little worried that after all the trouble I went through, it might be something of a disappointment.

It seems I worried in vain. Perhaps it's spending the past few days eating pretty much nothing but dried meat and fruit, but the gazelle tastes incredible, gamey and delicious.

I give a contented sigh as I finish, Ratu chewing on the last of his breakfast a short distance away.

“Sief. Why are you really here? I've been thinking, but there's no reason I can think of for you to come here. Are you someone important in Imperial lands, from the capital?”

>Don't tell him
> “You'll find out when we reach our destination”
>Tell him

With a 99, I really couldn't leave it just at "you run away really well".

Just call him deadeye Sief.

>>40203197
>Personal business.
>I have a rendezvous with some titans.

>>40203197
>Tell him

>>40203197
>Tell him
But i suggest we skip the personal details e.g. about our mom for now.

>>40203197
Score to settle with some giants, your prince gave me permission to go after their home.

>>40203218
would the 100 allowed us to injure the other kelpie?
>>40203197
>Tell him
Not all the details just that you are after a small family of giants after they caused some trouble for you in your territory.

>>40203218
+2 to ranged attacks?

>>40203197
>>Tell him

>>40203197
>Tell him

>>40203341
>+2
>on a d100

>>40203197
>Tell him

Looks like you're telling him the short, non-personal version.

Writing.

>>40203369
To be fair, maybe he just wanted to increase the odds that Warlord doesn't mind giving the bonus asked for.

>>40203399
Maybe just mention that it's in part personal without elaborating? depends what other anons think

>>40203399
we still say we got a score to settle right?

>>40203341
Since this quest is currently statless I'm not really sure I can give out bonuses.

Consider the +2 to be in goodwill with Ratu and by extension the Redscale Clan.

>>40203446
Yeah.

>>40203369
I went temporarily retarded and forgot what dice was used

And Hey don't underestimat the number 2

“I have a score to settle with some giants who have been causing trouble in my family's lands. Prince Juti gave me permission to come here and hunt them down.”

Oh spirits, I think I just saw his eyes widen.

“Giants? You came hunting titans? Where?”

I shake my head. “I don't know where, that's why I'm going to meet Princess Qualaji, Prince Juti said she can guide me to the giants.”

“How many giants?”

“I don't know exactly, at least three or four, maybe more.”

“I see. I had no idea. We shouldn't waste time, it would not be good to keep a member of the khan's family waiting,” Ratu exclaims, tearing through the last of his breakfast and jumping to his feet.

He's already gone, shouting for the rest of the Iquani to get ready to leave, before I can point out that the princess doesn't actually know we're coming yet, so she isn't waiting for us.

I sigh. While he's not being as obnoxious as he was when we first met, I can't help but wonder if I've just exchanged one problem for another.

Stretching, I climb back up into Raziel, powering him back up as I wait for the Iquani to prepare themselves. Ratu clambers up onto the back of his behemoth, the beast sniffing the air and giving an unhappy sound. Ratu shushes it, petting it on the thick scales of its head. “Just a kelpie, nothing to worry about.”

That's an impressive sense of smell.

(cont)

>>40203723
I spend the next day in relative peace. We spot a small group of boggarts off in the distance, but apparently they don't feel like tangling with a behemoth and a golem, so they scarper, helped along their way by a few arrows from the Iquani riders.

Ratu spends the whole day just shy of giddy. I can see only too well where this is going.

It's the evening of the second day when Ratu slows the group to a halt, a frown on his face.

“What's the matter?” I ask, powering up the vocal functions.

“The river loops around to the south-west a few hours ride ahead, we could cut off some of the journey if we just went overland.”

I sense a but coming on.

“...but that would take us close to the edge of one of the old battlefields. If we hurried we could get through it before nightfall, and it would cut hours off our journey.”

>No, stick to the river
>Alright, let's hurry

>>40203747
>No, stick to the river

Gotta start getting into the habit of shooting his bad ideas down.

>>40203747
>>No, stick to the river

>>40203747
>no stick to the river

>>40203747

>No, stick to the river

With all due respect, taking risks for the sake of a few hours when we are relatively on time is not worth it. It is also pointless to risk the safety of the riders, let alone the golem and behemoth.

>>40203747
>>No, stick to the river
I was given directions by the prince, not chancing it.

>>40203747
>Stick to the river.

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>>40203747
>Alright, let's hurry

>>40203747
>>No, stick to the river
Wow that's a horrible idea if I've ever heard one!

Well that's (almost) unanimous, writing.

“We're making good time, no reason to take risks like that for the sake of a few hours. Besides, Prince Juti told me to follow the river until I found her, so I'd rather not chance it,” I shrug.

Ratu tuts, looking away towards his suggested detour.

“Are you really here to hunt giants?” he mutters, riding off down the riverside.

I think I feel that headache coming on again as Raziel continues his march. The night is tense, even without going too close to the battlefield, it's obvious that the rest of the Iquani are uneasy being even this distance from it. Aside from a few odd noises though, morning comes without incident.

The next day is more of the same, a welcome change from the encounter with the kelpie, and by early afternoon I spot it, an Iquani camp up ahead, a short distance from the bank. Looking out through the view screen, I spot a massive behemoth, perhaps a little smaller than Prince Juti's, but an imposing sight all the same.

“There it is. Incredible, a Royal Behemoth,” Ratu calls, picking up his pace, his behemoth breaking into a lumbering jog.

I follow, not eager to be left behind as the riders speed up to keep pace with the overeager son of their chieftain. I arrive a few minutes after him, Ratu chattering away to some of the Iquani as his riders start to mingle.

Things become noticeably quieter as I arrive, which is hardly a surprise. I lower Raziel to its knee, opening up the cockpit and climbing out. One of the Iquani steps forward as I reach the ground, an older woman, leather-skinned and harsh.

“Why have you come here, Imperial?”

“I've come to see Princess Qualaji, Prince Juti sent me to speak with her.”

The old woman frowns, looking back into the camp. “Why would Prince Juti send an Imperial to speak with the princess, and in one of your war machines no less. No, Imperial, I will not risk the princess' safety by-”

(cont)

>>40204430
“Hey, Jira, are my eyes playing tricks on me, or did a golem just walk into camp,” a voice calls, cutting off the old woman, whose face finds her palm with remarkable speed for a woman of her age.

She turns away from me as a young woman emerges from the crowd, the Iquani stepping aside to let her through.

“Princess, you shouldn't be here, it's not safe.”

So this is the princess, tall for an Iquani, slender and athletic, her skin a shade of brown reminding me a little of burnished gold. She flicks back long dark hair as she walks, a grin that can only be called mischievous lighting up sharp, exotic features. While she wears the riding leathers of any other Iquani, hers are accentuated by colorful, patterned fabrics, striking a memorable image.

She is... quite an attractive woman.

I shake it off, spirits, I hope I wasn't gawking the way some of the Rescales are. I'd like to think I'm above getting distracted by such things, I came here for a reason after all.

So, how shall I greet the princess?

>Write-in

I promised delicious brown, and I hope I have delivered to your liking.

>>40204481
>Princess Qualaji, a pleasure to make your acquaintance, I am Sief Atanor, here in accordance with what I discussed with your brother Prince Juti.
I don't remember, did Juti say he'd notify her of the mission?

>>40204530
Not as far as you know.

>>40204481
Greeting Princess Jira, I am Sief of house Atanor, I met your brother prince Juti after some giants had attacked his men in my land. I killed the beasts and their spriggan ally but they said their mother , one "Mother Stump" had sent them. I talked to the prince about it and he gave permission to go into Iquani lands to hunt her and her kin down. He said i would need a guide and gave my directions to find you here in this place.

>>40204548
Hmm, then ask if she'd like to discuss it in a more private environment, in a tent/house or something.
Tell her not to fear we're not here to bore her with political or economical deals and contracts.

>>40204481
Your brother told us that you would help me to help find a family of gaints that have plague my land as a favor for helping save his gaurds.

>>40204481
Proper introduction including anything we remember from etiquette lessons we were taught.

>>40204588
Jira's the old woman, Qualaji's the princess. I'm assuming you meant Qualaji, unless you want to make a very embarrassing mistake.

>>40204593
>thinking they would leave an imperial who came in a golem alone with the princess
Anon we almost got denied to even speak to her.

>>40204599
yes i did. Sorry. suck with names

>>40204593
>alone with the princess
You're a dumb nigger anon.

>>40204599
I'm willing to, I have a feeling sief is into Christmas cakes since his father goes after young tale.

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54 KB JPG

>>40204481
>Its finally time

>>40204530
add the details of our mission and i am in

>>40204641
anon that'd make us look fucking stupid stop it. sief knows better than to make a political faux pas.

>>40204616
>>40204639
>thinking they have the right to go against the word of the princess
Anon she obviously doesn't give a shit about "muh safety".

>>40204641
Sief's father doesn't really discriminate, Sief's caught him banging older women before.

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>>40204593
>Tell her not to fear we're not here to bore her with political or economical deals and contracts.

Yet

Alright, so aside from a general greeting, let's get a vote on this.

>Ask to speak to her privately
>Explain why you're here

>>40204659
>Princess Qualaji, a pleasure to make your acquaintance, I am Sief Atanor, here in accordance with what I discussed with your brother Prince Juti.
>I was told you would be interested in "guiding" me to an old battlefield where Mama Stump and her lot live, as it wouldn't be in anyone's interest to renew the conflict between our countries because of me being mistaken for an enemy and killed out here.
>What do you say?
Like so?
The last part of the second part may not be good, whatever.
I'd still rather discuss this in private, so I'd hope to at least throw in the idea if only to be shot down.

>>40204759
>Explain why you're here

>>40204759
>>Ask to speak to her privately
POLITELY AND GRACIOUSLY
If no, then
>Explain why you're here

>>40204759
>>Explain why you're here

>>40204759
>Explain why you're here
In general, no real details other than what needs to be public knowledge.

Which will prompt a story, but that will probably be told over a drink and some hospitality.

>>40204759
>>40204685
So does Sief have a preference to Christmas cakes?
>>40204759
>Explain why you're here
They are not gonna let us do this so its easier to do it out loud.

>>40204826
>They are not gonna let us do this
>commoners having a say when there's a royal here
Anon please

>>40204759
>>Explain why you're here

>>40204759
>Explain why you're here

>>40204826
Sief has no serious preferences in women really, though that could just be because he tries not to think about it to much.

Aside from "not a slut" and "not banging dad" of course, which are usually the same thing in his mind.

>>40204759
>>Explain why you're here

>>40204759
>>Ask to speak to her privately

Writing.

>not taking the chance to be alone with the delicious brown
You guys are nerds

>>40205039
agree

>>40205039
>>40205057
Wanting to get killed for presumption before we show our badassery to woo her.

plebius maximus.

>>40205090
nerd
You don't "get killed for presumption" for asking an international discussion to not be done in the middle of a village, especially since the princess seems relatively chill and liberal(in the "I do what I want" sense).

I step forward, Princess Qualaji turning to look at me, cocking her head.

“Hmm, an Imperial, the golem's pilot I presume?”

I bow my head slightly. “Princess Qualaji, a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I am Sief Atanor, here in accordance with a matter I discussed with your brother, Prince Juti.”

The princess quirks an eyebrow, a smile still on her face.

“Oh, and what would my brother send you here for, Sief Atanor?”

“I was told you would be interested in guiding me to an old battlefield where Mama Stump and her brood live. To ensure that there weren't any misunderstandings between our people because I was mistaken for an enemy.”

The princess' coughs loudly, turning away, her grin turning awkward.

“Hah, why would Juti think I would be able to guide you to Mama Stump. My older brother has quite an imagination.”

The old woman, Jira, steps forward, her eyes narrowing until they are almost lost beneath the folds of her wrinkled face.

“Princess..”

Clapping her palms to her forehead, Princess Qualaji makes a loud and unladylike sound of frustration.

“Argh, damn that snake, how did he know. I barely told anyone. Was it you Kawa, are you spying for my brother?” she groans, pointing an accusatory finger at a nearby Iquani, who holds his hands up, shaking his head.

“You've been scouting out the battlefield again, haven't you? Do you have any idea how dangerous that is? What if the giants caught you, what do you think would happen then?” Jira frowns, voice hoarse with semi-restrained anger.

Princess Qualaji sighs, hands on her hips as she turns away, avoiding making eye contact with the furious old woman.

“I wasn't going to get caught. I was waiting, finding the perfect time to strike and take that fat old hag's head.”

I feel like this conversation is leaving me behind, at least until the princess turns on her heel, grinning at me.

“So this is Juti's plan to stop me going alone, fine. I still get to go, I just have to share the glory with you now.”

>Write-in

>>40205245
I don't care much for the glory i want her head for reasons of my own.

>>40205245
>"I'll take that as a yes, then."
>"I'm happy to share the glory, as long as I get to Mama Stump."
We're going to interrogate her, right?
I feel she's the brash kind, but I'd really like to hold some strategy meeting or something, have her tell us the geographical layout she knows or something.
She's also a total cutie.

>>40205245
You can have all the glory I just want their heads.

>>40205469
Woah now, anon, let's not undersell ourselves, she'll think we're some faggot.

>>40205500
We don't need glory just dead gaints

>>40205245
So long as we get to interrogate her, fine with me.

We do want to know why she was targeting our mother after all.

>>40205515
We need glory if we want the delicious brown.

>>40205515
We don't need to reject all glory if she's offering to share.

>>40205545
Ok then tell her all the glory will be ours, I guess?

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>>40205245
>Write-in
Pic related

>>40205583
Why do you have to go to extremes?

>>40205594
Because I live on the edge

“I'll take that as a yes, then.”

Princess Qualaji gives a nod, a pleased grin across her features.

“As long as I get to Mama Stump, I'm happy to share the glory.”

“Great, then we have ourselves an arrangement, Sief Atanor,” the princess smiles, extending a hand.

I've seen this before, from Anwa and Prince Juti, I'm supposed to grasp the forearm I believe. As I'm about to reach for it though, the princess jerks her hand back again.

“Wait, you're an Imperial, so let's do this the Imperial way,” she grins, holding up a hand, palm down, at around level with my chin.

Is she... is she expecting me to kiss her hand? That's not how you seal a deal in the Empire, and the only people who do that nowadays are dirty old men, as a gesture it fell out of fashion before I could walk. She must have been reading some very old books, or getting some very dubious information from somewhere.

So do I do it?

>Kiss the hand
>Shake the hand

>>40205715
>>Kiss the hand

GIVE HER THE BEDROOM EYES WHILE DOING IT, SIEF. MAKE HER MOIST.

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>>40205628


>>40205715
>>Kiss the hand

>>40205715
>>Kiss the hand

>>40205715
>...what are you doing?
Embarrass her a little, it'll be cute!
otherwise shake her hand, nobody likes a wimp
>>40205761
>>40205764
>>40205767
Anons, please contain yourselves.

>>40205715
>Kiss the hand

>>40205715
>>Kiss the hand
Best not offend her ERECTION INTENSIFIES

>>40205782
>>>>>>>>>>>>> not wanting delicious brown immediately

what are you a faggot

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>>40205715
Lordy... Why?

>>40205715
>Kiss the hand

In the most proper manner. Just humour her on it.

>>40205715
>Shake the hand

>>40205715
>Kiss the hand

>>40205803
Being a pussy and bending backwards for "muh lady" is not how you get warrior princess/tomboy, anon.
You have to show them you're on the same level first, THEN you worm into their soft side.
>>40205715
>>Shake the hand

>>40205715
>Shake the hand
I want to embarrass her.

>>40205855
>kissing a princess's hand
>being a pussy
you're joking right?

>>40205917
>implying she's not doing this to establish dominance
Anon, please read between the lines.

>>40205855
I don't see how this is bending backwards for her. She's missed informed about are customs and we are choosing not to call her on it.

>>40205715
>Shake the hand

>>40205951
>She's missed informed about are customs
That's what she wants you to think.

>>40205715
>Shake the hand

>>40205807
This accurately sums up everything

>>40205976
OK conspiracy anon

>>40205715
>Kiss the hand

Rolled 1 (1d2)

aaand its a tie.

Guess I'll roll for it.

1: Kiss
2: Shake

The samefaggotry is just getting pathetically obvious at this point

>>40206007
If we fucked up, it's because of the dice.

>>40206044
Don't you know there are only 2 posters in this thread

>>40206089
No, there are 10.

>>40206089
Lies. Im here.

>>40206127
My count is 35 posters

>>40206179
>actually thinking the poster count means shit after the first vote
you're dumb anon

>>40206179
You young naive boy

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>>40206007

“...what are you doing?”

The princess' grin falters for just a moment, her brow knotting.

“I'm making a deal, Imperial style. I thought you'd appreciate it.”

“Of course, my mistake,” I smile.

Now that it's come to this I suppose there's nothing for it. I take her hand gently in mine, leaning forward to kiss it. She has remarkably soft skin given her lifestyle.

I can't help but notice a few Iquani have their hands on their swords when I rise back up. I suppose I'll have to be careful not to overstep my bounds too often in public, even if the princess seems rather unconcerned with such things.

“Well that was strange, do you Imperials do that often?” the princess asks, looking off to one side, a slightly awkward smile on her face.

“It's... not so common these days.”

Princess Qualaji grins, glancing at the back of her hand before letting it drop to her side.

“I'm not surprised, I don't think it would catch on here. Anyway, that means we have a deal, right?”

“We have a deal, Princess.”

>End of Thread

Right, I can stick around for a short Q&A then I'm off to sleep.

Next thread will most likely be either next monday or tuesday.

>>40206306
what are the chances of us obtaining the delicious brown

if we were to marry her, how would that affect relations between our two nations?

>>40206306
Will we go salt mining tomorrow or Wednesday Warlord?

>>40206282
So moe!
>>40206306
How old is the princess?

>>40206342
Tomorrow IS Wednesday, Anon!
Well, it's already wednesday for me and Lordy, but whatever.

>>40206344
What is Moe about that?
or are you just spouting random shit you don't know?