>>819720
Do we recognize the heraldry?
(I haven't been taking notes like I probably should.)

Also, welcome back, Chem!

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>>820357
The yellow looks to be of the same shade as that of House Krasick, but you aren't close enough to get a good look at the coat of arms of either side.

And its good to run again.

>>820376
Do we know how our intervention in this would play out?

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>>820389
Krasick were the ones dumping bodies of the trolls, who Artyom says sacked his home, and who you ran into very early on in the kozak camp.

The purple MIGHT be house Bralin, the Szlachta hold you actually got in to and managed to speak to that 'advisor' but that's harder to tell, there being multiple shades of purple.
>>820394
Might be cool, would be useful to see what folks are picking up plot point wise without having to archive dive and see if I mentioned something already or not.
>>820431
You've got 8 beastfolk including Zhou, yourself, McCain and Tai in a forward position looking down on the battle, bringing up the rear are Liama, Veles, Tatiana, and Artyom. So fifteen people all told. There's at least forty of each centaur faction battling it out, though the yellows appear to have more than the purple.

>>820456
I'm seeing two options at the moment:
>Call to their attention and try to negotiate a temporary truce so that we can ask questions
>Start shooting the Krasicks and try to get Mayby-House-Bralin to let us fight on their side, then answer some questions for us

I deleted the comments because I thought that I had been retarded when I noticed the pastbin, but then I now remember that character bios would be really useful.

>>820555
Well, you're gonna have to go with something.

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>820637
Lets get closer and try to make curtain of who is who.

>Assuming a need for a stealth roll
(Not sure if that's covered under intrigue, but oh well.

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>12
"Lets get closer, see if we can't figure out who's who." You whisper.

Sensing your intention, Zhou all but melts into the terrain, slinking from cover to cover as you follow, calling on all your natural ability to conceal green scales on a white background. Thankfully there's no shortage of obstructions and brush in the badlands as you slowly egress out down the hill. That, coupled with each side being more concerned about the big armored people trying to stick pointy objects in front of them leaves a welcome lack of attention being paid.

From your new vantage point, you can get a better look at the action. Pulling out a glass, you focus in on the yellow as they move in for yet another charge. The standard bearer, firmly in the middle of the herd, bears the arms of what you believe to be Krasick. After another crush, claiming yet more of the combatants, you focus on the regrouping hussars in purple. Their standard is faded, but multiple shades of purple. No insignia, but that might just be a label in of itself, you don't know. You never really got a good look at the heraldry of Bralin while you were in there, just lots of purple there as well.

The crunch of footsteps on snow next to you is finally audible over the cacaphony of battle. You turn over to look at McCain, who's finally moved up to the new position. He taps Zhou on the shoulder and tilts his head towards the old position. Ever quick on the uptake, the beastman moves to where you see Tai trying his best to conceal himself. Well out of his element. "Any idea who they are?" McCain asks

"In all likelyhood the yellow is Krasick." You say, almost shouting as another charge meets its counter. "Can't tell who the other is."

"We gonna leave them to it, or have you got something else in mind?" He says, turning back to look at the ensuing carnage.

>?

>>820793
"I would LIKE to get them both to stop without us having to actually fight, but something tells me that that would be easier said than done. On the other hand, I would like to go ahead and slaughter the Krasicks, assuming that what we know about them is true, they're to blame for what's been going on. The thing is, I don't know how the other party will react."

>>820828

Slaughter" is a rather strong word. . . Let's switch that to "attack", yeah?

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"I would LIKE to get them both to stop without us having to actually fight, but something tells me that that would be easier said than done. On the other hand, I would like to go ahead and attack the Krasicks, assuming that what we know about them is true, they're to blame for what's been going on. The thing is, I don't know how the other party will react."

"Well, if you want to actually have a group other than the yellow buggers, you're gonna have to act fast. Hold on, thought." He says, unholstering his pistol.

You go to quiet him just as the next crush hits, your words drowned out once again. You watch him fire his pistol into the ground.

"The hell was that for?" You hiss as the roar dies down and the groups seperate.

"I don't think they'll hear us if we time it." McCain says, putting another round into the cylinder.

He's right, you were right next to him and you had to try to hear it. A rifle is louder of course, but they don't know what it sounds like. That said, it'd be interfering in their battle, and definitevely chosing a side. You ponder what to do as the two hosts line up for their next go.

>?

Rolled 17 + 6 (1d20 + 6)

>>820927
Fucking try to shoot the flag barer on the next clash.

>>820943
Also, thank McCain for pointing this out.

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Hurriedly you unsling your rifle and set up on as level ground as you can get. Mayhaps if you take out the standard bearer you can halt this without too much more bloodshed. It's a long shot, hitting a moving target at this range, not to mention how effective your rifle will be against hussar armor. With a whispered prayer you line of your shot, leading as best you can. You'll have to wait for the actual impact to shot, since you have no idea which side will win, but looking at the numbers, you've at least got an idea.

The two colors collide, and right when you see the standard bearer jerk to a halt you fire. The roar of your rifle mixing with the din as the round flies downrange. The question of armor versus your rifle remains unanswered as you see centaur lurch forward, blood spewing from his face. The effect is almost immediate, what was once a coordinated and well drilled retreat turns staggered, less tight of formation as they turn towards the site of the last crush. The standard bearer still stands, almost, down on his front knees, hands grasping at his face. Slowly the standard tips, before hitting the ground, followed by the bearer himself.

The Krasick centaurs rally, but just barely, to the sound of one of their officers blowing a horn apparently sounding the retreat. You stay still, watching the purple clad ones standing in formation watch the retreat of the krasick centaurs. The last one's faded over the horizon when a ragged cry comes from the back ranks building to yet another crescendo.

You look over to McCain, who's watching the scene unfold and say, "Thanks for the suggestion."

>Next Action?

>>821218
Hail them as we approach them without concealing our movements. Also, stow our rifle on our shoulder.
(I'm assuming that we have a sling.)

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"McCain, go get Artyom and Tatiana and another. Tell Tai to tell Zhou to grab one of his guys and come with, may as well do this as normal as possible, for them at least."

Stowing your rifle, you straight out and wait for the rest to get there. Before long you're slithering down towards the battlefield, hand raised and flanked by two beastmen and Tai, who looks very seriously out of his depth. You finally hit level ground before the centaurs notice you. The majority of them are tending to the injured and looking for any of theirs that might be living. You hold when their own group of four splits off and begins a healthy trot towards you. They stand a respectful distance away until one, bearing what looks to be a cougar pelt draped over his shiny silver armour, calls out to you.

[Speak, Kutkh.]

>?

>>821448
[What was all that about? Why were you fighting?]

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[What was all that about? Why were you fighting?] You ask.

He turns and looks over the battlefield, [House Krasick seeks to bring Bralin into their domain. Just like they've done with the southern holdings.]

[I thought Bralin was one of the furthest North.]

[We are.] His face speaking volumes as to the severity of the situation.

[So they've taken control of everything else?]

[I cannot say, none of our runners to the furthest holdings have returned, and the Kozaks have been scattered and driven into the wastes as far as we know. Barring a few.] He says, looking over to where a group of less fancily armoured hussars are doing a slow walk through the dead. The officer calls to them, [Elim, over here a moment.]

You watch the group slowly approach, before the lead one stops, and removes his helmet, you swear you've seen him before. [Well, I'll be fallen. The kutkh that visited us in the summer.]

[So this is the one you mentioned.] The officer says

The kozak that you ran into initially on your first foray responds simply,[Yes.]

[I will leave you to your inquiries.]

You watch as the group heads back to the rest, only Elim's three compatriots remaining in the background. [Change of allegiance?] You ask, causing him for frown.

[The Krasick scattered the ataman and Ursus, setting it to the torch. All able bodied fighters were told to dig in and find a way to fight back. Those of us who made it to Bralin were welcomed.]

[And the inquiries?]

[There is an understanding, we are guest and we will fight for them so long as the Ataman is away, but our allegiance is not to them. How is Tatiana?]

[She's coming shortly.]

He freezes before whispering urgently. [This is bad, she must not be seen. Where is she? Send her away.]

Just then you see Artyom, McCain, and Liama crest the hill, behind them trails... Veles?

"Tatiana wouldn't come, is sitting with the Beastfolk. Everything okay here?"

>?

>>821663
"Yes, it's fine now."

[It seems she was a bit more knowledgeable of the situation than I am. She's stayed back behind the pass. What more can you tell me of the situation over here, if there is anything?]

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"Yes, it's fine now." You say to him, before turning back to the Kozak. [It seems she was a bit more knowledgeable of the situation than I am. She's stayed back behind the pass. What more can you tell me of the situation over here, if there is anything?]

He grimaces, [I had hoped it would not come to this, but things are dire. Krasick claim to sacked the capital, and extinguished the line of King Sigismund.]

[Then that means...] Artyom interject, going quiet.

[Means what?] You ask, [What's Tatiana got to do with it?]

[She'd be Heir Apparent.] Elim says, quietly.

You pause, trying to process this. Then decide screw that, and cut to the matter. [Heir apparent? I thought she was the Ataman's niece.]

[She is. Ataman Veron is King Sigismund's brother by marriage. His sister is Tatiana's Mother.]

>?

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>>821760
[I see. . . So in order to end the fighting over here, we either need to help the Krasicks kill Titania, or help her ascend to the throne and kill the Krasicks?
. . .How do you feel about cheating a bit and breaking most of what I assume to be your conventions of warfare? Cause I shot their standard bearer in the face a little bit ago, and I figure that if you guys got some sharp-shooters, you'd be able to fuck them up pretty badly.]

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>>821842
Rapidly approaching fuck-o'clock here, will continue tomorrow as soon as pos

>>821903
Alright. Good night Chem.

>>821903
-ibble, as always thanks for reading.

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[I see... So in order to end the fighting over here, we either need to help the Krasicks kill Titania, or help her ascend to the throne and kill the Krasicks?] You say, causing Elim to look up sharply at the first mention, and narrow his eyes at the second.

[Easier said than done. Many of the southern holdfasts have sworn to the Krasicks. Mostly out of preservation of their own holdfasts. Their sack of Purobka, while unproven, is enough to give the szlachta pause.]

[I was there.] Artyom says simply, unconsciously rubbing the side of his helmet where he was burned. Elim gives him a questioning look, then a sad little shrug, as if to offer his condolences.

Changing the subject you turn to the hussar, [So that's what you meant by princess earlier?]

[Her features are in keeping with those of the royal line. It was not hard to make the connection.] The burned hussar says.

Elim grimaces, [Just so, without popular support, she'd be just as much of a pretender as whatever claim Krasick is using. The fact she lives throws their claim of extinguishing the line into doubt, they said they'd gotten everyone. Perhaps more survived.]

[Curious, and what place in line for the throne or whatever your symbol of station was she?]

[As the third daughter? Fifteenth. Sigismund was aware of the brewing trouble. He may have sent more of his family into hiding with others. Tatiana had a good relation with her uncle, so her safety was entrusted to the Ataman.]

You pause, wondering the best way to proceed before broaching the next subject, [How do you feel about cheating a bit and breaking most of what I assume to be your conventions of warfare? Cause I shot their standard bearer in the face a little bit ago, and I figure that if you guys got some sharp-shooters, you'd be able to fuck them up pretty badly.]

[I cannot say, my allegiance is that to the Ataman. The Bralin Szlachta are more interested in their own autonomy than the crown. I cannot blame them, but if they took control I cannot say if they wouldn't do what Krasick is doing. Even moreso if they had the possible last heir.] Elim says hesitantly.

You sigh, and look over the battlefield once more. The Bralin seem to be collecting their dead and wounded, righting and half carrying whoever they find still alive to whatever healers. You do note, however, that they seem to be leaving the fallen Krasick to their fate.

>Ask to see to the wounded, maybe some of the surviving Krasick will know more.
>Go speak with Tatiana, she probably had ought to know immediately.
>Go broach the guns subject with house Bralin.
>other?

>>823917
>Ask to see to the wounded, maybe some of the surviving Krasick will know more.

>>823917
[Hmm. Are any of the Krasick that are still alive of any legitimate position? I would like to interrogate one. See if they could tell us something of their plans, whether related to the war directly or not.]
[. . .Also, apologies for earlier. I was thinking out loud. Even if it may seem to be easier to simply help the Krasicks, I'm not going to let them lay a hand on anyone who lives on my land. So long as she stays with me, I will make certain that no harm will come to her if I can help it.]

>>823917
>>Ask to see to the wounded, maybe some of the surviving Krasick will know more.
>>Go broach the guns subject with house Bralin.

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[Hmm. Are any of the Krasick that are still alive of any legitimate position? I would like to interrogate one. See if they could tell us something of their plans, whether related to the war directly or not.]

Elim shrugs, [Kozaks would ensure any fallen enemy is dead. Szlachta leave it to the enemy to care for their own. What happens to them is not our concern. Though if you are to give aid to the enemy, those of Bralin would likely claim them as prisoners for hostage and ransom, same as if they had surrendered.]

You think it over looking back your ragtag group. It'd be a bit of a hassle, but the intel might be worth it. Figuring it best to confer with your allies, you turn back to the kozak, [Apologies for earlier, I was thinking out loud. Even if it may seem to be easier to simply help the Krasicks, I'm not going to let them lay a hand on anyone who lives on my land. So long as she stays with me, I will make certain that no harm will come to her if I can help it. Please let house Bralin know that we'll be pleased to talk with them about the prosecution of this war after we make our inquiries.]

Left to your own devices, McCain finally speaks. "What's the verdict?"

"They're not to concerned on what outsiders are going to do to their fallen enemies, just asking that we turn over survivors to them for ransom. I have a feeling they are sounding out our intentions."

"So we're throwing our lot in with them then?" Tai asks, before relaying your orders about canvasing for survivors to Zhou, who sends his second back to get the rest of the beastfolk.

"Not quite, at least, not yet. Want to get a read on the situation. Probably see if we can't remain neutral."

Veles, apparently having listened in on the conversation chimes in, "What about the wounded, are you just gonna question them or actually see to them, and if so, are you gonna chance them seeing Tatiana?"

>?

>>824489
If we know that they are of at least a rank similar to Sargent, then we'll keep them alive long enough to see if they can answer some questions about their plans. If they refuse, we attempt to force them. If that doesn't work and they're not dead, we hand them over.

Tatinana is to remain safe, and letting them see her and live would be a detriment to that cause, as the Krasicks, or house Bralin, would likely attempt to attack us to get at her. So, unless we're going to kill them anyway, we're not going to get Tatiana's help with them for now.

>>824489
Supporting>>824564

>>824489
We'll see to them and ask themquestions whil patching their asses up.

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Its not long before Zhou returns with some of his subordinates, and they set to work canvasing the battlefield for survivors. There aren't many, and it seems that despite being at peace for so long the centaurs are very adept at killing one another. Of the few centaurs that are alive the troll heritage of the centaurs makes itself evident. Those with wounds you'd think would have been fatal are gathered up and ushered toward you not so gently by Zhou's people, directed by Tai. On the farthest edges of the killing field, three wounded Krasick hussars have rallied, and are beating a hasty retreat the same way as their bretheren. The Bralin don't seem keen on following them, Veles saying it is probably a cultural thing.

The living captives consist of five krasick hussars. Quick questioning of the three most lucid, reveals them to be rank and file soldiers who are sworn to Krasick or its subordinate houses and both Veles and Artyom determine them to not be of value in terms of intelligence. You send them off under Artyom's guard to the Bralin hussars, who quickly bind the three. Of the remaining two, you have a lieutenant that was concious, but slipped back into unconciousness and appears to be fading fast. The other is the standard bearer you shot, sporting a massive hole tearing through his left cheek, and what looks to be a end of a lance sticking out of his chest. He seems dazed more than anything but is unable to speak. You confer with Veles as Artyom returns from handing over the three rank and file soldiers.

"I do not believe we will get anything of value out of these two." Veles says. "Without a healer seeing to them at least."

[Will the Bralin take them then?] You ask, slipping into Casimiran as Artyom rejoins the group.

[I do not believe so, house Bralin will likely not want to waste their healer's time or resources on their enemies. Especially if things are as dire as they believe.] Your hussar responds

[So what should we do with them?] You ask.

[Kill them.] Artyom says quickly, before adding an addendum [I get no pleasure of it, I would rather they know who I am and what they've done to my house and home.]

[Or...] Veles says, as if broaching a sensitive subject, [We take them to our healer.]

[Never.] Artyom interjects with a snort.

[Hear me out] Veles says, [It is likely at least one of them is of import to Krasick. We blindfold them, let her see to them. Impressing upon them who you are would be intimidation enough. Do not let them see a thing to report back other than someone survived Purobka. They live? We might get more information, if not, either way we hand them off later to the house. Would give us a reason to check in with them and would be banking goodwill if we are able to follow through. At least, that's what I'd do.]

>?

>>824914
[I agree with Veles, but if they cause too much trouble, kill them. I want their information, but not badly enough that they put any of you at risk.]

>get them basic first aid so that they can make it back
>Have them blindfolded and their arms bound
If they still have their helmets, make sure that they have them on while we're marching them back. Even if they're delusional, having their helmets on will fuck up their hearing.

>>825039
Sounds about right.

>>824914
Supporting>>825039

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[I agree with Veles, but if they cause too much trouble, kill them. I want their information, but not badly enough that they put any of you at risk.]

You have Artyom inform the Bralin, which causes both Elim and the leader of the Bralin, a Major apparently, approach. You explain what you want to do, pointing out the wounds. This seems to satisfy the major, who gives his assent, though Elim gives you a worried look. At least until Artyom begins blindfolding and binding them. Still hesitant, and not wanting to show it, he gives his assent as well, and offers to help sling the unconcious one between himself and Artyom.

The bannerman, or chorazy you think they called him, is apparently a junior officer. McCain wagers the closest rank approximation is an Enign. Either way, he is either two dazed, or compliant enough to follow behind the process, bound and tied to a lead held by Artyom, who intertwines it with the makeshift litter him and Elim are using to carry the other. 'If he runs he may just kill his superior.' Satisfied that this is the best you can do, you set off.

It takes the better part of the hour moving at a slow pace. Keeping with the procession, you send Veles ahead to inform Tatiana of the incoming wounded. By the time you arrive, the healer centaur has her implements unpacked, and has cleared an open space.

[Let my see to them.] She says simply, flashing a sad smile to Elim when she recognizes the kozak as he heads back to rejoin the Bralin host.

>Inform Tatiana of what might have happened out of earshot of the rest, better she knows ahead of time who they are.
>Let her get to work, get someone's take on the situation. (Specify, people currently not busy are Zhou, Tai, McCain, Liama, Veles, and Artyom)
>other?

>>825368
>Let her get to work, get someone's take on the situation.
>Bring together Artyom, Veles, and McCain

Tai doesn't seem like he would have much input and translating something three times is ridiculous. At least we only need to translate once between Artyom and McCain. We'll ask Zhou later.
(We also need to get on learning their language. I don't want to need to use Tai to translate every time we need to talk to them. We also need to apologize to him for the trouble this must be for him)

>>825455
Veles and we will switch off on the translation, I think.

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You leave Tatiana to her business, just telling her to put them under if she needs to remove the bandages. She splits her gaze between you and the retreating form of Elim before sighing heavily and getting to work. To be on the safe side, you have Tai get Zhou and his folk to keep watch. Liama, free of any real responsibility right now does her best to help Tatiana. While you have a moment, you beckon McCain, Veles, and Artyom over to a quick conference.

"What's your take on the situation?" You ask them, translating it for Artyom.

Veles is the first to speak, "Krasick pulled a coup and are trying to solidify their power. They claimed they got everyone, but, well..." Veles says, looking pointedly at Tatiana. "Bralin have a remarkably poor grasp on the enemies disposition and have opted for the worst case scenario. Mayhaps the prisoners will be more accomodating, though the wounds look serious. You may have to provide hospitality for them for some time."

This elicits of sneer of disgust from Artyom, [They probably used the sacking of my home and seeding the troll hives to discredit the Kozaks and render the alliance between them and the crown weak. From there, it was a matter of buying loyalty. Purobka was small but we had no love for the beekeepers, probably an easy target in their eyes. Bralin are more concerned with their own lands. There are a few holdfasts no love for Krasick, but they are far south.]

Veles responds, "Like as not, we need to know how pervasive this coup goes, if Bralin is indeed the last holdout, well... it would not be in our best interest to oppose the new regime."

McCain, quiet for the entirety of this finally adds his opinion, "The Nitor'd prolly help, but we'd have to get this to them quickly, and we'd need to give them proper information. These Krasick buggers seem like a bad sort, and I'd rather not have to deal with them on our borders, the way through the mountains will come out eventually, and expansionist views probably won't bode well for us."

>?

>>825776
If we can arm the Kozaks and their allies with rifles then they should relatively easily start winning the war, the problem arises when thinking of getting the weapons and ammo, and transporting it. Given that, if the Krasicks win, they'll likely want to take our land and keep going, and I'm not going to let them set foot on my land. To make damn certain that they don't come over here, they need to be eradicated. Or, at least, beaten into the ground hard enough to keep them from getting back up.
For these reasons, then, we need to get the Nitor in on this as soon as possible. We'll need their resources and their manpower. As soon as we get back, they need to be notified. Once these two start spitting up information instead of blood we'll likely have more than enough to get the Nitor to mobilize for this cause.
Thanks for your input.

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"If we can arm the Kozaks and their allies with rifles then they should relatively easily start winning the war, the problem arises when thinking of getting the weapons and ammo, and transporting it. Given that, if the Krasicks win, they'll likely want to take our land and keep going, and I'm not going to let them set foot on my land."

"Agreed." McCain says.

"We need to get the Nitor in on this as soon as possible. We'll need their resources and their manpower. As soon as we get back, they need to be notified. Once these two start spitting up information instead of blood we'll likely have more than enough to get the Nitor to mobilize for this cause."

Veles interjects, "So you're taking him to your home then?"

"What, what do you mean?"

"Look."

You turn to where Tatiana is tending to the two injured centaurs. The lieutenant is dead, a mess of half applied blood soaked bandages a testament to Tatiana's attempt to save him. Now she's working one the other one. Your heart skips a beat when you see his blindfold off, but the glassy stare and measured breathing suggests that Tatiana used one of her medicines to put him under. Looking at her you see why, her hands slick with blood as she probes around his mouth, the chest wound seemingly taken care of. You see her removing what look to be tooth fragments from the centaurs mouth, and putting something back in. Curious you leave the impromptu council of war and approach her.

Glancing up and seeing you approach, Tatiana speaks aloud, focusing back on her work. [I take it this one you and yours took care of, yes? I removed one of your claybreaker pellets lodged in his mouth, along with a number of teeth. A few were not destroyed, but loosened, I placed them back in but until it heals this one will not be talking for a while. At the very least the packing will allow me to stitch the cheek back together.]

[And the other?] You ask, indicating the still form of the other 'survivor'

[Lost his pulse while I was working on him. Attempted to revive, undid the bandages and attempted to restart his heart by hand. A few minutes earlier and he might still have lived.] She says quietly, producing a needle and thread.

>?

>>826104
Unfortunate that he didn't make it. He very likely had useful information, but there's nothing to be done for it.
How long do you thing it will be until this one is able to speak, or at least wright, if he is able to?

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[Unfortunate that he didn't make it. He very likely had useful information, but there's nothing to be done for it." You say, "How long do you thing it will be until this one is able to speak, or at least write, if he is able to?]

[If the lance nicked his heart, there's not much we can do, and he might go any time. It'll take some time for that to heal. He also appears to have taken a blow to the head, was dizzy and unresponsive before I sent him to dreamland.] She says, matter of factly.

[Yes, but talking, letting us question him?]

[Maybe a week, maybe more. It is uncertain.]

You groan, but thank her for her hard work. You're going to have to let her know about the situation, but there are far too many people around, and she seems quick on the uptake already anyways. You head back to your council of war. "She says at least a week."

[Well, he cannot stay out here. Spring is due any time, but I don't fancy his chances in the cold.]

Artyom frowns, [I do not want the Krasick dogs any longer than necessary, and they will be back to the battlefield to collect their dead, no doubt about that.]

McCain claps his hands with a hint of finality, "So it's settled then, we take the bugger back to the ranch. Just make sure he doesn't know a thing. Prolly get a hold of the nitor as soon as possible, yeah?"

>?

(Pausing once more here, will continue tomorrow, It being a Sunday night and all. Thanks again for bearing with me.)

>>826322
[Well, it's just one dog now, and don't worry. He'll be gone once he tells us what we need.]
"It is as you say. I'll ask her how long until we can get going."
[Tatiana, when do you think we'll be able to move?]

Thanks for running, Chem! 'Night.

>>826460
This sounds good. Man, this whole thing is proving to be a long time in coming, this mercantile venture.

>>826541
It would be nice if it were more than just me for most of it, but I still enjoy this all quite a lot.

You know, I'd rather not have to ask the Nitor to further split their forces with everything else thats going on, but theres other ways they could help us. If we're going to arm the Bralin or whomever with guns to fight the Krasick, then we're going to need guns, and ammunition, or the measn with whch to get our own, which, on the second part, would be good for us anyway, and lessen the burden on the Nitor if they could provide. Also, a Chola and maybe an instructor for when we teach the Centaurs to use the firearms, and in case we need to adjust them for them to use would be good too.

>>828605
At the very least, I want them getting our beastmen better (more) weapons. Our 15 men could easily hold off a charge if they all had single shot rifles, or bolt-actions, even. (Though, I don't think that bolt-actions are a thing yet. As far as I know, the tech level is similar to the 1880s, so they're probably coming in a few years.)

>>829114
Or just good Knives and Pistols. they seem like they like getting up close and personal.
Anyway, im thinking if we can get some kind of incendiary ammunition, and/or Shotguns , we'll be a lot better off with this whole krasick situation, and most likely, we'd have to end up doing that ourselves. Or at least funding it ourselves.

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>>829344
>we get them M97 Trench Gun equivalents
Delicious!

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>>829402
>>829344

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>>829405
We should do a knockoff cobray terminator. Single shot, open bolt. About the most simply weapon we could commission.

>>829874
Most simple, rather.

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>>829874

Those don't exist yet. The cheapest we could get would actually be some single-shot large-bore rifles. The standard for the military at the moment, as far as I am aware, is something along these lines:

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[Well, it's just one dog now, and don't worry. He'll be gone once he tells us what we need.] You say, before directing Artyom to go and catch up with Elim and tell him about the casualty. Watching the burned hussar leave, you turn to McCain. "It is as you say. I'll ask her how long until we can get going."

You head over to where Tatiana is finishing up stitching your prisoners face back together. You opt to relieve Liama in assisting in the last bit and make sure you blindfold the standard bearer good and tight. [Tatiana, when do you think we'll be able to move?] You ask while she packs away her impliments.

[Whenever he wakes up, Artyom and I will likely have to carry him, but a sling appears to have already been made.] She says, pointing to the discarded rig you used to drag the one that didn't make it here.

[We'll take him back to the ranch, but the blindfold stays on, I don't want them knowing more than they already do about the 'situation'.] Looking at her directly for emphasis. Content that the prisoner is still out of it, you beckon Tatiana to move out of earshot. [Listen, Elim told me something about your family-]

[This eventuality was predicted.] She says, interupting you, [By both my father's advisor, and suspected by my uncle. Until I see my families bodies or hear it from my uncle I will nod dwell on it.]

[And not letting me know the nature of who my guest was?] You ask, a little miffed they weren't up front with you.

[Better you had not known. I am fifteenth in line, after the seventh there was not much of an expectation in terms of succession. I was free to study as I pleased, and I studied the arts of healing, both of the Szlachta and the Kozaks. It was something of a scandal in the capital, part of why I was sent into my uncle's care.]

Further conversation is halted with the reappearance of Elim and Artyom, apparently coming to confirm the death of the lieutenant. He gives the body a glance, before wordlessly nodding to you and walking off. Another twenty minutes later, and the rest of the expedition has regrouped, Liama and Veles splitting to use the gateway and notify those back at the ranch. It is about now when you notice your prisoner stirring.

>Question him now before he's all there, try and gauge his reactions.
>Won't get anything useful out of him drugged up and injured as he is, start for the ranch before night.
>other?

>>831632
> Question him now...

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Even in his current state, your need for answers surpasses all. And you may as well start now.

[Do not try to move. You have been injured and taken prisoner.] You say, calmly but firmly, causing the centaur to stop curiously testing his bonds and turn sightless eyes towards you. [Just nod yes or no if you understand me.]

The even behind the blindfold, you can see his brow furrow in confusion before he slowly nods his head.

[You are a member of House Krasick, yes?]

A pause, then a slow affirmation.

[And you were fighting the Bralin, correct?]

Another nod, followed by a muffled attempt to speak and a wince of pain.

[Do not try and speak. Your injuries are significant. Just nod.]

Another nod. You note the visible confusion on his face, this obviously was not how he expected things to go. Tatiana comes up behind you and whispers [I do not know how long he will remain awake. He may fade out, and I do not relish carrying dead weight through your lands on a winter's night.]

>What do you want to ask? (specify)

>>832205
>ask if House Krasick has been sabotaging the Kozaks' relationship with the Szlachta

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[Has House Krasick been sabatoging the Kozak's relationship with the Szlachta?]

Geniune confusion and indignance. He makes to stand something before Tatiana, not wanting to see her work undone gently pushes the him back down. She goes to reach into her satchel, but the prisoner has already calmed down.

[I don't think we'll be getting more out of him, at least until he can talk.] She says, and goes to fetch the tandem litter. While she's gone, Artyom bends down and addresses the prisoner directly.

[Know now that you are at the mercy and goodwill of a survivor of Purobka. Know now that I know what you and yours have done, it is by the grace of my benefactor and my patience you still draw breath. Do not attempt to lie to us, or I will assuredly make things right by my people, starting with your corpse.] He says before standing up and letting the returning Tatiana rig up the litter. She pauses, looking between the two hussars before sighing and continuing her work. The prisoner, still with a visibly perplexed expression underneath the blindflod, does not resist her actions. With that, they begin to carry him slowly, towards the entrance of the tunnel.

Moving ahead of them you open the door to see Veles waiting for you.

"Liama has returned to the ranch. Is everything taken care of here?"

"As much as it can be for now" You say, signally to the rest of the group to move back into the tunnel.

Walking through the darkness, you hear McCain clear his throat behind you. "You got anything in mind for when we get back, or are we just playin' this by ear now?"

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>>832526
Forgot the prompt, add an >? At the end there.

>>832526
I want to get in touch with Keel before we do too much more.
As it stands out to do list is, in no particular order:
>Get rifles and bayonets for Zhou, his men, and Artyom that we can actually get more ammo for
>Get House Bralin to cooperate with us (including convincing them to use rifles)
>Get rifles, bayonets, and ammo for the Casimir (provided they accept)
>Get out cattle to market so that we have money
>Try to get the Nitor to provide as many weapons and as many munitions as possible without having to pay them, but paying them is preferable to having to get out own
>Get information out of our captive
>Pay the hands
>Make more money
>Get a trading post set up in the canyon
>(maybe) get a spa thing set up on the hot-spring

>>832654
>Get a small loan of a million gold pieces

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"Looking at getting rifles for Zhou and his guys, they're mercenaries. May as well see if the Nitor'll help with that. See if we can get connections with the centaur lands, maybe show them how to use firearms. Find a supplier for firearms as well, which if we can't get the nitor we'll need money. Probably use the profit on the herd for that. Take care of them as well."

He nods, "It'd have to wait 'till the spring run then."

"No argument there." You concede, "Get what information I can from the captive. Not sure how cooperative he will be though, but anything is better than what we have now I suppose. Other than that? Make sure everyone gets paid, see if we can't expand our ventures a bit. A canyon trading post. Make money." You shiver as you exit the tunnel, biding farewell for now to Veles. Turning back to McCain you add, "Maybe get that resort built in the hot springs. I've had about enough of this damned cold."

With Zhou and his people still in the lead, you head for home.

>Figure this a good a point as any to call it. Thanks again for reading and I hope you enjoyed it the ride so far.

>>832837
Thanks for today Chem as always.
'Night

>>830500
Actually, if were around te 1800s in terms of tech, We could still get some break action Double barrel gun, or we could fashion up some modified Punt Guns for "mounted" use
Just felt I need to point that out. No pump actions though

>>832837
Thanks, Chemlab!

>>834293
Lever action shotguns are an option.
Revolver rifles are another option. They would be obscenely expensive, though.
Also, Pump-actions were invented in 1854
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pump_action