>>4554156
OP is image rangebanned, his name is snail.

>A Star unborn ? How so?

>>4554159
thank you anon. Updating soon.

"Beyon-d your Half and Half min-d. From another world, bleed-ing into our own." The prophetic wisdom of the allmother can be puzzling at times. The similarities between her and Luno-Astrologists are quite something. Both are grasping for intangible truth.

" I will visit your first seed, The walls of this district are coated with intrigue, a change of scenery is never a bad idea. Anything else?"

The great dryad unleashed an obscuring miasma once more, her rigid tongue speaks in riddles " Ware, blue eyes burrow-ing in thirt-een of moons, flesh upon flesh... layers melded together into one despicable thing, shackled by a broth-er.Cruel he is. Justifi-ed he is. and-"

" Yes?" She stopped abruptly. Her near-white eyes widened for a moment before relaxing once more. You don't quite get her metaphors sadly. If you have to guess, the burrowing eyes must be the council? Their schemes are endless, to this day, you can not comprehend how did they allow you , a half-elf, to rise to power...to become their instrument of justice.

"My Greenest, Go Half and Half, haste! Make haste!" You nodded. The Youth would appreciate you walking among them.

______________________________

Your little visit to Garsis academy was thrilling to say the least; A teacher demanded a duel because you *stole his students* or some such. The man inadvertently helped you to spread your message about the archaic ways of Cairth and how feeble her laws are in this modern age. He did not get what he wanted from you.You are a man of peace.

Needless Violence. It is entwined in this failing society. Elves continue to exert their supremacy on other races even after the petty revolution either through subtlety or violence as previously mentioned above. You are but a single man, changing a whole society is an impossible task but with the Youth by your side...the city-state stands a better chance for a peaceful future devoid of discrimination or hatred. This is of course quite idealistic of you but one can dream.

In time, the dream will become a reality.

Veishu is unlike the great dryad or the rest of the sacred family ; shy, meek, polite but determined to pursue the visions sent by the stars themselves. Talking to the first seed was no easy task with so many eyes in the academy. A promise was made: Once per month, you will meet the 'Greenest' privately. The Allmother will be pleased with that arrangement.

Now, onto more important issues, the council is holding a hearing today. All of the other Judges will be there, Oh Joy. You don't hate your fellow Judges, they are extraordinary individuals in their own right...you only wish to end the bubbling corruption in their veins, most of them at least. Be it friend or foe, you learn so much from them especially Judge Vanasgreth; she is a pillar of wisdom despite her balant hatred towards you. Her tongue is equally as sharp as her blade, only you and her follow the elfiquette of Judge Magisters:

Always don your armour in public.

1/2

>>4554166

A simple call had cast a great burden on your shoulders. A dying girl in a hospital, a horrible fire, no skin left to heal ...only charred flesh remains. Weeks and weeks spent in agony, her body can no longer suffer.

"She wants to see her great hero." said the nurse on your phone. You gave that elf your number for a good reason; those who float in their golden skies have little care from worms caked in mud and mire. You are not one of them.

Yet, duty calls, they would need your precious vote, they will hold it against you. The fate of a city-state wrapped with petty bureaucratic nonsense or a dying wish?

>The Council demands your presence. Your heart bleeds but your body must be able to face slithering serpents and lies.
>Your body will suffer for the dying girl, if you would trade your soul for hers, you would not hesitate. Never bleed your own heart, compassion is the greatest of virtues.

>>4554176
>>The Council demands your presence. Your heart bleeds but your body must be able to face slithering serpents and lies.

Duty comes first. Hopefully, the kid will be able to survive for a few hours more. Perhaps if she knows we are on the way she will manage to resist.

>>4554176
>The Council demands your presence. Your heart bleeds but your body must be able to face slithering serpents and lies.

what is this setting? Phones and dryads?

>>4554273
This is a side story and the setting has been built up in the main quest threads, but basicly the setting is a grim dark semi-fantasy set in modern times where literally everything sucks

>>4554273
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Moonless

You can check if you want the last threads. For a quick introduction, this is an elven city state which heavily discriminacizes against non-elves, with the possible exception of dryads.

In this side story we are a Judge, one of the few administrators of justice of the whole city, with the Council, our theoretical superiors, as the executive branch of goverment. We are basically the only "progressive" of the higher echelon of justice, which creates all kinds fo tension and might result in our assasination someday.

so progressive judge dredd in Altmer New York? I think I'll lurk this first.

>>4554198
>>4554258

It pains you to be so cruel and yet, you would be equally cruel to hundreds, no thousands who instilled their trust in you. Unheard voices must be recognized , you would silence them all should you cast your vote aside. No, not again.

__________________________________

" Honored Sword."

"Judge Cidgeth."

"Your excellency.." They bow and bow, spouting more titles upon your visage. How many times did you tell them to call you by your true name? You are no better than a common solider, a maid, a spokesman...all of them are building Cairth in their own special way. They call you humble...or they accuse you of wasting such an honorary title behind your back. This damn mindset, it will never change by itself...

The Eternal Palace is one of the few places untouched by revolutionaries, its enthralling beauty rivaled that of the high king's. It is a place of many secrets, assassinations and betrayals: almost ideal for the council. Fourteen elves for the council, six judges on their sides. Each one is older than other, all are in cloaks and hoods like some secret cult or cabal. The hearing will not start until the Dithanoloth was fully satiated, the 'feast of words' is a party of sorts. Judges mingle with their own, same with the council no matter who dire the situation is.

You despise it. Elves excel in wasting time of others, after the umpteenth time, these feasts became all the same; vultures gouging bloated carcasses, reveling in putrid secrets. It is one you must partake.

Two Judge Magisters must chatter together. It is a great insult to do otherwise. The youngest, most inexperienced Judge is always the first to choose, He/she has a lot of catching up with the pillars before him/her. This may contradicts your previous statement but casual conversation is almost unheard of between Judges, the feast is one of the few occasions when one could talk freely.

The question looms over your golden head: who to talk to?

> Judge Vanasgreth
The most cunning woman you have ever seen. She is nearing a millennia of age and yet she shows not a sign of weakness. Perhaps this is why she is never seen without her armour. The revolution in Cairth would have been thwarted if she didn't switch sides. She openly hates your thoughts of change.

>Judge Gaern
His devotion to Satha outshines the moon-priestess themselves. He firmly implanted himself among the Judges for religious purposes only. He does not care about politics or personal gain like the rest, the elf hates you for tolerating 'heretic' religions, mainly the the dryads and their star/universe worship. He suspects you are a follower of Yenv for some reason.

>Judge Oriestinor
It is quite ironic, Oriestinal mean the merciful blade. There is nothing merciful about her. Her hands are forever stained with non-elven blood, she is the one who revived the F'teethiem after her mother had passed away. The woman slipped right into her mother's shoes. She is the one who hates you the most.

1/2

>>4554317

>Judge Nethoriel
The most extravagant Judge of them all, when she couldn't buy her way to the council, she settled for a judge. The richest woman of Cairth, her hunger for power and greed are limitless. Her father's river of pons had successfully funded the revolution, she is merely following his footsteps. Incidentally, she does have a soft spot for you. You are one of the few things that eludes her.

>Judge Zeykinth
The poster boy of the Judges, the youngest, most charming one, a giant monster slayer.. That is until you 'stole' his fame. He does not take his position seriously, one scandal after another....all hidden from the public. Needless to say, he had transcended beyond hatred towards you. You became his recent obsession, he won't rest until you are out of the picture for good.

>>4554317
>Vanasgreth
I feel like this is the best way to signal to the council we are willing to compromise and play by the rules. Besides, she already changed sides once. Perhaps we can ask about her reasons for doing so, see if she can be convinced to support reforma.

>>4554317
> Judge Vanasgreth

>>4554394
>>4555100

Few elves surpass a thousand year of age, fewer maintain such a blossoming vitality. Behind that cold armour, a wellspring of experience and knowledge pours endlessly. The armour itself is a sight to behold, a marvel of a bygone age. It had seen many wars and conflicts, probably more in the horizon as well.

"Ah, the cur on a crusade to 'right' Cairth comes to me." You caught her on a good day, " Judge Cidgeth, remind me of our precious title, what was it ?"

"An Honored Blade. Six Judges, each Judge represents the knights of Variefath Uelan...the order of Six Swords. " You knew where she was going with that conversation.

"Quite right. A blade that remains bound to its sheath. What use does it have for Cairth?"

"None." Outsmarting her is a useless endeavor.

"Your 'Oath' for peace is admirable, young Judge, but eventually useless. I have seen countless men like you, their ideal thoughts were shattered to pieces after years of service. "
" Then I will endure, I will stand unwavering against the tides of change. I will not adhere to violence. I *will* bring justice with all of my might." You stood your ground for once without disrespecting the great woman before you.

A bitter crackle erupted from the iron carapace next to you "Truly amusing, if it will give you any solace, you the brightest ape among befuddling baboons. Assuming I draw my swords against you for whatever reason, will you be able to best me?"

Judge Vanasgreth always carry two blades, crossing swords with her is suicide; she never lost a duel. They say the elf prefers puncturing the lungs of her enemies before watching them die an agonizing death choking in their own blood. Never was she the aggressor in any of them though.

>I would stand by my ways, strike my down if you must for I would never raise a sword, not against you or anyone.
>Will it please you to kill an unarmed man, Judge Vanasgreth?
>The Council would not let Judges slay each other. We have other methods of solving disagreements.
>Not in my wildest dreams. Will you grant me a swift death then? Promise me so.

>>4555463
>I would stand by my ways, strike my down if you must for I would never raise a sword, not against you or anyone.

>>4555463
>>Will it please you to kill an unarmed man, Judge Vanasgreth?

>>4555463
>>Will it please you to kill an unarmed man, Judge Vanasgreth?
It's no fun if you stab a bag of meat

>>4555541
>>4555571
>>4555953

" I am not the one who in too daft to reach for his sword." Her reply was sharp, almost cleaving you in half " The world is full of tragedies...It would be a shame if your life were extinguished in the near future. Cairth would be simply in tatters without you."

The Honoured Sword one step forward, then another, whispering in your helm " Do not despair, Judge Magister, You will not find betrayal in my blades. It is the lesser worms you should be concerned about."

"Your honesty in greatly appreciated." You bowed respectfully. The two of you never touch any food or drink in public. You leave golden-encrusted pastries and other lavish delicacies to the rest of the judges.

" How are our negotiations with Nileth? The Council is eager to learn of their intent." A tough question you didn't want to answer.

"Their spies should not have been killed. It was a brash mistake from Judge Oriestinor. We have little to offer to settle our...disagreements. They have other neighboring city-states on their sides. We don't have viable allies to counter their pressure." The council made the right choice sending you alone. They started this chain of corporate espionage after several breakthroughs in various fields. Your city-state is by no means an industrial giant but it has budding seeds for greatness, many are trying to claim them.

" Cairth stood by herself for ages. We were always alone and cornered. Did they refuse the pons?"

"They refused everything. They want us to simply hand our Lunis Project to them and their would-be coalition among many outrageous demands."

"I see," Judge Vanasgreth were annoyed by Judge Zeykinth's bellowing laughter as he was boring Judge Nethoriel with many of his giant-slaying tales " I trust no one knows about this ongoing farce, correct?"

"Yes." You nodded.

" Tell me, Judge Cidgeth, what should we do with the vermin biting our heels?"

>If giving them what they want will dispel the looming burden of war from our shoulder...then so be it. Cairth can still survive.
>War is inevitable, Yet, I will do my best to delay it under your guidance.
>Mega-corporations and other projects are still festering with spies. We must capture them. Alive.
>We must seek new allies, a lone wolf can not endure a pride of lions.
>Perhaps you should have this conversation with the woman who started it all, her ruthlessness outshines mine.

>>4556570
>Mega-corporations and other projects are still festering with spies. We must capture them. Alive.

>>4556570
>War is inevitable, Yet, I will do my best to delay it under your guidance.
Hey, if we delay war enough, it counts as peace, right? right?

>We must seek new allies, a lone wolf can not endure a pride of lions.
This too if we are able. Surely two rival power blocks would never battle each other.

Rolled 3 (1d3)

hooboy here we go
*your life was extinguished
*Sword took one step
*their political pressure
* Vanasgreth was annoyed
>>4556606
>>4556627

>>4556712
>>4556606
>>4556627
>>4556606
>>4556627

"Where? Across the ocean? The vermin surround us from all sides, ever so hungry for our flesh. We will find none that will matter." Quite a statement, you do suspect that she is hiding something from you. This is the norm around here sadly. It was your turn to ask her a single question. You answered yours faithfully. The Dithanoloth demands it.

>Is your beauty as eternal as your wisdom, Judge Vanasgreth?
>When the time comes, would you stand by my side? Not as equals for I am beneath you but as swords serving the good of Cairth and all? I fear a storm is brewing in the horizon.
>How fares the hunt for the blueblood? did you find the last of the low king's lineage?
>Have you considered visiting the lesser districts, honoured sword? It is a refreshing experience.
>Any interesting going-ons in the council?
>If I may ask, why did you turn on the low king? You had no love for revolutionaries
>Judge Nethoriel has been quite...bold with me as of late. I politely refuse her endless advances, it is very tiresome. I relish any advice from your side.

>>4557377
>If I may ask, why did you turn on the low king? You had no love for revolutionaries

>>4557441
"Because he was weak, Cairth was weak. She demanded a more...radical change, one that fell upon me to bring. I wouldn't let it puppeteered by the High King. It had to be done. "

"Where was your unfaltering loyalty? Your Oath? You could have prevented this." You shouldn't have said these words.

" Loyalty? Oath? I served his father and his grandfather, I watched one claimed by the black plaque, the other poisoned by his very own son. I watched our symbol of honor and glory fondling little boys, gorging himself till he became a fetid lump of fat wasting the kingdom away in a maelstrom of decadence and debauchery. He was beyond salvation, my only regret was not killing him myself...I left this honor to the masses. They deserve some pittance for what he had done to them."

"I-i apologize. I misjudged your intentions. Watching a man squandering Cairth awat must have been devastating."

"You have no idea." A string of forgotten memories lingered in her mind for the briefest of seconds " I could have seized the throne, returned Cairth to her former glory...but I know my lot. I only stand behind great men and women guiding them and in turn Cairth to a better future."

>You leave the lust of power to lesser people. Quite admirable, Judge Magister.
>It takes a lot of inner strength to resist these temptations. You have proven your virtues once again.
>A shame, The title of a Queen fits you perfectly
>Do you believe the council had achieved your visions?
>The Council isn't any better...old men squabbling over power and wealth.

>>4557527
>>Do you believe the council had achieved your visions?

>>4557527
>>You leave the lust of power to lesser people. Quite admirable, Judge Magister.

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>4557593
>>4557595

>>4557593
>>4557595

"This is beneath me. I care only for Cairth and her safety." With those words said, the feast had finally ended. It was satisfying to some, others weren't fortunate with their counterpart. As per traditions, the great bells of the Eternal palace were rang sixteen times. It is time to attend the hearing.

You always get this ominous feeling whenever you enter the darker belly of this palace. These walls had witnessed countless betrayals and bloodshed. You might as well be walking to your death. Not that you fear it or anything, you just have a lot to accomplish before dying.

You took your seat silently, the Council detest any unnecessary form of interaction with the Judges. When It comes to voting, each Judge has a certain field where his/her vote matters the most. It goes like this:

Judge Vanasgreth: Everything
Judge Cidgeth: External Affairs and Diplomacy
Judge Gaern: Religious Affairs and Education
Judge Oriestinor: Intelligence and Espionage
Judge Nethoriel: Economic Affairs and Development
Judge Zeykinth: Military Affairs and City-State Security

The rest falls on the council, the judges don't have that much of an authority on Labor, Public health and so on. The Council always starts with menial propositions , it is their way of mentally whittling the judges down. The small mound of paper on your desk had at least three propositions. Anyone here can suggest a new proposition for the next hearing. Nothing gets approved nowadays barring few exceptions.

Once per year, A Judge can use his current authority to 'force' a new proposition. It is much more complicated than that however, doing so will gain the ire of both fellow Judges and the Council.

You have one in mind.

For now, you have to deal with these propositions, First one was:

-Prop A02-73 (Orc CPD tax) [Suggested by Judge Oriestinor]
Background:Since Orcs commit more than 61% of all crimes in Cairth (82% of all violent crimes as well), their race should pay an extra 4% more in taxes. Orcs earning less than 20k pons per year will be exempted from said tax. The pons will go straight into CPD ,

>Approve the Prop, The police department needs more funding to keep the city safe. It is a shame to rely on the innocent to rectify the errors of the guilty.
>Reject the Prop, This is racism at its finest. Numbers means nothing when there are many other factors involved.
>Modify the Prop, Instead of ONLY orcs paying for it, why don't we tax everyone equally? [Much Lesser chance of approval ]
>Abstain [You will cast away your vote on the current proposition BUT your vote will be worth more in the next proposition]

>>4557680
>>Abstain [You will cast away your vote on the current proposition BUT your vote will be worth more in the next proposition]
If we continually abstain, we can get all the votes to pass bills we want passed

>>4557680
>Abstain [You will cast away your vote on the current proposition BUT your vote will be worth more in the next proposition]
This is a minor proposition at best. Better to save our vote to stop something much worse or pass something much better.

>>4557736
>>4557972

It will take a week or so before you will know the fate of these propositions. It is long, tedious process much like all bureaucratic nonsense out there. Onto the next one.

-Prop F94-29 ( Third Expedition Act ) [Suggested by Judge Zeykinth]
Background: There has been some concerning activities beneath Sanda, unexplained tremors and quakes. This might as well be a feral Arachni scouting party. They and their uncontacted tribe must be terminated much like the previous ones. All forms of warfare is authorized against the Feral Arachni ( 5% of their total population will be captured alive for further research/experimentation).

>Approve the Prop, Cairth must remain safe. Their constant underground digging jeopardize the integrity of Sanada. This can't continue.
>Reject the Prop, This is a waste of time, money and brilliant minds. Judge Zeykinth only wishes to relive his monster-slaying days by killing misunderstood creatures.
>Modify the Prop, Why violence is always his first approach ? Establishing a peaceful contact will benefit both sides. [Much Lesser chance of approval ]
>Abstain [You will cast away your vote on the current proposition BUT your vote will be worth more in the next proposition]

>>4558331
>Abstain [You will cast away your vote on the current proposition BUT your vote will be worth more in the next proposition]

>>4558331
>>Abstain [You will cast away your vote on the current proposition BUT your vote will be worth more in the next proposition]

>>4558340

Another abstained proposition. What is your grand plan here? Did you just discard the girl's wish so you can sit idly in the hearing? One last proposition remained, you WILL answer to it in one way or another.

-Prop L00-03 (Eternal Immunity III Authorization) [Suggested by several Council Member]
Background: The city-state that is now Cairth was built from the sweat and blood of thee revolutionaries. They were mostly common citizens who fought against the Low king and his faithful loyalists , however, Cairth wouldn't regain her freedom without proper leadership. The pillars of the revolution were in fact noble families generously funding the movement AND rebuilding the city-state after the conflict. It is time to strengthen their privileges for the third time. A lot of laws had changed within the last forty years, their eternal rights must be rewritten. There was a long list associated with the proposition. Those mentioned were the whole Council , the rest of the Judges and the majority of families in Hileyeath and a few families from Espara. Technically, Anyone can earn the eternal immunity as long as the council approves first.

This is exactly what you are fighting for. You eyed the Great Judge briefly, she wasn't pleased with this disgusting proposition.

>Reject the Proposition , silently.
>Speak out loud against this blatant corruption, no one is above the law, none! Judge Vanasgreth might back you up on this one. Might.

>>4558407
>>4558428
whoops

>>4558428
>Speak out loud against this blatant corruption, no one is above the law, none! Judge Vanasgreth might back you up on this one. Might.
It seems only fitting

>>4558428
>>Speak out loud against this blatant corruption, no one is above the law, none! Judge Vanasgreth might back you up on this one. Might.
This some big poppy right here

>>4558428
>>Speak out loud against this blatant corruption, no one is above the law, none! Judge Vanasgreth might back you up on this one. Might.

>>4558512

" Privileges? You are no different than the Low king. Without the sword of the law inching above your necks, what or who can stop you from abusing your powers? Your morals? It must come to an end, this 'Eternal Immunity' "

Your echoing voice had caused quite the stir. Few expected such a bold outcry "You are crossing your boundaries, Judge Cidgeth." One of the nameless council members spoke against you.

"Now, now dear. There is nothing wrong with a little protection. Pardon the young man, he is feeling unwell." Judge Nethoriel spoke on your behalf. The rest of the Judges expressed their opinion as well.

"Great men and woman can't fall to pitiful things while our enemies grow by the second. Their spies will take this chance to infiltrate our establishments. " said Judge Oriestinor.

" This is exactly why we don't let a filthy half-breed enter our venerable halls! Humans are vacuous, they have no regards for tomorrow, barely above orcs the poor things." Judge Zeykinth stroke while the iron is hot. He would take every opportunity for a quick jab at you.

"Satha protects me. I will always stay pure. Weak men put their faith behind weaker laws." Judge Gaern was on your side for the first time for reasons different than yours.

"ENOUGH!" A single cry for order had rendered everyone silent. Judge Vanasgreth stood in the the center of the hall " WE are Cairth in FLESH, WE are her PROTECTORS, her augur of justice! Is this my reward after more than nine hundreds of service ?? To see literal children trying to save their hides? What a disgrace you are! Even a non-elf can see the greed bulging from your hidden eyes!"

"You disappoint us, first of Judges. It doesn't matter, we have the majority in votes. It *will* be implemented. The three of you will be exempted from it thanks to your outlandish reactions! Never raise your voice against the council. We. Own. Cairth. " Another council member defied the honoured sword.

Neither Judge Gaern nor Judge Vanasgreth were amused with his words. Tension was sizzling in the air because of you. Any single word can trigger a bombastic response. The ceremonial guards were just this close of escorting you out of here, they were waiting for the orders that never came. The Council wanted to know about the current situation with Nielth. You gave them a full report.

"Cairth is not prepared for a full-scale war."

"We will not kneel to their demands."

"The Lunis Project is the key to many answers. The possibilities are endless!"

"You have done well despite your ..... unwanted rambling, Judge Cidgeth."

"I do what I can to serve Cairth." You replied " I trust the Council hadn't come up with a decision just yet. I will continue to stall Nileth as best as I can."

"You do that." The councilman paused "How goes the medical research of your enterprise?"

"It is *very* promising." Judge Nethoriel exclaimed " With my funding, it will take one or two years to finally find a cure for the black plague."

1/2

>>4558512
>>4558535
>>4558540

" I *ahem* had a little problem with a nosy journalist, She knew too much about...the experiments. Yes, the two of them. The evidence she had gathered had died with her. She might have been a spy..."

The Council was somewhat satisfied with that conclusion. You spent the rest of the hearing discussing previously approved propositions and other developing situations with the Council.

When it was finally over, You wanted to thank both Judges for supporting you but you had little time to waste; A girl barely clinging to life is waiting for you.

___________________________

The sun was stolen from the skies leaving a starless night in its absence. Was the hours spent arguing with old men a worthy trade off?

Your predecessor had personally funded this hospital in Koris , Judge Kevreth was his name. His vision of a better Cairth was cut short by illness. The right thing to do is to be a man like him... so compassionate, selfless and inspiring.

Your armor rattles as you entered the hospital racing the floor beneath your metal boots to reach the girls room.

"Judge Cidgeth! I-"

"Where is she? Where is the girl?" Your heart was pounding, demanding an answer from the nurse.

"S-she..." There was no need for hollowed words, the nurse's face as well as several doctors' spoke of the most unwanted visitor in the hospital.

Death.

"W-we didza wot we can, Judga C-"

" You are not to blame, young doctor. The one who failed her is me." Your eyes gazed upon her room's door, the air is thick with misery. It was enough to crush your windpipe and choke the life out of you.

"Is she still inside?" you asked the orc doctor.

"Ye, She passeda eway five minutes ago." He nodded twice.

"Then, I wish to see her, privately . I will only take five minutes."

" I Understan. None be botherin ya."

You closed the door behind you, clenching your fist in pure angst. You were aware of this possibility and yet you were never mentally prepared for it. The husk before youx was but a hazily figure from the tears running down your cheeks.

"I-i am...here. " You shouldn't have done this but you took off your helm, placing it on a nearby table. You gently held her lifeless hands uttering a single sentence over and over again.

"I am here for you."

________________________

FIN
________________________


And that concludes A Judge's day! Thank you all for playing and have good night!

>>4558652
Thank you for running