File: DDA82C8D-A045-4340-9B9E-8(...).jpg (43 KB, 700x417)

43 KB JPG

Axing for trouble

An audible sigh had escaped your lips; Laying off workers... treating the natives like cattle. It did not bode with you. The great powers are forcing you to turn against the good people of Arkuland, for how long will they endure your laws and propositions?

Your aggressive stance against your kinsmen in favor of easterners and territorians hasn't gone unnoticed. Words slithered behind your back, they called you the Wing's plaything falling to your knees on their whim. You would love to see all of these naysayers in your shoes for a change...they would plunge Arkuland into anarchy in a single month!

No matter, the month is at its end. Noskk has been working tirelessly for the clockwork miner prototype. Turns out, adjusting their reason box to follow a new set of commands is not an easy task. Rolling them out and Mass producing them should take two months or so according to him.

You were attending to some bureaucratic nonsense when Gustav stormed into your office, rifle in hand " Governor, we must evacuate the Core tower, now!"

You was about to ask him why but the answer was just over the window; an unruly mob was waiting for you outside the Core tower. Miners, enraged by your recent decision to replace them with automatons.

"WE BUILT THIS CITY!"

"WE WANT WORK! WE WANT WORK! "

"GIVE US OUR RIGHTS BACK!"

Their voices grow louder and louder as they surrounded the tower, the mob exceeded the thousand mark with more joining in to benefit from this newfound chaos. This wouldn't have been a problem if this was a peaceful protest.

It was not.

The Miners were backed by their overseers, armed with drills, pickaxes and anything they could get their dirty hands on. You couldn't see it but Gustav is certain that some might be have some dynamite on them.

Your safety is not the only thing at stakes here. Any damage done to the core could prove to be catastrophic to the whole city. The law enforcers are doing what they can to defuse the situation but they are only delaying the inevitable while your more formidable forces are slowly mobilizing inside the busy city. They will only arrive during the aftermath.

Another thing to consider: Are you willing to murder your own people? The crowd consists of Northerners and Territorians only. What are the repercussions of firing back?

1/2

File: 7B397E06-0C90-4C55-9EBC-D(...).jpg (13 KB, 480x360)

13 KB JPG

>>4988164
>Summon one of your advisors [Specify]
Time is running out, waiting will only make the consequences more severe

>NO ONE is going anywhere. You won't run from these rats! [ [ +3 Strategy, +1 Strays, +1 Grand Plan, +2 Career -5 Territorians, -5 Northerners , -2 Unrest, -2 Security, Some characters might perish in this altercation ]
-Arkuland Trait: Core Massacre [ Hundreds have perished due to your (in)decision, leaving a permanent scar in Arkuland]
-Arkuland Trait : Damaged Core [The infighting had damaged many of the Core-Subsystems, much of Arkuland will live in cold darkness and production will slow to a halt]
Heavens above, You will stand and fight!


>Evacuate the tower while you still can. [ +1 Strategy, +1 Strays, +1 Grand Plan -2 Career , -5 Territorians, -5 Northerners , -3 Unrest ]
-Arkuland Trait: Core Massacre [ Hundreds have perished due to your (in)decision, leaving a permanent scar in Arkuland]
-Arkuland Trait : Damaged Core [The infighting had damaged many of the Core-Subsystems, much of Arkuland will live in cold darkness and production will slow to a halt]
The tower has secret tunnels beneath it, you will flee with your life.

>Order the law enforcers and the Core tower security to use lethal force [ +1 Strategy, +1 Intrigue, +1 Strays, +1 Grand Plan -2 Career, +3 Corruption -5 Territorians, -5 Northerners , -3 Unrest
-Arkuland Trait: Core Massacre [ Hundreds have perished due to your (in)decision, leaving a permanent scar in Arkuland]
They didn't come here to bargain, you will gladly deliver hot lead and steel to this rabble.

>[ 5 Diplomacy or more] Address the masses, instill fear in their hearts [ +2 Diplomacy , +2 Career, +1 Wing, +1 Union, +4 Unrest -1 Intrigue , -5 Northerners, -5 Easterners, -5 Territorians , -1 Grand Plan, -1 Strays, +2 Corruption ]
-Arkuland Trait : Tyrant [Your recent speech had shown your true colours to the people of Arkuland. They will follow and fear their new governor. ]
Terror can be sometimes quite effective in ensuing law and order.

>Address the Masses, Submit to their demands [ +2 Strays, +1 Grand Plan ,+5 Northerners, +5 Territorians, +3 Unrest Will cancel the non-haash effects of the previous prop.!, -1 Union , -1 Wing, -1 Diplomacy , +4 Corruption, -3 Career ]
If that is what it takes to reach a peaceful resolution. you will do so.

>>4988162
Thank you OP. For those who don't know, I am rangebanned so I can't post pics/start a new thread.

Birdposting is encouraged!

File: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA.gif (474 KB, 400x266)

474 KB GIF

>>4988167
Well this is a goddamn disaster of a start. Luckily I have a bird picture that perfectly encapsules the feelings I have about the current situation.

Could we get a refresh of the current stats our Governor, please. I remember us being critically low in a few areas and I'd rather not vote without know which ones they were.

-Diplomacy (5) [Skilled]
-Intrigue (4) [Honest Aize]
-Strategy (5) [Adept Administrator]
-Native Lore (0) [Buchsigvv]
-Wealth (5) [Passing by]
-Security (3) [heavy company]
-Career (-2) [Under Investigation]


TRAITS

-Jonathan's Past: Ex-governor of Devtzshik
-Death do us apart: You will always remain faithful to your wife.
-Silver guarded : You are accompanied by a small army wherever you go protecting you against all manners of conventional weaponry and some arcane tricks
-Native Interpreter: Your secretary is one of the few people who could understand the bizarre native language to some extent.
-Wonder-Blooded: The Blood of the Wonder child runs through your veins
-Blood-Bonded :You are ethereally linked to the Wonderchild.
-Pioneer : Exploring uncharted territories should be more feasible with Mr. Andros in charge
-Geo-Specialist : Any research related to various stones, minerals...etc should be easier in the future
-Charitable Soul : The religious organizations of both sides are aware of your selfless act. You have their respect.
- The Scarlet Road :The ex-Prince's caravans and connections will bring more bounties to your city satisfying the needs of your common easterner.
- Territorian in power [ This unprecedented move will give the territorians a glimmer of hope.]
FAMILY

- Unity (3) [Harmony]
-Margret Thornwall (8)
-Martin Jonathan (-3) [Distant]


FRIENDS AND ACQUAINTANCES

- Gustav Tordeson (0)
- Ameriah Adeel (3)
- Jacob Vargee (0)
- Nakea't Musel (-4) [Furious]
- Noskk Akaravich (-2)
- Aukustus Darvin (-1)
- Eliza Mazzan (1)
- Arudelle Cenidekt (0)
- Kemer Kasoof (1)
- Wonderchild (5) [Sokeot]
- Andros Dillipe (0)
-Yusook Nehaas (0)

ARKULAND

- 1 Wing Decree
- 1 Stray's Favor
- Northern Union (-1) [Under suspicion]
- Eastern Wing (4) [Strong Bonded]
- Easterners (5) [Idolized]
- Northerners (-5) [Vilified]
- Territorians (2) [Liked]
- Natives (1) [Liked]
- Strays (0) [Friend of the strays]


ADMINISTRATIVE

-Quota [Nythriem] (2) [Acceptable rate]
-Quota [Haash Elixir] (0) [Barely meeting demand]
-Wealth of Arkuland (2) [Struggling]
-Exploitable Resources (10) [Virtually untouched]
-Corruption (2) [Light Corruption]

MILITARY

-Retaliation (3) [Opportunistic Raids]
-Army Strength (6) Expeditionary Battalions
-Unrest (-2) [Protests]

Our current stats. Choose wisely

>>4988271
>>4988299

I was gonna post it in the next month but sure.

>>4988165
Thanks for running. I won't be bird-posting anymore.

>[ 5 Diplomacy or more] Address the masses, instill fear in their hearts [ +2 Diplomacy , +2 Career, +1 Wing, +1 Union, +4 Unrest -1 Intrigue , -5 Northerners, -5 Easterners, -5 Territorians , -1 Grand Plan, -1 Strays, +2 Corruption ]
-Arkuland Trait : Tyrant [Your recent speech had shown your true colours to the people of Arkuland. They will follow and fear their new governor. ]
Terror can be sometimes quite effective in ensuing law and order.

>>4988332
But why anon?

>>4988271
soo you wanna vote, anon?

File: Birb.jpg (25 KB, 500x281)

25 KB JPG

>>4988165
>NO ONE is going anywhere. You won't run from these rats! [ [ +3 Strategy, +1 Strays, +1 Grand Plan, +2 Career -5 Territorians, -5 Northerners , -2 Unrest, -2 Security, Some characters might perish in this altercation ]
I ain't too hot on taking the Tyrant route, incurring these penalties with every population group AND the Strays is how we get stabbed to death in our home. This will put our Career on the right path, won't incur additional corruption and give us some good boy points with the Strays. Hopefully we can then use the favour with the Strays to deal with the Unrest while we repair the tower.

>>4988500
Sorry man, I passed out. Have birb.

>>4988165
>>[ 5 Diplomacy or more] Address the masses, instill fear in their hearts [ +2 Diplomacy , +2 Career, +1 Wing, +1 Union, +4 Unrest -1 Intrigue , -5 Northerners, -5 Easterners, -5 Territorians , -1 Grand Plan, -1 Strays, +2 Corruption ]

>>4988516
>>4988551
>>4988332
it is getting late here so we will continue tomorrow. Thank you for participating!

>>4988165
>Order the law enforcers and the Core tower security to use lethal force

This is the best/worst option

It avoids any damage to the Core + it keeps some of the population and the Strays onside

It also doesn’t hit our security score

I can't read this at the moment but I'll catch up later today. Glad to see this is back.

>>4988165
>NO ONE is going anywhere. You won't run from these rats! [ [ +3 Strategy, +1 Strays, +1 Grand Plan, +2 Career -5 Territorians, -5 Northerners , -2 Unrest, -2 Security, Some characters might perish in this altercation ]
-Arkuland Trait: Core Massacre [ Hundreds have perished due to your (in)decision, leaving a permanent scar in Arkuland]
-Arkuland Trait : Damaged Core [The infighting had damaged many of the Core-Subsystems, much of Arkuland will live in cold darkness and production will slow to a halt]
Heavens above, You will stand and fight!

Isn't it game over at -5 career? We can't get so low. We are already super low with the Northerners, some more won't hurt

>>4988712
nah, we will get an event so we can try to recover. there are no instant game over in this quest. You will see it coming.

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>4988332
>>4988516
>>4988551
>>4988660
>>4988712
1=Address
2= No one

>>4988332
>>4988516
>>4988551
>>4988660
>>4988712

And thus began one of the bloodiest massacres in Arkuland right at your doorsteps. No one actually recall who shot first, not that It would matter to anyone but historians. The Law enforcers outside were eventually overwhelmed without any meaningful help from the core. Honest men hacked to death, their corpses were stripped and cast aside. The real show is about to begin.

Jacob initiated the tower's emergency protocols. The tower defenses had barely any noticeable budget thanks to Governor Ayyah who stated that ' No man or beast shall fell this mighty tower'. If only...

Clockwork soldiers, Steam-powered turrets were awakened from their slumber. They rushed quickly to aid the retreating forces in the reception hall only to be met with sticks of dynamite haphazardly thrown all over the place.

While the automatons had their share of kills slicing and dicing angry miners, they were quickly dispatched by violent explosions that shook the very foundations of the tower. Like ravenous ants, the mob went from one floor to another killing, raping and looting anything along their paths. The Core tower had suffered from several collapses , none were enough to bring it down thank the lord. However, its rippling effect was already felt across the city.

Lights out. It was too late for you to escape with your fellow advisors, some had admired your steadfastness while others were certain that you had doomed them all. It seemed that only Northerners and their creations were defending the tower with little sign of death-defying arcane-wielding easterners. Most Strange.

"Governor!" You could barely hear Gustav's voice behind the barricaded door.

"Gustav, how fares the ongoing fight? Are you hurt?"

"Just a few nicks, Governor." He breathed heavily " Damn bastards are a few floors away from here...but I got a plan to stop them dead in their tracks."

Desperation was clear in his voice "I'll set a few traps. The elevator will crash down, making it easier to defend the stairs. Governor Jonathan Wells, It has been an honour serving you."

"Wait!" A voice bellowed behind you, it was Ms. Kemer Kasoof. It was very uncharacteristic from hear to act like so.

"I.. must act... so others can...live." The Matrah stepped forward " I will end... this bloodshed."

Your Arcane advisor had stepped forward, waiting for your permission to get out there. If she died out there, she will die for good; a true death always awaits those with immense arcane power unlike the rest of her kin.

1/2

File: 3261F884-97DA-4FDB-8643-F(...).jpg (12 KB, 278x181)

12 KB JPG

>>4988332
>>4988516
>>4988551
>>4988660
>>4988712

Both the Sword-Law and the prime legislator didn't utter a single word, the dyad were more armed than anyone in this room and yet they lacked Ms. Kasoof's bravery.

>"The Pleasure is all mine." [Gustav will die]
You will pray for his safe return.

>" I have faith in you , Ms Kemer." [Kemer Kasoof will die]
She is a powerful arcane user. She can handle it.

> "Kindly accompany our Matrah, Gustav. Her life is in your hands." [ Both Gustav and Kemer might perish ]
They have better chance to survive together.

> "To blazes with this! I am going out!" [+1 Strategy, +1 Career ] [WARNING: YOU MIGHT DIE]
You will teach these insolent dogs a lesson!

>>4989551
>"Kindly accompany our Matrah, Gustav. Her life is in your hands." [ Both Gustav and Kemer might perish ]
>They have better chance to survive together.

This is a spicy situation, but in the end I feel the gamble on both of them to be the choice to take. High-risk, high-reward but it might see them both walk out of this alive as opposed to a guaranteed death, or it will see them both perish and I will curse myself for suggesting it. I'm also half tempted to say we join them as well, but that might be raising the stakes just a little bit too high.

>>4989551
> "To blazes with this! I am going out!" [+1 Strategy, +1 Career ] [WARNING: YOU MIGHT DIE]
You will teach these insolent dogs a lesson!

They are so close and we are in desperate straits. May as well set an example for everyone, 'don't ask someone to do something you'd not do yourself' and all that, if we die then at least it'll have been somewhat heroic. Besides, we have wonder-blood, I'm sure we'll be fine.

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>4989808
>>4989881
1=kindly
2= blazes

>>4989551
>"To blazes with this! I am going out!" [+1 Strategy, +1 Career ] [WARNING: YOU MIGHT DIE]

Bring Gustav as well though

>>4989808
>>4989881
>>4989994
going to update tomorrow. Goodnight anons and thank you for participating!

File: Canadian Goose.jpg (33 KB, 480x360)

33 KB JPG

>>4989995
Good night and sleep well snail, don't let the birds eat you.

>>4990079
scary

File: D2CE3344-D17B-480F-92E5-3(...).jpg (120 KB, 1500x1000)

120 KB JPG

>>4989881
>>4989994
>>4989808

"Then I will come with you." The very woman who you conspired to kill had mustered enough bravery to speak. The Sword-Law had retained her previous stance preferring the safety and self preservation over what seemed to be a suicidal mission.

The four of you had set off to repel the enraged mob. Your very presence was inspiring to the remaining forces. They fought tooth and nail for your sake as more of the bastard poured in, some of which were armed with the rifles of the fallen.

You didn't waste any time to empty your pistol in the chest of your foe scoring a few kills in the midst of this chaos. The Matrah had erected a special paling that bounced off their bullets. Her arcane shield was no match for several sticks of dynamite hastily thrown in a moment of impatience.

"GET BACK!" but It was too late. The explosion had destroyed several pillars causing the collapse of the floor above you. You were separated from the others momentarily when the floor beneath you had started to give away. Had you been twenty or thirty years younger, you would have slipped away but alas, this was not the case.

This newfound hole had swallowed you to the lower floor, you fell and fell without touching or the piled up rubble scattered around. The reason was quite unfortunate....

Two exposed rebar jutting from a broken pillar, coated with your blood. They pierced your chest suspending you in the air. Your spine might have been broken during the fall as well, you can't feel your legs.

Your mouth is agape, unable to let out a pitiful scream or a death rattle. Your ears are fixed on distant and irrelevant sounds. Your eyes aimlessly scanned your upside world, searching for salvation... nothing.



As the world was getting colder and more blurry, your peripheral vision caught a red silhouette. Ah, yes, the Wonderchild. Is she real or a figment of your dying imagination. Sorrow is written on her ethereal face as she circles around you. Where did it all go so wrong?

Is she here to give you a second chance at life or to provide some solace to a dying man?

>Second Chance, You can't die, not now. You still have so much to achieve. [Defying Death will come at a cost]
...

>Solace, Let these old bones be put at rest [Jonathan Wells will die, A New Eastern Governor of your chosing will replace him.]
...

>>4991020
>Second Chance, You can't die, not now. You still have so much to achieve. [Defying Death will come at a cost]

We are not done with this world yet

going to update tomorrow. Goodnight anons!

>>4991020
>Second Chance, You can't die, not now. You still have so much to achieve. [Defying Death will come at a cost]

While I'm more than happy to continue this quest in whatever form with a new governor, I want to continue our story, whatever the consequences, if we screw Arkuland up or die then we can always continue its story with a new governor as this very post shows.

>>4991304
>>4991799

By all accounts, you died in the incident known as the Core Massacre. Your heart and lungs were pierced by rebar. Neither Modern medicine nor Ancient arcane could have saved you in time.

They say a lot of thing about the soul, different beliefs pondering of its final destination and such. To you, Your blind soul clang to your body in a world mostly devoid of your senses. Perhaps your soul was awaiting a proper burial before going to the hereafter ? You can not tell.

You felt the foreign hands carrying you away, the tears of your wife trickling over your head and the distant sigh of your son wanting not to glance at his father. You felt the congregation of people surrounding your imprisoned body. A coffin, suffocating thing. It didn't bring you comfort for one reason or another.

Words upon words, you heard. Some were true while others were honeyed with lies. You were laid to rest, swallowed by cold soil and the company of the dead. This is it, your final resting place.

Your soul was a speck in a sea of nothing, so insignificant and irrelevant to the circle of life and death. Is it time for you to be judged? will your deeds carry you to the heavens?

You saw him, the great Lord himself. His divine face illuminated the scathing darkness around you. If you could have bow to his mighty presence, you would have but alas, you are a formless dot of light.

He did not speak, curving a gentle smile to you. It was brief , Oh Lord, Why would you frown upon this soul? Is eternal damnation your punishment?

The frown had melted away from his divine face. He slowly nodded before leaving you to the endless swathes of darkness. Has he abandoned you? Are you destined to suffer in this purgatory?

Alone , you accepted this fate. This darkness however did not last long. It was invaded by a pulsating red light...and guttural chanting. Hundreds of natives calling out your name, their thundering voices could be heard across Arkuland. Then, you saw her...

The Wonderchild standing in front of a fanged entity with the same brilliance as the Lord except more primal and animalistic.

<I die, so you live.> the Wonderchild didn't wait for you to react <So you save all. My people, Your people.>

Her gentle touch had sent a joyous warmth to your existence for a spell until it became too much, your weightless soul sank into the bottomless abyss piercing all to return to the waking world.

Like a searing meteor, It dropped with such a velocity that a sizable crater encompassing the whole graveyard was formed during your revival. Your hand twitched slightly as you tasted air like a newborn, life coursing through your still body.

You stood up, still completely unaware of your environ. The coffin was blown to bits, thankfully. It only took you several steps before realizing how weak and feeble you were at the moment. The last thing you recall before succumbing back to darkness was the commotion you had created

1/?

>>4991304
>>4991799

Times passes by as you are nurtured back to health. Your world is still enshrouded and yet you are able to feel the presence of many. You sensed many things: Gasps, cries, heated discussion...even the weight of a blade on your neck. Blood was dripping, however, it was not yours.

When the time was ripe, you slowly opened your eyes. Margret was standing a few feet away allowing the nurse to resume her duties. Your secretary was sleeping on a nearby chair , clutching to a heavy folder.

"O JONATHAN!" Already crying tears of joy, Margret rushed towards you, shoving the nurse aside " How I missed you!"

<It was foolish of me to-> You stopped dead in your tracks, your tongue is not yours, your voice echoes unnaturally. You repeated the same sentence a couple of time until you returned back to your native tongue.

Slowly, you began to realize the horrid changes bestowed upon you; Your tongue constantly scratched against your long fangs, two branched horns had sprouted out of your forehead and to top it off. A plant-like malignancy had replaced your once-beating heart. Your skin had bark-like patches all over. Madness.

You couldn't comprehend all of these changes demanding answers. The next few minutes were plunged into chaos as you were swarmed by various healers and doctors trying to assess your current status. Miss Adeel waited patiently until your condition was stable.

"Jonathan, sir. I am afraid it was been.... six months since your 'death'. None of the advisors were grievously injured during the massacre."

<And what of-> " And what of Gusta-"

Speak of the devil and he shall run to you, your silver guard was waiting outside this whole time, he lost an eye and much of his face was scarred " Sir! "

"I am sorry , my friend. I put you all through needless danger."

"We have other problems, sir." Gustav told the nurse to leave, " You stayed dead for about a week or so, long enough for the Wing to have a Governor of theirs in charge."

"WHAT?!" Your burst of anger had caused root tendrils to slither out of your back knocking several vials on the nearby table "...what?"

"We will talk about your condition later." He brushed this topic aside " His name is Fahem Akyriah, that man is a monster. I admit, he had set Arkuland on a more prosperous path... that doesn't justify the police state we are living in. Daily executions, curfew, the core tower came his fortress. "

"There is a group of insurgents who call themselves the Strays, they are the only one resisting this tyranny with everything on them. I can't support them, they utilize violence indiscriminately choking the life of Arkuland further." Your secretary added. What have you been up to, Madame Lupin?

2/?

>>4991799
>>4991304

This is the point where your path will diverge. Several fates await you, each with its own versions of hardships to conquer. Which path shall you tread?


>I must speak with the Sword-Law and the prime legislator. I am still the governor, god damn it! [Continue the Path of the Governor.]
That name sounds familiar...

>Let him sit in his ivory tower, I have other plans for him [ Start the Path of the Strays ]
Madame Lupin should welcome you among her ranks.

>I don't belong here, Gustav. I must leave... for good [Start the Path of the Natives]
You can hear her calling...

>>4992570
>I don't belong here, Gustav. I must leave... for good [Start the Path of the Natives]

We weren’t a great Governor to be honest, and if we join the Strays we let others decide our path.

The Wonderchild sacrificed herself for us, we need to do the same.

I’m not sure if we can just abandon our wife, son and supporters though…

>>4992570
>I must speak with the Sword-Law and the prime legislator. I am still the governor, god damn it! [Continue the Path of the Governor.]

There must be some legal path to regain power. We can contest this new governor if the government staff choose to obey us and reject this tyranny and restore our prior norms and institutions. There is no path where violence or consorting with the natives solves the problems we are aware of. To maintain Arkulands standard of living we must rely on trade so we cannot throw off the shackles of the great powers. To save the natives we must curb our own excesses and find a solution that allows us an alternative to the Haash elixir. To save the land we must deal with the sleeping beast and prevent excessive pollution. These are only possible as governor of Arkuland.

>>4992716
>>4993089
I can switch votes to back this.

We can always go native if we fail to reclaim the Governor title

>>4992570
>>I don't belong here, Gustav. I must leave... for good [Start the Path of the Natives]
>You can hear her calling...

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>4992716
>>4993089
>>4993216
>>4993777
1=Gov
2=Native

>>4993777
I already wrote +6k update, just waiting for snail 2.0 to post the updates with pics.So if it was 2, can you switch back to the gov path, please? If you don't want to, it is fine.

>>4993777
well, it is a 2. Do you want me to stick to my +6k update or do you want me to just dump it for a new update?

>>4993777
Anon please reply soon, otherwise I will go with my original update.

>>4993810
Although I missed the vote, I feel we've entangled ourselves too hard in the politics to leave now. I'd prefer we stay the path.

Man, I bet that Mob are kicking themselves for ousting us now that they have an actual tyrant in place of us in the Core Tower. Unless of course they've already been executed, which is very likely.

>>4993817
Yep. You will see the ramification of the new Governor in snail 2.0's next post(s).

I think >>4993216 switched to governor anyways, so that has the majority I believe.

>>4992716
>>4993089
>>4993216

"Their legal battle against our new Governor is wavering but it is far from over."

"Even the Sword-Law?" you raised an eyebrow.

" Especially the Sword-Law." The man in charge is absolutely abhorrent to make Nakea't switch sides favouring the enemy over one of his kin.

__________________________

11/36?

The Hearing

The news of your awakening had spread like wildfire in Arkuland, it gave a glimmer of hope to some while others wished you would never awake. Your secretary gave you a quick review of the current going-ons in the new world.

The natives had been chanting your name in their jungles and huts, effigies bearing your horned semblance are frequently found in the wilderness. Their attacks had significantly decreased as well despite Governor Fahem's aggressive expansion. He is backed by the Wing who poured an unprecedented amount of resources to secure their footing after the Core Massacre.

Arkuland is under martial law, every street has a squadron of soldiers. Watch towers armed with heavy weaponry are looming over every district. Life had taken a twisted turn after your apparent death.

Speaking of which, you are the first Northerner who had ever experienced resurrection. The religious orders are in theological debates on what to do with you. However, the Union ensured that you wouldn't be studied or experimented upon by any Easterner. They wanted to have this privilege for themselves should you had 'expired' during your transformation.

And your resurrection hasn't come without cost. Your body demands blood, and blood only. The thirst is already building up inside you. Swine blood had nurtured you thus far, will you resist your newfangled desire or will you succumb like the savages outside your city walls?

That is not all, your arcane-filled body is mighty paranatural. Even in your slumbering state, you killed a would-be assassin with entangling tendrils sprouting from your body. Your wounds will heal before your eyes. You are an icon to the natives and a symbol of heresy to the civilized world.

1/?

>>4992716
>>4993089
>>4993216

As for the old world, tension has been bubbling about; several Territorian states had declared independence, fighting a losing battle against both great powers. Untold atrocities are committed once more Overseas.

This was not the time to idle, you must contact the Sword-Law and the Prime Legislator to arrange a meeting with this false Governor. You must take what is yours. It took several weeks for this hearing to come true mainly due to the parties involved. Delegates from both the North and the East had crossed treacherous water just for your sake.

The Hearing was in the Core Tower, or should you say fortress? Several spider tanks were stationed there, the nearby buildings had been evicted only to be garrisoned by hardened soldiers and anxious Clockwork Soldiers. Nosk has been busy, it seemed.

Nearly all of your previous Cabinet were replace by loyal hounds of various degrees of corruption with the exception of Miss Kasoof. Thankfully, he couldn't give the boot to the dyad you were counting on. Everyone gazed at the abomination that was yourself as you took the elevator to the top floor.

"Ohh! Like the new look, old man. " The Sword-Law was the first to greet you in the hall. "The Da'eea are itching to learn of your experience in the great pale."

"Good to see you. I take time hasn't been kind to you these past months, correct?" Stress can whittle down one's complexion.

"You have no idea." He whispered softly, showing you your seat " The man in the helm is straight up mad. He will sink this ship sooner or later."

"Where is the Coremaster?" You eyes flickered right and left trying to find him.

"He died a very slow and painful death during the massacre. At least he had a bottle on him for one last sip."

"..." You resisted the urge to thrash about with your tendrils, gritting your teeth instead. Vargee was a good man, he didn't deserve to die like so.

"Governor." Miss Arudelle called you. She had just arrived to the hall.

"I am yet to reclaim my title, Mi-" Your eyes were fixed on her missing right arm, much of her right side of her face was burnt to a crisp leaving horrifying scars that she chose to wear with pride.

"I... I apologize for your misfortune." Silence was her reply as you reopened her wounds.

"This easterner runt is stepping over his boundaries, neither I nor the Union would accept him as the legitimate governor of Arkuland. My loyalty lies with you." She tolerated the Sword-Law's presence for the moment merely because the two of them shared the same goals. "This is why you must allow me to represent you."

"Jonathan, old man." Nakea't was offended from her suggestion. "Know thy enemy and all that. I know eastern law like the back of my hand... for obvious reasons. You must choose me."

"And so do I." She retorted " how will you fare against the Saints of Voropa? This is not a mere hearing, this is a trial. Blasphemy is written all over you."

2/?

File: 4687B92E-8E1D-4E13-8B1E-F(...).png (1.23 MB, 2000x569)

1.23 MB PNG

>>4993886
>>4992716
>>4993089
>>4993216

>Allow The Sword-Law to represent you [The Legal topics of this hearing will be mostly in your favor ]
One desperate snake versus many, you like these odds

>Allow The Prime Legislator to represent you [ The Religious topics of this hearing will be mostly in your favour]

>Represent yourself [???]
You trust in your skills of defend yourself and reclaim governorship

>>4993829
>>4993817
>>4992716
>>4993089
>>4993216
>>4993777

Forgot to add some flavor text.
>>4993890
>Allow The Prime Legislator to represent you [ The Religious topics of this hearing will be mostly in your favour]
Your current existence is an insult to many. You must steel yourself with her.

>>4993890
*to defend yourself and reclaim

>>4993890
>Allow The Sword-Law to represent you [The Legal topics of this hearing will be mostly in your favor ]
>One desperate snake versus many, you like these odds

Our generosity has already earned the respect of the religious orders. Our apperance may have been altered greatly, but there is no question about the integrity of our character. Having someone who can navigate the complexity of laws is more important in this situation

>>4993919
oh appearance isnt the only problem. Only easterners can suffer a lesser death. They demand explanation for this unnatural act, with these being all native-like, things arent looking good.

>>4993890


>Allow The Sword-Law to represent you [The Legal topics of this hearing will be mostly in your favor ]
One desperate snake versus many, you like these odds

This is a good point >>4993919

Actually, no, fuck, I'll switch and make this a tie once again.

Switching to...

>Allow The Prime Legislator to represent you [ The Religious topics of this hearing will be mostly in your favour]

We need the people's support. People hate this new governor, but we are alien to them now, they are unsure if we are the same Jonathan that they knew, hated, and loved. Also, we didn't leave our people on a good note just before we died and if they think we are some blasphemous abomination this will never work.

Ultimately it comes down to whether people support us and will work to prop up our power structure or this new tyrannical power structure. Some examples of how this looks hypothetically if for whatever reason neither of us two governors decisively wins this court battle and it seems like neither is 100% the true de facto governor is that if we issue some sort of decree or law or whatever and the other guy issues another, it just comes down to whether the government and the people obey which one. Regardless of the legal aspects or whether or not we are in the right legally, none of that matters if people don't obey that result.

Basically, if people listen to us, the economy and various businesses react to our issued laws, the police and military take our side, etc, etc, then we may as well be the real governor. Now, it may not be that everyone takes our side and that they are split, but as long as we can create a self-sustaining alternate power-structure that some people obey, then we are at least in the game, so to speak. Eventually if we produce better outcomes in the coming months, our regime will rise and the other will collapse, regardless of the legal result.

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>4993919
>>4994072
voting is closed after this post to avoid having to be unjust over a huge update already written
1=sword
2=prime

>>4993919
>>4994072

Only an easterner can outwit an easterner. You can not refute this fact. The Prime Legislator will have to step aside for now.

Soon enough, the seats were getting occupied. Figures, both political or influential figures were eager for the hearing to begin. There was but one man missing halting the whole process.

Fahem certainly took his time to attend, fashionably late to make quite an entrance with his retinue. He stood out for the wrong reasons; he wore modest clothing as light shines brightly on his bald head. He had this cold, calculating look in his weary eyes. A decade or so younger than you and yet his stride is that of a king or a man who conquered the whole world , left to roam the lands without an ambition.

It was difficult for two foreign cultures to integrate their customs smoothly in this sitting.The easterners began first with a brief ceremony forcing Fahem to draw two invisible circles: one on his right palm and the other on his chest.

It was your turn, One of the saints stood up addressing with you clear disdain "You stand before the lord of all. He who createth and He who destroyeth , will you speak truth and only truth under his watchful eyes? "

<I will> "I-i will." Your little slip had earned you several gasps among the audience. Not the finest of starts.

"May the Lord judges you and condemns you to oblivion should you lie or hide the truth." The saint slowly returned to her seat , refusing to meet your wandering gaze.

" This city was supposed to be mine." His thundering voice echoed throughout the hall ' The Wing had other plans for me... another city to revive, to prosper. The monumental plan was handled to Governor Ayyah. Her life was cut short before she would establish anything of note."

All the murmuring had stopped, leaving only his voice to manifest freely in the ears of all " Know that I bear no hatred for you, The man who calls himself Jonathan Wells... assuming his same spirit sits with us not some savage puppet aiming to destroy us from within. " He cleared his throat for a few seconds before continuing " I hate your actions, what you have and haven't done for this city. You are a disease upon Arkuland... and I am the cure."

" Very touching words, Governor." Nakea't clapped slowly " You are sure to win the hearts and minds of everyone... had you enough legalities to assume your position in the first place."

This bold accusation had caused an uproar of conflicting opinions hurled at each other. The Governor remained calm, unphased by the Sword-Law.

" Cease this blabber at once!" The saint of the highest rank had spoken "Mortal squabble means little in the eyes of the Lord. The World must know of your 'Resurrection'. A feat unaccomplished by a North-Blooded soul. Some falsely proclaim that you some toothless seer, a prophet among us!" Her blood was boiling with each word.

"I see a man adorned by the wickedness of the unenlightened . They have poisoned you body and soul."

1/?

>>4993919
>>4994072

"I see a man so twisted and depraved that he could not stomach the bounties of the Lord, sustaining his festering soul on vile blood , bearing the curse with two sharp fangs."

" I see a man revered by the backward creatures, barely sentient. They holler his name, they honour his rancid existence with heretic effigies! "

"I see a man who should burn on a stake, to cleanse his poor, poor soul so his very presence would not offend the lord!" her very body was shaking as she was slowly turning everyone against you.

" Stand and Come forth. Jonathan Wells, Tell us of your death and undeath and any events related to your resurrection . Let us hear your blasphemous words so judgement would be rained upon you ."

This was doubly disastrous for you since the truth would brand you a blasphemer and the lies would obliterate you upon your judgement in the afterlife. You are under a holy oath, one that must not be broken.

>[LOCKED: Diplomacy 20] Proclaim that you indeed the Lord's prophet. [???]
How else could you describe your limbo experience?

>Tell the raw truth [???]
The Wonderchild, The bond, The beast, The Lord and the entity

>Tell the raw truth but attempt to justify your actions and decisions [???]
Will they lend you their deaf ears?

>[LOCKED Diplomacy 10 or more] Tell half-truths [???]
You aren't lying...

>[Diplomacy 5 or more] Conjure some lies [???]
None must know about the burden above your shoulders.

>[Native Lore 15] Lace your words with native arcane to lessen their open hostilities [???]
Will it be subtle enough to go unnoticed?

>Ask the Sword-Law to intervene on your behalf [???]
Can he find any loophole to use?

>Remain silent [???]
Everything will be used against you.

write ins are allowed to strengthen Jonathan's case as long as they belong to one of the options above. The meatier the write in, the better.

Goodnight anons!

>>4994209
I...am tempted to damn our soul in order for an easier time in this life, after all, think of the lives we could save and the good we could do. Or perhaps just tell the truth and use the knowledge of this to justify the direction we take our city as there are greater things we must focus on.

I'm surprised to see the Native Lore 15 thing isn't locked, do we now have super high Native Lore? Still, we are probably surrounded by adept magic-people, it's probably best we don't risk it. But, our skill is apparently so high I'm actually somewhat confident of our success.


>[Native Lore 15] Lace your words with native arcane to lessen their open hostilities [???]
Will it be subtle enough to go unnoticed?

Kinda hard to do a write-in for anything other than justifying ourselves. There are lots of ways to rationalize our decisions, but for everything else I simply don't think we know enough about this world's cosmology and magic and religion to do a detailed write-in, though perhaps I've just forgotten all these details, as it has been some months between threads.

Any other votes? Gonna update soon.

Alright, I guess there won't be an update for today. Goodnight, anons.

>>4994209
>Ask the Sword-Law to intervene on your behalf [???]

>>4994209
>>[Native Lore 15] Lace your words with native arcane to lessen their open hostilities [???]

File: DBBB9BD9-C004-4731-88C5-4(...).jpg (69 KB, 1000x664)

69 KB JPG

>>4995471
>>4995480
>>4995471

Each word you uttered had conjured a spectre carefully stationing itself behind each attendee whispering soothing lies in their ears. Those with keen arcane senses were slightly agitated and yet they failed to learn of your trickery.

You don't recall what you had said in front those who wanted nothing but your demise. Your hidden arcane power had indeed saved you from a bitter end.

"Consider yourself warned , you will be under the watchful and vigilant eyes of both the Saints and the Da'eea. Should you show any further signs of heresy or corruption. You. Will. Burn."

"And I gladly accept these terms." You bowed. Well, You only had one sword dangling above your head instead of two.... the real reason you chose to return to this place.

While The man didn't say anything, suspicion was drawn on the governor's face. His eyes were piercing yours, he must have meticulously planned your downfall by the religious orders. He was sorely disappointed with the end result.

" Our agreements are as clear as Madanat's skies. A Northerner governor should succeed an eastern one after three years or after the predecessor's death. There are no qualms about this, unnatural revivals and... 'miracles' are not accounted for. Such laws are written by the mingled ink of the Wing and the Union." Fahem bolstered the confidence of his lapdogs and himself.

You read such terms many atimes. He does speak the truth. It will be an insurmountable task to form a strong argument against him. What to say? What to do?


>[LOCKED: Intrigue 20] Legally oust this usurper. [???]
You got it, there is no escape from your clutches.

>Regretfully concede [???]
You got nothing to back you up.


>[LOCKED Diplomacy 20 ] Convince everyone that you are the future of Cairth.
Legality be damned! You can have the natives under your finger. Can they not realize the true potential of your new powers?

>[Diplomacy 15 or more] Reach for a compromise [???]
The two of you can surely settle this peaceful under the Dual-law

>[Native Lore 15] Clot the blood in his veins, watch him wither and die before you [???]
Tyrants have no place in this world. You are merely speeding up the process.

>Ask the Sword-Law to intervene on your behalf [???]
This should be his time to shine.

Write ins and birdposting are encouraged

>>4996464
WAIT
>[ LOCKED: Diplomacy 15 or more] Reach for a compromise [???]
Forgot that. Sorry.

>>4996464
>Ask the Sword-Law to intervene on your behalf [???]

>Perhaps the Eastern Wing can make an exception using this case as precedent from now on, we did have that Eastern Wing Decree left around, they still owe us.

Lets not kill him, it would give away our prior use of magic and frighten on-lookers with us as the obvious culprit, not to mention if we are going by the law, we may not technically be the Northern to receive the post of governor, after all our Northern population wasn't too pleased with us when we died nor did the Northern Union favour us at the time.

>>4996464
*this peacefully

>>4996521
Well, Voting is closed I guess. Writing. Anons had a full day to vote.

File: 3C967ACC-B3A6-4E41-9B4D-E(...).jpg (14 KB, 640x464)

14 KB JPG

>>4996521

Nakea't stood up, readjusting his flashy tie for one hell of a comeback. He had a briefcase with him full of papers... laws written in the smallest of fonts to accommodate their sheer numbers.

"Dear governor, tell us of you rise to power. " He gently asked while going through piles of paper.

" What is there to tell? The Wing had informed me of the chaos that had befallen Arkuland and their need of a governor to cover up the Northerner's mess.. to save this great city." He remained unshaken thus far.

"Is that so?" The Sword-Law went on the offensive " According to our archives, You had just arrived three days PRIOR to the core massacre as a very common passenger under a different alias. What a coincidence, am I right?"

While the hall was breathing whispers , the governor remained silent as Mr. Musel hammered on and on " It takes two to three months for the fastest vessel to cross the wicked sea of the new world. I will ignore that ... dent in your story and focus on another matter."

" Page 3914, Column 8, D.Law 424 " Your defender raised his voice " In events of the unfortunate (True) death of the previous governor , same with the expiry of his/her legal term of three years, the new governor should assume power after a single month. The intermediary period is necessary for a smooth transition of power where the Sword-Law of the Eastern Wing and the Prime Legislator of the Northern union would co-govern Arkuland. "

The Sword-Law briefly stopped reading with a grin on his face " Pray tell, When did you assume your position? I am eager to know. Oh wait, I already know... merely four days after Jonathan's death. Had I had i not known any better, I would accuse you and your hidden allies of manipulating the masses for your own personal agenda. "

"ENOUGH!" Ah, he lost his temper not a second later " The city had no power, chaos ran amok! I had every right to break the law for such dire emergency, Arkuland needed ME to save her."

"What about us, oh good governor? By law, I and the prime legislator should have ruled the city, are you accusing us of incompetence?"

"You continue to run in circles, You can't put this failure of a governor back in charge. I care little of his miraculous recovery. Just look at MY feats! In just six months, I TRIPLED the wealth of the common man, I satisfied the hunger of the old world for slaves, precious metals and elixirs . I continue to strangle the life of the dissidents who call themselves the stray. I AM ARKULAND! "

"But at what cost? Gentlemen, Take a stroll down the streets. Witness the lingering fear in both the rich and poor. The city is a prison, we live under a reign of terror where nothing is permitted except for our dear governor! May I entertain you with more of his atrocities that clearly breaks the dual-law?"

1/2

>>4996521
>>4997676

An hour had passed by with the Sword-Law shock the audience with the number of broken laws and the evidence supporting his words. The man was smart and resourceful enough to bring dozens of witnesses, each with wild but truthful statements about the cruelty of this man.

Despite all of said evidence, the lawmakers of the old world weren't too keen on removing Fahem from his well entrenched position solely because of his flawed feats. He had turned Arkuland into an industrial powerhouse while you had set it ablaze in their eyes.

A decision had been reached " The Northern Union and the Eastern Wing understand the criminality and the illegality of Governor Fahem, however, The great powers had decided not act on their own laws for the time being due to recent local and global events. Henceforth, Governor Fahem will continue to run the affairs of Arkuland.... alongside Governor Jonathan Wells for he remains among the living and his term is yet to end. This extraordinary circumstances demand full cooperation from both ends. Failure to comply will force both parties to step down for another Northern Governor to lead Arkuland."

These words alone took all by the storm. You were surprised to find Fahem amicably agreeing to such terms. Will you co-govern with this monster?

>Agree with said terms [???]
It is high time you return to your office. He will be dealt with later on

>Refuse, these terms are unacceptable [Path of the Strays]
You resist this injustice by other means

>Refuse, you will abandon civilization altogether [Path of the natives]
You are done being confined in these grey walls.

>>4997697
*passed by as the Sword-Law

>>4997697
>Agree with said terms [???]
It is high time you return to your office. He will be dealt with later on

I guess we'll balance each other out, he'll try and meet quotas and boost the city's industrial capacity, we'll attempt to make sure he doesn't burn the continent down.

Though I'm tempted to go another path, I don't see us solving this places issues as some sub-altern fighting the status quo.

>>4998058
we will continue after 2 more votes.

>>4998350
Okay, shame interest seems to have petered out, or maybe anons are just busy, I dunno. This is my favourite of your quests.

>>4997697
>Agree with said terms [???]
>It is high time you return to your office. He will be dealt with later on
The other option is outright rebellion and that will cause a crackdown from the Great Powers. If we wish to free both the natives of this land and the citizens of Arkuland we need to work from the inside. Another way to rid ourselves of this fake governor will appear in time.

>>4998357
eh, It happens all the time. If there is no intrest then what am I going to do? I know I could update right now since the other anon voted for the same option but I will wait for that magical third player so I won't have to break ties in the future.

I am aware I might sound selfish on my end but it is pretty demoralizing to write +6k update only to wait several hours (if not a full day) for a single reply.

>>4998692
I understand. Though I will say the long wait between threads probably killed a lot of interest, this quest was pretty popular initially.

>>4998058
>>4998601
Well, I guess that's it. Two full days and no magical third player. I am very sorry anons but I don't think I can continue Governor Quest with such low player numbers. I was fully invested in said quest and so did you so it hurts me to stop like that. I will archive the thread though, just in case. Again, I apologize.

>>4998891
true, that is what i get for trying to juggle three quest at the same time.

>>4999743
My sad, sad Trip.

I am pretty bummed out because I had so much planning and notes for each different paths. Not that any of this will matter any more.

>>4999743
>>4999745
I'm sad to hear that this quest is coming to a sad end, but I understand that you can't run it with one or two players. A shame, it was getting really interesting.

Perhaps it'd be best if you stuck with one or two quests running concurrently at most, and either have them be short quests or have one of them run through an 'arc' so as to maintain consistent interest before putting that one on hiatus if you want to start up a new one. It's too much of a buzzkill to run a quest for a single thread over a month and then not run it again the next, people can't go a month without the next thread when qst is the way it is with low voter participation and slow updates of 1 or 2 a day, but it's different if updates are more frequent or the quest went into hiatus at an appropriate lull after a satisfying arc that builds and maintains interest in a quest.

Anyways, I had fun, sorry all your planning and notes went to waste. Take care.

>>5000582
can't argue with that logic. I might start a fresh thread this week so check on /qtg/ for more updates.