>>16136896
Awesome. :D

"Uh...excuse me..."

Then, slyly go and check on the source of the noise and ask if that source would kindly shut its pie-hole.

You can hear the complaints from the room next to you becoming louder.

"And what the hell is my head gonna do?"

"Sit on the spine." Felix'hia says after hesitating for a bit.

"HOW?"

"Well, we need to do an implant of some kind..." Felix'hia murmurs

"Oh no, you're not cutting into me you mumbling creeper!"

>>16137183
See >>16137054

OP? :<

>>16137054

(Slow update warning)

"Uh...excuse me..." You say, slipping into the next room through a thick curtain into a small room with only one other exit heading down into the depths of the building.

You can see Ghurken sitting on a velvet pillow, a large red metal ribcage and pelvis hanging from a hook near the ceiling, with a partial spine connecting the two, a large number of wires connecting it. Felix'hia has his hand on his head, rubbing one of his brow horns from a stone chair next to his cluttered desk.

"I'll be a damned midget if it's up to this bozo!" Ghurken groans.

"Actually you'd have to be half a foot shorter to be a midget." Felix'hia says.

Ghurken looks up at you with his good eye. "Can you please explain to this idiot what I mean?"

You

rolled 12 = 12

>>16137609
He's asking us to have Felix'hia make the body taller, correct?

"Well..." Examine the body. "It's about as tall as me, so I can't really complain. In fact, it's above the normal average; don't you agree Ghurkan?"

We're talking out our ass at this point; hell if we know if it's bigger than the average. We just want him to calm down so our Gnoll visitor doesn't get spooked.

>>16137711
Agreed. If Ghurken wants a taller new body, it would have to be rebuilt from scratch. The only reason we can get him a prosthetic body on such short notice is because we already had prototypes created.

>>16137711

(You... derp.)

"Well..." You say, looking over the body. "It's about as tall as me, so I can't really complain. In fact, it's above the normal average; don't you agree Ghurkan?"

"Well, I uh," He says after a moment.

"This is the prototype I had prepared, based on the average size of a member of our population." Felix'hia says, seeming for the first time in his life to pick up on a cue. "Which may look smaller due to the lack of arms or legs but should give you a full height of 3'1"."

"Oh." Ghurken says, sounding surprised. "Well, why didn't you say so!?" He screeches.

"Because you kept talking over me!" Felix'hia shouts back at him.

"Then speak up boy! I haven't got much else to do but talk, so that's what I focus on!" Ghurken relaxes his tone to sounding only mostly reprimanding.

"If you really want to be a bit taller, I can extend it a few inches with the arms and legs." Felixhia says, sounding irritated, but at least quiet.

>>16137994
I think we should leave the two of them to fitting everything.
We should probably have the mad doc we captured from the Cave Fangs isolated and interrogated by Yuune and the Mages, particularly on the dragon's blood augmentations he was working on.

As for Mynthar himself, I think we should return to the Alloyed Brotherhood and meet with the Deep Kobolds faction, to hammer out a trade treaty and to see if they know anything about our missing ambassador.
We'll also want to talk with the Church again, and tell them that we wish to negotiate further, and that certain items may now be on the table.

>>16138066
This, pretty much.

Since the process of getting Ghurkan a new body is going (somewhat) smoothly, let's return to our waiting compatriots in the inn. I vote getting the half-dragon dude (forgot his name) his hands back first, considering that it'll probably be easier than meeting with the assassin's equivalent of the Kobold world.

>>16138162
>I vote getting the half-dragon dude (forgot his name) his hands back first
Oh, right. I forgot about that. Seconding.

>>16138066
>>16138162

"There, see. There wasn't any problem at all." You say to the both of them. You look down at Ghurken. "Just keep in mind that this is an expensive process. Felix'hia's going to be burning a large portion of the budget already, so I don't want you to be dissatisfied." You pause for a moment, trying to think of how to say the next portion. "I of all people can understand how important personal image is. But we are going to need to really make sure things go right the first time. If you could be a bit less critical, and just let things develop, I think things would work a lot better." You say, noting the illusion of the skull's brow raising. "In addition, no implant, no body. That's just how it goes." You make a cutting motion with your hand.

"Felix'hia." You turn to the kobold, who looks angry, but not at you, for once. "Speak up to this guy, and don't take his insults personally. Try and give him what he would like if it's realistic and won't interfere with functionality. Otherwise, just keep doing what you're doing." You say, walking out and waving to the gnoll and Dalak before teleporting back to the Alloyed Brotherhood.

You track down the location of a scroll of regeneration a few hours later off of Soth's information, buying it from a small merchant's guild for a large sum out of pocket and after a bit of talk of possible trade deals. You return back with Turen, the two of you shedding your disguises as you re-enter the basement of the Dragon's Belly.

The innkeeper tries to hide his shock as he sees the two of you stride down the stairs before you resume your natural appearances. "Oh! I... I was about to ask what you were doing here, but now- Ah, good disguises." He walks off, seeming somewhat flustered.

>>16138267


Turen offers you a seat at the table the soldiers were playing cards on yesterday. He grins, looking at the scroll. "I have to say, sir, the lieutenant seems like a natural. I never had him in school, but everyone always said he was good at telling you what he wanted you to do." He plants a metal finger on the scroll. "Now, I know Slam'lok would like us to start the regeneration right away, but we might want to prepare to avoid any chance of it failing, since it's a divine magic scroll. We'll need to find a way to increase our attunement to such things.

"We've heard of people asking around about us. Not necessarily just Cave Fang either." Turen holds up a few fingers. "There's the church, some mercenaries, and various other seemingly common folk."

"In addition, they should be back from scouting the assassins any time now." He says, looking at the doorway. "Should we wait on this, or should we work as fast as possible?"

>>16138496
>>16138525
"If we start getting uppity, then we'll give ourselves away for sure. However, if we just lay low here while our reconnaissance finishes up, we'll reduce the heat outside. This, complimented by our lovely hiding spot, gives us a perfect hiding spot. The answer here is clear: patience."

>>16138636
Agreed. We should also try to find a way to increase the chance of success with the Regeneration scroll. These things are massively expensive, and we don't want to waste it.

Dalak: Exterminate! Exterminate! Exterminate!

>>16138713

Yep. The joke's been told before and I still find it funny.

>>16138636
>>16138659

"If we start getting uppity, then we'll give ourselves away for sure. However, if we just lay low here while our reconnaissance finishes up, we'll reduce the heat outside. This, complimented by our lovely hiding spot, gives us a perfect hiding spot. The answer here is clear: patience." You say, looking at your young assistant with the eye of a teacher.

Turen nods. "I agree, sir. I'll make a note for the group to find a scroll of the necessary spell." He scribbles a quick note on a bit of surface parchment. "I think Tayn says he's about ready to go, his wounds seem to have healed and his only response to my asking about the ki poison was to raise an eyebrow." He places the tip of the feather on his chin. "What do we want to have our position be with the assassins, what were their names?" He takes out a small book and begins flipping through it.

"The H'runten, yes." Turen nods. "I'm a bit worried about their kolak ritual. The honor-combat. If it is to the death, do we really want to risk anyone? Let alone have someone killed for the sake of proving our 'honor'." He seems a bit disgusted by the possibility. "I think they stand a good chance of being helpful, but still."

>>16138845
Ah, the H'runten.
Well, they don't have the divine magic that the church does, and I doubt that they have anything industrially that we want. But maybe they can offer something that we would like: poisons, toxins, and their antidotes. We know that the Golgremet uses a lot of toxins and rare chemicals, maybe the H'runten knows about some of them and their counters.
We'll just have to see what they can offer.
In return, we can trade machined goods, ioun ore, and certain prosthetic technologies.

>>16138958
For the kolak, let's see if Tayn how recovered Tayn is. He's a martial artist, so he should be able to put up a good fight for them, and his physiology seems to be pretty resilient to toxins and damage.
Though we should make sure that the kolak is only to first blood.

>>16138979
>>16139008

"Tayn? How are you feeling?" You ask him, half-shouting into the larger bedroom.

You hear a brief grunt, and the tattooed kobold falls from above the doorframe. "I've been listening in, Mynthar. Even if the kolak is to the death, I do know a number of nonlethal techniques." He stretches a bit, his neck cracking as he pushes forward on his hips to stretch his spine. "Much as I hate to say it, the drow knew what they were doing with my enchantments. I may not be capable of my absolute best, but only because of that bastard's touch." Tayn springs up to the doorframe, holding himself a good two feet off the ground by bracing himself there with his legs. "If I can move around and do my fighting methods, I can fight. And I've just spent the last hour doing them for a warm up."

>>16139086
"Give the Drow their due; they know their enchantments.
"Alright, so we'll have you fight the kolak, then, Tayn, and we'll push for first blood. No reason to lose good fighters, especially with the approaching war."

I think we're just waiting on the recon report, at this point.

>>16139086
Can we summon anything for him to warm up on? We're bound to know summon monster.

"If you're down for a warm-up, I think I know just the thing..."

Alright, I gotta punch out guys.
If we don't keep going, see you next week.

>>16139103
>>16139105

"Give the Drow their due; they know their enchantments." You nods to him.

"Alright, so we'll have you fight the kolak, then, Tayn, and we'll push for first blood. No reason to lose good fighters, especially with the approaching war." You say to him. He nods.

"I have no problem there either. I just felt I should... dispel some concerns."

"If you're down for a warm-up, I think I know just the thing..." You say, beginning an incantation. You call forth a gust of wind, roughly four feet in height, with a vague humanoid structure. It lunges at Tayn, the gust coming within a few inches of him as he leaps backwards into the bedroom.

"I think this may be just what I need." Tayn smirks, clenching a fist as he rushes towards the column of air, dodging its first swipe as he drives his fist into the creature's body like a battering ram. The air elemental flies backwards, spiraling out into the room.

rolled 19 = 19

>>16139432
Let Tayn have his fun. In the meantime, we'll start preparing ourselves as best we can for the regeneration scroll ritual. Find out what god it's asking for the blessing, see what kind of things that god likes in a ritual, then improvise from there. Rolling a d20 for possible success.

>>16139483

You look over it with a trained eye. It seems to belong to the idea of restoration. You grin to yourself. It seems you're not the only people who think of gods as something unnecessary.

Tayn finishes the creature off in the blink of an eye, leaping towards it before it can recover and kicking it into a few smaller gusts that quickly expand and dissipate throughout the room.

You hear a brief bout of clapping from the top of the stairs. You see Soth and his men standing up there, quietly watching. The pale-skinned kobold grins. "Sorry sir. I would have said something earlier, but I was enjoying the entertainment."

rolled 17 = 17

>>16139651
"So...what did you find?"

Soth points over his shoulder, to Jeklam, who holds a rather slimy looking piece of leather in his grasp. He displays it to you, grinning. "List of their traditions for other clans. Read, read!"

The leather feels slick and cold. It has very jagged looking letters carved into it.

"H'runten are family. If you attack one of us, we will all bite back.
H'runten are warriors. We treat all things like we treat battle.
H'runten are survivors. If our survival is threatened, we will do whatever it takes to survive.
H'runten are not trusting. You must prove yourselves to us, we must prove nothing to you.
H'runten are loyal. If you an abide by these edicts, we will remain steadfast allies."

>>16139882
Shake off the moisture from our hand.

"Seems easy enough...are there any safe meeting places for our first introduction?"

"...or is this going to be walking into the Druegar-den?"

>>16139904

"Seems easy enough..." You say, shaking your hand in hopes of dislodging the gross feeling of moisture. You find that there is none on your hand, and frown a bit at this. "Are there any safe meeting places for our first introduction? Or is this going to be walking into the Duergar-den?"

"Plenty safe places they have." The deep kobold says, wringing his hands as though to get rid of the moist feeling as well. "They have large cavern towards east of town. Looked under good guard. Would be fun enemies. If their guard not lie, he say they have public meeting area. Do more talking than they used to." He cracks his knuckles. "Maybe rare instance of kolak not being done, but probably still have. Still had Ro'akan's skull on display at the gates."

>>16139966
"Hm...our safest bet would be to confront them in their public spaces. We can't risk another Cave Fang incident."

>>16140030

"Hm... Our safest bet would be to confront them in their public spaces. We can't risk another Cave Fang incident." You say after a brief moment of thought.

"In addition, your party would be afforded some protection from them." Soth notes. "Jeklam says they're honor bound to prevent you from being attacked while you're meeting with them."

"Old custom." Jeklam explains, pointing to a scar on his shoulder shaped like an empty circle. "Special clan members guard those meeting. Otherwise meetings would be rife with assassinations. No diplomacy would happen. Very bad."

>>16140125
Ok, we know the customs, we have our ordained fighter should it come to that, and we know where to meet them.

Do we know how long the regeneration ritual would take for Slam'lok? Any more preparation needed (in our professional experience)?

>>16140147

Provided you can get something to boost your link to the divine (wisdom) you are good to go. The chances of a mishap are basically nonexistant.

>>16140166
We wouldn't happen to have a cup of insta-divine on us, would we?

>>16140190

No but you can send someone out to a corner store to get it.

>>16140235
"Hm...Tevon! You're with me."

"We have some divine instruction to seek out."

Anyway OP, it's past 2 in the morning where I am. I can hope on tomorrow morning if you're up for it, but otherwise, I'm heading to bed. Thanks for the quest and see you for Gargoyle Quest!

After a brief wait, you have someone return with a scroll of bat's wisdom. You cast it on yourself, and feel more aware of the world. You can see the subtle connections you are forging with the various members of your group, after a moment's consideration. You come to realize quickly that Turen out of the lot is trying the hardest to prove his worth to you.

You shake your head after a moment's thought on the matter, and call over Slam'lok to begin the surprisingly quick casting.

You begin the slow chant on the scroll, with a precision that you apply similarly to your own magic. You recall an old kobold's words to you when you were younger that you might make a fine priest one day. Indeed, if you had gone that way, you would have had just as much precision. You can see that now. Still, you feel the excited tingling in the air as the spell builds, the letters fading quietly on the scroll as the magic in the symbols is released. You raise up your right hand, the symbol of restoration on the page unraveling from where it has been stitched. Your mind drifts to Slam'lok's words. If you did cast the spell on yourself, you wonder if your arm would return, or if your prosthetic would prevent it.

You look down to Slam'lok, kneeling in front of you. You realize his position in his former society, and the humility it must take for him to kneel in front of you.

You touch each of his forearms, just to be safe. The lizardman's expression shifts so slightly to one of relief, you have no doubt that you're the only one to see it.

I shall do this tomorrow. I hopes.

>>16140385
In case you're still continuing this today:
1. check Slam'lok's regenerating hands, make sure they're working properly.
2. Bring along Turen, Tayne, Jeklam, and one other of the GRU to meet with the H'runten and open negotiations.

>>16142616
This.

Also, bump.

>>16142616

You see the bandages at the end of Slam'lok's hands start to move, and slowly but surely small, clawed fingers start to punch through the bandages. Turen quickly and carefully removes the bandages, and you can see small hands begin to grow at the end of Slam'lok's wrists. In just over a minute, they grow to full size, and he flexes them, each clawed digit having the sheen of a fresh coat of scales.

"Thank you." Slam'lok says, shaking your hand in the strange surfacer fashion.

"You're welcome." You say to him, turning to the rest of the group. "Now that we're done here, Turen, Tayn, Jeklam, you're with me. It's time we made our presence known to the last of the three major powers here."

You four head through back alleys and streets of the brotherhood, seeing a number of homeless kobolds shivering for warmth in the chill of the dark places, their gaze at you full on envy tempered with hate. Jeklam seems to pay them no mind, and jovially leads you further and further east.

"H'runten forget to mention one thing in notice: They like to make you think you are secure just before you about to die." Jeklam mentions, slyly. "Win by being underestimated. Is kobold way, yes?"

You reach a larger courtyard, with a sturdy stone temple that seems mostly windowless flanked by a number of deep kobolds, most not carrying visible weapons. A few talk in their rapid, harsh tongue while flipping knives from one of them to the other. The building's gray stone is contrasted by thin, dark vine-like growths across its entirety, and you can see a number of seats up on the roof of the building.

>>16142616

Sorry, you bring one other GRU with you as well. A specialist guard and stealth expert named Jensen.

>>16145279
We should probably cast Tongues on ourselves, in order to understand the Deep Kobold language.

Is there anyone coming to meet us, or anyone obviously in charge? Find such a person and introduce ourselves.

>>16145350
But don't speak in the Deep Kobold tongue, though.
They will be more willing to speak frankly in their language if they think we won't understand them.
Use Undercommon for when trying to find who's in charge.

>>16145350
>>16145373

You cast the translating spell on yourself, and realize that the quick chatter of the two in the background is talk of another member of the clan named Drun sleeping with a kobold in the city's wife. They comment that the offspring will tell the man if he doesn't figure it out in three months.

You stride forward, up to the seemingly lax guards. "I'd like to meet with your chief." You tell one, and he raises an eyebrow at you, looking over at Jeklam.

"You from own clan or his clan?" He asks you.

"This will be for my clan, the Crystal Caverns." You say to him. He seems to recognize the name, but doesn't look irritated or impressed. He makes his way into the building silently, and you notice a few sets of eyes staring back out at you. The interior of the building is cast in dim light from a number of surface hooded lanterns. Some still bear the marks of battle.

"What you here to meet for?" The other guard asks. "What you want from H'runten?"

>>16145462
"I am here to negotiate for trade. Trade of goods, and information."

>>16145481
Got nothing else till the first guard comes back and asks for clarification as to our business, comes with a rejection, or lets us in to meet with a negotiator.

>>16145481

"I am here to negotiate for trade. Trade of goods, and information." You respond to him.

"Ah. Information, you want. I wonder if you are same group who conquer Cave Fang prison earlier today." The guard says, looking you up and down. "And what kind of goods, should we choose to trade? What do rich Crystal Caverns not have that we have?"

>>16145568
"Things from Below, from down deep. But mostly, to see what you have for sale. I know what I need, but it is your traders that will tell me what I want."

>>16145703

"Things from Below, from down deep. But mostly, to see what you have for sale. I know what I need, but it is your traders that will tell me what I want." You say, looking back towards the main building.

"Then we should start talks." The guard says, waving you into the courtyard proper. "I am chief's second son, Refel. I am able to talk of trades and make them happen."

"No kolak?" Jeklam asks him.

Refel smirks back at him. "Never said no kolak, Radalki. And you not word-weave your way out just because you pretend to be new tribe."

"I thought as much." Jeklam sighs, a grin crossing his face as well.

"We have many things for trade. Iron ore, quicksilver, and many plant from below." The guards look over at you as the chief's son explains. "Make specialty needles, small things. We self-sufficient. But, also understand you have valuable magic in some objects." He nods to himself. "If you willing to trade that, maybe we can share our low-earth gifts, and some of divine magic your people lacking."

>>16145885
"We're willing to trade some of our prosthetics and prosthetic technology. Arcane magical items as well.
"The plants you mentioned may be of interest. Antidotes and anti-toxins in particular.
"And of course, healing magics are always in demand."

Should we have Tayn or Jeklam fight? They both seem to want to participate in the kolak; make them rock-paper-scissors to see who fights?
Also, make sure that it's only to first blood. We've got a lot of work ahead of us, and I don't want to be down a man.

>>16145935

"We're willing to trade some of our prosthetics and prosthetic technology. Arcane magical items as well." You say to him. "The plants you mentioned may be of interest. Antidotes and anti-toxins in particular. And of course, healing magics are always in demand."


"Your prosthetics are famous, though I thought you did not want to trade them." The deep kobold says with suspicion. "Magic weapons we will always pay for. We have some who could use prosthetics, but not necessary to continue work." He gestures back at the building. "This contains one of our gardens. In old living, no other clan would be allowed see it, under pain of death. But, now, less importance. And H'runten would find out anyway."

"You flatter with the point of the knife." Jeklam says amicably.

"What we trade you, how much of garden you see, all depends on kolak." He says, looking at your group. "And if you are proper trader. We may not know much about surface, but we know enough to ask for proper channels. What do you want us to call you?"

"He wants your name." Jeklam quickly explains. "That phrase not translate so smooth."

"What about the knife phrase?" Tayn quips.

>>16146086
"You may call me Kolp. I have been authorized by the Crystal Cavern Council to enter into general trade agreements, including the trading of prosthetic technology.
"As for the kolak...I understand that it is to be to first blood, correct?"

>>16146172

"You may call me Kolp. I have been authorized by the Crystal Cavern Council to enter into general trade agreements, including the trading of prosthetic technology." You look around the area, noting the stares you're getting from the loincloth-clad denizens. "As for the kolak... I understand that it is to be to first blood, correct?"

"For you surfacers, yes, we have bent our tradition." The kobold says, almost sadly. "Your conviction up here is not so strong."

"Is good for you too." Jeklam nods. "Can't afford having dead champion when competing against two other close tribes.

"Yes." Refel answers. "You may nominate any members you want for kolak, we will put up same amount."

"Wait, did he just say, 'members'?" Turen inquires, looking at Jeklam.

"Ah, sorry. You language, with its plural." Jeklam winces. "Yes, can be more than one in kolak. Rules for first blood require blood from all of one clan before fight ends. Is a better judge of character, if you ask me, but-"

"But while one person bleeds, and the other doesn't, they could still be attacked." Tayn interrupts, looking over at the chief's son.

"You have smart brain." Refel chuckles. "So? How much people you will send?"

>>16146288
I'm for sending in both Tayn and Jeklam. They both seem like they're itching for a fight.
Mynthar himself isn't a CQC specialist, and Turen isn't completely familiarized with his prosthetic yet. And Jensen, I don't know if he's good at CQC or not.

>>16146342

You nod to first Tayn, then Jeklam.

"Tayn, you're all set to go, but I figure since Jeklam's seen this kind of thing before, he would be good to have as backup."

Tayn nods, looking over at Jeklam as the kobold steps forwards, crossing his arms impatiently.

"I've not really worked with a team before, so I don't know how this will go." Tayn says, the other kobold keeping his eyes trained like a hawk on the larger building.

"Don't let them surround you, and stay defensive." He says, looking Tayn over for a moment. "Also, remember to cut with the claws, not bash with the fists. No blood, no victory."

"Maybe our shadow-men will show you how we fight." Refel says, gesturing out to the crowd, where you can see a few kobolds with clothlike armor begin to separate out of the crowd. One you note seems musclebound, and has a sadistic grin. The other wears metal armor over one leg, with a number of springs and hinges across the whole of the piece. The two of them walk forward slowly, and the H'runten begin to chant "Kolak! Kolak!"

The four combatants are still, each waiting for the chanting to cease. For when it does, everyone here knows that the kolak will begin.

(Back in 45)

>>16146415
"Good luck gentlemen; we're all counting on you."

The moment the chanting stops, the four warriors square off, the two H'runten remaining further back while the two of your warriors remain close to one another, diagonally positioned with relation to one another. Jeklam hurls a few nearly invisible needles at one, who rolls to avoid them. Tayn stays still for a moment, looking at the two foes an assessing them.

The kobold wearing the armor on his leg suddenly crouches, before springing forth with his armored leg, a blade flashing in quick rotation as he slices at Jeklam in a metallic crescent. Jeklam leaps backwards, the blade cutting into the ground before it slowly winds itself back up, the blade sliding back into place near the calf.

Tayn moves back as well, waiting and looking for an opening. The burly kobold points at him, saying "Foe, come fight me!" Tayn raises an eyebrow at him, looking at the other.

(Slow update warning)

>>16147041
Our boys will win in the end. We should just enjoy the show for now. Besides, magical assistance is likely to be frowned upon.

>>16147172

The burly kobold makes the first move, his longer reach giving him a bit on an advantage over Tayn. The initial swipe misses, with a cheer from the crowd as Tayn's hands sweep up like twin cobras, trying to ensnare the larger kobold's arm in his grip. Unfortunately, the kobold pulls his arm back just in time, avoiding what could have been an easy draw of blood.

Jeklam keeps his hands high, though you know blocking his opponent's strange weapon with his bare arms would be a mistake. The partially armored kobold scythes out his with his leg, and Jeklam leans back as he retreats, the attacker planting his armored foot on the ground somewhat awkwardly in a sort of low stance, with one leg bent towards the center of the body and the other fully extended. Jeklam suddenly lunges, moving to strike high at the crouching kobold, and as he does the kobold's armored leg blurs for a moment, Jeklam aborting his attack to a gasp of surprise from the crowd and Turen. He comes away apparently unharmed, but off balance, and the kobold creeps forward a step with his left leg slowly shifting back into the seemingly awkward position.

Tayn and the burly kobold become more aggressive, each throwing fists at the other, with each attack being deflected or blocked expertly: Tayn's fists move in a rapid blur towards the larger one's midsection, and his arms move in tandem to push each off to one side; The larger kobold makes a long, swinging backfist that Tayn ducks, just before a scaled foot rises towards his face that he taps down with both hands; A brief tussle where Tayn feints a jab to the head, which causes the larger kobold's hand to come up. Tayn grabs the blocking appendage, and the larger kobold slams his forearm into Tayn's, knocking the grab loose.

>>16147980
Talk to Turven during this.

"I hope you're taking notes...it's not often that you get to see combat this intense and live to see it as a rookie."

The two look at each other with silent, animalistic expectation.

Then the larger one smiles, and unleashes a lightning-fast cross past Tayn's muzzle. You see him fall bodily backwards, before twisting and bringing himself up. The shock on Tayn's face is apparent, as his enemy cracks his knuckles and walks slowly closer.

"Bleed, upper worlder! Bleed!" One of the spectators shouts.

You see Tayn back away slowly, keeping his hands up in a guard. You see Jeklam stuck in a stalemate with his more stationary opponent, as the low-stanced kobold creeps forward on one foot.

"Stop!" The chieftain's second son shouts. "First nakur!"

The two H'runten relax, standing straight and walking away, as does Jeklam.

"What's a nakur?" Tayn asks Jeklam, his guard still up.

"Break." Jeklam answers, walking over towards you and Turen.

>>16148122
Give them a prep talk; I'm shopping for the next hour, but I'll be back soon, OP.

You meet with the two battlers, each one catching their breath.

"Ah, it's been too long since I was in kolak." Jeklam laughs, slapping Tayn on the back.

"It's tough." Tayn shakes his head. "I guess I can't find a lot of joy in combat."

"Just a thinking game. Trying to outwit your foe." Jeklam says. "Though mine is tough. I can't figure him out."

"I tried not to think about it, but I saw some of what he was doing." Tayn responds, narrowing his eyes. "I haven't seen anything like it. In fact, something about the leg's movement is odd."

"The two of you just have to think on your feet, act and react." You offer. "Tayn, try and use a few spells and keep the big guy off balance. Jeklam, if your opponent won't close, then don't play his game. Make him do something else so you can fight back."

"You might also consider changing who fights who." Turen mentions. "It might be a bit risky, but it looks like they might have picked you each out. It could also work as a diversion."

"All combat is trickery." Jeklam says, as the crowd's cheering and the other combatants marching out announces the continuation of the kolak.

>>16148743
"Good luck out there. And remember: nothing ventured, nothing gained."

Also, I'm back OP.

The combatants pair up once again, each moving to try and find an advantage they can use to cut their partner.

Jeklam moves quickly around his foe, who turns, but does not close in on him. Tayn's more muscled foe rushes forwards, swinging quick and heavy. Tayn circles around the assault, deflecting and blocking each attack.

Then, as Tayn and Jeklam near each other, they each take an extra step, to change opponents.

>>16149165
"20 gold on the newcomers..."

Fake bidding aside, how does it continue?

>>16149500

The two H'runten exchange glances, wondering what their opponents are planning.

Jeklam rushes in, while his opponent is looking away, pushing in with swiping claw-like motions. They each slap one another's hands away like a pair of knife fighters, a few quick jabs and swipes come inches from hitting.

The two of them stand still for a split second. Then, in a brief instant, Jeklam is back a few feet and the larger kobold's leg is up just where his head had been.

"Not bad!" Jeklam compliments him.

>>16149778
"Yeah!", "Woo!", and other exclamations.

>>16149797
I personally prefer to have Mynthar to be silently watching the fight with a critical eye.
Turen, on the other hand, yeah, him getting excited by the fight is in character.

Bump for OP to return.

>>16149797

Will post in about 15. bumping until then with NO MORE DELAYS

Tayn dances with the other kobold, the blade on the kobold's armored leg seeming to skirt his skin a dozen or more times, and yet all must be near misses, for not a drop of blood is shed, nor a grunt of pain heard.

Tayn purses his fingers, like he's holding a pair of needles. As the kobold's leg comes in, Tayn falls swiftly, striking out at the limb. The exchange is apparently without consequence, as both parties withdraw.

Tayn and Jeklam each back up to the other, and turn in syncronized movement, avoiding exposing either of their backs to their foes.

"Go Tayn!" Turen shouts, trying his best to be heard over the crowd. "Knock him down and kick his teeth in!"

Tayn looks back for a moment with a shocked expression on his face. The pair lunges in at your two fighters in that time, and they move to intercept the sudden attack.

>>16151253
"..."

From there, it's the same story. Jeklam has trouble closing in, and Tayn is finally struck by an attack that he can't anticipate.

The second nakur is called, and the two fighters come back.

"I thought you got cut up pretty bad out there." Jeklam says.

"Well, let's just say I got close." Tayn says. "I don't get it though. That strike I made..."

"Any advice, Mr. Magistrate?" Jeklam says, grinning.

>>16151362
"Could the armored leg be a prosthetic of some kind? Maybe not a complete replacement, but an augment?
"As for advice, you two are the CQC specialists. But, perhaps, concentrate on one opponent at a time?"

rolled 17 = 17

>>16151362
Time to break out the corny tropes...

"Advice? Not very much. I know my way around a fist fight, but nothing like this...however, there are some non-magical approaches to helping you." Grin softly.

Grab some water; any water will do, as long as it's fairly drinkable.

"Something I brought from home. Crystal Cavern water. Of course, it's not just any water. No sir, this is blessed water. Whatever god ordained the blessing: Ar-...Er-...Er-something...I forget the god. But what's important is that with a single swish of this water, you'll be getting lucky 7's and finding spare gold coins on the street like rocks and dirt. So go ahead, boys; drink up. If we're going to need this water for anything, it'd be now."

From there, let's hope that the power of mind over matter takes hold.

>>16151431

"Could the armored leg be a prosthetic of some kind? Maybe not a complete replacement, but an augment?"

Tayn snaps his fingers. "That could be it. You still have what the surfacers call ki running through your prosthetic, but one that's more primitive and mechanical..."

"Explains why he moves so slowly." Jeklam nods. "Doesn't want to show a limp when he runs. He is defensive for that reason." Jeklam lets out a cackling laugh. "Oh, he kept it well, and he fights better than most I have faced in kolak before! But now, I will find a way to use his secret to take him down."

"As for advice, you two are the CQC specialists. But, perhaps, concentrate on one opponent at a time?" You offer.

"It is difficult, because that means one of us must fight two at once." Jeklam mentions. "In a normal fight, you are right, but here, one scratch is loss."

"Maybe you guys should switch who you're fighting." Turen says.

"Will look bad socially, and besides, we know less about those others." Jeklam explains.

"Agreed. If I'd been a bit off, I would've been cut by the weapon that guy's using." Tayn says. "We're best off talking about what little observations we had."

"Well, your foe is using something very difficult." Jeklam wags his finger.

"Difficult to counter?" Tayn asks, raising an eyebrow.

"No, difficult to learn. He is tricking your mind into not seeing his attacks by gentle movements." Jeklam says, waving his head slightly. "You must be aware of what he is doing without looking at his whole body's movement."

"Like hypnotism?" Turen asks. "If it's like that, you might consider concentrating on something else that's not him."

"It's different, but maybe similar." Jeklam nods.

The break is called to an end, and the fighters head out, now with victory defined clearly in their minds.

>>16151472

"Wait!" You call out, just before they step back towards the ring. "There are some non-magical approaches to helping you." You say, grinning as you take out a couple of waterskins.

"Something I brought from home. Crystal Cavern water. Of course, it's not just any water. No sir, this is blessed water. Blessed by Ar-... Er-... Er-something... I forget which god. But what's important is that with a single swish of this water, you'll be getting lucky 7's and finding spare gold coins on the street like rocks and dirt. So go ahead, boys; drink up. If we're going to need this water for anything, it'd be now."

The two of them seem skeptical, but they drink up anyway.

Turen gives you a consoling pat. "Don't worry, sir, I don't think you're weird."

"No comment." Jensen says.

>>16151566
It was worth a shot.

Now let's get to the fight!

"What is lucky 7's?" Jeklam turns back to ask you.

"I'll tell you when you're older." Tayn says, readying himself up to fight after wiping the water from his mouth.

The two pairs square off once again, Tayn notably not making eye contact with his foe, and watching his movements, almost like the first time they had fought.

The other two, on the other hand, are coming to their most logical conclusion. Jeklam throws a few needles to force his foe to move, leaving the kobold off-balance as he had predicted. He lunges in, his laughter ringing out over the crowd, and as the kick comes in low, he leaps up over it, striking down at the leg as the kobold leaps back with what you assume is his good leg, into a standing position with his armored leg out front.

Jeklam wastes no time, pressing his advantage to make a few feints, leaving the kobold hesitant on what to do. Finally, Jeklam lunges to the left, on the kobold's non-armored side. As the kobold raises his leg to make a slicing kick, Jeklam twists on his foot, his hips changing direction as he springs out of the way in a half-hopping fall. He lashes out with his hand, a thin bloody cut going across the armored kobold's chest.

"Both, blooded!" The chief's son says, pointing at Jeklam and his foe.

"Wait, I thought Jeklam dodged!" Turen shouts.

Jeklam grins, the two warriors catching their breaths. "It was a good kolak." He says, his tail raising and turning to show the both of you the slender red cut near the end of his tail. "He is fast, I could not avoid completely."

His opponent looks over at Tayn and the other H'runten, relaxing for the moment.

"Darn, now we're back to the start." Turen says. "At least neither one of these guys is rushing in and making things more complex."

>>16151821
"Well Tayn, it's all up to you...no pressure. Show them what we Crystal Caverners are made of!"

Tayn and his opponent exchange blows, each moving their hands almost like a mushroom farmer plucking fungi from a wall as attacks come in. You realize after watching it for a while that the two are attempting to dig their shortened claws into one another's arms, shoulders, and what have you, and the defender is grabbing a single finger and turning the hand off of them, then disengaging when their foe breaks free of the lock.

The larger kobold tries to slash Tayn's chest with both hands moving downwards, but Tayn grabs both, holding the hands away from him as the larger kobold tries to cut him with a nail on his foot, the two moving about in a much clumsier dance. Finally, Tayn moves his hands in around the wrists, and before the larger kobold can cut him, he pushes hard into the kobold's chest, sending the man back about five feet or so.

The two of them are still for a few moments, catching their breath and evaluating the other. The crowd is even silent now, the two still figures heaving with rough breaths.

Suddenly, the larger kobold grins. He starts to relax, and you can feel a sudden jump in your chest, as you realize-

But then, it's already happened. He stands with one leg up by his side, the knee bending back slowly as Tayn stumbles backwards, a long, thin cut across his shoulder as he pulls back, grasping it.

You look away, sure that it's over, waiting for some kind of announcement.

But it doesn't come.

You look back, and see Tayn glance at the cut on his shoulder, the wound obvious, but bloodless. His opponent's expression is one of complete dismay.

"Again." Tayn commands, re-entering his ready stance.

The kobold's motion is unseeable once again, as another cut comes into being across Tayn's right forearm, this one similarly bloodless.

"Again." He says, stepping back as he checks the wound.

The kobold comes in, and you see Tayn step back, dust hanging in the air.

"Ahh, now I get it." Tayn says, looking the kobold over. "That's not bad."

"What did you get? Why aren't you bleeding?!" Turen shouts, looking on in shock.

But Tayn does not respond. You simply see him lean forward, as though ready to intercept the attack.

The kobold stands still for a moment, his resolve visibly shaken as he grinds his foot into the ground.

The two remain still, as the crowd looks on in anticipation of the final movement of this duel.

You don't blink, but you still don't see the movement as not only the kobold, but Tayn, seems to suddenly move into a new pose. The two have their legs locked between one another, at the knee. The larger kobold, still on one leg, looks on in shock. Tayn twists his hips, forcing the larger kobold to the ground. Tayn pokes his foe on the thigh, with his finger, and draws out blood.

"Kolak ends!" The chief's second son shouts, and the crowd erupts in applause as Tayn reaches down, to help up his foe.

>>16152014
Approach our comrades and tell them they did good.

Then, let's see what the H'runten are willing to trade with us now.

"You are natural kolaki, tattoo drake!" Jeklam shouts, clapping Tayn on the back.

Tayn grits his teeth, and you see the wounds in his chest start to bleed, as well as quite a few smaller scratches across his body.

"I don't get it, why weren't you bleeding before?" Turen asks, looking him over with a mix of wonder and concern.

"It was one of the first techniques I learned." Tayn says, a grim smile on his face. "One other thing I have to thank the drow for." He flexes his forearm, and you see the blood that is starting to pool out of the wound stop. "It's a way of clenching the muscles that slows blood flow outside of them, in the skin. It can't completely stop bleeding, but it can slow it quite a bit."

"Well, did out advice come in helpful?" You ask him.

He grins. "All did a little bit. The reality of what he was doing was quite a bit stranger than what we imagined." He says, pointing over his shoulder at his barely harmed foe.

You see the kobold getting up, as though being helped by another, but you can make out a faint, shadowy outline just next to him.

"What is that?" Turen asks.

"Well, after figuring out the other fighter's leg was missing, I figured I might as well try sensing his ki when he performed the technique, after trying not to look at his movements didn't help." Tayn explains, looking over at Jeklam.

"Ah, sorry. I thought for sure was same technique." Jeklam hisses, lowering his head a bit.

"That's fine. I don't blame you for not seeing this." Tayn shakes his head, smiling slightly. "Then, I thought about what you said, Mynthar."

"You mean Kolp." You say to him.

Tayn winces. "Oh, right, sorry." He shakes his head. "What was I saying. Anyway, I thought about what you said, and tried to check if he had cast a spell on his, or was the subject of one." He points over at his former foe. "What interested me was that he didn't have even one magical source around him until he stood still, to attack."

"What was it?" Turen asks eagerly.

"Some kind of illusion, I figured." Tayn says, looking over at the gathering crowd of deep kobolds. "That's why you others saw it as well. I figured he'd try something similar after the way I stared him down."

You laugh, putting your hand to your forehead. "Wait, wait. You're telling me... You didn't see through it?"

"No." Tayn admits, grinning as he shrugs. "I guessed. I was going to start bleeding soon anyway."

Jeklam howls, laughing loudly enough that a few of the deep kobolds stare.

"I can't believe it! I thought you learned some kind of special technique or something!" Turen says, sounding almost disappointed.

"What? Why?" Tayn asks, his brow furrowing.

"Because-" Turen starts, before the chieftain's second son shouts to get the crowd of rambunctious kobolds to quiet.


"You fought well, Crystal Cavern clan!" He says, his hands raised high up above the crowd. "From one who has not fought a kolak before, you have proved most surprising with your kolaki. And, as first blooded, we are obligated to discuss whatever you wish first." He looks over the crowd. "However, I think we all agree the strength of the warriors was the best in a long, long time!" His last syllables degenerate in a howling roar of cheers, the crowd throwing up their hands and many clasping their hands with a brief nod to you and your fellows. "Therefore, I suggest we celebrate with a feast, and pray to the low gods that our trade be as bountiful as the food we will devour!"

As the cheering quiets down, Refel walks over to you, laughing. "Quite a show, is it not? Kolak are very important, for both sides to have unity."

"Our clan's first kolak with the H'runten still has poems written of it today." Jeklam says, nodding to Tayn. "Maybe Crystal Cavern Clan's will have them written soon, of Tayn the wise fool."

"So, what shall we discuss first?" Refel asks, gesturing towards a smaller building over to the west of the main meeting ground, a small hut-like structure. "Kolak is also time to think. To think on initial trade proposals."

>>16152239
"Well, that's enough brutality for one day. Let's get to something less...heated...I hope."

>>16152260
"We have some...matters to discuss. In private, if possible."

For the initial talks, we'll discuss about trade.

When we've warmed each other up, then we'll get straight to business.

"I must be honest with you; trade isn't the sole reason why we're here."

"We were sent to pursue diplomatic connections with other Kobolds for a very specific purpose..."

From there, give him the low-down on the situation with the Trogs and their amassing forces.

"We are fairly certain that an empire that large would quickly squash any 'bold resistance. Even with my country's...er, clan's vast technology, it will be difficult to defeat them alone."

"We have some...matters to discuss. In private, if possible." You say, and the deep kobold shows you into the secluded granite hut, where there are only thin stone slats for windows, two small benches that put your tail right up against the wall, and a clean, flat table.

You enter into the smaller hut, and talk about the trades going on in your various cultures, and how they might mesh up well. Refel mentions when you offer prosthetics another time that his people for the most part, are fine without them, but he mentions that his clan has a stock of adamantine they have open for trade.

You figure now that you're both talking a bit more, you should tell him what your plans are. "I must be honest with you; trade isn't the sole reason why we're here."

"I had thought not, Mynthar." Refel nods, sagely. "You would not have burned one secret Cave Fang prison to ash if you were here for simple trade agreements, like the last man who was here."

Your eyes widen. "We'll have to talk on what you know about him later."

The kobold affirms this with a brief cough.

"We were sent to pursue diplomatic connections with other Kobolds for a very specific purpose..." You say, putting your finger down on the table.

A quarter hour later, the H'runten kobold looks a bit taken aback, but you think he takes the news of an imminent war quite well.

"We are fairly certain that an empire that large would quickly squash any 'bold resistance. Even with my country's... er, clan's vast technology, it will be difficult to defeat them alone." You say to him.

Refel sighs. "This is quite a lot more than trade deal. You can understand if I talk to my father of this."

"Naturally." You say to him.

"However, I must tell you." He says, looking to each side before lowering his voice to a whisper, as he leans in towards you. "We are survivors. Each morning, we meditate on sacrifices of our clan's ancestors, and tell them we will not have a wasteful death." He looks you dead in the eyes. "We will do whatever we need to make sure our clan stays alive."

>>16152386
"Naturally. Know, however, that the reason we are extending this olive branch (or the underdark equivalent) is because our clan cannot survive against his horde on its own. Not to belittle your tribe, but if we fall, so will you..."

We're not threatening him or talking down to him. We are just stating what we feel. If the Crystal Caverns with tanks, a Kobold equivalent to the CIA, and magic at the helm can't defeat them, how can this Kobold clan with nothing more than ancient assassin-esque knowledge? The call for an alliance is an easy answer here, I think.

Anyway, I'm going to bed, OP. Not sure if you'll be down for a 3rd consecutive day or Kobold Sorcerer Quest, but I wouldn't mind.

>>16152412

"Naturally." You say, having expected such a response. "Know, however, that the reason we are extending this offer is because our clan cannot survive against his horde on its own. Not to belittle your tribe, but if we fall, so will you."

The kobold opposite you grins. "We have left behind us a hundred clans, who fell because they stood against something they could not defeat. And we are still here.

"But, I will bring this to chief's attention." He says, standing up. "For now, I suggest we see how food is coming along. More serious talk after that.

"And if you want more immediate help with the Cave Fang," Refel adds, "H'runten have never been on good terms with them or the church. We would gladly help if we worked out a fine deal."

(As far as tomorrow goes, maybe? Gargoyle quest may be similarly slow if I'm busy.)

Bump.

Bumping once more.

VKO, I applaud you for doing this for so long.

Unfortunately I don't get much chance to participate anymore.

>>16155924

Well, hey, it may be moving. Depends on how much time I have.

The meal prepared is one of amazing size, of mainly spider meat accented with deep roots and fungus. Other parts of the meal include larger mushrooms stuffed with a stew of fish, bread made with mushroom flour with a juicy, spiced sauce atop it, and cave lizard steaks. All this food is atop a long dark stone table roughly a foot off the floor, with reed-woven pillows to sit on and a space below the table for your legs.

You sit down near the others of your group, noting that where Tayn and Jeklam are sitting is across from their opponents in the kolak. They seem engaged in conversation with their former opponents, talking about fighting strategies from what you can catch.

Turen nods to you in acknowledgement as you sit down. "I think this went a lot better than expected."

>>16157254
Nod casually.

"Definitely one of the better results..."

For now, we'll chill, enjoy the food and atmosphere, then wait for the H'runten's final word on a possible alliance.

>>16157382

"Definitely one of the better results..." You say, digging into the food once it's served out.

You eat heartily, for the moment being a bit relaxed with your duties. Sometimes you just have to wait a bit on political happenings.

In this case, however, the sound of the main entrance to the rather sparse building as an older kobold kicks open the door, flanked by a trio of kobolds with odd, twisted bone masks covering their faces, each holding a strangely curved ornament in one hand. The older kobold's red-black skin is rife with scars, and his loincloth is much nicer than the usual ones for this clan, well kept with triangles embroidering the larger flap at the front of it. He walks with even strides over to Refel, and whispers something to him. The kobold stands, and follows the man over to one corner of the room, where the two talk for a few minutes. They both walk back over, the older kobold looking down at you with a critical eye.

"My son tells me you had a great kolak, without my presence." He says, glaring over his shoulder. "The kolak's purpose is to give both leaders a chance to judge the other clan's members. With that thrown by the wayside, I'm afraid we will have to do things the older way." He grabs a small pillow, and sits down next to you, his gaze always on you. "I am Zal Tromar, H'runten's head chief."

>>16157625
Are we still using our guise of Kolp? If so, introduce ourselves us such. Otherwise, we tell them our name is Mynthar and whatever titles we hold.

"Zal'Tromar, how long have you ruled this tribe for? It appears very strong..."

>>16157745

It's up to you whether you want to use the guise or not.

>>16157745
Oh wow, didn't realize VKO was still running this session.

No, let's use our real name and position.
They already know who we really are, so using our guise is unnecessary and insulting.

"I am Mynthar, head magistrate of the Crystal Caverns."

"I appreciate your honesty, though I knew who you were before I entered this room." The chief says, nodding his head at you. "Not many have an arm like yours, Mynthar of the Crystal Caverns. And not many have the open mind to meet with those Tengu out in the wilderness instead of attacking them or surrendering goods. Word of you has spread faster than you think."

"Very well." You say, taking a swig of the mushroom beer Refel had recommended to you. "I trust your son has told you of our conversation?"

"Indeed he did, and I must say you ask quite a lot of a virgin alliance." The chief takes a heavy drink from his cup, and Turen grins from across the table.

"Thank you for your alliance, sir." He says to him.

The chief looks over at him. "Is that your son, Magistrate?"

"Oh, no, I'm afraid not." You say, chuckling. "But he's a hard worker and a good friend."

"In H'runten culture, male chiefs must raise a child for five years, and females must birth a child and rear them for three, to learn how to care for something that cannot care for itself." He says, looking somewhat critical. "I think many others could learn from our example."

"Zal'Tromar, how long have you ruled this tribe for? It appears very strong." You say to him.

"Thirty years." He says back evenly. "Raised sixteen children during my rule. And during that time I have had to make quite a lot of hard decisions, ensuring we survive, no matter what."

You hear a tapping on the ground next to you and the chief as your conversation reaches a break. You look over, and see a deep kobold with a number of weapons strapped to his calves, and a small scroll clutched in one foot. His loincloth appears to be black with a number of copper rings studding each side. Most notably, he is missing both arms near the shoulder, the stumps long scarred over. He "hands" the chief the scroll, before taking a few short steps away and seeming to fade into the shadows.

"As I said, we find ways to live no matter what the occurrence." The chieftain grunts, reading the message. "I had lost one kidney after it burst during a fight. A hundred kobolds who had the same thing happen to them died, but not me. I lived, though it was painful removing the body's own poison." He stands up, nodding to you. "You will need to remain here for the moment."

Turen looks somewhat confused, over at you.

"Why must we stay here?" You ask him.

"Because the Cave Fangs have decided to launch an assault. More likely than not, they figured out that you've come here." Zal Tromar says, one of his attendants handing him a clawed gauntlet that he swiftly dons. "It should take no more than an hour's time. They do not have the resources to keep up a continual assault."

"But, our people back at the inn..." Turen says, worry evident on his face.

"If you attempt to go to them, they will follow you unless you make good with your magic." The chief says. "If they have been captured, it will already have happened."

"And they have the dragonslayers there to protect them." You say to Turen. "I think they'll be OK for now."

"Though it seems like I am taking you prisoner, you are free to leave. I just do not recommend it." The chief walks over towards the door. "Talk with my son if you need to speak of trade agreements. If it comes down to it, I assure you that Raik will guard you with his life." He points over to the armless kobold, who is sitting by the door with a lit pipe in his mouth.

He is gone within moments, leaving you in a much more tense feasting hall.

The deep kobolds may simply ally themselves with the Golgremet Empire, rather than with the Crystal Caverns. As they said, they are survivors, and will do whatever is needed to survive, even if it means becoming a vassal state. They value their lives and continued survival over such ephemeral and illusionary things such as 'freedom' and 'independence'.
If they won't sign into an alliance with us, we still need to get samples of toxins and their antidotes.

>>16158677
Of course, if they do become slaves, they're likely to be abused and worked to death. Or simply betrayed and murdered. It would be prudent if we reminded them of this fact and how non-betrayed they'll be with us.

Just saiyen.

>>16158744
That depends entirely on how useful they are to the Empire. Being deep kobolds, they're more useful as assassins and spec-ops than as a workforce, and that's likely how they'll be used.
Magneras wouldn't have been so successful in his campaigns so far if he was an idiot.

>>16158785
Hey, I never said they would, I said they might. We're not trying to make the Empire look like dicks, we're trying to say they're more likely to survive if they side with us. Even if this emperor is good and nice and shit, the next one might not be. It's only a matter of time before the Empire wipes them out for whatever reason. But siding with us? They can leave any time. That's not even getting into the fact our government structure prevents certain abuses such as random genocide.

Also, if they try to stay neutral, remind them the Empire won't let them stay neutral like we will.

You think as you wait for news from what has become a battle front, trying to figure out what angle to approach the situation from.

Tayn looks over at you from his side of the table. "Hey, I think I'm getting the hang of this conversation thing. I just didn't have much to talk with anyone about, but these guys really know their stuff!" He seems to notice that you've been in deep thought for a bit just as he finishes speaking. "Oh, ah, sorry. I just- I guess I'm having too much fun with this." He looks back to the other conversation, now about joint locks.

"There's an idea, sir." Turen says, putting his fist into an open palm. "We could talk to the common folk around here and see what their opinion is on all this! That might help your diplomacy."

(slow update warning)

>>16158970
We could try asking around, see what they think about the Golremet Empire. Try to gauge which way the deep kobolds are leaning; towards allying with the Empire, escaping back down into the depths, or allying with the Crystal Caverns.

>>16159238

Well, you have the couple that Tayn is talking to, the one assigned to guard you, and Refel as far as ones you've met. You could fish for random folks, send Turen to talk to someone else, or anything else you might want.

>>16159630
Since Tayn has already warmed up the couple (hopefully), that seems like an easy place to start. Even though it's taboo to talk about politics at a feast, I think that this is an exception...

But by all means continue debates and whatnot while I'm writing up dialogue.

>>16159730

When I said couple, I didn't mean... Well, maybe you weren't implying that anyway.

At any rate, you turn and talk to the two of them. "So, what's your two's opinion on all this?"

The larger of the two nods, seemingly at your question. "You have good warriors, good equipment. If H'runten were in your position, we would not have to take jobs from other clans. If we ally with you, only one clan to take jobs from, less 'gnome in the middle'."

"Ridalki are good fighters, as always." The other kobold says, looking at Jeklam. "Would not stay and fight if they thought there was no chance, same as us. We could disappear, but I think we might have a bit to gain through fighting. If you have mechanical giants, I don't see how trogs can overcome. Their main asset is their black rot poison."

>>16160168
>black rot poison
"Ah, yes, the black rot. How does it compare to some of the poisons that you have?"

That they already know about the Empire's use of toxins shows that their intel capabilities are pretty good. I want to see if we can tease out information concerning the deep kobold's own poisons and if their antidotes. See if anything comes close to the black rot, and if they have an effective antidote for it.

>>16160168
"I see...and what do the others of your clan say?"

>>16160219
>>16160230

"Ah, yes, the black rot. How does it compare to some of the poisons that you have?" You ask him.

He looks down at his metal leg. "We have more deadly poisons, for sure. But the black rot kills flesh, is decidedly non-fatal. We have not found an antidote so far." He knocks on the leg, and it makes a hollow ringing sound. "They have given it to a few of our enemies years ago. Problem is the fungus works fast. Fungus killer is limited. The black rot is very common."

"Poison master's name is Kalon." The larger kobold says. "We may talk shop, as you up worlders say, but he is expert." He points out a darker skinned kobold who is festooned in a number of vine-like growths.

"I see. And what do the others of your clan say?" You ask the both of them.

"They say they are unsure. I think maybe even chief is unsure." The larger kobold says.

"Whole underworld watches the crystal caverns." The metal-legged kobold says. "Our Er'laki know more of what the others may think."

"Er'laki?" Turen asks.

The kobold points over at your guard and at a few others. "Your people have no name for them. They are warriors of shadows and gatherers of information."

>>16160439
Let's talk with Raik, then.
So, the H'runten have their own military intelligence unit.
Let's talk about the Empire, and how the other nations and races of the underdark are responding to its aggression.

>>16160686

(Not that there's anything wrong with a male couple- oh forget it.)

Turen looks over at the two of them. "So what do you two do for a living?"

The more burly kobold pats his fist with his other hand. "I am an up-front assassin. Usually I kill other guards or those specialized in combat."

The other kobold fold his hands behind his head. "I was a scout, now I am home defense, and a combat instructor sometimes."

You excuse yourself, and head over to your assigned guard, who glances at you while taking a drag on his pipe.

"Hello, I thought I'd introduce myself and get your opinion on all this." You say to him. "My name is Mynthar."

"Raik." The kobold says, rolling the pipe in his teeth. "I think I'm one of the few here aside from the chief who bothered to learn the intricacies of your language." He puffs another cloud of smoke. "What would you like to ask me about, exactly?"

>>16160918
"Tell me; what do you think of my country's proposal for an alliance?"

>>16160918
"If you had to choose, would you recommend allying your clan with the Crystal Cavern?"

Also:
"So, what do you think the other races of the Underdark will do, when faced with the Empire? The dwarves, gnomes, and drow all underestimate them as simple and stupid troglodytes, but what of the others?"

Bump for OP to return.

Also, can you link Gargoyle Quest when you start it up?

>>16160994

"Tell me; what do you think of my country's proposal for an alliance?" You ask him.

He lets out a slow sigh. "Your group has a lot on its plate right now. Law changes, the imminent troglodyte invasion, and whatever it is you've been up to." He leans forwards, looking up at you. "I'd say as long as you can make some good promises, you'd be able to dispel any poor convictions they might have about you."

"If you had to choose, would you recommend allying your clan with the Crystal Cavern?"

"So, what do you think the other races of the Underdark will do, when faced with the Empire? The dwarves, gnomes, and drow all underestimate them as simple and stupid troglodytes, but what of the others?" You ask him.

He reaches up with his foot, plucking the pipe out of his mouth and putting one leg up over his knee. "Let's see. The drow will likely attack without hesitation, the dwarf and gnome alliance will put up a strong defense as always, and the goblins will be too far off to factor in unless the dwarves pull back out of the gulf." He looks over at you with a nod. "All assuming the empire doesn't take the Crystal Caverns first. If they did, even the foolhardy drow might falter. If they did, we would certainly run down.

"Nice of you to come talk to me. First time in a while I've had a charge that did more than stare or ignore me." Raik sits back up after replacing his pipe. "Though I guess you might have the same questions everyone always does, just you're a bit more civil than most 'cause of your own injury."

(As for Gargoyle Quest, I can start it soon, will link)

Gargling Royals found here:

>>16162318

>>16162245
Tap the arm.

"The longer I live, the more I find that losing a limb calms a 'bold's nerves." Grin jokingly.

"Anyway, what of this attack? The chieftain left in a hurry, but from what he denoted, he said the attack wasn't too serious..."

>>16162245
"Actually, it's because you are...er'laki, I believe is the correct word, no? I must admit, I am surprised why the concept of a dedicated military intelligence unit has not occurred to so many other races and kingdoms before.
"Have you seen the Empire in action, then?"

>>16162325

"Actually, it's because you are... Er'laki, I believe is the correct word, no?" You ask him.

"Means shadow warrior." Raik responds. "So shadow warrior, shadow knight, whatever the job's name is, we answer to it."

"I must admit, I am surprised why the concept of a dedicated military intelligence unit has not occurred to so many other races and kingdoms before." You say to him.

"Well, our people have had a lot of competition." Raik's pipe clicks against his teeth. "So it's an idea that came to our ancestors that lets us leverage even a small advantage with great effect. If we didn't, we'd have died off a while ago."

"Have you seen the Empire in action, then?" You ask him.

"Not myself." He looks off to the group that is eating at the table. "But I have some good contacts, and I saw them before they were the empire."

You give your arm a solid tap. "The longer I live, the more I find that losing a limb calms a 'bold's nerves." You grin jokingly.

"Then I must be extra calm." Raik quips, pulling a knife off of his left calf and flipping it in his right foot.

"Anyway, what of this attack? The chieftain left in a hurry, but from what he denoted, he said the attack wasn't too serious..." You inquire.

Raik holds the dagger for a moment, looking back over at you. "He's a living legend. Nothing's a big deal to him. That aside, what I saw was a small incursion we should nip in the bud." He tilts his head back, as though thinking. "Though in this city, something like that can get complicated."

>>16162812
"I understand that there are three major clans in this city. However, even those clans are comprised of smaller interests. Dare I ask exactly how complicated this whole affair could escalate into?"

>>16162877
Second. Can't think of anything better right now.

>>16162877

"I understand that there are three major clans in this city." You say to him. "However, even those clans are comprised of smaller interests. Dare I ask exactly how complicated this whole affair could escalate into?"

"Well, it all depends." Raik says, taking his pipe out of his mouth again. "Do the Cave Fang know you're here? Are they looking for something else? How will the church react? There's a lot of possibilities, but we have to play along until we can change the game." He raises an eyebrow at you. "In the past, we've had inner-city sieges or similar situations. What I think is that they do know you're here, and they're going to send some more to a different entrance into our territory, which will be the main force, regardless of appearances.

"Now, if they managed to find a few certain places, we'll have a situation here." He says, pointing with his foot towards the back entrance. "And they'd come in through that way."

He puts the pipe back in his mouth. "I don't underestimate my enemies, but the cave fang make a lot of stupid mistakes, so it's unlikely."

>>16163014
"Of course. Underestimation is what others have always done to our kind; the irony of falling to that same oversight would be hard to live down."

Ugh...I don't think I can go on much longer.
Thanks for running this super-long session, VKO! See you Wednesday.

>>16163137
Pretty much what this anon said.

>>16163137

"Of course. Underestimation is what others have always done to our kind; the irony of falling to that same oversight would be hard to live down." You say to him.

"Myself especially." Raik nods. "Although having people underestimate you has its advantages, it made getting training difficult." He stretches his legs and neck for a moment. "But, as far as war goes, deception is everything you need to win, aside from warm bodies. And being on the receiving end of something like that is disastrous."

He chuckles. "It could be the ale, but you seem like an easy person to talk to. That's probably why you're a magistrate."

>>16163317
Casually shrug.

"It's what I do..."

Anyway, let's excuse ourselves and go over to the guards that Raik said saw the Troglodyte army at work.

>>16163347

...Not quite. Here's what he said on the matter:

>>"Have you seen the Empire in action, then?" You ask him.

>>"Not myself." He looks off to the group that is eating at the table. "But I have some good contacts, and I saw them before they were the empire."

>>16163360
Ooooooh.

"So Raik, what can you tell me about this Troglodyte clan that's forging their empire? We have some basic outlines, but any new information is welcome."

>>16163384

"So Raik, what can you tell me about this Troglodyte clan that's forging their empire? We have some basic outlines, but any new information is welcome." You ask him.

"Let me see." He says, leaning back to gaze at the ceiling once again. "This was about seven years back. We were doing some guard work with some of our traders. We had met up with a few other far northern kobold tribes. Some of them were sitting on enough gems to build a castle out of. I heard they were ousted from their home.

"At any rate, at that time they were the Emrreg. Fairly powerful, feared for various reasons, but they were still a medium sized tribe." Raik crosses his legs. "We saw a group of them attacking a post near one of our stops, and it being under a kobold tribe we went to assist." His eyebrows raise a bit, as he remembers. "There must have been about a hundred, and they were up against a militia of two hundred kobolds. We figured we'd rush in, kill a few, and then our trade deals would improve somewhat. They were thicker skinned, but we had armor as well, and the shadows. Trogs are no good at sniping, either. They must have had twenty archers, and I think we had one close call while we were charging into their flank.

"We saw a number of them with spears, a few halberdiers, but the formation was nothing special. Your basic rowed fighting. They had a couple of caster types, but they were too busy trying to keep themselves alive to be a threat." The bowl of his pipe burns a bright red as he takes a drag off of it. "We had gotten thigh-deep into their unit, just on the initial charge." He looks over at you, his expression intense. "And that's when it happened."

>>16163542
"...?"

>>16163616

"...?" You wait for a bit longer for Raik to finish.

He seems disappointed. "Ah. I was hoping you'd be more excited. Maybe say something funny." He nods. "But yes, it was about that time that we heard a wet bursting sound. It came from far over on one side of the flanks. When I looked, I saw one of our guys covered in blood, like he'd taken a bath in it, and these little green specks of something hanging in the air. The trogs started to panic, more than they had, and some ran into the spearline to get away from the spores. Some of them puffed up like balloons as well, and well," He takes a drag on his pipe one last time before he pulls it out of his mouth and turns it over in his foot, tapping the ash out onto the ground. "That was when things really got messy. A few of our guys had the same thing happen, and let me tell you, I didn't realize it at the time, but something told me that if I came into contact with that stuff, I was dead." He bobs his head to the side a bit before he starts his next sentence. "So I ran, along with quite a few others. A bit before the retreat sounded. We didn't have any disciplinary action thrown on us. By the time the fight was over, the trogs were all dead, and the soldiers were still exploding."

Raik stretches his back. "I think the kobolds numbered about 160 or so just as the battle ended, but after an hour, there were about 35 left." He sighs. "Just something to expect if you're going up against a black and white flag. All the other clans in there now? You'd need some good info to keep fighting against them, since it's in theory an infinite variety and from what I've heard of your information team, they're not bad."

>>16163722
"Chemical warfare? Very messy..." Shake our head. "We'll have to find living samples of this agent and do some tests back in the Crystal Caverns. Hopefully, we can find a way to at least combat it."

"Sorry if I'm not one for jokes right now; work first, jokes later..."

"Tell me Raik, have you ever thought about getting some prosthetic arms?

>>16163798

"Chemical warfare? Very messy..." You shake your head. "We'll have to find living samples of this agent and do some tests back in the Crystal Caverns. Hopefully, we can find a way to at least combat it."

"It's some kind of fungus, that's the most I can say." Raik nods. "Most likely they stuck it in one of their guys and then triggered it somehow. Or it could have been time-delayed with alchemy. The first is more likely, the second would be too likely to fail unless it was really short term."

"Sorry if I'm not one for jokes right now; work first, jokes later..." You say to him.

He shrugs. "Hey, I'm just being honest. What's funny to me probably isn't funny to you."

You pause a bit, before asking your next question. "Tell me Raik, have you ever thought about getting some prosthetic arms?"

Raik seems surprised for a moment, looking over at you and blinking. "You said you wanted to see the kinds of herbs, right? We can go talk in the garden, if you'd like." He stands up, after picking up his pipe from the ground and placing it in one of the wraps around one leg.

You follow him out into the gardens, cool and humid with a few bluish lights playing off of the wet, dark leaves of plants that seem to grow from the floor and the walls in equal measure. Raik indicates a few of the plants as you walk, by nodding. "That's Cal'niera, or what the humans call cave aloe. It's a good disinfectant, can be used for cooking or as a numbing agent, if you distill it. Brask is that fan-leafed one, not too bad to eat, but if you burn it, its fumes can burn even inside your lungs. And the bluish-black one down by my foot is our own special version of deadly nightshade, made to live underground."

>>16163892
"Listen, if I struck a cord..." Silence ourselves before we say anything stupid.

"Yes, these are marvelous plants. The aloe sounds particularly soothing. Healing is just as good as hurting, after all."

Short of our prosthetic tech, what do we have on the table to barter for?

>>16163922

"Listen, if I struck a cord..." You start, but then stop yourself, realizing that you more than likely did. "Yes, these are marvelous plants. The aloe sounds particularly soothing. Healing is just as good as hurting, after all."

Raik laughs, uncomfortably. "It's not that. It's just," He stops himself, seeming to be contemplating something. "Well, yeah, to answer your question, I have thought about it. Not as often as you might've after you lost your arm, but that's because of a few particulars." He nods over to a bench. "I've had to explain this a few times already. You'll want to take a seat."

You sit down on the bench, noting that it's not as wet as you thought it would be. It has a few thin, long leaves from a wall-growing plant hanging by it, and is at about the middle of the room. Raik sits down opposite you, looking down at the scars replacing his arms.

"I really hate these." He says. "Make everyone think I was suffering a whole lot when I lost 'em, or something of that nature." He shrugs, then looks at you and grins. "I can still do that," He chuckles to himself, "But the main point I'm kind of dancing around here is that I don't remember what having arms was like."

>>16164003
Give a light chuckle.

"Well, if you don't notice what's missing, then what's the good of a replacement?"

"If you don't mind me asking, how'd you lose your arms? What more, how'd you not jump at any chances to get your arms back after the fact? I know it didn't take me long before I was scrambling for a model."

Also, repeating my request for what we have to offer short of our prosthetic technology. :P

>>16164044

You give a bit of a chuckle yourself. "Well, if you don't notice what's missing, then what's the good of a replacement?"

"That's what I kept thinking!" Raik smiles, looking off at one of the plants.

"If you don't mind me asking, how'd you lose your arms? What more, how'd you not jump at any chances to get your arms back after the fact? I know it didn't take me long before I was scrambling for a model." You ask him.

"I appreciate you just asking." He nods slightly over at you. "I've had to explain it quite a lot of times, is all. Gets my throat dry." He shrugs, grinning mischievously. "But, as a side effect, I've gotten good at telling the story."

Raik sighs, relaxing himself as he puts a foot up on his knee. "I've had people stare, but then dance around the fact that I don't have arms for most of my life. I mean, I asked Zal Tromar about that after I'd figured out how to put words together. He just told me I'd been born without them."

You look at him, understanding, but he just laughs. "Actually, I took that at face value. But then when I was about five, I'd heard the shaman talking with my dad- I mean, the Zal, about what had really happened." He lets out a long sigh. "I'm adopted, by the Zal. He found me while I was wandering around near a kobold village that had been razed by the dwarves. They'd come in and killed everyone there, men, women, children, but for some reason, they couldn't bring themselves to smash the eggs." He looks back over at you. "So they waited. And they waited. And when my clan's eggs hatched, they'd tie a knot around the baby's stomach, real tight, with some hemp rope." He scratches his leg. "Now, when you have a child, even one that can walk around, you sometimes see healers tie a bit of string around a wart or something, and over a few days the part dries up, and falls off. They let the wyrmlings walk away, even run away, and go die somewhere where they wouldn't have to see it."

He smiles grimly, nodding as though to confirm the suspicions you already have. "One dwarf, for whatever reason, he decides that one little kobold isn't going to get the same treatment. Instead, he ties the rope on the one that hatches by him around the arms, and gives it a swift kick in the tail." His toes on his raised foot start to curl. "Give that little guy a couple of days, and his arms became a bit more black than our usual skin color, and withered. So when the Zal finds him, he has no choice but to get them both removed if he's gonna make sure he has a chance at living."

He pauses for a bit, and you could cut the tension in the air with a knife. "So, that's the reason. Pretty fucked up, huh?" He shrugs. "I was young enough that it didn't impact me much, though. Just kind of filed it away." He gestures outwards with one leg, displaying the assortment of equipment secured on his calf. "But, I learned the same stuff as the other kids. And, if I say so myself, I was kind of a terror. Manipulative." He raises his eyebrows. "Decided for a few years I hated dwarves, and towards the end of that part of my life I learned about the Gray Death." He bounces his foot on his knee. "He was sort of my idol. I even got the Zal to get a few crossbows. He figured out he didn't have to baby me after I had a few kills under my belt.

"He did slap me once." He says, matter-of-factly. "I was glad for that. He'd hit all of his other children for discipline, but never me. And I really deserved it." He grins. "My life's been a bizarre one, to be sure. I get happy when my father hits me, and I get scared when someone offers me arms."

As far as what you have to offer:

Weapons, NAJA, Ioun goods, Magic Items, crops, ores, clothing, parchment, and even some surfacer goods. If you can think of anything else, just ask if you've got it.

>>16164187
"Well, that's quite the tale."

"I didn't mean anything by it; I just assumed that you might be interested. If you want, I'll throw a few models on the proverbial trading table."

>>16164223

"Well, that's quite the tale." You say to him. "I didn't mean anything by it; I just assumed that you might be interested. If you want, I'll throw a few models on the proverbial trading table."

He chuckles. "Well, I mean, sure, any other armless guy would be jumping at the chance to get his arms replaced. Not like he could do much else." Raik plucks one of the leaves off of a nearby plant, and turns it over in his foot. "I mean, I must look like an idiot to you. Your whole world collapsed when you lost one arm, same thing with anyone who's had something irreversible happen to them. Getting that back? It's not even a question for you."

He crushes the leaf in his foot, letting it drop to the ground. "I never had that. So if I get arms, everything will change for me." Raik smirks. "I've only had dreams where I've had arms, and those were really strange. Sort of sad, almost. I told myself for a while 'I don't need arms'. Especially after that one where I used a knife and stabbed myself through the palm." He grimaces. "It's impossible to describe to you, I know."

He gestures out with his foot at the garden. "All my life I haven't had them, and I know I could keep going without them. But, I guess I have a lot of reservations." He sighs. "Will they weight me down? Will it hurt? What if I can't figure out how to use hands? I'd be wasting a lot of the clan's money, and its time." He looks down at the ground. "And what if I used my new hands so much, I stopped knowing how to use my feet? I'd be just like everyone else. Well, everyone else with two metal and rock arms. And after all the shit they've put me through, I don't think I could live with myself if I became that."

He smirks, sighing. "I dunno what to tell you. I'm just scared I won't be the same person."