"I imagine it's a combination of both. It probably feels a little bit like home to him since this is underground."

Hmm. I'm not sure who to follow. Part of me wants to head in to the brewery too to see if maybe one of them can identify our mystery booze. At the same time, I'm curious to see if Degrian might come across something interesting or useful.

Since we did owe time with Sansa out on the town, I guess head to the brewery.

Whoa whoa... Frost Rubies? We should buy one or two for our iceman. I bet he could really put them to use.

Do explain the blast emeralds, though.

>>17182672
"I don't think there is much a difference between the two, when it comes to Degrian"

>>17182731
Agreed. Some background info on both of them would be helpful.

Continue to follow Degrian.

Info on those crystals, because Knowledge is Power

You shake your head sadly "With him, I think work and pleasure are one and the same." as you move to follow the diminutive engineer.

"Yes, these are quality blast-emeralds. I tested several from the shipment myself." the shopkeeper assures your man, looking more than a little annoyed.

Degrain stares the gnome down, and replies "I test them, if approve, perhaps purchase some of each." as he crosses his arms across his robed chest. Sighing, the shopkeeper nods in consent. Degrian reaches first to the blast-emeralds, picks two at random, and, stepping back into the road, strikes them together quickly. For a few seconds, nothing happens, then a jet of fire spouts from both stones, directly away from where they struck each other. The fire shifts from blue, to red, to white for the briefest second before dropping back down to blue and dying.

Your engineer walks back to the stall, glaring at the gnome "Fine, I'll charge you half what I had said at first, scum." Degrian slaps down a handful of gold and silver, packs away 10 of the more vibrant blast emeralds, leaving the incredibly dull ones he had tested with on the proprietors pile, and collects a few of the frostrubies. These, he sets on a slab of steel, slides across it, and again, strikes them against each other. Almost immediately the slab of steel ices over. Degrian frowns, lifts the steel, and smashes it against the ground, shattering it.
>cont'd

Degrian lifts up a shard, and stares at it for a bit "Iron." he spits out. "These will break before doing anything useful. Not worth gold, or silver. Will pay bronze, small amounts."

The gnome glares daggers at Degrian "Fuck off then. I can get a better deal from a decent race." he looks up to you "Hello there my Imperial friend, can I interest you in some frostrubies? Excellent for keeping cool during the warm months, and the Blast-emeralds are great for the opposite. Only a gold ingot and 5 silver a piece for either."

Before you have to answer, Sansa runs up to you, latching on to your arm "Justinian, I think I found a lead on what our mystery brew is, come with me!!" she starts tugging you towards the brewery.

Guess we have no choice then. TO THE BREWERY!

>>17183152
Damn right to the brewery. Although I kind of want to say something to this shopkeeper for what he said to Degrian. Can't really think of anything except maybe something along the lines of it's going to be his work that helps push the Uurlanth away from their lands. I don't know.

>>17183152
Ignore the shopkeeper for now and check out the lead Sansa has.. We can come back later if we need to.

Also:

If in the setting of CQ there is not a temple of Nyetini with a fountain like this, I will be dissappoint.

>>17183152

"Insulting my friend before asking me to buy baubles at an outrageous price? A poor sales strategy, I'm afraid."

smile and go with Sansa.

You shake your head disapprovingly "I trust my engineers word, and yes, I was watching the entire exchange." you reply to the gnome before following the excited Sansa.

Jayne laughs coldly, that 'noble laugh' that you havent ever had a chance to cultivate. "Besides, all of us know that gnomes only ever swindle their customers." she tosses over her shoulder as she and Degrian follow Sansa and yourself.

The inside of the brewery is... impressive, to say the least. The walls are of sliding glass, studded with frostrubies. Behind them are bottles, and kegs, and all other manner of containers for alcoholic beverages on the shelves behind the glass. There are seats all about, and, behind the bar you see an open door with a downward-spiraling staircase behind it, most likely to the brewery proper. "Ah, welcome!!" the robed dwarf behind the counter exclaims, pasty white skin belayed by the tint of cherry on the round dwarfs pudgy cheeks. His pitch black hair falls down to the small of his back, the thick ropes of its locks jiggling with his flabby body from the hearty greeting. "It is not often that I have humans visit my humble brewery, how can I help you?"

Sansa looks confused "You... are not the one who served me when I stopped through..."

The huge dwarf laughs out cheerily "Well, my daughter told me that a human from the Empire had entered our shop, so I thought it best that I take over for her. Soldiers have such a hearty taste for alcohol after all, and I dont want her tender sensibilities impeding your joviality." he explains as a tiny little dwarf woman steps out, her black hair up in a tower of ebony, porcelain features blushing from embarrassment, not exertion from standing.
>cont'd

Head over to the brewery. Start thinking about how to weaponize what we just saw.

"F-Forgive me, I just started working in the tavern for my father today, and-" she begins to stutter out, nervous.

Sansa grins, and pats the dwarf on the back, who shies back in shock "Pay it no mind, you did quite well. Especially for your first day at a job, did I tell you about my first day as an aide?"

She shakes her head, backing off to avoid any more contact "You only had time to t-tell me about you and your husbands search for a specific brew."

"Sansa, the Duchy and physical contact between strangers, remember?" Jayne quietly admonishes your other wife, who chuckles nervously, and steps back from the nervous young dwarf and her jovial father.

>>17183409
Source me, I'm ignorant of so much.

>>17183409
oh, the orifice is actually something else than what thumbnail made it look to be ...
I'm kinda diappointed

>>17183667
No clue, found it on /b/

>>17183640
>>17183656

"Ah, yes. We have this mystery brew we keep coming across that I haven't found a single person who could name it, and this fact has been driving me nuts."

>>17183656
"I was wondering if you could perhaps assist me on a quest we've been on since I began to command my maniple. There's a certain brew we've been looking to identify and no one has been able to do it so far. We were hoping the dwarfs of the Duchy would be able to."

This guy is clearly part of the illuminati brew club conspiracy, and his daughter just got chewed out for giving Sansa too much info on the conspiracy brew.

>>17183728
>>17183722
Both of these replies work for me.

1. Attempt to identify brew.
2. Get tipsy. Not smashed. Tipsy.

You grin "As my dear Sansa no doubt informed your sister, I have been on something of a quest since I earned my command. You see, every new commander is given a bottle of a particular brew, but never told its name, only that it was a cave whiskey. My inability to identify it has been driving me mad."

The dwarf strokes at his beard thoughtfully "Hmm, let me have a taste, I will see what I can do... provided you do some proper business with me as well." he offers.

You shrug "Sansa, Jayne my dears, do find some drinks you like the taste of, we can afford a few good bottles." the former nods happily, the latter grins and follows the excited raven-haired woman.

The dwarf sits at a back table, and motions for you to do the same. You accept the seat, and draw your flask from inside the breast of your doublet. "I managed to liberate several barrels of the stuff from an Uurlanthi noble, so sharing is no issue, yet. Once it runs low however..."

The big dwarf accepts the flask, pours himself a small cup of the brew, swirls it about, sniffs it, then takes a sip. He lets the brew roll across his tongue, and finally swallows. "A most excellent drink, however I fear my experienced pallet has had many excellent brews, so we will need to... research this, further." he signals to his daughter, who swiftly brings a plate of fried pastries of some sort to the table, piping hot, and positively delicious looking "They slow the process of intoxication, add padding to the stomach, and are heaven to eat. Help yourself."

-----CQ-----
>cont'd
>fucking field limit

It takes the better part of an hour of chitchatting with the dwarf, and eventually your wives and engineers, but, eventually he exclaims "I believe I have your lead. An estranged friend of my fathers made a brew VERY similar to this one. I was but a lad at the time of their falling out, he did something taboo, you see. Took an Elf as a servant, and trained him up to the level of Master before freeing the spear-ear. The greater sin though, was the fact that the elf left for the Empire shortly thereafter, after 300 years of service and learning. It has been another three hundred since then, so it is entirely possible that this elf is the brewmaster behind this fine whiskey. And, though I hate to admit it, the elf is most certainly a master."

"Do you know the elfs name?" Sansa presses, eager to unravel this brews mystery.

The dwarf shakes his head "Sadly, I do not. Nor do I remember the name of my passed fathers estranged friend... though I do know where his brewery was, that much has not fallen from my halls of memory."

You grin, this is a solid lead "I will gladly take that much, you have been a great help, my friend."

The dwarf smiles, a smile which grows as he looks on at the dozen bottles your wives selected. A few whiskeys, a few wines, and one oversize bottle of what is labeled as a mutation of a vodka learned from an exiled Kharynchek warrior, which Degrian clutches defensively. "Perhaps I could convince you to remain in my establishment a bit longer? I have a minstrel arriving soon who is most skillful."

>>17184149
>daughter not sister, gah

>>17184160
Beyond paranoid thoughts, I can't think of a reason not to. Especially if it gives us a solid lead on this brew.

>>17184243
Seconding unless the meeting is coming up soon.

We should make an attempt to keep sober enough, though. Drunken foreigners are prime targets for pick pockets.

>>17184160
Staying around for a bit sounds fine to me if we have no other pressing matters to attend to.

Yeah we might as well do that.

You smirk "I cannot stay all night, as I must arise for a meeting with one of the Elders on the morrow, and must be at my best. But I would be happy to remain in your tavern for a while."

The dwarfs grin stays huge, and he replies "Excellent, I will have you brought the best I have to offer, Commander Trentz."

-----CQ----- the dwarf is good to his word, and he spends the next few hours providing you with the best brews he has to offer, at prices that you are certain are more than fair. As patrons begin to filter in, word of who you are spreads, and, as the minstrel has yet to arrive, you find yourself the center of attention. You only tell a few stories, and mundane ones at that, but the locals are impressed by your feats nonetheless. The additions and embellishments added by Sansa and Jayne help with this, of course.

However, shortly after the minstrel begins his performance, you feel that it is time for you to depart. "I do wish we had been able to stay longer. The singer was as skilled as Jarius promissed." Jayne pouts, a little inebriated.

Sansa chuckles 'Something feels wrong about me saying this, but we do important work to see too tomorrow." as she helps you support the stumbling woman, though she doesnt really need it.

"Damn pastries didnt work for me." Jayne grouses, though it is clear that there is no anger in her voice "Great wine though." You idly notice that another gnome, this one walking beside a small cart being hauled by a pair of drab, anorexic, beaten looking kanixias.
>cont'd

Degrian freezes, a strange growling, clicking noise escapes from his beak as you overhear the gnomes conversation "No, just a few more for the markets. Noble blood these two. Well, the one of them, I doubt they will fetch a good price."

The other chuckles at some other joke, not noticing Degrian set his bottle down to edge closer. He spots something in the cage, and howls in rage, in a flash his cog is in his hand, and, in another it flies forth, severing the head of the gnome that had been leading the cart. Before you can react, the engineer is on top of the corpse, a dagger drawn from the dead slavers body, and held to the other gnomes neck "Where is your mark?" he demands, vitriol and rage in his voice.

"W-What mark?" the trader stutters, either the pain from the cog in his leg, or terror at the blade to his neck causing him to soil himself in the nearly deserted alley he fell back into.

Degrian re-creates the same growling noise as you approach and, not dismounting the gnomes chest, leans over to remove a patch of skin from the dean gnomes neck with the knife he took from him "This mark." he spits, presenting the terrified trader with the mark of the Forge of New Divinity on a scrap of skin.

"I... I'm not an agent of the ruling Trusts and Traders. I, I haven't earned The Mark." he stutters out, voiding his bowels now, as well as his bladder.

"Lies." your engineer spits, driving the blade into the gnomes shoulder before recovering his cog, and rushing over to the cage.
>cont'd

"Degrian?" you prompt the engineer behind you as a sextet of armed and armored guards thump over to the alley you are at.

The engineer does not answer as he opens the cage. Does not answer as he nuzzles one side of the younger, more terrified looking karskyanas face than the other, and holds a quick conversation with it in their rapidfire native tongue. You prompt him again, and, as the conversation dies and the guards arrive he turns to you, pulling the smaller karskyana against his breast, covering her with his robe. "My sister." he explains, though a new fire now burns in his eyes, a resigned, sad fire, but it burns there, nonetheless.

the leader of the guards had arrived just in time to hear Degrians explanation, and merely sighs "A blood feud then. Take it to the arena next time foreigner, or we WILL take you in for disturbing the peace." before stalking off, looking disappointed.

>>17184757
Well at least we don't have to deal with the guards. Search the two Degrian killed since it seems they might be cult linked and lets get them to a safer location so we can talk.

"Degrian, listen to me closely. Are you saying these gnomes from this Trusts and Traders group bear the mark of the forge? Are they the same group as the Gnomes I originally found you with?"

Well this is troubling. If the cult can walk around openly like this it means the Duchy either has no clue about them or they're well established, powerful and apart of the Duchy in some manner. And seeing as we know the cult already found a woman for their plans in the Duchy, this makes things a lot more painful for us...

>>17184757
Examine the bodies before going back to the barracks. We can ask Degrian what this was about in a place we will be safe and won't be overheard. Specifically ask him and his sister if they know anything else about these slavers.

The cult walking around freely implies that they are either very powerful here, or aren't on the authorities radar.

As I recall, Khalless was exiled instead of executed because he had a lot of allies who would probably revolt if he was killed by the state. This tells me he had planted more than a few cult sympathizers.

You sigh and announce "That was a little closer a call than I would have liked." as you check over the body and passed out, bleeding gnome. The live one, true to his word bears no mark.

Jayne however, spends her time cooing over the two kanixias "Poor things are in terrible condition. All of their color gone, none of the fire that they should exhibit. I'm taking them too."

Sansa does a double take, and quips "Isnt that what our husband should be saying?" as she lifts up the other karskyana, as it is too exhausted to walk, Degrian supporting his sister stubbornly.

Jayne shrugs as she unhitches the creatures, and leads them behind her "He is too worried about what just happened. he will thank me when they are strong and healthy."

You sigh again, noting that the encounter sobered Jayne up in quite a hurry. "Degrian, you will need to explain things once we reach our barracks." your engineer simply nods, clearly more worried about other things.

-----CQ-----

You are in your barracks meeting room, just yourself and Degrian, who you nearly had to bodily drag from his younger, and only sister as Vi and Jayne work towards healing her broken, battered body. "So, the Trusts and Traders?"

Degrian shakes his head, sadly "Ruling Trusts and Traders. Most powerful of the gnomes, lead all others by example and force. They are owned and loyal to our foe." He pauses, taking a steadying breath, before adding "They have taken over all of Karskyana Kingdom territory, and enslave us. Can I... can I have drink? Strong?"
>cont'd

You nod "I take it you have worse news?" as you pour both of you a tall drink.

He nods "Shameful, as I did not tell you sooner. And, dark with current situation. I am only son of minor duke in Karskyana kingdom. But a drop of royal blood in my veins. Did not want any part of governing, even if a merit based society outside of king. My skill and fathers skill kept family noble, despite royal blood." he pauses, before downing the entire drink in one go "I am only heir to throne still alive. My... my people die, screaming, sobbing, leaderless. I apologize for deception." he mumbles the last part, shame heavy in his accented voice.

You take a long drink from your own cup as Degrian pushes you his, silently asking for a refill. His sister must have told him much in their broken conversation in their native tongue as he helped her back to this barracks.

"Cancers grow fast in the deep places, it seems."

>>17185185
"Don't apologize Degrian. If I had asked you more about your past myself, this might have come up earlier. I assume the gnomes hunting you when we first met you knew who you were?

Regardless, what do you want to do? Do you wish to return to your people and try to help them? You know I'll help you best as I can but my position limits what I can do at the moment."

>>17185185
Well, I want to help Degrian. I want to help him get back his country, his family and his people back so much. But I can't. At least not yet. I believe that we need to end the threat of the Uurlanthi before we can take down these slaving scum. And for that to happen, means that we can't really cause waves within the Dutchy. However waht we can do is to buy Degrian's family back and inform the First (using Aquila) about how the Dutchy has been infiltrated by the cult

We gotta tread lightly or this is going to go bad to worse. btw pax how much influence does the Trusts and Traders have with the dwarves if any at all?

>>17185185
"Do you know if your sister knows anything about the cult? Are they a large part of the gnomish leadership? Does she know of any resistance movements among the slaves? And I take your peoples situation has't improved since you were last here"

from IRC:

<TRO> I vote we offer to start up an information train. If they'd agree to it, have Degrian's sister and the other Karskyana we saved train up with our Spymaster to learn the arts of sneakery.

You sigh, refill the heir to the Karskyyana thrones drink and reply "Dont apologize my friend, had I asked more about your past, this would have come up. More importantly, how can I help you?"

Degrian takes the drink as you return it to him. He thinks for a while, before taking a drink and replying "Give my sister a safe place. I not sure what I will do next. Need time to think. By the time your negotiations are..." he trails off to drink again, before falling into silence.

Still being careful to not take any sort of influencing stance, you reply "You must do what you think is right, my friend. And as your friend, I WILL support your decision."

He nods, slowly and replies "Then... then I must lead karskyana people. Take back homes. Do not like to kill, but... must be done. Our True Enemy owns entire gnomish race through owning their leadership. True enemy exerts great financial control over Duchy through them, while keeping Duchy ignorant through agents planted by Khalless. When you depart for Uurlanth, I must for home, to wage..." he finishes the second half of his drink "To wage war."

>>17185471
"You have my permission to buy anything and everything you will need using my available funds. As you know, this has to be done, so it may as well be done right."

>>17185471
"Your sister will be safe with us. Take as much time as you need to prepare and think this through.If you do decide to return to your people, it might be wise for you to return to Janos first in Dragonsreach and get money. You and your peoples resistance will need it and I'll gladly offer to provide it. If I can do more, just ask and I will do what else I can. Just don't die on us Degrian."

>>17185471
Where, we need to support his decision, however, we need to make sure he is making the best decision. He is an inventor, he knows that, we know that, but he is not one that has much knowledge in terms of strategy. We need to get him to take a step back and look at the courses of action possible now.

Action 1: He leaves, to try to rally and regroup his people to fight the gnomes.
Result 1: He is captured and killed early ending his bright career and any hopes of his people and culture persevering.
Result 2: He manages to rally what meager or what is left of his people to fight and manages to start an actual conflict that causes casualties, something we are trying to prevent mind you, and works towards the FoND goals anyways. This result could end in either his success or failure.

Action 2: He stays with us, takes his limitations off of his inventions because he now needs us to end this quicker to help his people. He now has full support of Degnar because by this time we will have major political pull by entering the Duchy into our war, possibly be the 7th praetor by then, and also will probably have our full support in the form of actual logistics and men.
Result: We come in later, sure, and the suffering of his people is prolonged, but there is a much greater chance of him succeeding as well as we are preventing a longer conflict that the FoND can capitalize on.

>>17185565
Fair point. Might also want to ask him if he really thinks he can lead his people and has the tactical knowledge to pull off this war. Not to offend him but we have no clue and we shouldn't let him walk off to his death. Worst case scenario, perhaps we can find some people to lend him for tactical aid.

>>17185471
If he decides to go down this path we should do our best to help him. The resistance will need weapons and other supplies to function properly. We should try to set up some connections between his movement and people that are sympathetic to his cause here in the Duchy or Degnar.

We will also need a new chief engineer. Maybe he knows of one of his kin that may be able to help us.

>>17185565
Alright, I'll agree to this. But if he can't be budged on the matter, we still offer him full support and use of our war chest (quietly, but if asked, fighting the cult counts torwards the war effort)

He will need time and preparation to pull this off, I suggest we gather some information on the current events of the deeper kingdoms, quietly buy and/or free a reasonable number of his people and once we have more information the best course of action can be determined.

You nod, slowly "If you are certain, you have my support." you pause,and set your drink down, and lean forward to look Degrian in his eyes on his level "I mean no offense by this, but, are you certain that you can command your people to freedom?"

Degrian sheepishly lets his imitation of a smile show for a moment before replying "I have perfect memory, Commander, forget nothing, remember? Why I did not kill." he pauses, his face returning to its determined mask "Have sat at nearly every tactical meeting of one of greatest strategic minds alive. Heard his master infiltrator train his recruits. Conversed with his assassin on technique and stealth. Did not want this to happen, but am not unprepared."

You back up, and chuckle ruefully "I suppose you have a point, my friend. I take it you know how to fight as well then?"

He shakes his head "Will need to be taught, but, will be good student."

You let your mirth fade "And, you will depart when I leave to break the siege? are you certain that you dont want to return to Degnar first? I am opening my coffers too you, my friend."

Degrian shakes his head "Have enough gold, have been saving. Need weapons, food, support."

You nod "And you will have it, take from the gold I have with me as needed." you apuse and sigh "Though, losing my greatest engineer will be a sore loss. If you could send any skilled engineers you livberate to me, I would greatly appreciate it. Provided they are not needed."

Degrian sadly sighs "Leaving greatest I know with you. Has memory like me, will learn your tongue easily, and before I leave. As well as my projects. I, may I have a Fae Cleaver?"

YOu nearly do a spit take at his tacked on request "That would be bigger than you, my frined. And your sister, she will be in good hands, I promise."

Degrian forces a chuckle "I know. And, I wanted hand cleaver. Would be size of greatsword for me, and, iconic, something to rally karskyana behind."

>>17185835
"As I said, take what you need. Training information for elementalists if you find any amongst your people, the cleaver, and so on. You might want to take some time training with Collin before you leave but make sure you spend as much time with your sister as you can before you leave. I know you do not want to take lives but you're doing it for your people. Use the memories of your sister and any of your people that you save to help keep you going on my friend."

>>17185835
I see no reason not to give him the fae cleaver. We should see if Kyria could inscribe some runes on it as well. I would imagine a huge weapon with runic effects would be able to inspire a few Karskyana into joining the resistance.

"I suppose when you have perfect memory, decisions can be made faster. Very well. In your hands, a Fae cleaver will at least be used for good. Have Kyria get you any runic enhancements you think will be useful to you."

>>17185835
No reason not to. Give him whatever he asks for.

A thought: we should let Degrian have a look at our translated cult ciphers so that he can translate any captured materials himself for info helpful to his cause.

>>17186016
This is a great idea.

>>17186016
I imagine it'll be limited in usefulness though due to how each cipher we've found has been different. Worth doing regardless although I imagine Finian can just write out the codes to the ciphers he knows.

>>17185835
He needs weapons, food, support, right? Tell him to touch base with the Praetorian Militant first. Show the Praetorian his gear-based weapons. Ask for one legion to march on the gnomes, in exchange for his liberated people working for the Empire.

I fear that he's just going to get himself killed if he tries to do this with a few merc units. I doubt that he has the money to hire more than that.

Perhaps we should send a few of our raiders with him?

Another thought: Dwarves still hate the gods for betraying them. If we bring up the subject with the Elder, stress that we're trying to prevent the Forge of New Divinity from creating new gods. Don't mention that we're very much helping the existing ones.

Couldn't that make a connection with us and screw us over when the gnomes use there connections with the Duchy if we send some of our raiders with Degrian

You nod "Of course, my friend, the cleaver will be put to good use, instead of used for the malice that forged it. Have Kyria add runes too it, if you like. And supplies, Forge ciphers, training equipment for those with the arcane spark, whatever you need my friend, feel free to take it."

Degrian wipes at his eye a bit, and takes a deep steadying breath breath, and replies "Thank you, my friend. I must see sister, will speak with you before leave at least once more. I will tell others, please, do not tell any outside your wives." You nod, understanding how hard this will be for Degrian. He may never know peace again, never sleep though the night, as he will never forget the things he will be forced to do to save his people.

-----CQ-----

The next morning, Degrian is nowhere to be found, though Kyria assures you that he stopped to speak with her while you were telling the others last night. Sighing, you gather up your personal guard, and head to your meeting with the Elder. The stately old Dwarf is standing outside the meeting room, waiting for you "Commander, we have much to discuss, come." he greets you with a Degnarian salute, and you respond with a Duchy salute.

"Where do you wish to begin?" you offer him, as is polite. Being your superior, though you meet as equals, it is only proper in Duchy society for you to allow that.

He smirks, as he takes his seat across from you at the short table set up in the lavish room. A deep Crimson carpet, tapestries in the browns and grays of the duchy, candles hanging from elaborate chandeliers, and plenty of space for both guards, and material goods, should they be needed. "The arcane, and divine, I think. Once we have decided on the breaking of the siege you will want to be on your way, so we will start with the less immediately pressing business. So please, regail myself, and by extension the Council of Elders, what is myth and what is truth."

"I will not waste your time then. All of the arcane has returned. Elementalism, magic, mysticism, runes, necromancy, demonology, summoning. All of it. I myself am an Earth elementalist of no small skill, two of my wives are Life elementalists of varying strengths, another of my wives has been studying working runic phrases in earnest, and I even have found a bright mage among the Karyncheck people who now travels with my maniple. I have been authorized to sell any information you wish on any subject we have."

>>17186256
"Both the arcane and the old gods have returned to varying degrees. As I'm sure you've heard, both Uurlanth and Degnar have been using elementalists successfully during our war - as well as necromancers and mystics. The old gods have returned but not to the degree of power they had in the past. On top of the divine, even some of the ancient races have returned such as the loukys and even demons.

Degnar would be willing to assist the Duchy in regards to the arcane if you were willing to assist us in return."

>>17186256
It would be nice to verify that he isn't an agent of the cult. However the only way I can think of proving or disproving that would be for Autronius to read his mind.

I say we should tell him about everything, except the cult for now. If we can verify he isn't working with the cult we should definitely tell him about the cult. Having the Duchy reciprocate in return for training aids and the like would be good as well

>>17186486
Until we know how far the cult has infiltrated the Duchy, we don't mention them at all. To anyone outside of our maniple.

>>17186506
Agreed with what everyone said so far.

You nod "Let us not waste any time then. It is all back. The arcane, the divine, all of it. Some slowly, some quickly but the fact is unavoidable, and I, as an emissary of Degnar, have been given permission to barter off my nations knowledge on this, if your return offer is acceptable."

The Elder smirks derisively "And why would I trade arcane knowledge with a soldier? Is there not a better man with which to make these deals?"

You sigh, and calmly reply "Because this soldier is at the forefront of the return of the arcane. I am an earth elementalist of no small skill, two of my wives are life elementalists of note, and a third is hunting down, and in some cases, penning runic phrases, and a fourth is an incredibly powerful fire elementalist. In addition to that, the woman who I do not doubt will marry the man I have raised as my son is a brightmage. The man I had adopted is a-"

The Elder holds up his hand, chuckling "Very well, very well. I apologize for my affront. Elementalism and runes. Those were the strengths of the Duchy before, and no doubt will be again. Training materials and sharing of what you have found on runes, what would the Duchy need to provide for that to be shared?"

>>17186659
"Assisting our forces in our push into Uurlanth after we break the siege is one possibility. The quicker and more successful our push, the quicker this war can end. Alternatively, the Duchy could share the knowledge and secrets it has on the arcane and runecrafting with Degnar. Perhaps our nations can even work closely together on certain things such as runecrafting."

>>17186659

Military assistance to end the war with Uurlanth as quickly as possible, in the form of Duchy troops, supplies, passage, war material such as Duchy weapons, etc, etc.

Access to the Duchy's archives on the arcane, runes, etc. Surely the Duchy has more to teach the Empire on runes than the other way around.

In exchange, we'll provide what we know, and of course we fight the Uurlanthi together.

>>17186703
>>17186718
I'm pretty much with these two, as that's what we were supposed to ask for , more or less.

If you can fit it in we should say some line like "The ruling elite of Urlanth have become like rabid dogs biting at anything within reach they feel is vulnerable. It is high time we put down their ambitions using the combined muscle and sweat of our nations."

>>17186659
The Duchy might have some good information on runes and other arcane arts. Access to them would be helpful. Having some of their forces under a good commander with us when we invade Uurlanthi territory would be nice as well.

I can't think of anything else at the moment.

"Assist the push into Uurlanth, allow me to have some say in the sort of BattleHost you send for the battle. Allow my researchers and arcanists access to your archives on the arcane. That is all the more I ask for this information." you reply evenly.

The Elder nods "And your information, when will we receive it?"

You smirk, and stretch a bit in your seat "As soon as I feel I would not be swindled should you renege on our agreement."

The Elder nods again "Then your scholars shall be allowed into our archives as soon as today's meeting is through. Next... the, military developments your maniple has been using. What can you tell me of them?"

>>17186869
"Some, we are still working on, however most are derivative works based on the combined efforts of my scout captain, who is now my wife working on the runic research, and an engineer I hired several years ago. I couldn't even begin to explain to you how their stuff works, except that they've made a crossbow capable of firing several shots at the cost of a small amount of stopping power, scaled that up to make a ballista to be truly terrified of, and a wagon that can allow you to travel overland at marching speeds without taxing your draft animals very much at all."

>>17186869
"Technological advancements that enhance the efficiency of my ranged units as well advancements to increase the mobility of our wagons. As much as I would like to provide more information, I've been restricted from doing so even amongst other maniples within Degnar. I will say that it's not beyond the Duchy's ability to be able to mimic these advancements with the proper ingenuity."

>>17186869
Ooof. Are we even allowed to share that information?

Tell him that most of our new technology are restricted to within the Praetorian Militant's fists. Some of them we're not even allowed to share outside of our own *maniple*.

Besides, I'm sure the Duchy's own military engineering is more than sufficient for its own needs. Every child in Degnar knows of the fearsome war machines that the Duchy can build.

>>17186937
We're not. Hence why I was very vague on what we can do. Although I suppose we could at least mention it's specifically improvements to the crossbows and wagons. I imagine word of mouth would spread that alone.

>>17186922
>>17186909
No. Just clam up. If he presses, tell him that we're sure Dwarven engineering will put whatever we have to shame.

If he still presses, ask him if he is willing to trade their tech on their mechanized weapons platforms.

>>17186958
There's no point on saying nothing since rumours alone will tell them what we can do. The stories seem to have spread far plus eventually Duchy forces WILL see us in action. As long as we don't go into details on how they're made or anything, it won't do much damage. Even if they offered us all that awesome tech, I don't think we should make the exchange. We're not even allowed to spread the wagons outside of our maniple and the crossbow only goes to the 1st's fists IIRC. We sit on that tech since we were ordered no matter what.

>>17186869
We could share some of our tactical uses of elementalists and arcanists with him. Having a weapon is one thing. Knowing how to use it effectively is another.

You chuckle "I have a dwarven wife who is both a smith, and a runewright. I have in my employ a Karskyana engineer who is every bit as brilliant as rumors no doubt paint him." you pause, flashing a sad look at the Elder "I havent the first clue as to how the things they make work, or their techniques. And, if I did, I have been ordered that no such information is to be circulated outside my Praetorians fists until the wars end. It of course, is nothing that is beyond your nations engineering capacity."

The Elder nods, understanding, but not entirely happy "I see. In that, case, let us adjourn for the day. I will gather a list of which battlehosts are available, and you and I can decide on the terms and methods of the Duchy supporting your push into Uurlanth."

You nod, rise, and salute the Elder, who rises and apes your action. As you walk back to the barrakcs, Gaius chuckles "No doubt your wives will already be at the nearst Duchy archive by the time we return to the barracks. these dwarves seem to have a love for gossip I thought impossible among mortals."

Uurist nods as he walks along behind you, barely maintaining the pretense of guarding you "It is a trait that we try our best to keep less well known. Hurts the image the other races have of us. Loyal, stubborn, likes to drink, likely to spill your secrets for someonw else's." he shakes his head.

Sansa smirks "So, half the Duchy knows of Finians return by now then?" Uurist simply nods in reply. "Maybe he'll get his last shred of closure then."

>thats gonna be it for tonight
>I probably wont be back until next week sometime, keep your eyes open.
>if you have any setting/CQ questions just email me at paxcomquest@yahoo.com

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