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When we last left the Sky Sons, they had experienced weal and woe in equal measures. When the Vostangs visited our tula, we sent them packing and took many of their horses along with their lives. However, our raid on them this season did not go as well as we had hoped, only taking their lives and none of their cattle with us.

Earlier this year we gained Barntar, the Field-Man's blessing for Plowsong, but even with its magic we may be short-handed in the upcoming Earth Season, when we harvest our grain. But for now, the men and women of the Sky Sons swelter in the peak of heat, awaiting orders from the clan ring. What should we do in these hot days, fellow thanes and leaders?

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>>26473589

As Enastarra explains, we are about 65 heads short when it comes to the volume of fields we have around the tula. Even with this reduction, however, we should pull in enough food to feed everyone for the coming year, though it will be close. A sudden surge in population or a massive loss of food will put us at risk of starvation, though.

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>>26473968
Oh man. KoDP. I love this game, but it's been like a year since I last played and also the only way I ever got anywhere is by doing a dishonourable yearly savescum thing.
Good luck, though.

>>26474099

You're free to tell the Sky Sons how to proceed, if you like; right now, we're in the middle of our fourth year's Fire Season.

Is it a good time to explore? If so, we should explore our land for goodies.

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>>26474149

As long as we don't send too many footmen with Ernaldess, exploration would be fine; after all, potential raiders will be busy with the harvest soon, if she went far afield, and she'd be back very quickly if she explored our tula once more. Hopefully not finding the Rubble Runners again.

What I always liked to do was raid a neighbouring feuding clan over and over (capturing and ransoming prisoners every time), until they stop being able to muster a fyrd of more than 3 footmen and had to pay me for peace. That way I kept my weaponthanes happy, kept my war-magic, made loads emone and didn't have to worry too much about being raided in return. Takes a while to set up, though.

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>>26474295

There are many who wish to see the same done to the blight-born chaos users, the Vostangs, though unfortunately our last raid on them did not go as well as we had hoped.

>>26474341
Obviously a use of foul and unscrupulous stratagems on their part.
But yeah, to do the oppressive raiding strategy you sort of need truesword, a really good war-leader, and a large army.
And also fortifications so that they can't do too much damage when they do revenge raids on you, early on.

Are we doing the proper heroquests? It looks like we could do with some more magic.

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>>26474211

Without a destination given, Ernaldess explores the tula once more, and comes across another cache of gemstones. It seems our lands are blessed with mineral wealth, but without more trade, we can't turn it into actual wealth.

>>26474432

We did complete Humakt the Champion a few years ago, and the only stories we know are his and that of our patron god, Elmal. There was some talk about going on a hero quest again this year, but no magic was given to it.

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>>26474466

With the changing seasons come envoys from far south, in the lands we left to found our new clan. They're from the Lead Breaker clan, which despises trolls but seeks our friendship. As a symbol of their good faith, they're willing to give us silver and treasure along with this Iron Spike, which assists in troll-slaying. A few years hence, they'll ask for the Iron Spike back, and give us more value then.

Much of the council ring is unsure, though many see the obvious benefits of holding a treasure and more silver in our coffers. Our lawspeaker, Kulbrast, points out that since they come from the Holy Land, they might be friendly to the Pharoh, the warlord we sought to avoid.

Should we take this silver and treasure, or send them on their way?

>>26474530
How is our military?
If we take the spike, I'm pretty sure that trolls start attacking, so we should probably be prepared if we want to look after the Spike.

>>26474574

We have 21 stout weaponthanes, all gifted with Humakt's Truesword blessing. Also our tula has many fortifications, all save a wall of stone.

We've also suffered Troll attacks in the past, and fought them off the last two times.

>>26474630
Well, looks like we should be okay to fight off the trolls.
I don't know what this option does, but we hsould maybe ask them if they work for the Pharaoh. That might anger them, though.

>>26473589
>almost the same stickpicker-tier numbers as when I last checked multiple threads ago
laughingducks.tiff

>>26474739

Hey, everyone decided they wanted a Medium difficulty game when we began. Not my fault.

>>26474759
Just ribbin ya. It's the true KoDP experience.

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>>26474711

The emissaries say that whatever happens here happens between the Lead Breakers and the Sky Sons, and that they're not here for the Pharaoh. Valensta, our trader, suspects subterfuge, while they await our decision.

>>26474834
Hmph. Well, provided we don't give away the Iron Spike while we still have custody of it, I don't think that much goes wrong. Exempting the Troll raids, of course.
If we need the reputation, I'd say give them hospitality and then accept. But others may have better opinions.

>>26474931

Unfortunately, our allies in Dragon Pass are few, while many think poorly of us. Unless others give me direction, I will do as you say.

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>>26474931

After the envoys are given the best the Sky Sons can offer, we accept the Iron Spike and they return to the Holy Land.

Now we're into Earth Season, as the clan works the earth and our stores swell with food. For now, starvation is held at bay, but a tragedy or poor harvest next year could threaten our ability to feed our clan.

While the harvest is in full swing, few wish to raid. Though we could explore our lands, send emissaries to other clans, trade our fine horses, or attempt other matters of trade. Or we could ask the gods for more blessings, of which we are in short supply. What is the will of the clan?

Stepping out to the store for a sec, feel free to discuss options and plans until I return.

>>26475143
Well. I would like to help solve the food situation, but I don't think there's an easy way to do it.
Raiding for land would get us some land for more crops, but raiding for territory is really hard to do and also that extra land is hard to hold on to.
We've met the ducks, I think, and I don't think we extorted yearly food from them. So that food's off the table.
That leaves us with magical means, treasures and quests, none of which we can really do easily.
Thoughts?

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I return.

>>26475287

For now, we've got food enough to feed the clan. Perhaps the best path to take is to ensure we don't get into this position again, by gaining Barntar's Vigor ritual and obtaining more workers. We've carved out a considerable portion of Dragon Pass for ourselves, and having more noble Orlanthi to fill it will only bring more prosperity to the Sky Sons.

>>26475777
Yeah. That seems like the best option.
Let's go with that.

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>>26475984

The call is sent out that the Sky Sons are taking in more cottars; in a season or two, there should be new faces among us.

While working out in the fields, we uncover the bones of some monstrous beast, perhaps that of a dragon or an earthshaker. We could trade it away to another clan for some silver, mount it in our halls to display the glory of the Sky Sons, leave it where it is, or simply destroy it. What should we do with this unusual find?

>>26476115
I don't know if there's any practical effect to displaying it in the clan hall, but it seems to be the most sensible option.

>>26476148
Displaying in the town hall will improve our reputation, I belive. Which is something we need.

>>26476160
This is providing, of course, that we don't hate dragons.

>>26476196

We do not hate them nor do we adore them. When it comes to wyrmkind, we are neutral.

>>26476196
>King of Dragon Pass
I think we're okay with Dragons.

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>>26476148
>>26476160
>>26476234

Visitors to our clan are awed by the sight of the bones displayed there. Perhaps now the Sky Sons will get the recognition they so rightly deserve.

>>26476234
Not necessarily. Clan history and all that dictates our relations with the dragons. Dragon Pass is just a name.
>>26476226
Well, then it's a choice between magic by re-burying and reputation by displaying.
Thoughts?

>>26476293
Aaaand, decision made 5 seconds before my post. Oh well, probably the best choice, anyhow.

>>26476293

I go by majority decision. Seemed everyone was for display.

It seems I have a bad habit of posting or pushing a button right before soemone says something. I apologize.

>>26476325
It's perfectly fine. There WAS a consensus, and I was a little more in favour of reputation than magic, anyway

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>>26476290

The season progresses on as more food is put into the larders, enough to see us through the coming cold days. Before our cottars are choked in snow and unable to leave their homes, what should we pursue?

There was talk before of obtaining Barntar's blessings once more. Between the magic dedicated to Mysteries at Sacred Time, Enostakos' veneration of the Plowman, and the silver that many have seen fit to gift us, we could easily receive the magic of Vigor. The question is whether or not that's the will of the Sky Sons.

>>26476391
Let's try for that blessing. It wouldn't be good for us to starve in the event of some calamity. The calamity would be bad enough, knowing KoDP.

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>>26476440

Humakt and Elmal are not the only gods that favor the Sky Sons, it seems, for he has indeed given us his blessing. Praise be to Barntar!

>>26476557
Thanks Barntar. So, do we have an event next or what?

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>>26476557

And it seems the call we put out was heard far and wide, for we recruited almost precisely enough hands we needed in a single season! With more cottars in the next Sea and Earth seasons, food should not be a problem for the Sky Sons for a while.

Jesus god in heaven, 150+ at once.

>>26476606
Oh dear. All those children.

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>>26476606

With so many new faces in the tula, though, a few have gone missing. It seems they've been enthralled by the Taralings as they were on pilgramage.

Fantarl and the other war-minded leaders are sure that we could rescue them with a raid, but a full raid will interfere with our ability to harvest the last of the crops. We could ransom them, giving up silver or cows to regain our workers. Kenstrel suggests doing nothing, though he forgets that our ancestors did not take thralls, and thus may look down upon us. What should we do about our missing kin, brothers and sisters?

>>26476698
If we can buy them back with silver and the cost isn't too dear, let's do that. If not, with cows. But no raiding is to happen in Earth season, in my opinion.

>>26476736

Kulbrast says 15 cows or their value in silver would likely return our kin. If we dispatched Valensta, she could perhaps negotiate the price down as well.

>>26476779
Let's try and drive the price down, but 15 silver seems reasonable, if we put a greater emphasis on trade and craft for a little bit.

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>>26476811

It seems the Taralings put a strong value on their thralls, for instead of the usual five cows, they want eight cows for each of them. This is almost half of our coffers, and half again what we offered to take them for.

Do we value our kin this much? Or will the new faces we've adopted replace those lost to thralldom?

>>26476936
Pay them in cattle then. We don't have enough silver to spare.

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>>26476983

The traders lamented the loss of silver and fine objects, but the clan is happy to have their kin back. Perhaps this will lighten their spirits some.

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>>26477112

This is me, obviously. Name fell off when I posted in another thread.

As our kin return to us, so does the cold of Dark Season. Our warriors stand ready, in case our hated enemy, Ves Venna, decides to strike.

In the meantime, what should we pursue? Getting off of our tula may be hard due to the cold, but we could erect a shrine to Barntar, to hold our newfound blessing of Vigor. Enastakos also informs us that we can take on much more of our tula as cropland, thanks to our new cottars. What is the will of the clan?

>>26477216
Barntar shrine, then increase cropland. DIRTY CARLS NEED FOOD BADLY.

Also, out of curiosity, how much of our population is children? There really needs to be a way to cull the ranks of the child menace. They kill clans, I swear.

>>26477216
A Barntar shrine would allow us to be more efficient. I endorse that option.

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>>26477294

420 children roam the tula, occasionally getting caught underfoot of larger Orlanthi or getting into trouble, as children are wont to do.

>>26477301

It seems we are in agreement for our veneration of Barntar. A shrine in his honor is built, and our workers feel additional strength flow through them.

However, according to Enostakos, this doesn't increase the amount of land we could use for planting; perhaps we would need more oxen for that. Do we still want to cut timber and put the cottars to as much work as they can handle?

>>26477445
Sure, lets do it anyway. More food is always good. If we end up overproducing we can always give it away as gifts.

>>26477294
There's a way to turn useless children into farmers, but it takes too damn long.

>>26477112
I thought that option would upset the ancestors because we're supporting slavery.

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>>26477587

Lumber is felled and the woods fought back to make space for more herds and more crops. Perhaps now our foes will have difficulties sneaking up without the benefit of the brush, as well.

>>26477587

Doesn't it take, like, 16 years or so?

>>26477587
Thats the problem, they turn into adults, while the original adults are still producing children, then the new adults IMMEDIATELY begin producing children!

Eventually it gets to the point where you've got like a 2-1 Child-Adult ratio and they get everywhere and fuck up everything and morale goes to shit no matter what. Its infuriating.

>>26477635

Leaving our kin in thralldom is much more appalling than losing some silver, so say those that went before us.

>>26477445
Clear as much as we can handle now, and if/when we get more oxen, we can expand further.

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>>26477638

Though before Storm Season comes to our tula, instead comes trouble. It seems Kenstrel was disreputable when feasting with the Stag Hearths, and this thane of theirs, Derik, holds his actions against our entire clan. Unless we can satisfy Derik, we will have no peace with the Stag Hearths.

A large portion of the ring suggests removing Kenstrel, though that would prevent us from devoting magic to hero quests in Sacred Time. Kulbrast wishes to convince Derik not to take things so hard, while Fantarl suggests settling things with a duel. How will we go about dealing with the actions of a trickster?

>>26477752
Oh, you already did that. I need to hit update before submit.

>>26477768
Have them duel, it will be enough to restore Derik's honour.

As for his wife, everyone touches her in an inappropriate way, you can't hold that against Kenstrel.

>>26477768
I think a duel might lead to kenstrel's death or him tricking Derik and worsening relations... Tell him not to take it so bad?

>>26477777
not using auto-update?

>>26477768
We don't want to lose Kenstrel either through duel or by removing him.

Let's go with choice 1, "Why so serious, Derik?"

>>26477868

So you'd suggest having Kulbrast counsel Derik?

>>26477828
But perhaps the trickster will trick his way out of it...

If you agree to a duel, the trickster runs and hides, and Derik walks away happy because his honour is still restored

>>26477892
indeed

>>26477895
Hm, I'm happy with anything that leaves him alive.

>>26477895
If that's the case, then have him duel. Tricksters are nice to keep on the ring

>>26477919
which means, have him duel since Derik will be happy too

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>>26477813
>>26477939
>>26477919

When blades are brandished, the place of the trickster is lost, it seems. With his opponent missing, Derik's honor is restored, while no one cares about the honor of a trickster.

>>26477895

Going and spoiling how stuff works... I kid.

Missed the last few threads. How badly did we get fucked up?

>>26478015
Truly we are a blessed people.

man somehow i always get here when the thread is midwaythough, let me read up abit

>>26478015

While we may not be prospering as much as we'd hope, we are not in dire straits at the moment. We're a little short on food, but with the new cottars we've taken on, our ability to farm has increased drastically. Barntar has also given us his blessings, and we just avoided war with the Stag Hearths.

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>>26477992

With Derik goes the coldest days, and Storm Season arrives. We could try our luck on the field of battle once more, but there is the chance that a freak storm would slow our assault. There's time to send out an emissary to another clan before Sacred Time, assuming we send them to a nearby clan. What is the will of the council ring?

>>26478074
What is the clan's mood, would a feast improve it, and can we affod one?

>>26478048
I don't think a clan would go to war over one butthurt thane, unless they were already cross with us.

>>26478074
what is our trade like? seasonally? we should get it to weekly if possible. But then we'd need to get more trade routes... and that means getting a temple to issaries.

do we have a temple to issaries yet? if not i say we build a small one (provided we have enough resources to fund it)

>>26478112

The clan mood is still worried, and I don't know if a feast would change things. It would also cut into our food supply, which just barely has enough to see us through next year.

>>26478115

Stag Hearths are already unfriendly with the Sky Sons. Besides Kenstrel being Kenstrel, I don't see why he chose to inflame them.

>>26478128

Our trade is still annually. We do not have a temple to Issaries yet, nor any of his blessings. We did give magic to Mysteries, though, so a large enough sacrifice could invite his favor.

Increasing our trade does sound like a good idea.

>>26478167
oh in that case, we *should* be able to go seasonally without a temple (i think!) lets worry bout temples and weekly things after. Getting more goods every season is really useful

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>>26478217
>>26478274

So more trade is desired. The question becomes: With whom? Valensta can go to a nearby clan and be back for Sacred Time. The Wolves are our allies, but they seem to be stouter wartime allies than peacetime ones. Perhaps we could try our luck with another clan, or we could go with the route of persistence.

>>26478334
trololo send the trickster and see what happens

>>26478334
Do we have better than neutral relations with anyone besides the wolves and the mallards?

>>26478382

Not at the moment, no.

>>26478364

Yeah, like I'm going to send out the Eurmali with literally no skill in Bargaining.

>>26478417
well, let's try to deal with the more neutral ones then. Try a trade route with Oak Tree?

>>26478448

We can, if you like. The Oak Trees are not favorably disposed towards us, though; the Hillhavens, Tadalings, Kadarvis, and Orlevings at least don't dislike us.

>>26478480
Can you choose the most trade-focused ones of these?

>>26478334
Is it possible to establish a trade route with the ducks?

>>26478537
Yes, and IIRC they really deliver. I don't know what sort of things they would want though.

>>26478566
just.... gooods.

i know you cant do trade missions with them. or rather, you can give them horses/cows b/c... they're ducks.

But you can have trade route with them sure

>>26478523

None seem overly given to trade, though the
Kadarvis have fertile fields and the Orlevings have many pigs.

>>26478537

It is possible, but the Durulz have to hold a clan in highest regard to do so. They care not for cows, but value silver and horses just as much as any other clan.

>>26478537
That's the one clan we HAVE a route with, I recall.

>>26478589

This member of the ring speaks correctly; the Beaker Ducks favored us when the Wolves did not.

>>26478586
Let's try Kadarvis.

>>26478537
For a second I was confused, because I meant to ask the exact same thing...

Also how's our general opinion and relations on/with beastmen? Maybe we should blackmail the plain ducks for some food tribute some time in the future

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>>26478665

We're friendly with the Beaker Ducks nearby, and they've spoken well with their kin in the swamps. We've had little interaction with other intelligent beasts.

>>26478637

Valensta sets off north in hopes of trade once more. As she goes, we get word that the Taralings have come to view us more favorably, as a result of displaying the bones we discovered in Earth Season. Perhaps they'll be amenable to trade after Sacred Time.

>>26478665
Let's try to get other clans to like us first before we start burning our few bridges.

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>>26478703

After that, we get news that the Eagles narrowly averted a feud with our allies, the Wolves. A lesson on staying on good terms with your neighbors, truly. Or to the more militaristic, on who to strike at first.

>>26478703
>>26478724
If we're on good terms with the ducks, I'm happy too. I actually like them, so no blackmailing needed. But yeah, another ally or two, maybe a peaceful one for trading would help us

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>>26478744

Speaking of the Wolves, it seems they're not as averse to trade as we first thought. They've heard tell of our recent discovery, and are willing to give us a gift of cows in exchange for the location of the stones we found. We could give up claim to the gems, and still produce from the other caches we know of, or get yearly payments from the Wolves as they take the first pick of the treasures.

What is the will of the clan ring?

>>26478805
Yearly trade agreement.

Annual payments are always superior to a lump sum if you aren't currently hurting for resources.

>>26478805
Sounds like a chance to further our relations with the Wolves. I suppose yearly trade would be in our best interests then?

>>26478861
Agreed with this.

Also not a fan of giving up our local resources

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>>26478861
>>26478866
>>26478885

Hankorl is not as skilled as Valensta, but he manages to negotiate an agreement with the Wolves; 14 cows a year in exchange for their pick of what we pull out of the ground. The bargain is struck, and all are richer for it.

>>26478805
Do a trade agreement, wasn't that the original plan, before we decided to try Kadarvis? This way, we can get a route without having to send an emissary.

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>>26478944

This is a trade agreement, not a trade route. The only exchange is cows for gems, not a full market affair.

>>26478930

Valensta also returns from the Kadarvi clan. Though they may not despise us, like the blight-born Vostangs, she did not establish a trade route. The Tendalings now respect us, so if we don't wish to deal with the Wolves, they'd be a great candidate come next Sea Season. Also, we have more trained warriors than they, it seems.

>>26478930
Those sneaky bastards! They decided to dicker with us when Valensta was gone, because they knew they couldn't get a good deal if she was there.

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>>26478989

After the flurry of marketing, there is a small lull in the Season before it comes time to reinvigorate the world with magic. What should we pursue in these last few days before Sacred Time?

Sending a gift to the Taralings before they ask shows much generosity, and would make them likely to trade with us. Or we could venerate Issaries in hopes of having better trade next year.

>>26479058
If we explore our own tula, will the explorer be back by Sacred Time?

I notice we haven't really been raided in a while.

>>26479118

Quite possible. And given that our usual explorer, Ernaldess, isn't on the ring, it wouldn't interfere with our Sacred Time rituals.

>>26479147

This is true. Praise be to Orlanth.

>>26479147
We need some time to establish a safe position before we risk losing our valuable farmers.

>>26479155
Then I think exploring's the best option. Usually turns up something good.

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>>26479058

Also worth noting that sickness has put us slightly low on our number of farmers. A sacrifice to Chalanna Arroy for the Curing ritual or some magic to Health come Sacred Time would put us back up to strength, however.

>>26479214
Clan mood is reserved.
Improvement!

>>26479214
I say try to learn dat ritual.

Unproductive carls just sit around, eat food, and bitch.

>>26479227

You are correct! It must have been a recent change, but a welcome one nonetheless.

>>26479214
Let's get in with heal-god.

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>>26479260
>>26479285

Chalana Arroy shows us how to heal the wounded, after a gift of silver and liniments. It won't get sick carls back in the field, but if we suffer injuries in combat, it will.

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>>26479338

Fantarl also informs us of a massive smiting given to the Fire Quartzes by the Blackrocks. Elmal preserve us that we do not suffer as many losses as they have.

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>>26479372

And with that, the year ends. Perhaps not a year to celebrate, but neither one to mourn. Very little losses in our herds, enough cottars to till the fields, and productive craftsmen is something to be happy about, though.

>>26479372
That was some long-disance raiding there

>>26479391
>43 babies
>Only 19 new adults

FUCKING CARLS STOP FUCKING ALL THE TIME, GODDAMN

>>26479372
I think you said it backwards. The blackrocks were smitten, while the fire quartzes did the smiting.

>>26479421
No no, the Blackrocks gifted the Fire Quartz a smiting, which they then used to beat the Blackrocks over the head with.

>>26479372
The opposite of that, actually. And since the Quartzes are neutral to us and the Blackrocks don't like us, I think this is cause to rejoice.
Perhaps we should work on improving relationships with these mighty warriors.

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>>26479391

And thus, Sacred Time is upon us. Though it seems our god-talkers find foul omens with ease; unless we replace four or more members of the council ring this year, the Trickster will curse us to no end.

But that is a matter for later seasons. For now, how should we invest our magic? It has been some time since we went on a heroquest, so an expenditure of magic there could yield great payoffs. Healing would get our cottars back in the fields, and Trade and Diplomacy would help us get another trade route.

What should we focus on this next year?

>>26479421
>>26479447

You all are right, got it backwards as I was typing.

>>26479460
Trade herds crops quests.

>>26479460
Diplomacy and Trade should get some points in them. Lord knows we need to start making friends.
We should also consider shuffling around the Ring a little anyways. It could give us a fresh perspective.

>>26479460
1 defensive point in war, to help us if we get raided.

>>26479503
>>26479550
This

>>26479549
Which Lord? I don't know if I've ever heard of any of our Orlanthi gods called "Lord"

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>>26479503
>>26479549
>>26479550
>>26479600

Does this satisfy the council ring?

>>26479647
It's fine. We just have to remember to shuffle up the ring to be favorable for one of the easier quests, then do that quest before the end of the year.

>>26479647
Yes

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>>26479679
>>26479690

The magic is sent out into the world, and we only hope that it returns to us come next Sacred Time.

Do recall that we only know the details of two hero quests: Elmal Guards the Stead and Humakt the Champion.

Do we wish to organize the clan ring now, or save that for later in the year?

>>26479741
We have until next Sacred Time to reorganize, right?

>>26479604
Lord is my pet rock. He gives me advice.

>>26479741
Let us wait for now, and see who proves useful in the coming year, as well as what we need as things come.

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>>26479816

Yes. We could get it out of the way now, if we aren't fond of our current ring members, or save it until the end of Storm Season, if we prefer the ring as it is. Or do it in Dark Season, when we have little else to do.

Capcha: Horses Tabiolic

If Tabiolic is a good thing, then our fine Elmali horses are certainly tabiolic.

>>26479741
Could we try to set up another trade route? You mentioned the Tedanlings earlier as being favorable to us, although I didn't see them on the map.

>>26479856
Ah, rocks are known to contain wise spirits, so it would be most prudent to trust in the Lord.

>>26479886
I think we should make Osgosi or Oak Tree less mad at us, since we're on the verge of another feud. Two feuds might be manageable, but three would be too much, so let's placate one and raid the other.

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>>26479896

I misspoke earlier; it was the Taralings. While they haven't fully allied themselves with us or spread good things about us at market, they're certainly more inclined in our favor now. Out of all the clans, I'd hazard a guess that they'd be willing to trade with us.

>>26479896
How many routes do we have? 4 is the ideal number and the maximum we could support without trade magic or an issaries temple.

>>26479991

We have three with the moment: one with the Eagles, one with the Narri clan, and one with the Beaker Ducks nearby.

>>26480002
How about the Wolves next? Did they reject us twice already?

>>26480033

Thrice, I believe. Though perhaps giving them access to the gems we found tarried favor with them.

>>26479967
Would owning Humakt's shield give us a better chance of completing Humakt's heroquest?

When the time for questing comes around, which god has the strongest follower, humakt or elmal?

>>26480046
Let's not go crawling back then. How about Taraling? They seemed to be really excited about our ancient stuff.

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>>26480097

I do not know if holding some of Humakt's treasures makes it easier to complete his hero quest. Fantarl is a powerful warrior with strong magic, though there is an Elmali with very strong magic and good combat named Korlaman who could undergo the guarding of the stead.

>>26480097
I heard someone mention we'd have better luck on the Elmal quest in Fire season, and the Humakt quest in Dark. We should decide which one we want to do before the time comes around.

I think we should do the Elmal quest to train our chief.

>>26480170
That quest doesn't give any leadership though, only Animals, Magic and Combat.

>>26480153
No, only certain specific treasures help with heroquests, and they are labeled as such in their descriptions.

>>26480153
What do Enastakos, Enastarra, and Kulbrast bring to the table? We rarely seem to hear about them.

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>>26480106

Hearing tales of better relations with the Taralings, Valensta sets off to their tula in hopes of reaching an arrangement.

As she leaves, ducks from the Upland Marsh, the Marsh Ducks come to us for aid, along with their allies, the Blackrocks. The ducks wish to use our shrine to Humakt in preparation for a mighty assault on the undead out in the fens, and in exchange, they're willing to give us twenty-five cows.

The entire ring is in support of aiding the ducks, though some wish to get more from them or establish an alliance in exchange for this ritual. How should we proceed?

>>26480238

Enostakos is very knowledgable about farming, and led the rituals that gave us Barntar's blessings. Enastarra is skilled in knowledge of animals, and her veneration of Uralda allows us to better fortify our herds at Sacred Time. Kulbrast is by far the most skilled in customs and laws in the clan, and the only worshipper we have of Lhankor Mhy.

>>26480238
Enstakos is skilled with animals, and increases the magic we can allocate to crops every sacred time.
Enastarra is the same, but for animals.
Kulbrast is especially important: He is the clan Lawspeaker. He handles legal matters, offers advice about what we are legally obliged to in events, helps conduct divinations and all matters dealing with clan customs.

>>26480279
Let's attempt to set up an alliance between us and them.

>>26480279
Perform the ritual in exchange for an alliance.

If we add a new worshipper of Elmal to the ring instead of Garstal, who is the best candidate to take Garstal's place as chief?

>>26480377
Whoever has the highest leadership. I think that's Garstal though.

>>26480377
Garstal got where he is by being the highest leadership Elmali. If there was an Elmali with higher leadership, he'd already be chief.

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>>26480323
>>26480377

United in our veneration of Humakt, the Blackrocks join with us in a formal alliance. And better news, the assault on the walking dead was a success, no doubt in part to our contributions! Humakt be praised!

>>26480418
Woo!

Now let's check the diplomacy screen and figure out who the fuck the blackrocks actually are.

>>26480418
>>26480279
>>26480153
You know you lost your name, Ring Speaker, or should I say, Anonymous.

>>26480452
This.

>>26480452
They got their ass kicked so bad by the Fire Quartz a few seasons ago, that the entire pass heard about it.

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>>26480377
>>26480415
>>26480417

Beyond our chief, two other nobles venerate Elmal. The first is Korlaman, whom I mentioned earlier, easily the most powerful mage in the clan. The other is Endal; he's as good a leader as Garstal, and very skilled in the ways of law and history, but a poor bargainer.

With a new alliance secured and many walking dead slain, what else should we pursue while the fyrd attends the land?

>>26480470

Gaddamnit. Though the benefit of this thread is that no one else has this save, so unless they tinker with the game to duplicate it, no one else can pretend to be me, I guess.

>>26480497
If he has good custom as well as leadership, that makes him a good poet. Let's give him a chance.

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>>26480452
>>26480476

The Blackrocks are part of the Colymar tribe, the first tribe to exist in Dragon Pass after all Orlanthi were pushed out by dragonnewts and their kin. It seems they take their veneration of Orlanth very seriously, and celebrate amidst every thunderstorm.

>>26480497
Yeah, the Runic Men OP stayed anon the entire way through since the images provide their own guarantee and no worry about reputation.

As for what to do, did we ever get that Vigor blessing and/or shrine to Barntar?

>>26480518
He has worse leadership than Garstal though, since he's further down in the list.

>>26480534
If they're in Colymar, that means we can't use them for forming our own tribe, unless there's some way we can lure them away.

>>26480534
Colymar? Eww. Oh well, maybe they'll be strong anyway.

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>>26480556

They actually have the same ranking; Very Good.

>>26480550

I find it nice for peeps running threads like this to have a name of some sort. That way they have someone to curse when things go bad, if nothing else.

We do indeed have a shrine to Barntar, and his blessings of Vigor endow our cottars and carls.

>>26480614
Yes, but even if the word is the same the number hidden behind it is different. That's why they order the way they do even though the word is the same.

It's most noticeable when you have multiple "Heroic" nobles, since they still sort in order of their actual skill number.

What are Endal's Combat and Magic like in comparison to Garstal? Those are what we need for the Elmal Heroquest, right?

>>26480614
>That way they have someone to curse when things go bad

And that name is the Vostangi.

>>26480640
It needs combat and magic, but also some of the other ones I think when you get to the Teller of Lies bit.

>>26480614
Do we have the proper amount of land allocated or can we get some more with Vigor?

Otherwise, exploration seems reasonable.

>>26480614
>>26480650
I thought the whole point of a Trickster on the ring was to blame them when things go wrong.

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>>26480634

Sure it's not sorted by alphabet or other skills? Otherwise, I did not know that. Good information to have.

>>26480640

They are equivalent in Magic and Combat. The only difference is their skills in Custom and Bargaining.

Great magical skill is useful in all heroquests, and yes, our patron's quest does require some skill in fighting, especially when slaying the monsters of chaos.

>>26480670
We have enough bad luck that we need more than just a trickster to spread it around.

>>26480695
Gartsal is several years younger too, an important thing to remember.

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>>26480668

Sickness has actually diminished our ability to better work the land, though only by a little bit. Right now, our lack of oxen is what limits the size of our fields.

>>26480731
Only 6, though, by the time either of them expire, 2 generations of nobles will have been born to replace them, so we're likely to have a decent Elmali by then.

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>>26480668

So the idea was put forth to explore once more. Should Ernaldess look to our tula for more treasures, or should she go far afield?

>>26480841
What about that foggy area next to the fire quartz? It'd be good to have some of the map revealed.

>>26480841
Just the Tula; We don't want our thanes afield in Fire Season.

>>26480841
Let's have her go a little further out. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, says I.

>>26480868

We can, but it will take her and her entourage very far from the tula, and Fire Season will be upon us soon.

>>26480886
>>26480887
Forgot about the timing, we'll have to do that some other time.

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>>26480868
>>26480881
>>26480886

Perhaps we could send her here? It's not overly far away from our tula, but outside the borders. If she doesn't come back right away, she'll be back for the second half of Fire season.

>>26480887
Explore around the Beaker Ducks' area, perhaps?

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>>26480881
>>26480927

It seems Ernaldess is making up for the times she came back empty-handed; she traveled north towards Beaker Duck territory and found a cave full of rare clay that our potters can use to make beautiful earthworks. Another boon to our crafters!

>>26481034
We have acquired clay! Soon we will anschluss all the clay in Dragon Pass!

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>>26481034

Valensta is not as lucky as Ernaldess was, though. Simply displaying our find was not enough to get the Taralings to trade with us; perhaps they are waiting for us to repay our debt before they enter agreements. Our newfound alliance with the Blackrocks could be an area to explore new sources of wealth, however.

>>26481066
At least we got a profit.

>>26481034
Awesome. Let's make sure not to sell it off like we did with the gems.

>>26481066

Fire season comes to us, and with it, the peak of our god's might. Some speak of preparing for a heroquest, perhaps by asking a clan in our debt for a gift of magic. Others remember the riches the Vostangs denied us the last time we assaulted them. What should we do when Elmal's might is undeniable, fellows?

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>>26481148

>>26481148
We could try raiding the Vostangi again.

>>26481148
Let's have Garstal go on the heroquest. We put magic into it, so we might as well.
Who is currently in our debt?

>>26481193
Heroquests are best for the second part of the season, since they always end the current season.

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>>26481193

The Blackrocks owed us a favor even before we joined in an alliance, though an emissary to them may not return by the end of Fire season. The Osgosi and Oak Trees are also in our debt, and while they may dislike us, they don't dislike us to the point that they will not refuse our requests outright. Asking for too much magic may not be wise, however.

>>26481266
In Earth, send a trade caravan to the Blackrocks. Maybe they'll set up a route with us.

>>26481300

A wise move. Though, we have to make the best use of Fire season before we can send Valensta off in Earth season.

>>26481266
>>26481249
Can we raid anyone before then and still have time for the quest? If so, I say give the Vostangi a sound thrashing while we have the chance.

>>26481326
I vote we raid the Vostangi first, then try a heroquest in the second half.

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>>26481326

We could raid the Vostangs, then send one of our kin to the godplane. It would prevent us from taking other preparations beforehand, though.

>>26481373
What other preparations would we attempt?

>>26481373
Let's keep those favors owed in reserve for now. If we plan to fight either the Osgosi or the Oak Trees in the future, we can call on their favor first to weaken them while strengthening ourselves.

>>26481373
What sort of preparations? How badly can the loss of these preparations hamper us?

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>>26481420
>>26481449

Having more magic in reserves helps with hero questing. That's why calling in debts and asking for magic is wise beforehand. Or we can trust in our skilled magics and loyalty to Elmal to guide us through his great acts.

>>26481471

So if we don't want to call in our debts, should we go play Orlanthi football with the Vostangs?

>>26481537
Aye.

>>26481537
Why not a full raid?

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>>26481597

We can go for a full raid if you like. Even invite our new allies, see how good they are in a fight.

If the smackdown they got from the Fire Quartz wasn't enough of an indication.

>>26481636
Aren't they really far? The season might end if we have to wait for the Blackrocks.

>>26481663

They're not incredibly far, though they're not as close as the Wolves.

I've never seen distance affect the time it takes to raid someone. Though it may factor into whether or not they join us, though.

>>26481686
Let's try it and see what happens then.

>>26481636
Let us give Blackrock a chance to regain lost honor, and invite them to destroy the vile Vostangi.

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>>26481722
>>26481726

The Blackrocks contribute a decent warparty, and once more we outnumber the Vostangs. How should we go about trading our blades for their cows, warleaders? Charge them straight away? Spend our last bit of magic?

Save the magic. We are more than a match for these cowards in skill at arms!

>>26481806
Don't use our magic, we have a good chance of winning regardless. They'll probably be using their magic or sacrificing, so charge them to catch them off guard. Do we have any treasure that can help?

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>>26481891

If we wanted to skirmish instead of charge, we could use Elmal's Amber.

>>26481915
Elmal's Amber uses magic, remember?

>>26481915
If I recall correctly, the Amber uses a point of magic.

>>26481915
We should charge, though, because I have a good feeling about them sacrificing.

>>26481926
Definitely don't use it then.

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>>26481926
>>26481938

It does. Just letting him know what combat treasures we have.

>>26481891
>>26481954

Our larger forces smash into the Vostangs while they sacrifice in vain to the gods. Though our warleader, Rangor, does notice an Uroxi cleaving his way through our forces. What should be done about this mighty foe?

>>26482009
One on one

>>26482009
Shame his leadership is so bad. One on one is risky but might be our best shot.

>>26482009
>while they sacrifice

Called it.

I don't know who Rangor is, and he's pretty old, so I think we can risk losing him. 1v1 him at baron.

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>>26482045
>>26482070
>>26482096

The Uroxi slays the follower of Odayla, ending many years of service to the Sky Sons in a few swings of an axe.

>>26482131
VOSTANGI!

>>26482131
Truly, we are a cursed people.

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>>26482131

Unfortunately, our raid on the Vostangs goes the same as last time; none of ours killed and several of the blight-born stickpickers laid low, but no treasure taken. A sad day indeed, and a poor showing to our newfound allies.

>>26482131
Gods, I hope that guy doesn't end up killing all our men and winning the battle for the enemy.

>>26482165
God fucking damn it. Every time.

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>>26482165

Poorer news follows the reports of our defeat. While the bulk of our forces were off slaying Vostangs, the Kadarvis rode into our tula and took fifteen of our cows, a loss we can ill afford.

>>26482147
>>26482131
This reminds me...
Was not the sworn foe of our murdered warrior a Uroxi Vostang? Clearly, this is the same vile villain!

>>26482165
I wonder how badly the Vostangi die when they lose a battle.

>>26482206
Truly we are a cursed people.

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>>26482207

It's possible it's the same warrior, though why he chose to stay with known users of chaos magics, I do not know.

>>26482206

While our men are fighting in other lands, there is fighting here at home. A woman who married into our clan from the Stag Hearths, Inganna, seeks a divorce. Orlanthi law allows for divorces and the repayment of bride prices, but Inganna makes an unreasonable request: the precise ten cows given to us when she married, which have long since died. How should we settle this matter, fellows?

>>26482206
I hope we get an option to get cows on our heroquest.

>>26482299

Cows only come from Uralda's heroquest. Though we can get horses from Elmal's.

>>26482279
You can never out-argue a woman, Kulbrast.

>>26482279
Argue that she's misusing the Law.

>>26482313
Uralda's Heroquest is the worst. It literally eats your nobles.

>>26482279
Preposterous. This is a clear misuse of the law.

>>26482279
>No option to exhume our midden onto a bunch of carts and say the cows are in there somewhere
Use the LAW to tell her to stop being a bitch I guess

>>26482348

Issaries the Concilator always gets me. The whole "give me a treasure" at the end or else I wound and / or kill your quester thing at the end...

>>26482336
What if we disguise Kulbrast as a woman so he may meet her on equal ground?

>>26482371
Spirit Fetches, man. They count as treasures for that, netting you a freebie.

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>>26482337
>>26482348
>>26482353
>>26482355

It seems the anger of a Stag Hearth is nothing before the law. Inganna returns to her kin, swearing vengeance upon the Sky Sons.

>>26482389

Godbone from killing the adventurers or the crystal implements from the followers of the Pharaoh are good for that, too. I just never have them when I go on the quest.

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>>26482422

After all that conflict and anger, the heat of Fire Season seems tame in comparison. How should we spend these last few hot days, fellow thanes?

Basically, I need to know whether or not you want to do a Heroquest. If yes, that's what the next thread will kick off with. If not, we'll finish out Fire season.

>>26482422
Lovely, another enemy for the Sky Sons. Just what we need.

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>>26482422
>Mocking the law
Oh it's on, Stag Hearth

>>26482446
I suppose we ought to do the Heroquest.

>>26482422
Figures. Women never forget anything.

>>26482446
Heroquest.

>>26482446
I think starting a thread with a heroquest will help attract more people.

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>>26482449

Well, they haven't declared a full-out feud just yet, they're probably at the point they were at before we allowed them to take some of Kenstrel's honor home with them.

>>26482519
Kenstrel should mock them again. They deserve it.

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>>26482455
>>26482501
>>26482508

All righty then, then the next thread will begin with one of our Elmali going into the godplane, then. I'll soon have this thread archived along with the others at http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=Sky+Sons , and I'll post reminders and announcements of the next thread on my twitter at https://twitter.com/RingSpeaker . We'll kick things off this next Thursday at 6PM EST, 1800 4chan time. Thanks to everyone who contributed tonight, and I hope you'll be here when we undertake the quest of how Elmal Guarded the Stead!

>>26482561
Later. Questing first.

Plus, we have enough enemies as is.

>>26482575
Send Garstal, not that other guy.

>>26482596

That'll be decided on Thursday. This guy has the best magic in the clan and just as good combat as Garstal, though, if we want to quest for something besides a stronger leader.

>>26482635
I probably won't be able to make it on thursday, that's game night.

Can you hold onto my vote for Garstal until then?

>>26482874

I'll keep it tallied.