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>>380974

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ignoble_dark
Questions: http://ask.fm/Ignoble_dark
Archive: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?searchall=laughing+dog

>Voting

Most posts will be narrative, with the player and QM working together to create a worthy story. Every post will provide at least one might-based, nobility-based, and artifice-based avenue if applicable to the situation, and write-ins are both permitted and encouraged. Players vote for their preferred option, with majority determining the final choice. However, in the case of especially critical events, called “trials,” fate will be given its due through the roll of dice.

>Trials

During trials, after the majority have chosen a course of action, the QM will then roll 1d10, add the player’s relevant Aspect (Might, Nobility, or Artifice), and add any relevant bonuses from items or context. If the resulting sum meets the trial’s threshold, the player succeeds. If the sum falls short of the threshold, the player fails. For each margin of 3 the player exceeds or fails the threshold by, the outcome will be more severe (either positive or negative). Poor rolls by players in combat trials are assigned as enemy hits.

The thresholds for each trial are known only by the QM, and are different for every option. Depending on the situation, one option will probably be easier than the others. Sneaking past the elite palace guard will be easier than fighting all of them. Killing the feral tribe of cannibals is probably easier than talking them down diplomatically. This could change, of course, if the player is particularly proficient with one Aspect and deficient in another. Perhaps your Artifice is so bad that Might is the better option for getting past those palace guard, after all. Players should consider which approach is most likely to succeed given both the context of the trial and the character’s own skillset.

Current XP: 11

2/3

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>>380982

>Hand of Fate

After the results of a given trial are rolled but before the result has been decided, the players may opt to spend their accumulated XP to influence the result. XP spent this way is subtracted from the party’s total pool and added to the die roll. Note that the players may choose to spend XP this way even if they are confident the roll will succeed in order to achieve a higher degree of success. In addition, the QM may provide opportunities in which XP may be spent to acquire favors, equipment, knowledge, or other benefits during the course of the game.

>Criticals

A trial roll of 10 that passes the threshold is a critical success, and reaps additional benefits. Conversely, a 1 that fails the threshold is a critical failure, and has additional consequences. A 10 that fails to beat the threshold still fails, but the player receives some accommodation, insight, or unforeseen benefit in the attempt. Likewise, a 1 that passes the threshold succeeds, but with a minor hiccup or unforeseen complication.

>Damage

Damage dealt by an enemy is equal to half its Might score, rounding down, and is applied to the character’s HP (which replenishes with time and rest). Once HP reaches 0, excess damage is assigned to a random Aspect (M, N, or A) by rolling 1d3. That Aspect is permanently reduced by this damage until it is repurchased with XP at the end of a game session. Should any Aspect reach 0, the character is crippled and incapacitated until 1 week of medical attention restores the first dot of each Aspect. If any Aspect falls below 0, the character suffers death.

3/3

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>>380983

((Current lay of the battle))

Try to regroup with Saffoi and together charge the Insurgent leader.

>>380989
A bit poorly thought out stairs - people from atop the wall can't shoot at the backs of the assailants. Imashet've done goofed.

>Hold back, let the cavalry do the work now.
Also get ourselves a bow and help by shooting. Going into mounted melee on foot is inadvisable.

>>380974
>>Charge the Insurgent leader.
Victory or death!

>>381002
>>381006
>>381011

Three responses, three different answers XD

>>381017
Gimme a sec to catch up

>>380974
>Charge the Insurgent leader.

>>380974
>Charge the Insurgent leader.
Kiari is currently the only member of our party between them and their goal, we need to take the heat off of her in case the line breaks.
Killing their leader would demoralize them and get them to break ranks the quickest. It would also limit bloodshed among our dwindling population and get us some mad rep.

>>380989
Excellent job with the intro, OP.

>>381006
>A bit poorly thought out stairs - people from atop the wall can't shoot at the backs of the assailants. Imashet've done goofed.
Well it's not really the central part of the fortress is it? It's just the prison I think. I could be wrong.

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Rolled 8 + 7 (1d10 + 7)

>>381011
>>381031
>>381034

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQyY9oNw16U&index=4&list=PLczFyaI8DEzgCCgfTAPb_mlSfs3JXd4_o

The rebel leader runs through another loyalist defender, then gestures with his bloody scimitar, calling out a series of commands over the din of battle and pointing in your direction. Two more rebel soldiers move into position to contain you on the stairs, trying to keep you out of the fray as the rest of the invading force redirects to meet Saffoi's incoming charge.

No - there is no time to cut through the fodder. Kirari is still in the fortress, and only a handful of rank and file warriors on foot are between the rebels and her. You run back up the stairs and across the ramparts, eyes on the the black-masked horseman, gauging the distance. You leap from the battlements, scimitar raised over your head, and tackle the leader from his horse. Both of you tumble to the ground, the horse reeling from the impact. The force of the blow catches the rebel by surprise, knocking his mask off to reveal his - her - face.

The officer from the prison, arms covered in the warpaint of her people. She delivers a swift knee to your gut, knocking you off of her and setting the two of you into a proper duel. You attack first, pressing into the melee with fierce strength even as her lackeys close in around you.

(rolling Might 1d10+5+2)

1/2

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>>381065

(let me know if you want to spend XP to enhance the result after every roll)

>>381073
Nah, we seem to have done pretty damn well, might as well save it for when we start failing horribly.

>>381073
I think this roll was fine.

>>381073
>that's already good enough

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>>381065

You strike in a wide arc overhead, cleaving downwards in a powerful chop. The woman is skilled, as absorbs the force of the blow, redirecting it to one side. Before she can counter you are on her again, closing distance and thrusting forward. This she also blocks, scrambling to change her stance to avoid most of the blow's force. She can't match you for brute strength, and tries to outmaneuver you. It won't work. You unleash a rapid flurry of strikes, each one fairly sloppy but fast enough that she becomes overwhelmed by the onslaught. You throw a kick into the mix which she is unprepared for, breaking her guard. She knows what will come next and tries to escape, but your sword buries itself in her intestines first, dropping her to her knees.

Blood pours from her mouth as she collapses, looking up at you with eyes still glazed defiant with hatred. Behind you, you hear another threat approach - two more rebels coming too late to save their ringleader. Before they can retaliate, They are trampled by Saffoi's cavalry charge, the warhorses easily plowing through the paltry improvised line. One man screams as Saffoi's mount rears up and back down at his command, crushing his skull with a bone-crunching snap.

You catch the general's eye, and he looks between you and your defeated opponent. His reaction is one of...anger? The man does not dwell on it, however. He signals his infantry to move up the stairs to his right, cutting off the escape of any rebels you might try to jump the walls.

=================

>finish the rebel ringleader
>make your way to Kirari
>support Saffoi
>reunite with Dorje
>write-in

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>>381065
>leap down on him from the battlements
That is exactly what I had in mind! Fuck YEAH.

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>>381128

>>381128
Finishing off an injured woman doesn't give the same sort of rep we really want. Saffoi's probably mad because we stole his glory, but he's gonna have to deal.

I say... we should stick with him for now, support him and don't give him time away from us to fester this resentment. Battling side by side is the best way to form trust.

>>381128
>>reunite with Dorje
Our work here seems to be done though so lets take him with us and head to Kirari.

>>381144
>reunite with Dorje
Yes, someone to have our back.

>>381128
>>finish the rebel ringleader
From the your description looks like she's dead anyways, then
>>make your way to Kirari
We don't want to steal more glory from him

>>381128
>reunite with Dorje
>make your way to Kirari
Live the ringleader. With any luck, she can still tell something useful.

>>381128
>make your way to Kirari
why do i feel like we should do something with the ring leader...
let's take her with us, at worse she'll be useful as a meatshield

>>381144
>>381154
You guys aren't too keen on keeping our only ally with an army on our good side.

>>381173
>>support Saffoi
ok, changing to support our ally. If that is what it takes to make him happy.

>>381173
I think he actually hates us because we took all the kills ourselves

>>381185
Yeah I know, and the worst thing to do right now would be to leave him alone and let him stew on it.
Supporting him shows a degree of loyalty, both to him and to his men, which will make them think we work for him and sooth his pride a bit.

But if you guys want to break off and be independant, I guess that is more of an adventurer thing to do. I was just thinking logically. Saffoi has a lot of power, and I wouldn't want him to become our enemy.

>>381189
Well leaving him alone sounds like a dick move so we'll just support him but don't be overtly aggressive then
>>381157
Changing to
>>support Saffoi

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>>381144
>>381154

The Imashet warhorses tear past you with a deafening thunder of hooves and men screaming their battlecries, leaving you momentarily disoriented. Catching your bearings, you find Dorje still at the top of the stairs, finishing the last of the rebels assigned to box him in. You signal to him, and he signals back.

"To the prison!" you shout. You didn't think any of the rebels had cut their way through to the cell block, but you cared more for the welfare of Kirari and Kiyya than you did for another scrap of glory in this tribal feud. Your victory here would all be for nothing if either of the two women were harmed. Dorje takes the steps two at a time, stopping to pick up one of the Imashet shields from a slain enemy. Shoulder to shoulder, you fight through the remaining enemies to the fortress.

Two dead loyalists lie in the nearest doorway, but a third is still standing, short spear raised. Whichever rebel he had been holding off has broken away, trying in vain to flee the trap Saffoi has closed. You lower your weapon and muscle past the sentry, who though shaken seems to gather you are not trying to skewer him.

You wind your way through the tight corridors to the prison area, walking through the archway to find the scar-faced warden slumped over dead at his post in a pool of blood. No...

Running past the dead man, you charge into the dark cell block, weapon ready. "Kirari!"

The young woman looks around a corner, a bloody sword in one hand. "Keje?" You look more closely as your eyes adjust to the interior gloom. Two bodies lies at Kirari's feet - both charred almost black, flesh singed by flames.

"I...I had no choice, Keje. They ambushed the warden, tried to get past me..." Kiyya watches from the darkness of her cell behind, silent but unhurt.

================

>Don't worry about it. We'll deal with the fallout later.
>Hide the bodies - they can't know a mage is among you.
>Write-in

>>381185
>>381189
>>381196

Sorry guys, I had already practically finished writing by the time these came in. I'll leave more time for debate next post.

>>381199
>Hide the bodies - they can't know a mage is among you.
OH FUCK

Wait WAIT

QUICK, WHAT ARE THE CHANCES WE CAN PRETEND TO SET THE BUILDING ON FIRE

>>381206
Just set it on fire a little, so they can't tell there was a mage here and it just looks like a fire broke out. Are there torches around?
Is that even slightly plausible, OP?

>>381199
>>Don't worry about it. We'll deal with the fallout later.
Probably still stinks, hiding it might be a bad idea.

>>381199
>Don't worry about it. We'll deal with the fallout later.
Only choice we got

>>381199
>Hide the bodies - they can't know a mage is among you.
unless there's enough lamp oil around to make it look like a mundane trap...

>>381206
>>381208


Like most buildings in the desert, the fort is made of earth and stone, not wood. There isn't enough lumber for it to be used as a common building material. So no, that probably would not work well.

>>381208
Like, okay, if there was oil in the room, we could explain it as her setting and oil trap and then fighting them with a torch.

>>381211
The only thing we know about how these people react to magic is that they executed their former leader for being suspected of magic and then imprisoned his daughter who had nothing to do with it just because she was related to him.

>>381199
>Don't worry about it. We'll deal with the fallout later.
Hiding the bodies presents alot of problems. We'll be discovered, and our intentions will be questioned. Better to just come clean about it.

>>381218
Was there oil and a torch in the room?

>>381222

There is some, yes. Not a great amount, but it is used for some of the lighting.

>>381227
Is there anywhere around to hide the bodies?

>>381230

The fort has four levels including the cellar, which you are in right now. Thee are a lot of empty cells, but not much furnishings. The infirmary (where Royt is) is on the other side of this level. The ground floor has the mess, armory, Saffoi's war room, other common areas. Other floors have officers' quarters, storage, things like that.

>>381227
well perfect, it'd make sense that she dimmed the light to hide her and the trap

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>>381261
I dunno if we can pull the oil trap thing anymore, it's starting to seem too complicated and complicated plans tend to fail most of the time.

Perhaps we should just pick a storage room and shove them in there. It'll be difficult to deal with them afterwards but probably easier than rescuing someone from a witch burning.

I mean, we don't even have a horse.

I count 2 votes for hide the bodies somehow, 2 for being upfront and not hiding them. Is anyone changing their vote?

>>381277
I would rather deal with disposing of bodies than rescuing someone from a witchburning, so no.

>>381277
I'm counting 3 for not hiding.

>>381211
>>381213
>>381220

>Don't worry about it, we'll deal with the fallout later.

make that the 4th vote

>>381277
>Hide the bodies - they can't know a mage is among you.
Change to hide seems more reasonable>>381213

>>381286

Ah, ok. Pink and purplish IPs looked the same at first pass. Writing.

>>381289
>>381290
This complicates things.

>>381291
>>381291

You curse in Korathi, kicking one of the corpses on the floor in frustration. Kirari avoids your eyes, aware that she has placed everyone in danger, even if she had no other options. You consider what might happen if you tried to conceal the bodies. You could walk out this door and be seen with them over your shoulder. Someone could walk in at any moment. You could fail to find a place to hide them sufficiently in the keep - certainly getting them out past Saffoi was impossible. There were too many ways to get caught, and then you would be guilty of lying to the powerful warlord, instead of just withholding the truth from him. Your eyes fall on Kiyya, who is watching you think from her cell.

"We will only hurt ourselves further by trying to conceal this from Saffoi. Odds are he will learn of it anyway, best not to be caught openly deceiving him."

"Then we wait to be found out and judged?" Dorje asks, unhappy with the prospect.

===============

>No, we tell him ourselves before anyone else learns of it
>We leave it be. Perhaps no one will think twice of it.
>Perhaps Kiyya can claim responsibility for the sorcery - they think she is one anyway.
>Write-in

>>381312
>>We leave it be. Perhaps no one will think twice of it.
What could possibly go wrong?

>>381312
Changed my mind- spill oil everywhere and hand Kirari a torch.
Don't try to explain it when they come in, that'll just look suspicious. Let them draw conclusions.

>>381312
> We leave it be. Perhaps no one will think twice of it

>>381312
>No, we tell him ourselves before anyone else learns of it

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there are no right answers at this point

>>381312
>>We leave it be. Perhaps no one will think twice of it.
Try make it more "natural' though

>>381319
>>381323

Going with this

>'Bodies, what bodies?'

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>>381338

"No. We won't lie, but we won't tell him, either. All Saffoi will know for certain is that his guards were overpowered, and that these rebels tried to murder the prisoner in his custody. We leave him to reach his own conclusions, and we can intervene with the full truth if needs be, and only then."

"What if he blames Kiyya?" Kirari asks, worried for her charge's safety.

"Most of the people in this city believe her to be a witch already, and there is little we can do to dissuade them of that. We might as well let them assume it if it means concealing your own abilities, Kirari."

She doesn't seem comfortable with this, clearly unwilling to put Kiyya in danger to save her own skin.

"Kira-ri," Kiyya's voice calls out from the cell behind her. She places a hand on her own chest., then points at the dead men. "I do this...I kill these men," she says in slow, simple Imashet. "Is ok," she says, taking Kirari's hands through the bars of her cell. "This, is best way."

Kirari still seems hesitant, but relents at Kiyya's bidding, nodding her head.

"If he tries to harm her for this, it will be through me first," Dorje interjects.

"Through us." You agree. Your eyes find Kiyya's, and the two of you share a moment of understanding. She is taking a burden upon herself for you again, but she knows it is the best way for all of you together. The wisdom of her lineage bleeds through in that moment, and you can tell why her family has ruled the Imashet tribe for so long.


*****

The battle winds down quickly outside, and what few prisoners Saffoi decides to keep are rounded up and thrown into the cells beside Kiyya's. The three of you make your way to Saffoi's orbit, trying to stay aware of his behavior but never too far from Kiyya. For now, the General seems occupied with the aftermath of the conflict and not with the charred bodies his men discovered in the prison, dragging away with a mixture of horror and confusion.

The fort is a clamor of activity as soldiers tend to wounded and interrogate prisoners, deliver reports and try to hunt down the few rebels who tried to flee. After a few hours, Saffoi summons you with a courier.

"The General would like to discuss something with you," the young warrior says.

(I apologize for taking so long. I am a slow typist and I am trying to proofread everything first)

===============

>Go alone
>Take Kirari
>Take Dorje
>Go together
>Station someone by Kiyya
>Write-in

>>381432
Go with Kirari, let Dorje protect Kiyya

>>381446
this.

>>381446
Backing this.

>>381446
Agree

>>381446
This. Is there any way to twist this to make it more likely for us or Kiyya to end up being favored?

>>381446

"Dorje, stay with the girl," you order. He readily complies, making his way back down to the prison. You turn to Kirari next. "Remember. We don't tell him anything unless he asks us directly."

"And if he does ask us...about what I did down there?"

"Then let me figure it out."

She nods, taking a deep breath. Together, the two of you follow the aide to Saffoi's war room.

The warlord is still clad in his full armor, half- hunched over a stone table covered with rolled maps and stacks of reports and correspondence. In the corner sits Weir et Taphrei, hastily scribbling something. He stops as you walk in, looking pensive.

"General." You say in accented Imashet.

"Roericar," Saffoi replies, motioning for the aide to leave the room. He continues in rapidfire Imashet which Weir tries to translate as best he can.

"The General ask...you know who you kill during the war?"

"You mean the battle?" you ask, clarifying.

"Y-yes. He say, you kill someone of importance."

===============

>I did. The woman was the ringleader of the rebels.
>It was a confusing melee. I might have, I might not have.
>Write-in

>>381432
Kiyya is best girl. I wish she wouldn't sacrifice herself for us, but that was nice.

>>381446
This.

>>381481
>I did, woman was ringleader.

>>381481
>'I did. The woman was the ringleader of the rebels. I thought that to take her down would break the rebels sooner, and leave more of your people alive at the end of the battle instead of wasting lives on senseless fighting.'

>>381481
>I did. The woman was the ringleader of the rebels.

>>381481
>>I did. The woman was the ringleader of the rebels.

>>381494
This.

>>381494
Sounds good, might be a bit hard to get across though.

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>>381489
>>381494

"I did. She was clearly commanding their forces, and I decided that removing her would break the rebels most quickly. Your men were dying, and mine were in danger."

Weir hesitates, hearing your answer, but translates it into Imashet. As he speaks, you watch as Saffoi's face tightens with anger, piercing into you. It burns hotly, then passes as he looks away, tormented by something. He asks something, his voice tense with rage.

"The General...he ask if you know this woman was his niece."

==================

>I did not. I still had to do it regardless.
>I did not. I am sorry.
>Attempt a more diplomatic answer (N)
>Have Kirari attempt a more diplomatic answer (N)
>I did. I sensed she had been plotting against you since I arrived (A).
>I did. She was a fierce warrior (M + A).
>I did not, but I can see now why she was such a strong opponent (M)
>Write-in

(Basically, M appeals to warrior ethos, N tries to alleviate potential friction and avoid a grudge, A is a misdirection, other answers are simple, less risky ones)

>>381525
>I did not, but I can see now why she was such a strong opponent (M)
he's a warrior, he'll appreciate it... i hope

>>381525
>>I did. I sensed she had been plotting against you since I arrived (A).
Might as well go full bullshit

>>381525
>>I did not, but I can see now why she was such a strong opponent (M)
Feels a bit too flattering, but it sounds alright.

>>381525
Nah skip the bullshit. Including that she was a strong warrior - if she was, she'd be alive.
>I didn't. But i still had to do it.

Rolled 1 + 7 (1d10 + 7)

>>381535
>>381541

You are taken offguard by the revelation, unsure how to respond at first. All of a sudden, some things begin to make a good deal of sense. The raised voices in his office, the look you received in the prison, the constant tension. Saffoi was old for a warrior, and his niece had been next in line. Her uncle had given asylum to a suspected witch, exile, and deserter. Now the dispute had taken up arms, and your arrival with Kiyya at your side had been the catalyst.

"I did not know. I'm sorry," you say, letting a heavy silence linger between the two of you for a long moment. "She was a fine warrior, but I had to defend my people."

1/2

>>381584
Crit fail time, lets just let it happen. Can we even fix a crit fail?

>>381584
well, fuck

that will make things move

>>381587
>>381593

You can spend XP to raise the result which will still leave a minor hiccup if you pass but won't necessarily fail.

>>381597
nah, i want to watch the world burn

>>381597
Raise! RAISE!

>>381597
DO IT

>>381597
For curiosity's sake, can we use 9 xp to force a crit success and would that somehow cancel the crit fail?

>>381620

No, you can't force crits by spending xp. a 1 will always have something go wrong, even if you succeed at the trial. Likewise a 10 will always have something go right, even if it isn't enough to pass the trial.

>>381623
Sounds good, thanks. Would be a bit too easy otherwise.

>>381601
>>381619

(No one is volunteering an amount to raise by, so I will assume 3 to push it to 11)

Weir relays the message, and once again there is a lingering disquiet. In an explosion of anger, Saffoi flips his desk over, sending it crashing to the ground in an eruption of papers. Weir jumps up and backs further into the corner, while Kirari takes a step backwards and drops a hand to her sheathed weapon. You restrain her from drawing steel, grabbing her hand. From outside, two guards come rushing it behind you, weapons ready.

"OUT!" Saffoi bellows, sending them right back where they came from just as fast as they had entered. The warlord takes a few angry paces, then steps up to you, not two feet away, judging the reaction in your eyes. You remain unreadable - not displaying weakness, but not arrogance, either. Finally, Saffoi releases you from his glare.

"A soldier...must always defend his people," he says, as much to himself as to you. Before either of you can say anything else, he waves both of you and Weir away.

The three of you reconvene outside, the translator looking relieved to be freed of the general's company.

"That could have gone better," you mutter in Korathi.

"What do we do now, Keje?" Kirari asks.

Well, you weren't speaking with Saffoi any time soon. This much was clear. You consider your options.

===============

>Lie low a while, let things settle down.
>See Imala
>Meet House Taphrei
>Write-in

>>381652
>Lie low a while, let things settle down.
Don't visit other people, it'll make him think we're trying shit, and neither of them can help us at the moment.

>>381652
>>Meet House Taphrei
More exploring.

>>381652
>Meet House Taphrei
might as well

>>381665
going with this

>>381665
>you stay with kiyya while kirari and dorje establish contact with someone

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>>381662
>>381665

Writing this. Who's going and who is staying?

>>381696
us, kirari and Weir?

>>381696
Dorje can stay, kind of a waste to go pick him up and Kirari might be more helpful for talking to people.

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>>381662
>>381665
>>381677

"We still need allies, not more than ever," you say. "Weir, you mentioned before there were four families that rule the Imashei? Now three, with Kiyya's family deposed?"

"Y-yes, you meet the Bahadurei, and the Solathei. The Taphrei merchant family is last of great family of Imashei. Their patron is Kelje et Taphrei."

"Then we should speak with him." You and Kirari acquire some cloaks left discarded from the wounded soldiers, and cover your slightly lighter tattooed skin from notice. "Perhaps he will have an answer to this mess."


*****

The city is rife with commotion as you make your way through the crooked streets. People are yelling and swarming the vendors at the market, running about between homes, and peeking cautiously from the windows of their homes. Fear and panic are the dominant emotions, and more than once you see a fight break out between men squabbling over food or goods. A woman with a crying infant begs passersby in the street, other beggars are too sick to move as they lay in the allies, waiting to die.

You receive many curious looks as shadier types observe you walking past, noticing the tribal markings on your exposed skin. You don't look like an easy mark, though, and none of the lawless elements decide to pounce on you.

"My city...she dies," Weir says to you, looking around at the chaos and brewing violence. "You come at dark time, for Imashei."

You aren't sure what to say to that. Fortunately, Kirari steps in for you.

"Your people have taken us in, and are the kindred of our own tribe. If we can do anything to help you, we will."

Weir offers her a polite smile, though whether he believes her or not you can't say. "Tell me about this merchant family," you ask Weir as he walks beside you.

"They are wealthiest of Imashei family. They once do trade with other cities - with Elysia, with Najjat, even with Tyger-rei. They know desert very well, find treasures of old times, sell them, bring wealth back to our cities. They make...ehhh..." he gestures with his hands, as though writing.

"Maps," you say.

"Yes. Map. Chart. This, Taphrei villa," he says, indicating a more imposing, well-masoned brick building. A pair of servants is waiting at the door - you notice they are armed.

Weir introduces you, and one servant departs to consult his master. In time, you are welcomed in to a large room, not as luxurious as Imala's parlor but adorned with curiosities and the clutter of a businessman. Parchments and books are everywhere, stacked on the floor and the low stone tables Imashei preferred. After a time, a young woman and middle aged man enter the parlor.

"So, it is the famous Korathi, at last," the man says, offering you his hand. "I am Kelje et Taphrei, and this is my daughter, Raja."

================

>Write-in

>>381743
Can I marry your daughter please

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>>381754

^

>>381743
>Introduce yourself in their tongue the best you can

>>381743
>"I wish we were famous enough to do something of worth in this city, Taphrei. We have come to talk, and hopefully calm some of this madness with your help."

>>381763
>>381761
god damn i wish we spoke the language better

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You take his forearm in your hand, allowing him to clasp yours in the same manner. "I...am Kejeral, et Korathei," you manage with some difficulty. Kelje smiles, appreciating the respect you have shown his people's language by attempting to learn it.

He welcomes you to sit down on one of the cushions on the floor, and has some water brought in much as Imala had earlier. The customs of Imashei hospitality are beginning to become familiar to you.

After a short time a young man in his teenage years, about the same age as the woman, wanders in. "My son, Micah," Kelje introduces him. The boy seems a bit awkward socially, but offers his greetings and joins the conversation.

"I know you already meet Imala et Solathei, a friend of mine," Taphrei says through the translator. "She has spoken highly of you. Tried to convince me you were everything our stories say."

===============

>She's right, the legends about our return are true
>We honestly don't know much of these legends, or of why we are here
>We are just men, trying to survive and learn what happened to our people
>Write-in

>>381783
>>We honestly don't know much of these legends, or of why we are here
Seems like a decent middle ground.

>>381783
>>She's right, the legends about our return are true
He's impressed with us

>>381783
>She's right, the legends about our return are true

>>381783
>We honestly don't know much of these legends, or of why we are here.

>>381783
>She's right, the legends about our return are true

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>>381792

"She's right. We have come to help your people, in any way we can," you say with as much confidence as you can muster.

"I confess I am not a man of any real faith, or who puts much stock in the old stories. I was told them like everyone else - the Korathei and Imashei tribes astride burning horses, setting the desert aflame. It is wonderful poetry, and it gives the people here something to cling to as the nights get longer and hungrier. As I get older, however, I have learned to trust my eyes and my friends more than myth or hope. Our last Chieftain - Kiyya's father - promised us an era of peace, and a return to greatness. Now, we are a single step from collapse. You will have to forgive my skepticism," he says as pleasantly as he can. "Even so, with all my doubts...I do trust Imala, and I know she sees something in all of you. I can't speak yet for my entire house, but if she can persuade them, warm them to the idea - then perhaps I can endorse you, as well."


Kirari steps in with a few words of her own. "Kelje, we have been only a few steps away from death for a long time, and the only reason we live is because of the help of the Imashei. Even if you doubt us, we will earn your trust any way we can."

"Yes, I heard you were helped by the Amarsei girl," Kelje says. The atmosphere in the room grows a bit tense as the conversation holds it breath. "To be honest myself," he continues, "I didn't think she would still be alive out there. I am pleased to have been wrong."

===============

>His opinions of Kiyya?
>His opinions of Saffoi?
>His opinions of his own house?
>His opinions of Imala?
>Write-in

>>381857
>>His opinions of Kiyya?
>His opinions of Imala?
They're our main allies, I think.

>>381857
>>His opinions of Kiyya?
>>His opinions of Saffoi?
>>His opinions of Imala?

>>381866

"You are no enemy of hers, then?" you ask.

"No, I'm not. Kiyya's father was a madman, and he made some very poor decisions which divided our people into the factions you see now. His worst victims, however, were his own children. The ones he didn't murder, he made into outcasts - the two of them have no lineage now, no future. It is a cruel fate for a people that were once quite noble and respected among us."

"Is there anything we could do to restore her family's name?" Kirari asks, clearly concerned for the girl.

"Not that I know of. It would take something truly miraculous to convince the common people they still had the right of leadership."

"You don't think Saffoi will be able to salvage the city, then?" you ask him.

"The Bahadurei...are warriors. To them, everything is battle. And if there is no battle to be fought, they make one. I believe that the general has the best intentions, but he is no statesman."

"What about Imala? She seems to have everyone's ear in the city," Kirari asks.

"She does, and I think she may very well be the only noble in the city without any real enemies. She certainly has charm, and a...magnetism...about her, but I could not see her effectively leading a war effort. The Greh-lei tribes now have us pushed all the way back beyond our usual trade routes - I don't think Imala would be able to respond strongly to their aggression."

==============

>You mentioned two Amarsei children?
>What is this Burning Horse we keep hearing about?
>After this last battle, who remains in opposition to Saffoi?
>Would you consider leading the Imashei?
>The Gnollish War
>Write-in

>>381925
>you mentioned two Amarsei children?

>>381925
>>You mentioned two Amarsei children?
>What is this Burning Horse we keep hearing about?

>>381925
>You mentioned two Amarsei children?

>>381931

"You mentioned two Amarsei children?" you interject, making sure with Weir that you heard him correctly.

"Yes, Kiyya has a brother, Kraiyye et Amarsei. Her older brother by 6 years, in fact."

"Why have I not heard of this before?"

"Well...Kraiyye became involved in a sordid affair that left him outcast long before his sister. Some years ago, he secreted himself out of the city, covering his tracks as best he could. Suspicions eventually arose, and the Bahadurei spymaster, Jeriyya, discovered that his intention was to covertly meet with the Greh-lei tribes, and attempt to broker peace."

You and Kirari exchange a look or surprise. Even having only been here for a few days, the Imashei's hatred of the Gnolls was plain everywhere. Bahadurei soldiers carried scars from Gnollish claws and severed heads and hands as trophies. Skewered Gnollish corpses flanked the city's main entrance, and as far as you could tell the word for their kind was the same as that for "filth." Kiyya had herself been one of their prisoners, and they had been at war for generations.

"Your surprise is a shadow of our own," Kelje says, observing your reactions. "His father disowned him under pressure from Saffoi and the Bahadurei, and there were riots in the streets for some time once word got out into the city. There are many of us - myself included, however - who think Duran actually gave his son the mission himself, and abandoned him once the plan had backfired."

"And what of this Burning Horse we keep hearing about? You mentioned that earlier as well."

"Well, that's a part of the legend you tell me you are a part of," the shrew Taphrei merchant says. He doesn't seem to bothered by your ignorance of it, though, as he does explain. "You've seen the large building in the city's northeast quarter? That was once a temple to the old Imashet gods, long ago. We have since forgotten them, but in their place, people cling to the myth of the Burning Horse - the majestic daughter of the Spirit of Horses tamed by Amarr - which will be ridden by a great Imashei warrior who defeats our enemies and restores our lands."

"And sets the desert aflame, chasing away the night forever," Raja says from her seat beside her father. "I always liked that song when I was a girl."

===============

>Write-in

>>382000
[x] i have to go
this is a joke, i have no idea of what to say, sorry

>>382000
>>382056
Yeah im out of ideas too. Perhaps we should ask him what is left to ask:
>Ask about the Gnollish war
>Would you consider leading the Imashei?

>>382056

It's ok, I was planning on wrapping it up within 20 minutes anyways. I'll just call it here for this week, and maybe start the next game off with some more options to help people decide what to say.

Party get +5 XP for the week, but spent 3 on a roll, leaving +2. That means the current XP is 13.

As always, feedback is welcome, questions to ask.fm

>>382070
A pleasure as always, OP. Glad i was able to get here on time. Looking forward to the next session!

>>382070
thanks for running

>>382000
Oh ho, so there's a temple related to the legend? Well it's clear where we should go next. We should visit this temple.