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Post by A Witness... on Jan 4, 2022 17:49:13 GMT -6
Steve could see quite a distance outside the tower. The open door spilled the light out over 40 feet. He didn't see any movement. He could still faintly hear the low chanting coming from the shadows. The cadence of it sounded a bit like rap music. The noises from the two of them were mostly different in their words used, with one using short repeating words and the other drawn out ones. Every few measures they would say the same thing at the same time. It seemed to Steve that the cooperation could mean that the more of them participating could mean greater power... ability... results, whatever that meant when talking about magic. He imagined that getting a dozen of them together could be quite beautiful. Jori didn't seem to notice Steve's distraction, "My Spenglish is poor (humble), but my Company leader the Wyverlord, Cumulubur'Tornen'Quatorn'Luzsdl (Cloudwing, Silent, 2nd Clutch, Highborn) has learned your language. He is not at our camp, but I would accept your offer to move the turtle to one of our mountains (responsibility).
Steve took in the undercurrent provided by the towers universal translator, but also could see that Jori was getting genuinely excited. Was this because he had first contact between them, or the reward they talked about. Or he did seem truly intrigued by the big turtle.
No, Steve realized that Jori was excited about going back to the mountain... but was it joy or fear?
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Post by logan on Jan 5, 2022 14:32:44 GMT -6
"Very well. I would be pleased to meet your superior. I feel we may have some mutually interesting topics to discuss (understatement). I will require a moment alone to commune with the Tower before we depart though. I assure you, it will take only a few minutes. (forthright) I will say this- the Tower will not reopen until I return (warning). If you wish, we can leave immediately- though I understand if you require a few hours sleep before hand. (accommodation) Which do you prefer?"
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Post by A Witness... on Jan 6, 2022 9:26:11 GMT -6
Jori nods gets up and leaves the tower. As he leaves he yells out the door, "Hold your action, I'm sala fanir. Horup Oosshulis. Loru Salahorup."
Steve took a second to watch him leave and the chanting stopped suddenly. At the edge of the light the kobolds and basilisk rejoined him.
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Post by logan on Jan 6, 2022 16:27:15 GMT -6
Steve stood, and bowed his head slightly towards the group. I suppose that means he wants to leave now. Best not to keep him waiting. Softly, Steve spoke. "Please close the door for a moment." The door slid shut, leaving him alone in the room again- Steve thought he saw a flash of surprise, or at least a startled jerk, from the lizards as the doors closed, but he wasn't sure. Steve exhaled heavily and took off his helmet, releasing a bit of the stress of the meeting, as a shimmer in the air caught his attention to his left. He watched as Azeir's spectral figure materialized. "All things considered, that could've been worse". "Yes. At least he did not try to kill you. I can not protect you when you leave the tower though." It was odd listening to Azeir speak now. His mouth moved in perfect sync with his voice, but it didn't fully seem to be coming from the figure, but the tower itself. It was like listening to him speak in surround sound. "They most likely won't kill me. They need to enter the tower, and they think I'm necessary for that. It's not like I'm exactly invulnerable within the tower anyways. I'd hoped to be able to convince them to leave, but that's looking more and more difficult. I'll figure something out." "Do what you can. We are both up against a wall here." "Roger. See if you can figure out the protocols for releasing collected items- they might be needed later on, but we can't eat up our time. I might send Paulie up to the tower- I figure you could use someone standing guard. You seem a bit vulnerable in those big cocoon chairs. After all, the last person in them got his noggin slurped by a squid." "We can keep Paulie under control, or at least Angelo will- I hope." To Steve, Azeir looked as if he was about to say something else. "Right then. I guess it was nice seeing you again? I'll see what I can do about the lizards." Steve turned towards the Gaftwud portal before Azeir's voice caused him to look back. "Steve? How much did you mean about the "Chosen"?" "Honestly, I'm not sure. Some of it's fabricated and some of its exaggerated, but I think its as apt a description as any when you come down to it. I'm sure you could explain it differently- as a scientist I might dissect it from an entirely different angle- but I wasn't speaking from the perspective of a scientist. I was speaking as well as I could from their perspective. Maybe the Tower needs to be contemplated within multiple perspectives. It seals off multiple realms- perhaps you need to consider the Tower from the perspective of each one to fully understand it." Steve thought about it for a moment and gave a small laugh. "Or maybe not. Maybe I'm talking out of my ass and am completely off track. I'm just not sure anymore." "I see." "We good?" "Yes." "Excellent, then I'll-" "One more thing though- Steve, they are, or at the least this wyverlord is, eating my people. Slavery is one thing, and the tower comes first but..." "Got it, bud. I'll add that to the list of shit they need to stop doing." "Thank you- Speaker for the Tower." "I knew it would catch on." Azeir's image disappeared as Steve put his helmet back on. He turned to face the door as he heard the whoosh of air as it opened. The lizards were still there, hissing something in their strange language, but stopped as the Tower opened. Steve stepped through the threshold and into the inky black of the night.
ow. Ow. Ow! Fuck! Steve kept tripping over himself in the darkness. It seemed every time he thought the ground he walked on was solid, he hit a rock or a dip. The lizards seemed to be doing just fine- must be something about their eyes, or magic, or they just knew the land- "Or-or-or" Steve thought with a bit of bitterness. "It won't do me any good." He couldn't see much, but he was reasonably sure the lizard he was following was Jori- he was far more confident that the one behind him was a basilisk. The kobolds flanked Steve, though after the second time he tripped over one- he thought it was Tal, but he wasn't sure- they moved to give him a little more space. Eh. Screw it. Steve reached for his flashlight to light the way, but the basilisk's reasonable objection (HIISSSSGGRRRASSHH) convinced him that reaching for objects off his belt may not be the wisest decision in the immediate moment. He heard Jori and some of the other lizards talking, but he hadn't the faintest what it was about, especially as distracted as he was just keeping his footing. He might have missed the camp entirely had they not come to a sudden halt. The watchfires were burning low- not much good burning-wood out here, Steve supposed- so he still couldn't see much of the layout. Gradually, he reached for his flashlight- he took the lack of his arm being ripped off him as permission- and shined it out in front of him. Oy Vey. It was clearly the hovervan. A hovervan that, less than 48 hours ago, could've fairly been called brand new. A hovervan that had been made less than a week ago. A hovervan that had, in the 48 hours since, been quickly moved from "brand new" to "nearly scrap". Well, at least now it will blend right in. Looks just like a Gaftwud hovervan, just needs some rust. Gone to crap, just like everything. Musket holes riddled one side of it, denting the armor. The windows- the nice, reinforced glass-carbonate windows- were cracked, and one looked like it was forced open. He hadn't opened it, but he thought it looked like someone started a small campfire in it- some kind of grenade or spell?. He hoped that the fire suppressants kicked in, which would he could look forward to cleaning pounds of sticky fire retardant foam out of it rather than repairing the entirety of the interior. Scorch marks marred the once shiny armor of the van. Someone had done something to the turret on the top- the rifle was at an odd angle. The side mirror looked like someone took either an axe or a sword to it- it was half-chopped off. Steve saw deep ruts in the ground- they must have dragged it. Steve grimaced. Sand in the rotors was never good and would require cleaning, but as long as it wasn't jammed it would fly for a while- though it might make a rather annoying grinding sound. The only good news was a lot of the damage looked superficial to actually transport- but that was only from a ten second glance. Jesus... the thing looks like a school bus from the shit side of Detroit. Let's see if I can get it up. Steve approached it to activate its systems, while still trying to check the lizards movement.
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Post by A Witness... on Jan 9, 2022 19:27:59 GMT -6
Moving through the camp Steve had noticed that the smoke from the fire smelled of flesh, of fat. Of course, with no trees they were burning blubber and bones. Steve didn't want to linger on it to think of where they might have acquired the materials. He soothed himself thinking that there were plenty of weird animals still out in the wastes.
The probably Jori stood behind him as he scanned over the vehicle. Yes, mostly cosmetic, the armor or the things poking out: antennas, scanning and tracking dishes, turret. Leaning down he confirmed the under-fans were intact, and nothing larger than a marble had gotten up in them. The window looked like it had been hammered in with some kind of battering ram, but it must have been very impressive to crack the carbonate windows from the frame.
He climbed inside and Jori, a basilisk, and one lizard-wizard followed him. The wizard carried no rifle, but Steve noticed a fairly large gem in a choker around the neck, and a similar one in the head of a walking cane that never touched the ground. The creature wore leathers made of different colored tanned skins, again Steve didn't want to think about the details of that right now. Jori looked casual, but the basilisk looked coiled and ready to move. The Liz-Wiz was watching him intently.
Steve reviewed the systems and infrastructure. It would fly, but after testing the control circuits for a bit they seemed to have some heat damage to them. He could manually turn on the rotors, but control from the cockpit would be limited, and this was after some repairs. Steve remembered that Angelo had asked for the AI to be removed. The hardware was there, but no software was installed. Luckily the tool kits were intact.
Steve tried to gesture "give me time" to the group staring at him. Jori seemed to get the gist, and Steve wondered if there was any long term effects from telepathic contact. Another "no-answer-question" for some other time... Steve got to work.
Hours passed with only a few interruptions from the Wizard. It was either to push him along, or to get Steve to move so he could see, but he couldn't tell which. Then the dash lit up and the engine kicked on. Steve broke his cool for a second with a victory shout. Jori was also pleased, but looked a little frightened too at the rumble under his feet. Steve gestured to him to get ready, again he seemed to get it quickly. Jori began to gather up his squad.
Then Steve looked out the window. It was still dark, but the camp fires illuminated enough that the form was unmistakable to Steve. Paulie was flanked by a wizard and a soldier. He had that dumb half grin on his face that didn't look happy, but didn't look sad. He was carrying a fairly large crate for them and putting in the back of a wagon. Whatever was rigged up to pull the wagon was outside the firelight. Paulie set it down and smiled. The soldier patted him on the back.
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Post by logan on Jan 9, 2022 23:22:52 GMT -6
Steve was glad to see that Paulie was safe. As stupid and violent as he was, he was also oddly the most childlike of the Posse. His outbursts were the temper-tantrums of a child- perhaps he'd be alright here. Frankly, Steve was amazed they got him out of the van, or to do anything without Angelo's input. Maybe the Tower's psychic Push, now imbued with Angelo's energy had a calming effect on him. One more addition to the no-answer list.
His thoughts were not idle though- even as he reflected he cleared off the dash panel with a tired, nervous energy. Tools returned to their buckets, control panels reconnected. It was still a rush job, but he felt a bit better about it with it looking halfway reasonable. He left the CPU-core access panel alone though- he would be needing that later. A bit more chipper, he turned around in the commander's seat- "All right then! Where to?" All he was returned with was blank stares.
Damn. Need to communicate somehow... don't suppose I have a road map lying around?
He fumbled around the dash for a minute, even though he knew it was hopeless. The van had only been made recently, and any maps Theta would have would be both digital and several hundred years out of date. Except for- "Directions, directions" Steve murmured to himself, as he looked around the spacious van. Possibly broken laser turret? No. Potentially damaged windows? No. Definitely crippled AC system (oh, Christ). Nope. But that will do just fine. It was a bit difficult with the basilisk, but Steve edged his way to the rear side of the Van. There, exactly where he left it, still attached to the charging port, was perhaps the one unbroken thing in this heap- Apollo. He unhooked it and dragged/wheeled it up to the cockpit, grunting a bit as he lifted it up to avoid the basilisk. He waved his hand towards Jori as he retracted the winddome from around the bike and lodged it as firmly as he could between his seat and the passenger's seat, facing backwards. Jori cautiously came up as Steve synced the nav-computers in Apollo with the Van. It wouldn't do much- it was pretty much just a USB cable so that Apollo could still use his sensors- but it was better than nothing. As Jori loomed over him, Steve could see the wizard craning his neck out of the corner of his eye, and he could practically feel the basilisk's stare on the back of his head.
All he had to do now- hopefully- was explain the situation. Steve knew that the more "common" words he used, the better the chances of mutual understanding would be. He fired up Apollo. "Greetings, Commander Austin," The bike droned. Really, Steve knew it wasn't very loud. In a nearly silent, cramped vehicle at probably... two?- in the morning, it seemed very loud. Especially with a bunch of skittish lizards as your companions. Jori jerked away, but he caught himself quick. The wizard jerked away as well, but quickly leaned forward to look more closely at the bike. The basilisk lurched as well- forward several feet, claws extended. If he hadn't stopped, he might have knocked Jori to the side. Whether his target was the bike or Steve- Steve couldn't tell, but he was suitably impressed by the reflexes. The way he kept his head to the ground and his teeth bared... it reminded him of a snake preparing to strike.
He set it aside. Jori and the wizard's attention was certainly gripped by the brightly glowing screens and buttons- he wasn't sure what they were saying, but they sounded excited, or at least lively. He quietly switched the voice recorder on. Since they didn't think- rightfully- that he could understand their language, there was no telling what they might reveal- though it wouldn't do him much good immediately. "Apollo, open GMAPV3 Nav-system." Steve commanded. Steve's map- the cross-reference of the Pre-Heat map systems and what he had collected via short-range radar- was the best he had, and best of all, it included rough terrain and elevation estimates- things that were both unlikely to change too drastically in even a thousand and universally understood. The good ole American map opened, and Steve quickly zoomed down to their immediate area. "So where to, padre? Directions, Where do I go, How do I get there, North-South-East-West?" Steve used another three or four common phrases and some hand gestures, but he didn't think he needed to- Jori seemed to have gotten the message. He looked at the compass system, and then pointed off to Steve's right. Steve marked a loose point on the map. He wasn't sure if it was where he was going or just a landmark, but since they had an accurate read on their location, Jori could direct them himself now if he needed to.
"Alright then. Hold on!" He looked around. The raised voice got their attention, but they still didn't seem to understand him. The wizard cocked his head. Steve took a finger and moved Jori's talons to the handrail above his head. He grabbed it and seemed to be holding tightly, though the other two were still just watching.
Eh. Good enough.
He revved the engine up. Normally, he would expect the van to vibrate before smoothing out. This was not a normal situation. A cloud of dust seemed to explode from under the van as sand was power blasted away. For a second, a horrible grinding noise was heard, but after dumping the flush-outtake valve it calmed down. The whole van shuddered so much the interior looks a bit blurred before it calmed down to the point of only feeling like a washing machines running a load of rocks through it. Both of Jori's talon's gripped the handrail as the van lifted up. The basilisk was looking at the walls like he just might rip them apart to escape. Could a lizard get claustrophobic?
Steve turned around and focused on controlling the van. Unfortunately, while he had driven these before, he wouldn't say he was particularly good at it. There was no time like the present to learn though. He flipped the forward facing exterior lights (aka, the high beams) on for a moment, coating the camp in light (after all, I might as well take a peak while I'm here), before he floored it, shooting out of the camp like a rocket at a speed previously unfathomable to his passengers, into the dusty, star-filled night.
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Post by A Witness... on Jan 14, 2022 17:46:21 GMT -6
The land was clear out the front window, one of the few that didn't have a crack in it. Jori's claw pointed at the mountain on the map, and despite Steve having the coordinates he kept pointing as if he was the navigator. Steve swooped around the hills to avoid turbulence. The vehicle was already shaking close to safe thresholds. It was pretty impressive how much damage these 'Sleastaks' did to the tank in the short amount of time Steve was in the tower.
The fans underneath the tank kicked up a cloud of red rust shards that no one would want to be standing in. The tank covered 12 miles in 15 minutes. Steve caught a glimpse of his new companions faces and they were wide-eyed with the exception of the basilisk that was still watching him. As they came around a ridge Steve saw it before Jori even pointed it out. There was a small camp of less than a dozen tents, but behind that the creatures had taken a mine shaft and opened it much wider. Steve wondered if it was on purpose that it was built on the west side; the side facing away from Theta and Winimerica. The cave was large enough to drive the tank into, but Jori motioned for Steve to stop in front of the camp. He didn't stop it on a dime, and it drifted forward a bit as the engines sputtered to a stop and the fans slowly dropped it on it's struts.
At the edge of the cave entrance were a set of larger draconians. At least one rank above Jori these thick creatures had tails. They were clearly some kind of muscle. While they had muskets on their hip they currently wielded an odd four prong trident like a pole arm. Standing between them was what had to be the Wyverman Jori referred to; Cumulubur'Tornen'Quatorn'Luzsdl. It was the only creature here that had wings. The torso of it's scales was covered with some kind of leather harness with pouches, and it carried a Winimerica rifle not unlike the one Simiae would carry. The trio walked slowly through the camp on their approach and Steve saw all the Kobolds (Tal) and Lizardman (Jori) hold their left claw open with fingers spread feeling the air, likely some kind of salute.
Jori motioned to the door and Steve opened it from the pilot's chair. He actually didn't mind having their first encounter right beside the door to the tank. It was the closest thing to neutral territory. Steve hit a program that would automatically close the door if he jumped back into the tank, and hoped it activated.
Jori motioned to the Lizard Wizard who left first and proceeded to leave the area entirely. Jori left second going straight towards Cumulubur. Steve and the Basilisk stared at each other for a few seconds longer than comfortable before the creature shrugged it's shoulders and slithered out. Steve noted it didn't follow Jori, leaving the most likely path for it under the tank. Steve filled the doorway as large as he could present before stepping down onto the scrub. He would not be intimidated and would match posture.
The area was clear of rust and Steve stepped on soft dirt. He noticed a row of plants looking like the start of a farm. Around the area there were a dozen staves shoved into the ground with bulbs of murky green light on top of them. So they either needed some light or they prepared these especially for Steve. Steve didn't see any set up in the cave entrance.
Jori spoke to Cumulubur for a dozen seconds while the Draconians stared at Steve. Finally, Cumulubur exposed a wide toothy grin Steve wasn't sure was a smile and spoke in Spenglish, "You welcomed here Tower-speaker, History-teller, Duty-human, Light-lord. I am Cumulubur of Canyon Company, and this is MY mountain."
Steve may have heard the stress on the possessive pronoun, or it may have been the accent. For a moment he wished Simiae was here with his ability to slip into other cultures quickly.
The activity around the camp seemed to pick up a bit as Cumulubur continued, "I am in charge here, and your host." He clacked his claws on the scales of his left arm and kobolds brought out chairs and cutlery made of bronze and clay. Cumulubur's eyes were clear in the light's glow and three Lizard Wizards came over and with some quick motions and low guttural chants food and water appeared in the appropriate containers. A show of power, or attempts to impress, or maybe both.
He motioned to sit and then took a (slightly taller) seat himself. He picked up a goblet and drank from it as if to prove there was no danger and kept grinning. With the lights and the wait staff, if Steve was sitting down with a different kind of person this could have been romantic.
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Post by logan on Jan 15, 2022 0:28:02 GMT -6
Steve kept eye contact with Cumulubur as he appraised him. So far he had lived up to Steve's weary expectations; arrogant or at least prideful, overconfident or at least sure of himself, vain, or at least a showoff. Steve probably wouldn't've, but if the opportunity arose, he'd consider betting Apollo that Cumulubur would turn out to be greedy as a miser. He stepped away from the van and sat down at them motioned seat. Steve had done a good job of not acting surprised at the suddenly appearing food. He was frankly out of fucks to give for that day, and would have taken Cthulu for granted at this point. Steve had also spent the majority of the ride thinking about how to approach the commander. I need to play to his ego a bit, but I also need to be careful. If I act too deferent and he takes the position that Theta is weak and no threat, any future dealings will be shaken. Too far the other way, and I'll start a war, with myself as casualty zero. Boy, my life is exciting.
Course set, Steve devoted a portion of his attention towards his mental defense, just like Simiae had taught him, before responding.
"Greetings, Commander Cumulubur. I am Major Steve R Austin of Theta, though I have many names, including the Speaker for the Tower and, if you travel wide enough, Omega Man. If I may say, your troops are impressive. They are uncommonly well disciplined for the area and follow their orders well. While it may not have been your intended roll, you brought order to a lawless area of Gaftwud, and did so through both force, stealth, and diplomacy. Your accomplishments speak for themselves. I have come here on behalf of myself, my people, and the Tower to discuss both our future, your future, and the future of Gaftwud and Myskidt. My apologies if I cause some offense unintentionally, for I am unfamiliar with your ways. I thank you for your hospitality." Steve took a swig of the... wine? Something very much like wine at any rate, and rather good. He had drained his canteen hours earlier. "It has been a long day, so I shall be direct; what do you want? What are your goals?"
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Post by A Witness... on Jan 15, 2022 11:38:23 GMT -6
Cumulubur cocked his head as Steve spoke nodding, if not in agreement at least in acknowledgment. There was one or two moments Steve thought he caught a look of some confusion on his face. What did that look like on a reptile? He had learned a few cues from the semi-telepathic discussion with Jori, and thought he picked it up right.
During the complements Cumulubur's grin widened, "No offense Mega-Man. Soldiers die for duty." Steve realized he was talking about the kobolds they took out while getting to the tower.
"Humans like haste. I understand with your short lives. I lived 219 till now. It odd our time-keeping almost the same... your land, my land. The sun same. The day same. No night sun in Myskidt though, not anymore. You speak of pre-now history, we also have pre-now history. Both lands have had a bad moment. In Myskidt all black-Wyrms had to come together or all would all die."
Steve seemed to get the gist that these creatures could ramble a bit. Every word seemed relaxed and un-rushed. No need to get to the point quickly. He imagined a society that could wait out their enemies. Were they cold-blooded too? Eating only once in a while? That could be a very strategic advantage, especially in siege situation. But perhaps vulnerable to cold.
"You humans are more like Greens, clustered, but still fighting. Or badder whites, tossed to the highlands. We don't gotten far into gaft-world, but scouts have gone deeper, and we are find it everywhere. Uncooperation. Black-wyrms all about cooperation."
Steve listened, but thought to himself get to the point of my question.
"Ah, but you'd wants to get to the point?" Coincidence? Steve redoubled his efforts to block his surface thoughts.
"We wish to stay here. We are becoming as best we can to the dryness, but have seen water other place. Good land to expand. Bragjolvic'Cumululneash'Falomelsion'Aurorasaurion is young, but taken to your land quickly. Especially your delicious gifts. Our eggs are plentiful, and our numbers are growing quickly. We part of your world now and we won't go back." An emphatic statement. Uncompromising, and stated as fact.
Steve picked up on a cough-sniff from one of the waiters. Disappointment? Sadness? Rebellion?
"We trade with Winimerica, but cannot have alliance with such unpredictable people. Yet we seek alliances with like minded. We have started speak with furry men south, but they wild. Lots of wild in your world. We bring structure. We want to expand, first through the red, then more. Bring our gift of law."
"What is it that Mega-man want? I told you want it back? The way it was pre-now... or as much as pre-now can. We can help with that."
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Post by logan on Jan 15, 2022 13:51:38 GMT -6
Steve had little issue with their roundabout way of talking. It revealed interesting things at times. He responded to an earlier statement first almost in a mimicking manner. "In my experience, Winmerica is not one people. It is a collection of people. That is it's utility- it is a forum for warring powers and a trade station that slowly grows in importance. Anyone who can bring in strength is welcome to sit, but the one thing they agree one is that they should not have to listen to any other. While they are divided, the one thing they can unite around is a threat to themselves. This is how they have survived. In my experience, it is impossible to deal with "Winmerica"- but it is possible to deal with some of the tribes that compose them."
"I am here on three accounts- mine own feelings are the least relevant. One of the Tower's purposes is to keep the different Realms- like Gaftwud and Myskidt- separate. It was wounded, ill- but it has recovered, and grows stronger by the day. Too often when there is a breach, chaos and death follows it. The Realms will begin to draw apart again, yet you are here. If the Tower closed- forever- what would you do? Would you want to stay? Would you take what you've gained and returned? If the Tower was left open, what would you do? It, more strongly than any other, desires to keep things as they were before- it is good then, that you have often worked silently, for the Power- magic- was not intended to be used here." Steve hoped he had put the correct emphasis on his words- not a threat to close the Tower- directly- but a way to explore possibilities. Asking what he wanted from it. He continued.
"Theta seeks to rebuild what we have lost, to grow past our current limits and rebuild something like what once was. It is odd- just as your people waited out their enemies, so too did we. We have slept for a long time- hundreds of cycles. Theta is now slowly growing- though there have been setbacks. Winmerica is useful to us in this respect- their society is fragmentary and rudimentary, but it has potential, once it is improved. Properly... guided it could become quite an important city. It prefers that the status quo is kept there. It does not desire conflict with you. I am of the opinion it would be mutually disastrous- even knowing some of your extensive capabilities, I would be unable to predict a victor. I only know that the Red Waste would be worse than it was before either of us were involved.
As for me, I simply wish to see my people thrive, and to learn all I can in the process. I am a scholar, after all. So allow me to ask you this- where do you wish to expand to, specifically? I also admit to being curious- it is highly uncustomary to eat one another here. I understand that your are not from here- yet it strikes me as odd to purchase slaves- fit for labor and work even- only to eat them. Is it related to their status as Chosen?"
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Post by A Witness... on Jan 17, 2022 17:46:29 GMT -6
"Yes, we are dealing a tribe from Winmerica. The Torris, the blackbuckler, comes. He is rare... knowledge of our tongue even before we met. How has that? Is a mystery even Myrandis doesn't give us. We deal with that tribe only.
They say they are the most powerful tribe here. We have questions about that." "But first your points, our answers... Our objective to gain the tower it is to ensure it NOT open from our side. Otherside cannot get control first. We have split with eggmother. Unlike other Blackwyrm in Myskidt Bragjolvic'Cumululneash'Falomelsion'Aurorasaurion made different orders. You asked Jori if my people have differences. Bragjolvic'Cumululneash'Falomelsion'Aurorasaurion rejected the mission. Whitewyrms are shattered and scattered without their eggmother, hunting them down and unexisting them has no honor. Bragjolvic'Cumululneash'Falomelsion'Aurorasaurion decided the thousand was better than this. Many Blackwyrm joined us, even from other Squadrons. If the tower opens again there be conflict between wyrms. It would happen eventually if open. We will stay, this is our home now. We will fight anyone who says different... tower or no tower." "We no conflict with Winmerica, no conflict with Theta. We offer the give of law to the chaotic. Winmerica East is chaotic. Furrymen South are chaotic. These will be our expansion. Don't know where Theta is, but don't sound chaotic. The Red wastes not good home, have many holes that cover us from the dry and the sun, but we will move to wet places in Gaftwud. Some want to South and West NOW, but we honor Bragjolvic'Cumululneash'Falomelsion'Aurorasaurion wish and will help Winmerica first." "Slaves, no. 'Slave'" He rolls the word around with a hisss. "Slave is property. No, not property. Hatchling. Like Hatchling we raise them. They family now. These hatchlings have no home that wants them. Winmerica doesn't want them. Maybe scared of them, yes? Their power no Myrandis, but power still. We embrace. They will be themselves with us." He grins. "So we take them. Save them with money to Torris. But, we have no prison... cage temporary until they choose. Chose family, family chooses you. Some have even been re-hatched! But no choose family, reject or resist... then we can't feed and nest them, so they are digested. Bragjolvic'Cumululneash'Falomelsion'Aurorasaurion does find them delicious. There no pain. He swallows them in one gulp." "These are our questions to you... Is Torris tribe the most powerful in Winamerica? Do you know their enemies and how many? If many then Torris maybe lying. Are there other 'Winamericas' in the wastes? Down South to the Furrymen? Do Theta have laws? It has structure, yes? We might want to learn from you. Surely you don't just eat plants? When you say uncustomary to eat another... where do you draw the line? How do you honor your ancestors if not to eat them? Do you waste your dead, when what they would want would be to help keep you alive?" "This is a good start to a good alliance."
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Post by logan on Jan 18, 2022 0:41:31 GMT -6
So- pretty much the same as here? One empire trying to expand amidst the chaos of his fractured brothers. I'm not sure whether this whole event has become clearer or opaque. Either way, things are worse than I thought- but at the least, there could be mutual opportunity here.
Steve stifled a little chuckle as Cumulubar asked if Torris was the strongest councilmember. It wasn't especially funny, except for his tiredness- one could get a bit loose after so little sleep. He tried to hide it, but he didn't think he did particularly well.
"There are ten tribes in Winmerica, plus Theta. Each controls a resource, and so commands influence in the town. Torris and two or three others have a loose alliance- in this manner, they are often able to get their way. They are not united beyond convenience, but I believe his allies are among the most powerful in the town. I do not know Torris strength firsthand, but he is regarded as one of the weakest tribes, save for the strength of his friends. I did not know he was able to speak your tongue, so I suspect there is more to him then I suspected. Though... there are many types of power. By strength of influence, this is how the town is... if it came to strength of arms, I suspect that it would be far more even among the tribes."
"I do not believe they have any true enemies. Raiders, foes, and rivals, yes, but no true organized enemies that are targeting them specifically. In that at least, I believe he was mostly truthful, though I would not trust his word. It depends what you mean by "Winmericas". If you mean towns, then yes. They are rare, but they exist. This desert is no better for us than it is for you, so there is few here. True cities are elsewhere. If you mean "collections of tribes" then also yes. I've heard a town just to the south described as more brutal, but ultimately similar to Winmerica. It is called "Rhino". It is close to the Furrymen- I heard of it from one of them, who traveled with me for a long time."
"I have told you what I know about Torris. Tell me; how does you plan to spread order in Winmerica? I may be able to explain his motivations somewhat. I have spent much time traveling in Winmerica, trying to understand the people there. I freely admit to distrusting him, but my advice costs you nothing."
"Theta has strict laws. Our command is military in nature, though are numbers are so greatly reduced the ranks are mostly symbolic and to show hierarchy. A promise that one day we will field our full number. We have two ideals which bind us- the first is our code, or you may call it a directive. We preserve relics of the past, so that they are not lost. We build to remake the future. Our regulations are the next ideal; they are our "laws" and determine conduct and punishment. They are made in accordance with the code. One of them is that we leave our home only rarely- just as you live in expanded caves, both to stay safe and keep your might hidden, so do we. I am one of the few who is authorized to explore and speak for us." Steve puffed up a bit at the last line.
"We generally do not eat those of our own kind, unless necessary for survival, nor do we eat those being which are capable of communication. Our bodies are not suitable for us to eat- eating the wrong portion can be deadly. I have heard of some who honored their ancestors in this way, many thousands of years ago, but I do not know if any follow that way now. Few stocks follow in your way- it is one of the many differences we have."
"I must ask; what is re-hatched, rebirthed? We have no concept of it. No knowledge of it, not in this land. It is not for idle curiosity, but because you mention it in connection to the Moles. You say the Moles are often unwanted... and its true." Steve felt a bit bitter saying it. "Not all hate them, but enough do. Torris and his allies, they do not care about them, only the money they can get for them. They use force and deceit to capture them, often accusing them of crimes falsely, and forcing them out of town. I call them slaves because all others do. They are captured, brought unwillingly to strangers, who give them a choice I cannot imagine them understanding but seems drastic- only for those who refuse to be eaten. To be eaten is considered one of the worst fates a person could have. I do not accuse, I merely seek to understand. It has brought much chaos to the land. Many Moles have organized, and now use their power to seek vengeance. They have murdered many humans-" to make more moles- "and slaughtered many blackwrym as well." I guess that really, there isn't a lot of difference between mindmeld and these guys. Mindmeld kills humans to make moles, and they kill moles to make... something.
"I agree about our alliance. There is much potential here. What of the Furrymen to the South? How have you dealt with them? I traveled with their prince for a time, and learned some of their language. Soon, I will return to deliver news of his passing, in respect to his final wishes, for he was a Chosen. One of his greatest desires was for them to learn the ways of the world- to learn of law and order so they could stand freely for themselves. If we work together, I may be able to negotiate with them. They may agree to an alliance in exchange for protection- like you did with the Birdmen, but more?- and with their aid, you would have a greater ability to secure Rhino however you wish. I have heard the town is brutal and barbaric- far worse than here- and in need of new law. There is no politics, from what I can tell- only strength rules."
Now I'm in for it. If it prevents them from massacring the apes though, I'll serve 'em Rhino on a silver platter. Honestly, it would be better for them anyways- easier to hold down a town, more wealth to control, opens up wider areas beyond that, more hospitable to them. The fact that it moves their epicenter away from Deseret, Winmerica, and Theta? All the better. As I thought- mutually advantageous. Especially considering what Torris is planning... The real question is; Can I deliver?
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Post by A Witness... on Jan 20, 2022 21:14:56 GMT -6
Cumulubar took a large piece of meat and put it past his teeth. They were all sharp and pointy. The purpose to tear and not to grind, so they were not needed for this kind of prepared food. It was bloody rare, and Steve wondered if it was Sleastak. Wow, it hit him that the Hawkoids consuming the warriors body might have been something they respected and allowed them to bond. Steve watched as the shape of Cumu's throat skin bulged as the snack slid down his gullet. The process took a half a minute, with a human the silence would have been awkward, but with these Sleastacks it seemed quite normal. "Torris says he is Winmerica. I wonder if is mouth of his allies, or under their tail." He mulled it over some, "The agreement has evolved in steps. First the accidents. Then the talking. Then the trading. Started silver for guns. Then gold to save the moles. Now iron for letting us in." The teeth grinned wide. There was still some blood on the front two. "Torris builds the rails of iron. Says it will make happy. Says it will make fast. One end Winmerica. One end at... Torris calls it Goldeneye mine, but it no mine... No metal! But it good house for us." Cumulubar laughed, but to Steve it sounded like a fan with stones in it. "Regardless, once the iron land-ship is complete we will start with a Patrol, chosen by me as the commander of the curious company and we will move to Winmerica. We will be there at the rail party. Everyone happy to see us. I've been told you have no Wyrms here. We want to be seen well and learn. Old saying... Understanding is the attachment to make law from chaos. We will learn and see if we can join the hierarchy. Seems you have done this recently as well. You stand out odd too? We both impressive enough to join the combined tribe would greatly speed up the law. Together we stronger than them together I say. Perhaps we extinct raiders and they happy more about Blackwyrm. Any advice on this goes well to our alliance... and cost us nothing." Grin. "The furry men seem to just wander around, sometimes one, sometimes units. We study them, start a book on the different types. We haven't seen reports say organized enough to have a prince. We have not made it to this Rhino yet. That mission under stealth company. Just to learn without being seen. Can we expect much resistance there, politically, or other...? If they respect strength we should bring law quickly. If you travel to prince chosen land we would send a squad with you if you like. Not sure of the danger, but 12 Blackwyrms would be ordered to keep you safe, or loose their lives." This last comment came off very non-nonchalantly. "I would be honored to send a squad with you to Theta to learn your hierarchy and codes. It is the purpose of my Company. Language would take time, but we are sharing well. It would be a good soon step. I could also ask quartermaster company to start looking for these history items you seek. You agree? When you be ready for this step?" "We learn. I say now, 'We will refrain from eating Theta'. I will spread it to the other Companies as I give my report to Bragjolvic'Cumululneash'Falomelsion'Aurorasaurion, and the other 4 company commanders." "Re-hatched, yes. Re-birthed, yes. Our egg-mothers are very young, not like in history. Dedicated mothers. Clutch makers..." Cumulu searched hard for the words, "Sacred. Worship?... They special. They are way of transformation. Enter pouch, leave egg. Only most special can rise up. It is greatest reward from Bragjolvic'Cumululneash'Falomelsion'Aurorasaurion. Hard to explain.... Would Mega-man like a tail? Wings?" Cumulu laughed a lot harder and louder. Many of the staff did the same. Steve noticed just how many Sleastacks had gathered around them. Faces of curiosity, not threatening... except the two body guards. His face changed quickly, "Moles slaughter Blackwyrm? Must be dealt with. Details will help us. If not maybe you lead a platoon to take care of problem. Maybe in our relationship you could sort the good moles from the bad? As long as there are enough bad ones." Another laugh from the crowd. Steve noticed two Kobold servants who weren't laughing. One was as black as the others, but one had green scales. "So much to do. I must report My <Myrawyrms> can do surface fix to turtle based on your need. Prepare for the Iron Ship, and longer term Winmerica plan base on your advice. Get report on furry men, and look for Rhino based on your direction. Travel to chosen-prince-land based on your need. Decide on mission for evil moles based on your advice." The Blackwyrm Guardians with armor runes active.
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Post by logan on Jan 21, 2022 0:41:32 GMT -6
Steve ate while Cumulu talked. The food was good. He wasn't sure what it was, but it was good. The wine- though it tasted slightly different- the wine-like substance was fine as well.
"I hate to say- but no few will really be happy to see you." Steve cleared his throat. "You have to understand, Winmerica is run by pure self-interest. Everyone looks out for themselves. There is no cause among them. This is how one survives in the waste. They are not eager to embrace law or order, unless it is in their interest. Unless they benefit, they do not care. Killing raiders would be a benefit. If you seek to extinct the raiders, then you may wish to start by focusing on a particular target. I've heard the Duelers are rather violent. What makes the town is three things, really: the ore- or as you call it, the metal-, the trade route, and a general sense of, let's call it, civic agreement. People- the smaller tribes outside the town- like doing business there, and the average citizen is fairly content. Right now, Torris's allies have been saying that they have discovered a new vein of ore in the wastes. That's where they say the moles were going- to work the mines. I presume your supply of ore is not unlimited. Once the people realize that there is no more ore in the wastes, they will be angry. Most people care for their own kind first as well." Might as well get it over with. I can work with it either way. "When you say "Iron for letting you in"... Do you intend to conquer Winmerica through force? What does that mean?"
"Rhino is a large city, so I've been told. It is known for gladiatorial combat- not even an honorable bloodsports, but captives and slaves thrown to their deaths. I have yet to visit it- though I will need to access it. From reputation, I doubt anything but strength will bring it to heel. If you truly seek to civilize the waste, that should be your goal. They live close to the Fuzzymen... and you are right. The prince spoke of how his people were fractured, and he spent much of his life preparing to unite them. His work may yet bare fruit." Steve nodded approval at the idea of the of the squad assigned to him. "Yes. Good to build trust- see how close we can truly act together. I learn your ways as well. Perhaps we can even see Rhino together. If you wish, I could take this squad to Theta. I will soon head to Winmerica, to join the hierarchy myself, but after- we head to the Fuzzymen?" "As for the moles... I don't know where they are. As far as I know, the main group is far away. More moles could always rise of course. The problem is that the Moles- Mindmeld's moles- were able to access the Tower as you did. It has banned them for their crimes though. They are trapped now, I believe. Perhaps here. Perhaps they now are in Myskidt." Eh. No harm in not saying everything. I just want them to know their might be consequences. Honestly it wouldn't surprise me to find out they made it to Myskidt anyway. They were crafty, and Mindmeld seemed vindictive. Above all else though, there is one thing I know for certain- under no circumstances will they ever enter that Tower. Not if Simiae has a shred of his personality left.
"I think our alliance is off to a good start. I thank you for your offer, but the turtle should function enough to return me to Theta. Perhaps when the Iron Ship sails, I could journey with you. Theta is between Goldeneye and Winmerica. I have one request on behalf of the Tower, and one piece of advice for when you enter Winmerica. The Tower desires to keep itself hidden. Its agents are silent, and its secludes itself as best it can. You are now creatures of Gaftwud, by your own choice. So when people ask you from whence you came, say nothing of the Tower. Say nothing of me in relevance to the Tower either. I only use that title when the occasion expressly demands for it. My advice is more simple- I would not reveal the existence of the Power to the public of Winmerica. Once you use it, you will attract much attention. Some will be good, but much will be of suspicion, hatred, and greed. You will not be the only group capable of using it- I have heard of others, though some rumors are just that- and from what I can tell, they have had much success applying the Power in the shadows. Once people know of it, you may attract powerful enemies intent of claiming it. Additionally, by keeping your might hidden, you have greater power over your enemies."
"If you seek to join the hierarchy, be careful. Your principal power is martial ability. I can see that being enough to parlay into a seat on the council, but the council is primarily based around economic control- every person on it controls or has influence over a resource or industry. If you join, it would likely be for political reasons- having an army on their side would make Torris's faction incredibly powerful, simply by association. However, you would be in an odd limbo- you would have no resource, yet have a position due to the influence of others solely to boost their own influence. I do not know what your views on mercenary work is, but I imagine you could easily corner the market if you so chose, though you would make many enemies. My best advice- look past what everyone tells you to their true motive. Every maneuver is a move in a great game built up over years. Find who profits, and you find the real players."
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Post by A Witness... on Jan 21, 2022 12:35:12 GMT -6
"Thank you Megaman. We will keep secrets, yours and ours. To be blunt, using force is one path to achieve our gift. It may be the solution or not depending."
Tailward... Behind me, this cloth shell with red triangles. This is Blood Squad home. Blood is culture company. You know Tal. Tal has been taken to be re-hatched. Tal is Blood Squad. This squad stands by to follow your command. Take them where you wish." "Jumbpluq'Tornenssts'Toksentorn'Loruulis can communicate through Myriands. Squad leader Luztish'Slakidit'Tokbyktorn'Harurisa speaks Spenglish as much good as me." He growled looking prideful. "It will be 6-8 days until Ironship and Tal are ready. You are welcome here. We would learn more Spenglish if you teach. Otherwise take the Squad if you leave now. For Theta I presume, or where?" The team (standing by for your orders)
- Luztish'Slakidit'Tokbyktorn'Harurisa: Dragonborn, commander - strong, leader, Xenotechnology, brawler
- Shiisala'Myssdl'Toktorn'Myrijolvi: Lizard, Myriwyrm - tactics, healer, Xenobiology, plant-talker
- Jumbpluq'Tornenssts'Toksentorn'Loruulis: Lizard, Myriwyrm - Xenolinguistics, charming, public speaker, propaganda
- Risaanish'Sdlsala'Opatorn'Slalisk: Basilisk, striker - camouflage (scales change color), quiet, vanguard
- Including now - Tal'Dirk'Shotorn'Irilsld: Basilik, scout - loyal, brave, fast
6 Soldiers: Kobolds (I'll fill these in but they are considered red-shirts/valet/servants and they die or are reassigned frequently)
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