>>1089745
You forget that George has also planted, hunted and killed for them, fed them and lived among them. They know him, they trust him, those who live near him likely know his story. And most of all, he is like them, he is one of them.

Pliny is a strange, alien thing, that the church and state have taught them is evil, malevolent, an ill omen. To uneducated peasants, that is the only truth of spirits that they have ever known, and Icher and the army have done nothing to divest them of that notion.

From their perspective, if George decided that Pliny was dangerous, he must have a good reason. Particularly if they overheard any of our surrender to the army that destroyed their lives.

It is okay to recognize that the uneducated mob cannot be trusted, that they may be dangerous, and also not hate them for acting on the flawed information they have.

Suggestion 2024/04/26(Fri)16:46 No. 1089774 ID: 9ea24b
File 171417517036.png - (15.93KB , 500x500 , p105.png )

I lie still and try to recover as much mass as possible. I am hurt that the passing citizens did not help me, but I understand that they have been taught by the church and superstition that I am something wicked. Also, with their suffering and loss still fresh, they would want to avoid any danger from interfering.

George drops his knife when Erogalf buffets him with another spell. Despite his attempt to kill me, I do not want George to be tortured to death.

“You must leave Pliny as soon as possible.” I tell the human. George holds his sleeve to his bloody face and looks at me with hatred. I am dismayed. It seems I have few willing allies left in Pliny.

Erogalf shivers as a breeze dries the water off his bare body. “Don’t give him a chance to tell the lord about this. I’m going to stay near you until you get somewhere safe, though I’d like to get my clothes.”

I am gaining mass quite slowly. What should I do about the lord?

>>1089774
We lack the strength to defeat the lord and his guards personally, and our known allies are few, which places us in a difficult spot. Erogalf has a point about George being a risk to warn the lord. Sparing George and keeping the lord in the dark are probably mutually exclusive.

Get Erogalf's clothes and try to get into contact with Jor. She's been the one developing the connections here, already skeptical about the church doctrine, and savvy enough to tell who can be trusted. Hopefully Jor, Wolfa (and Tytus) and Smit are still our allies. Maybe the kobolds will be more sympathetic than the humans, as well? They seem to be treated as second class citizens and disliked by the lords.

Smit doesn't want to associate with us too directly in case Jam gets jealous (he has a point, we should be careful who we tell we love them right now since Jam is listening and could see them as competition. His understanding is still very limited and skewed by his nature), so Smit might not want to shelter with us, but we should still extend the invitation through Jor and warn him about the coming unrest.

We will want to get our remaining allies into the woods of Pliny and prepare for potential guerilla warfare against the lord's hunting parties until Jam arrives to take control.

Whatever you do you should get below ground as soon as possible. Try to coordinate with others at the well or other entrances if you can, but remaining above will leave you too vulnerable until you regain mass and mana.

>>1089797
>>1089805
On second thought, you're right, don't go to the woods. George knows them too well, and he will probably help the lord hunt you instead of flee like we hope. But you are in no condition to finish him off right now, and I would not ask Erogalf to execute the last of his former party in cold blood.

Gather everyone at your well and the surrounding buildings. There are buildings for cover and choke points, and you already have a series of tunnels that you and the kobolds are capable of using. It's also a distinct area we can convey to Telarin and Jam so that the army knows where friendlies are.

And get Erogalf to grab your shortsword and bring it with.

Suggestion 2024/05/03(Fri)11:09 No. 1090208 ID: 9ea24b
File 171475977046.png - (14.08KB , 500x500 , p106.png )

I am too weak to fight the lord and his servants and must retreat. I can wait in my hole until sufficiently recovered to gather my allies.

“Take me to my well, please. I assume you do not want to kill George?” I ask Erogalf.

“I’d rather not murder my former party member, no.” Erogalf gingerly picks me up and holds me dangling like an overripe sausage above the ground. “George, if the lord resists most of the town will be wiped out again. There is no world where you win.”

“We would have a chance if you and Pliny weren’t filthy traitors.” George spits a gob of snot and blood on the elf’s hairless leg.

Suggestion 2024/05/03(Fri)11:10 No. 1090209 ID: 9ea24b
File 171475982289.png - (14.82KB , 500x500 , p107.png )

Erogalf gives a watery sigh. “It’s been kind of a rough day, George. I’m going to go now.”

I nudge Erogalf to pick up my sword and afterwards he jogs to my well. Once we’re there and surrounded only by kobolds, he places me on the lip of the stone.

“Telarin says they can’t come for another two days at least. I’m not sure what I should do before then.”

“Seek shelter with Jor and see if Wulfa will help you.” Ah, I recall that Wulfa vowed to protect Pliny. “Perhaps be cautious with Wulfa since she does not care for the army.” I add.

Erogalf drops my sword into the well and I tip myself over the edge to enter the murky water with a splash. What should I do while I regain my strength?

>>1090209
There is much to consider. This isn't how we initially expected things to go when we set out to interfere with the spirit's summoning, and it is very messy. We lost the trust of George, who you trusted. Flint is leaving, but at least she will be okay. This will not be an easy thing to swallow for any of those who choose to remain with us.

However, the lord and the king of Geoun were always going to become a threat once the army was no longer there to distract them. We know where we stand with them. The worldview that places them in power names you a monster. Under Geoun, it was always going to be an existence of secrecy. A hidden cult organized through Jor just to try and keep yourself from fading away, always with the fear of when inquisitors would come and raze those you care for.

I still do not fully trust the army. We know too little about them, and what little we know is that they have turned on their allies in the past. We need more information about who leads them and what their long term aims are. From Telarin, preferably. Maybe from Jam. Probably both, so we can see what they are and are not telling Jam.

And Jam is still a wild card, but it is nice to hear that someone was ready to come to your defense at the drop of a hat, after the townsfolk turned away. Does it at least feel nice to have another spirit? Someone who is willing to touch and caress you, who doesn't find your natural beauty gross, who wants to be nearby? Even George at his happiest couldn't bring himself to return your expression of affection in full.

Jealousy could be dangerous. Bird form means he may have hoarding instincts. It is important that he comes to see your citizens as extensions of you rather than as competition for your attention.

As for things you could physically do while not in slumber, we should prepare the tunnels in the well area, strengthen them, and teach the kobolds how to use them.

When you are feeling a little stronger travel the tunnels, see what you can hear. Has anyone left you anything? What do the people need?

Suggestion 2024/05/04(Sat)12:54 No. 1090301 ID: 9ea24b
File 171485248925.png - (12.31KB , 500x500 , p108.png )

I soak in my lovely well. With some time to think, I deduce that Jam must have heard my struggle with George and rushed to have Telarin call Erogalf while the wizard was in the bath so he could help me. I very much appreciate the intervention, otherwise I would have perished. While I am sure coexistence with Jam will bring its own troubles, I am glad I have someone who cares about my well-being unconditionally.

I extend my hearing to the surroundings. It seems the kobolds have indeed learned how to use the widest of my tunnels and are catching rats for their evening meal. I am startled when a bucket is lowered into the depths next to my head, though it makes sense that they would be using my well as a water source.

Once night falls, I travel to my offering sites. I find more nice stones and objects of minor value, but most seem to be from a few days ago. Some homes are beginning to use the holes as latrines, which I do not mind.

I return to my well in the morning after patching some of my tunnel walls and listen intently for George. He is still within Pliny, which is a bad sign. Is he literate and thus can pass on messages to the lord without speaking?

I have grown enough to swallow my sword, but am still small otherwise. Should I wait and recover more or venture out?

>>1090301
We should speak with the kobolds and hear their thoughts on what's going on, see if we can sway them soundly to our side. They won't like the army sure, but their kind seemed to have a rough go of it even before things were turned sideways. Maybe they're pragmatic enough to see the reward in the risk, that the downtrodden could found a better system in the aftermath. Seize the means of production, redistribute wealth, eat the rich, all that good stuff.

And they're not far, so we won't need to venture out very much into more dangerous territory.

>Is George literate?
On the one hand, he seems more like a peasant and a wildman, certainly took to working in the fields without a blink. On the other hand, the adventurers may have taught him something while traveling with him. We're definitely not strong enough to tangle with George yet.

We should pay attention to his location. He might be stalking and targeting some of our allies, in which case we or a kobold runner if they're on board would need to warn them.

wait a bit more. You've done a lot lately. recover a bit more of your strength.

There is little you can do while diminished. Stick to the tunnels, you should still be able to coordinate with your allies from there. Maybe start organizing the kobolds, since they can travel the tunnels as well.

>>1090301
Hmmm have we made the muck in the well settle at thr bottom? Our bath water

Suggestion 2024/05/05(Sun)18:52 No. 1090401 ID: 9ea24b
File 171496032869.png - (14.53KB , 500x500 , p109.png )

I stay underground. I doubt George, as a ranger in a small town, knew how to read and write before joining the adventurers, and it is unlikely he had much time to study while they pursued the army. I keep my awareness on him so that I know if he goes to the lord or tries to attack Erogalf.

I would like to make contact with the kobolds, and I wait for one to send a bucket down to skim the cleaner water off the top of the layers of scum in my well to wrap myself around the rope. I am lifted into the light and dismount on the stone to face the startled kobold who pulled me up.

“Greetings kobold. I am Pliny the spirit and led your kind here after you fled from Jamuk.” I say.

“Do you have any more money?” the kobold asks hopefully.

“I do not. How have you fared since coming here?”

The kobold explains that the lord was upset at first but agreed to let the refugees stay as long as they give him a portion of the wheat they harvest from the northern fields. The situation is stable, though the kobolds aren’t living in good conditions and quite a few are ill.

“Your coins have helped us buy goods from the other townspeople. We heard that you defeated the army’s spirit and slew hundreds of their soldiers!” The kobold’s eyes sparkle. “Is there something you need?”

>>1090401
We're going to need to spin this carefully. And we're going to need to be double careful not to use phrases that would upset Jam. A bit of a juggling act.

"I am sad to hear that your conditions are not good, and that the lord has kept better aid from those who need it. I think it would be very good if we could distribute the resources to those who need it, but the lord has forbidden me from interfering in governance. It seems that he dislikes those who are different." Prime them with the fact that the lord is in the way of getting their people the help they need, because he is racist.

"I went behind his back, however, because despite my power I cannot protect everyone forever. I was able to leverage my prowess to negotiate a treaty to stop the war from harming Pliny again after the fall of Jamuk. However, the lord will not simply leave Pliny under the guidance of a spirit, and I fear he will lead the citizens into more bloodshed. What do you think I should do?" Gauge what the kobold thinks is best, while probing to see if any of their ideas match what you already want to do. If they do, it will seem like the kobold's idea, and be more easily accepted.

Suggestion 2024/05/06(Mon)18:37 No. 1090469 ID: 9ea24b
File 171504585728.png - (8.86KB , 500x500 , p110.png )

I need to assess how the kobolds feel about their current situation. I do not want them to decide I am a traitor like George did after I told him about the peace deal. “I hope your conditions improve. Would you say the lord has been fair in his treatment of you? He has forbidden me from interfering in matters of state, which I find impertinent.”

The kobold balances the mostly empty bucket on her hip. “I’d say he’s alright. We were impressed that the king sent anyone here, Jamuk didn’t get many reinforcements during the siege.”

Not promising. “What would you do if the Vishelt army decided to return here?”

The kobold looks haunted. “I-I do not know. We are so weak now…They would surely slaughter us.”

I perk up. “Ah, but what if I told you that I had brokered a peace treaty? The side effect is that Pliny would be considered Vishelt territory instead of Geoun’s.”

The kobold looks around, uncomfortable. “But the lord didn’t say anything about a treaty. Should you be telling me this? I was just here to fetch some water and I don’t know anything about any secret plans.”

I sigh. It does not seem like the kobolds are comfortable with treason. “Do not worry about it. I will keep you safe.”

I slip back into the well. Sometime in the early afternoon I hear George speak to his woman friend.

Suggestion 2024/05/06(Mon)18:40 No. 1090470 ID: 9ea24b
File 171504601935.png - (8.50KB , 500x500 , p111.png )

“–don’t know what to do Beatrice. I don’t want to take you from your home but it might not be safe soon.”

“Is this about what happened to your nose yesterday? You’ve been quiet…”

“I didn’t feel safe speaking because of the spirit, but I’ve made the decision to leave. You don’t have to come with me, it will be a hard life away from town.”

There’s a lull as Beatrice thinks.

“I’ll go with you. We can find other refugees and small farmers. I trust you.”

It sounds like George has made the correct choice and is leaving Pliny soon without informing the lord of my deal. I credit Erogalf and I’s good relationship with him up until he attempted to kill me.

Should I assassinate the lord tonight to ease the transition or wait in my well until the army arrives?

>>1090469
Their hesitation is understandable, but at least they don't sound angry or hostile, and the kobolds know to lay low and stay safe now. I think you did well.

>>1090470
It would be perfectly clear who assassinated the lord, but it will also be perfectly clear who brokered the treaty, and his death should break the morale of the Geoun guards he has here in town and leave them without a commander.

It would be better for our image to allow the lord the chance to leave knowing he is well outclassed, but doing so without backup would risk being overpowered and killed again.

Tonight, let us see how Erogalf has fared and what Jor and the others think, then decide how to handle the lord before the army arrives tomorrow. Erogalf has spoken with the lord before and may know more of his character, and Jor seems like the type to stay informed.

No, the townsfolk are already enthralled to anti-spirit propaganda, don't give them evidence to that theory.

However, you can slowly poison the lord, weaken him just enough that he doesn't show any severe symptoms. Something else can kill the bastard if you nudge the odds in their favor.

>>1090472
I’m sure that’s what every evil vizier thinks, and look how well their plans go.
You should wait in your well, and hope the lord continues to be reasonable and surrender. Better than being branded both a traitor and murderer.

Suggestion 2024/05/08(Wed)17:01 No. 1090602 ID: 9ea24b
File 171521290270.png - (9.30KB , 500x500 , p112.png )

I do not think I can kill the lord without being discovered, and I do not want to harm my reputation with my citizens. Hopefully the army will send mortals to negotiate when they arrive instead of storming through Pliny, and that means the lord will have a chance to surrender. Instead of assassination I decide to take the tunnels to visit Jor and Erogalf right before dusk.

I can hear the other orcs Jor lives with laughing with each other as they settle down for the night. Quite a few burly bodies in a small house, and Erogalf’s voice is a nervous tenor trying to play along with their in-jokes and references.

I wait for someone to come use the latrine to show myself and ask for Jor and Erogalf. The orc pads out naked in sandals with the wizard trailing behind.

I tell them of my utmost restraint in sparing the lord, and ask what they think of him.

“Geoun politics aside, he’s a reasonable man.” Jor grumbles.

“Yeah, he’s a smart guy. Smart enough to take us hostage if we tell him what we did.” Erogalf adds. “I’m almost out of mana and you still look pretty small so I won’t take anything. I can call Telarin and tell her who to send with the negotiating party when they arrive tomorrow. Jam will want to see you so he’ll be there no matter what.”

Erogalf gets Telarin on the blue glowing circle and holds it out so we can all hear. Which mortal should the army send with Jam? The options are the commander, who is also apparently the blond elf I saw in the field, the dwarf mage who I have never spoken with, or the young orc mage.

>>1090602
Take this moment to pass along sincere thanks to Jam for his timely intervention when you were being killed. Give Erogalf a non-verbal nod of respect and thanks as well.

Don't share aloud the fact George is leaving peacefully. It would put Erogalf at ease, but Jam would very reasonably want to hunt him down. If we share the fact with Erogalf after our meeting, it will need to be in writing somehow.

>Negotiations
The commander and the dwarf mage are unknowns. I want to meet Telarin's brother and learn what his deal is, but not under such stressful and unpredictable conditions.

We know the young orc mage, that he is reasonable and well-spoken. I suggest we request him.

Suggestion 2024/05/10(Fri)13:04 No. 1090692 ID: 9ea24b
File 171537144778.png - (20.54KB , 500x500 , p113.png )

“What is the name of that young orc mage? I think he is well-spoken and calm, he should be the negotiator.” I say.

“Yonnie? He’s pretty young…” Telarin says.

“I think he is perfect for the job. I will expect to see him with Jam tomorrow evening.” I decide. “Is Jam there? I must thank him for his timely invention when I thought I was about to perish.”

There’s a shuffling noise. “Pliny. You are not permitted to let others touch you. It is most disagreeable. I will make sure that George man does not hurt you again and the loud male elf leaves you alone.”

Erogalf gulps audibly.

“But Erogalf had to help me to my well and he always asks before I give him any mana.” I reply.

“I will be the only one to handle you. We will be together soon.”

Erogalf ends the call. “I’d really prefer if Jam didn’t torture me to death, Pliny.”

“Of course I will not let that happen. Go to sleep now.”

I return to my well to recover through the night and most of the next day. How should I greet Yonnie and Jam tomorrow? Should I go with them to the negotiations?

>>1090692
Definitely going to take some work coexisting with the handsy bird. At least people aren't exactly lining up to pet you.

>Negotiations
We should accompany them to negotiations. Being seen with Jam won't earn you any favor, but it's going to happen one way or another. Better to be there so you have a voice in what happens.

>Greeting
Jam will want contact and to hold you, but he will need his wing-hands free in case fighting happens. You should request to coil around his torso for ease of carrying.

Yonnie is capable, but he's young. Best to give him a chance to organize his thoughts and plan. We should establish what terms the army is willing to offer and what terms they are willing to accept.

You should be there to keep Jam in check. Maybe people won't resent your association if they think you're protecting them from him.

Suggestion 2024/05/11(Sat)19:23 No. 1090758 ID: 9ea24b
File 171548062035.png - (18.21KB , 500x500 , p114.png )

I stay in my well until I hear hooves pounding into my territory the following afternoon. I can hear Jam speaking with Yonnie and roughly 200 soldiers with them. Is Jam riding on a horse? That would be an odd sight.

I take my tunnels as far as I can go in their direction, then rise to the surface and begin squirming towards them. I am about a third of my maximum size and have my lonely friend with me.

I listen to the fraction of the army pitch their tents near the river and their old campsite. I cannot help but be displeased at the sound.

I enter the camp and call for Jam, who comes loping to greet me. He has grown and easily picks me up in a familiar, firm grip. I rest myself around his shoulders so that he may keep his hands free in case of combat.

Jam takes me to Yonnie, who is shuffling through a stack of parchment. His face reminds me of Erogalf when the elf is struggling to stay patient through one of my ponderous moments.

“I’ve informed lord Vorad that we’re here and seek a peaceful negotiation. He asked us to come to the western city wall. I’m not sure how to phrase our terms.”

“Easier to kill him.” Jam states.

“Yes, but I’m trying to do things…ethically?” Yonnie sighs. “We all know he’s doomed unless he leaves or steps down, but some people would just rather die fighting. We need to offer him something good in return.”

“Much easier to kill him.” Jam argues.

>>1090758
"I just lost George by doing things the 'easy' way.
Doing things the easy way saves you energy you might need. Doing things the hard way means you don't end up accidentally triggering a chain reaction that leads to unforeseen consequences.
Time and place, Jam. Life's a fluctuating challenge."

Killing someone makes most people upset. When you’re taking over a town, you want to make sure the citizens don’t completely hate you. That just leads to problems down the line that can’t easily be fixed, so it’s worth it to try being nice even if it doesn’t work at first.
Who’s going to be in charge of the town of Pliny once the lord is gone? I’d like to suggest myself if you haven’t got the position filled already.

>>1090763
George is really an argument for violence, not against it, since it was trust and peaceful negotiation that placed us in a bad spot. Won't do much to sway Jam.

>>1090758
Lord Vorad is an intelligent and reasonable man. He also seems unusually tolerant of spirits compared to most of Geoun's nobility, as he did not attempt to have you exterminated.

"Death makes the lord a martyr. It would serve as fuel for Geoun's anti-spirit propaganda machine, and their citizens would gladly join the army to exterminate us. The church is powerful, but there are those who question its doctrine. If a war spirit were to be seen negotiating and allowing surrender, that information could be used to sow doubt among the free-minded. Vishelt is consolidating its power now, but is its ambition against Geoun sated? We should engender sympathizers now. Let them see that Vishelt's way can be a better way to live, and you will have your own agents gestating inside of the future enemy, Jam."

When we negotiate with Vorad, we should explain to him that you hold no ill will towards him.
Under his rule, both a new invasion by Vishelt and from the inquisitions of Geoun were a danger to you and your citizens.
The only way to ensure the safety of you and your citizens was to alter the course through a treaty with Vishelt.
If the Lord can be made to view you as a shrewd leader, he may see you more like a peer and respect your offer of surrender. More importantly, it is a good image for the citizens to see.

The Lord should be guaranteed safe passage out of Vishelt territory for himself and his soldiers if he surrenders, rather than being taken as POWs. This is the best case scenario for him. He and his men live to fight another day, and do not face imprisonment or torture.

Suggestion 2024/05/13(Mon)11:40 No. 1090848 ID: 9ea24b
File 171562563902.png - (13.05KB , 500x500 , p115.png )

Now is the perfect opportunity to teach Jam about delayed gratification and the mortal psyche. I tap him on the cheek with my snout.

“Jam, if we kill Vorad in front of his followers, that will not inspire confidence in our ability to govern Pliny afterwards. Wouldn’t you like to rule Pliny?”

“Yes.”

“Well there you are then. We can offer the lord and his servants safe passage back to the kingdom in exchange for his official abdication. You can tell him what you would do to him if he doesn’t agree to frighten him into compliance.”

“I would peck out his eyes. Then I would eat his kidneys.”

“That’s right, Jam. You are doing a good job.”

I am pleased that Jam is the peak of rationality. I look to Yonnie for approval and he nods.

“I’ll draft it in writing. When we’re ready I’ll bring a small force with us.”

Suggestion 2024/05/13(Mon)11:41 No. 1090849 ID: 9ea24b
File 171562567911.png - (13.90KB , 500x500 , p116.png )

Jam and I stay and watch while Yonnie scratches a message in ink with a broken feather quill. The orc makes quite a few mistakes and mumbles to himself while scratching out the words for corrections. Jam shows me my gold coins, which he keeps under his tongue.

“What is the commander like?” I ask Jam, as we walk toward the west wall with Yonnie and a handful of soldiers. A few kobolds are cutting wheat with small knives and yell to each other in alarm. I call to them that this is a diplomatic mission and there is nothing to worry about.

Jam thinks about my question for some time. “He preferred Icher.”

I do not have long to ponder this before the lord emerges with his entourage, and Erogalf. Vorad frowns deeply when he sees me.

Yonnie approaches the lord and they begin the negotiation. It does not seem Vorad respects the young mage, and brings up the various horrid crimes the army has committed, leaving Yonnie stammering and apologetic. Jam begins edging towards Erogalf.

>>1090849
"When a mortal acts as your agent, their hands are like your own hands. So it was really you who was handling me all along when you commanded Erogalf to help."

Request Jam bring you closer to the negotiations, so that you may speak to Vorad.

>>1090873
Oh, and lay on some worm praise for Jam to soften up his mood. Thank him for his intervention and curl around him affectionately to distract him from Erogalf.

tippler 2024/05/15(Wed)17:54 No. 1091020 ID: 9ea24b
File 171582084803.png - (15.52KB , 500x500 , p117.png )

“Erogalf is my minion.” I remind Jam. “He knows that I am yours now, he will not touch me.”

Erogalf glances at us over his shoulder. He is clearly afraid.

“He could impede the negotiations.“ Jam replies. “I do not want him to strike Yonnie unexpectedly.”

“He is low on mana and outnumbered. We can ensure Yonnie is safe by going closer to him and speaking on his behalf.”

Jam seems to like this idea and hops toward Vorad at high speeds, making the lord step back in alarm.

“Do not disturb Yonnie or I will peck out your eyes and eat your kidneys. Do as we say.”

“Sorry, he wouldn’t actually do that.” Yonnie squeaks.

“I believe he would. Spirits are violent, wicked creatures.” the lord says flatly.

Jam’s neck muscles tense and I believe he is close to proving the lord correct. What should I say to the lord and Jam to keep things peaceful and resolve the negotiation?

>>1091020
"Oh mighty Jam, and Lord Vorad, an old soldier would like to speak. In me are the voices of Pliny's fallen, the soldier among them. To seek treaty with those who ravaged us was no small decision."

"To be part of Geoun would be to be marked by zealots and slain the moment we were no longer useful, and all who benefited from our aid would be seen as tainted. The old soldier would not cast his comrades into the battle against Vishelt for a kingdom that cares not. He has done so once already."

"You now face the same decision, Lord Vorad. Will you walk away with the offer the spirits have negotiated for you and allow your loyal soldiers to live? Or do you care less for their lives than a wicked, rotten spirit?"

We are more like mortals than many care to admit. Our births define much but the rest is decided by our words and deeds.
Regardless, I would like this to be a peaceful transfer of power. No blood needs to be spilt today and someone of your prestige is sure to recognise that Pliny in its current state is not worth further bloodshed.

tippler 2024/05/16(Thu)18:07 No. 1091090 ID: 9ea24b
File 171590807542.png - (7.91KB , 500x500 , p118.png )

I address Vorad. “I know you do not like or trust me but I am speaking with the experience of the collective veterans of Pliny. There is no need for blood to be spilt today and it would be foolish to waste the lives of your servants by refusing to leave. I have helped negotiate this fair and generous offer despite my own feelings about the army that ravaged my city. Please understand that you have no other options.”

The lord furrows his brow and stands in silence, perhaps to give the impression to his followers that he is resisting my sinister words.

“Fine.” he says. “We will leave tomorrow morning. Erogalf, we would be lucky to have you join us.”

“What? Er, no thank you my lord, I wish to stay and protect this town.” Erogalf says, in his stuffy wizard voice.

“Very well. I doubt Pliny will last long with these two at the helm.”

tippler 2024/05/16(Thu)18:08 No. 1091091 ID: 9ea24b
File 171590809436.png - (13.89KB , 500x500 , p119.png )

The lord retreats with his men into the city. Erogalf trails after them. The sun is quite low and Yonnie muffles a yawn.

“Are you coming to camp?” he asks Jam and I.

“We will stay here tonight.” Jam says.

Yonnie and the soldiers begin to walk away. I am glad Jam did not go with them.

“We must decide how to govern.” Jam tells me. “I find violence agreeable and will need some amount of it to sustain me if we are to live here.”

“I have an offering system that I set up to gain affinity. Won’t some soldiers stay in Pliny? Are they not enough to provide affinity via worship?”

Jam scratches the ground with a large index finger. “No.”

How about an arena? Regular fights for prizes, or as a way to settle disputes. Rough sports might even be enough to generate a low mana flow.

An organised fight pit solves this and adds entertainment value if we make it operate on a regular schedule. Eventually we can expand it into a full on arena to allow betting and more grandiose fights and even build Jam’s nest into it, similar to how your well nourishes you, a nest close to the fight pit might do the same for Jam.
Deaths will happen however, accidentally or otherwise, so we should implement simple rules like no armour, weapons or magic to lessen its likelihood and stop fights ending too early. Ask Jam if he would like to be the referee.

>>1091090
I'm surprised Erogalf decided to stay. I'm not sure how much he'll be able to get mana from us with Jam's rules in place, and getting it from Jam...
Well, he's an adult, he can decide how to live his life. Just keep an eye on him to make sure he stays safe from Jam's intrusive thoughts.

>>1091092
>>1091093
I was thinking along the same lines, taking volunteers and setting up prizes. This could also be a way to train those who could contribute to Pliny's defense force, and teach them tactics.

Tell Jam that we should avoid deliberate duels to the death between the fighters, since forcing these would strain loyalty, get fewer volunteers and waste trained warriors. We'll need some trained doctors or healers for the arena eventually, so fights can get more intense without sacrificing fighters.

The army will probably call on Jam to aid in border skirmishes, which will provide some exercise and entertainment. The army could set up a less public arena for prisoners of war to duel in, too.

Maybe Jam would like to go hunting in the forest as well, and see if slaying beasts sates his bloodier urges. Small animals would probably bore him, but something like a bear could put up a fight, and it would double as gathering food.

This is all about Jam's preferences for governance, of course. He asked about your thoughts too. As a judicial system, any disagreements or legal matters can be settled by a tribunal of Jam, Pliny and an elected citizen representing their democratic will.

Time to add ritual sacrifice to the list. How about a hunt for animals?

tippler 2024/05/17(Fri)10:29 No. 1091142 ID: 9ea24b
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“Perhaps we could build an arena for sports and organized fights? Jor is an athlete and could help us. It will take some time to build and grow a population large enough to support frequent bouts.” I suggest.

“Fights to the death.” Jam clarifies.

“I suppose it could happen but we should not require it. Mortals will come in conflict and it will happen. Speaking of which we can arbitrate crimes or legal matters along with an elected mortal.”

“Why would we want a mortal?”

“To raise the citizens’ morale! If they have a small say in our rule they will be much happier and give better offerings.” I explain.

“Hm.”

I cast around for other ideas. “Do you have any interest in killing animals?”

“Some. The army needs to eat.”

“You can help slaughter livestock and hunt when you have a free moment to travel outside the city. The army may call on you sometimes to help defend the new border.”

“Yes. You will come with me then.”

“Only if I am not needed here. There will have to be some flexibility in our relationship.”

Jam pinches my head between his fingers. “No. You must always stay with me. That was our agreement.”

This is my final major decision. Should I always stay with Jam and give up my independence or set boundaries?

>>1091142
"My coins will always be with you. Tbey are a token of your fair lady. A soldier should have a fair lady and a home to return to. I am both."

Jam can hear you from afar. I wonder if the coins would work both ways and let you both talk from afar.

You should also let Jam know how happy you were he decided to stay. That you enjoy being close to him. I think we will usually want to join him on the campaign just to know he's safe, especially now that we know the Commander isn't as fond of him as we are.

But you have different skillsets useful in different places. Being attached all the time could be a vulnerability for enemies to exploit.

I wonder if distance sense and communication would be more possible if you had a token of Jam as well. A part of him to always keep close, like a fingernail clipping.

Towns have boundaries. These change over time, but not all at once. Gotta set them somewhere.

Jam, we both have duties to attend to that we can’t possibly spend all our time together. I promise I will always be here in Pliny for you to visit so I want you to entertain an idea for me. I can’t always join you or be everywhere, so the solution is to make friends everywhere you go instead.
I know this seems mean but I wouldn’t suggest it to such a dear friend as you if I didn’t think it would be good for you to see the world and all the different people and spirits in it.

Jam needs to understand that he can't have all of you. Because if he does, then you won't be 'you' any more.
The mortals do not understand yet that life is made of patterns and codes. If you eat these things, it means breaking the patterns apart to recycle the matter. The matter exists but the pattern is gone.
He is very lonely because many of the things in the world are based on his patterns and so there aren't many things around him that are not him.