http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=slaver+quest


You are Estavo Zahak, prominent Slave Trader of Narleen, arguably the greatest city in all of the Grand Country. You have a license to deal in both labour and pleasure slaves, and have been named head of the Zahak Narleen offices. Recently you have acquired a ship and a captain to man it, and are in the process of opening a cannon foundry with your sister, Theresa.

Hours ago you received a summons to your brother Esteban. There, he raged at you in a drunken stupor, confessed to crimes against you and alluded to a conspiracy. Shortly there after he killed himself, cursing you with his last breath.

Just as you were about the business of dealing with your brother's corpse, a serving woman came upon you. Too late to stop her, she cried out in panic and fled.


Rules: Direction is based on consensus rather than rolling, as per anon's suggestion. If there is a deadlock in terms of direction, a roll will be called for. First three rolls, highest of a d100 wins.

Any questions you might have about setting/fluff and the like I'm more than happy to answer.

I meant to run this a couple of days ago, but became caught up in other business. If now is a bad time for it, I'll arrange for some other day. However, I'd rather run it now if that is all the same to you kind anons.

>>19282304
Damn, she's already fled?
We should probably send Orion to catch up with her. We don't want to have her killed, but we can't have her causing a commotion before we get matters properly settled.

>>19282322
FUCK YES, you're back.

Ok, get someone to go after her, clean up the body somewhat, make it look like a clean suicide, freak heart attack or something like that.

Well, we're going to be seriously fucking busy here, as much as it's going to depress our sister we're the one who is gonna have to run this place now.

>>19282336
She fled almost immediately after coming upon the tragic scene, screaming of bloody murder. Other shouts have joined hers through out the house. You send Orion after the woman and he grudgingly stumbles after her, leaving you with only Stag-Horn for company.

Esteban's corpse sits bloated in his chair, eyes bulging and slack-jawed, staring at you. It is a miserable picture, you had never much liked your elder brother but you had never wished him such a violent end.

Stag-Horn sniffs the corpse and pinches his nose. "Bad hoodoo," he muttered.

So what kind of judicial system does this town have? Will there be a full forensic investigation and court proceedings, or is it more a case of blood feuds?

>>19282390
Bad hoodoo indeed my friend, bad hoodoo indeed.

Stag-Horn, we're going to have to clean this up a bit, make it look like a nice suicide brought on by stress and too much drinking, not the aftermath of a novice butcher with his first pig.

>>19282395
There is a court of justice, headed by Jean Paravel and some appointed men of influence. It is widely considered a corrupt court that tries to stay out of the affairs of the rich and powerful, but when the evidence is strong enough even the strongest have to be punished. There's very little 'forensics' or the like, it is usually a case of one person's testimony against the other. The city watch, headed by Phillipe Artois, try to investigate but it is usually down to getting a confession out of the chief suspect, often glorified torture. The rich are usually spared the more brutal forms of investigation.

Blood feuds happen all the time in Narleen, but they are usually kept out of the public view. Cloak and dagger stuff.

>>19282336
Sounds like a good plan. Then maybe raid his office for anything that might explain what exactly he was on about.

I get the feeling we should also check in on Theresa, Ilsa, and our ship's captain to make sure Esteban didn't make any other plans prior to killing himself.

>>19282443
Make sure our brother didn't leave any suicide notes or anything that would implicate us. Check any secure deposit boxes he has in any banks as well.

>>19282415
"You'd need a miracle to close up these," he leans over and fingers the large bloody gash across Esteban's forearm, and gestures towards the even messier one on his inner thigh. "Me, I am good butcher. No mind for these things." He steps back and crosses his arms, shaking his head.

The shouts haven't died down and Orion is soon stomping back into the room, snarling like a wolf at bay.

"Bitch got away from me captain," he replied, "And there are a dozen servants all screaming the same thing now. No luck keeping this from getting out."

>>19282390
"He wasnt much for showers...

Let the sadness of your brother's death strike you once, "Esteban, everything i've done have been for the family, for you, for father, for mother, for sister. Blood was always important to me, the value in a slaves, to the blood that you an i shared. Eseteban, why choose against the family? Did gold mean that much to you?"

>>19282443
So as long as our words weights heavier than the maid's (and frankly, that can't be too expensive to ensure), we shouldn't have to worry about any official problems. Might be best to find the city watch as soon as possible, both to appear like we're not trying to hide anything, and to make sure our story gets into circulation ASAP.

Might be best to slap on some extra bribes to have the maid sentenced for trying to frame us while we're at it. Any convenient witch fright going on at the moment?

What's left then is the possibility of our late brother having some family members apart form us, who might get bad ideas about both what has happened and what should happen. That needs to be taken care of.

>>19282511
The full impact of your brother's death hits you. The chair behind his desk, the one he had often glared at you over, sat empty. You stumble into it, sink down into the leathers. He had been your blood, and before he had become a greedy man he had been your friend. As a small child you had looked up to your big brother, though only a teen he had seemed a tower of strength to you.

He had taught you to ride, helped teach you to read and do arithmetic. Things had become sour, where they had once been sweet. There had been a time you had longed to be his most trusted lieutenant, and he your glorious captain. Reality had killed that fantasy very early, when you had first realised he was not the man you had thought him to be.

When he had become fat, greedy for power and money. Jealous of everyone else's success. When he had seen your every attempt to advance in career as an attack on his position. You did not mourn the man he was, but the man you remembered from those more innocent days. You mourned the man he could have been had his mind not been so poisoned by jealousy.

>>19282602
Ok, shake it off we've got damage control.

We need to try to clean up at least some of the blood so it's not quite as grisly. Make sure he has the smell of alcohol very clearly on his breath and call in the police to get our side of the story in quickly. That we came in and found him having killed himself, with the open letter proclaiming that we got the 2nd class license on his desk. A tragic tale, fueled by jealousy and drink he killed himself. We weren't there of course.

>>19282537
No witch frights. Very few people believe in magic, seeing it as a parlour game or peasant superstition. The few that do believe in magic are viewed as something between hobbyists and idiots. You know that it is real, or something like magic is real, but this is not a widely known fact.

Maybe a hundred years ago calling someone a witch could get them hanged, but those days are long past.

>>19282602
Maybe put him in a more "dignified" position, or find a sheet or something to put over him? Then we should see if we can't get the servants to calm the hell down.

>>19282640
You make arrangements for Orion to contact the city watch, and set about the business of cleaning up the room a bit with Stag-Horn. Esteban quite clearly stinks of alcohol, there is no need for added deception there, but you pick the note from between his fingers and lay it carefully on the table.

Taking the boy by the shoulder you march out of the room to wait outside, still reflective on the events that had transpired but no longer beholden to them. You are first and foremost a survivor, and your thoughts had turned from the suicide to its potential ramifications.

None in your family would take this news well. Esteban was not well liked, but your father Ramon had a soft heart for his children and your brother Emilio wore his emotions on his sleeves. Your mother would be heart broken, no doubt Theresa too. You didn't think any would blame you specifically, but Esteban's private business partners mightn't be so forgiving.

You didn't know everything he did, or who he did it in partnership with. He kept his private business as far from you as possible. There was no knowing how many sharks might come sniffing after the blood in the water.

Soon enough Orion arrives with two watchmen in tow. Constables in bell shaped helms with cheap battered breast plates, the wore the city sigil on their heart and carried short blades at their hips.

>>19282728
"Master Zahak, we're here about the suicide," the taller of the pair said respectful, "Mostly we are here to ensure that it is an actual suicide, and not some bloody murder. Your man wasn't the first to find us."

>>19282746
I assure you it was suicide, the knife was in his hand and there was drink on his lips. You can look at the body yourself if it pleases you.

By the by, who else found you?

>>19282761
"A washerwoman came down the street screaming about murder. Pure hysterics, but that's women for you. If it is as you say, this won't take long," the constable doffs his helm and steps inside, leaving his counterpart outside with your entourage.

He soon returns, nodding sagely. "Well it looks right to me. Wouldn't be the first businessman that kissed a knife after suffering a setback. We'll need to send for a priest to move the body. If you'd like the watch can handle it. No need to stress. We'll see him well cared for."

"We are happy to assist the man that broke the Brothers," his partner said with a small salute.

>>19282813
"Thank you ever so much. That's a load off my mind."

>>19282813
Thank you for your compassion guardsman.

Sadly we're going to have to put Ilsa's invitation on hold for a bit, we need contact his business partners and straighten things out and consolidate and deal with his holdings before anyone else can move in. We need to move fast here.

Check his documents, letters, correspondence, if he has a trusted assistant we'll want to talk to them and get all the details we can on his business arrangements.

>>19282746
He was drunk and desperate after I had apparently been promoted to his position as the head of this office. He yelled at me, and then, well... he did a thorough job. There was nothing I could have done.

The letter that started all this is right here, and you can probably still smell the alcohol on his breath. If you have any more questions, I'll do my best to answer them.

>>19282870
>>19282854
"You're welcome milord." They salute and are off on their business.

It is far too late to call on Ilsa with all this work to do, and the foundry opening is creeping up fast. You turn to Orion and Stag-Horn, order them to scour your brother's offices for notes and manuscripts that might detail his private business They aren't the most ideal candidates for the job, but you work with the tools you have.

While they are about the more laborious task you hunt down Esteban's personal assistant.

He is an old gentleman, long in service to your family and often found in the aviary. Desmond was his name, and you had known him for sometime.

He isn't far, up with the messenger birds feeding them as he did every morning. He smiles as you enter.

"Your grandfather's news is well met Estavo," he said, cracking his ancient knuckles, "It has been long coming and much anticipated. I look forward to your long and healthy reign." He bowed in the manner of the Old World, low and dignified.

>>19282912
Wow, I was late.
>>19282870
I respectfully disagree. If he was mad enough to kill himself over this, it's logical to assume that he may have made other plans as well. I'd like to be sure our captain, sister, and Ilsa are all out of harm's way, and maybe have sis inform the rest of the family.

They should know.

>>19282946
Thank you Desmond, I hope you serve me as loyally as you served my brother. I'm sure you've heard of his untimely suicide.

We have quite a bit of work to do, I have no idea what plans he may have put into motion in his madness shortly before death and they may impact us greatly. Along with having to meet with his business partners and sort things out with them, we're going to be busy.

>>19282953
>>19282968
"Of course. Such a sad business with Master Esteban. I shall make all necessary arrangements. Birds have already been sent with the sad news. House Zahak mourns the loss of its first born son," he sounds sincere, and you've never had cause to doubt him before, but there was an odd note to his voice. Relief, perhaps?

"Your brother had many dealings around the city, and some further abroad. He had close connections with our Europa offices, directly corresponding with the captains over there. Also a secret business with Lord Paravel, that I was kept far from. Oh, but he made friends with many of his partners, and made partners of many recent arrivals. The royal representative in particular was growing close to our beloved master over the last week or so. They had many dealings, shut up out in his manse at all manner of ours. Such a friendship would have been good for the family, the representative is a powerful man. If you would like I could arrange a meeting between the two of you. Continuity must be maintained after all. The ship mustn't rock too much lest it capsize."

>>19283026
I agree, my highest priority at the moment it to ensure continuity. We need to show our partners that it is business as usual, perhaps even better. Could you send correspondence to the captains in my name and introduce me to his usual friends and partners.

The only thing I'm wondering about is if we should meet with Artur Stonesnake, if we do we are definitely not going to meet with him at his manse. I don't really want to sell him any more slaves, it just gives him weapons to use against us, and he's kind of our sword enemy.

If we do meet with him we will do it in a public space and make clear our new lack of involvement with anything involving him and trade of slaves.

>>19282870
Remind me what this invitation was again? Something specific, like a prearranged meet-up, or just a standing offer?

>>19283101
Quester said it was a love note, asking for us to call on her private residence. He didn't specify a date so I think it's a standing offer.

>>19283077
"Business will continue as usual, for the most part. Send out a letter to all my brother's friends and business associates. Let them know not only of his passing, but that I am his successor. Any dealings they had with him they can continue with me. This transition will not only be smooth, but beneficial for all of us. A new dawn of prosperity," you rattle off. Desmond takes down what you are saying. "The Stonesnake however...we are happy to meet with him but for the foreseeable future we will not be selling him any more slaves. Invite him out to the Mockingjay Lounge for dinner later this week."

With the suggestion of cutting out Stonesnake from the slave trade Desmond purses his lips, but he nods.

Orion and Stag-Horn soon find you with leather bound tomes and parchments in arm. It isn't a very heavy load, quite light considering the amount of business your brother had to keep track of. Shipping manifests and personal correspondence, mostly about business that ended up running into sums and figures.

Your brother was notoriously poor at keeping records, a fact that had brought the attention of the city treasury and the harbour master more than once. If he had personal correspondance of importance, it would be at his private residence at the outskirts of the city.

>>19283101
>>19283122
It was a love note asking you to call on her, wishing to see you at the earliest convenience.

>>19283174
Joy, we're going to take much better records than our brother did, or at least hire someone to help with them.

Who do we know that would be helpful at sorting through this unorganized and poorly kept mess? I'd advocate Theresa except she's probably a sobbing mess and wouldn't want to help with this sort of thing.

Desmond is a possibility but there ought to be someone else we can use.

>>19283174
Then I guess we go there, stopping to see Theresa while we're out.

Since we're not going to hear back from any of Esteban's associates for a bit, I say there's no reason we can't call on Ilsa, It'd take our mind off the fact that our brother just offed himself over our replacing him.

>>19283219
I'm not saying don't see Ilsa, but we should get a few things dealt with quickly, we want everyone to know the transition will be smooth and get a bit more of a handle on our brother's business dealings.

If we're able to take care of this by evening then great, but keeping our business running sadly has priority over Ilsa, no matter how hot, good in bed and politically advantageous she is.

>>19283207
It shouldn't be difficult to find someone capable of acting as a personal assistant. Everyone in your current employ is either unsuited for such work or busy with other duties.

>>19283207
>>19283219
Remember that the cannon foundry will soon be opened, with your sister and Lord Paravel attending the presentation. Being a partner in the business it is expected for you to make an appearance.

>>19283254
The presentation is today? When today?

Well, first thing is to go to our brother's private residence. We should probably visit our sister on the way and inform her of this and give her details on the situation. Then we take care of business.

>>19283243
Like I said, shit doesn't happen overnight, and there's only so much we can get done with the rest of the day. Sending out notices, making a few arrangements, seeing Theresa, and raiding Esteban's place is more than enough, since his associates probably aren't going to be knocking on our door RIGHT THE FUCK NOW.

There's nothing wrong with closing down at the end of regular business hours and taking the night off.

>>19283254
Let's get to the foundry opening now. We need to make sure that it looks like the Zahal Family is in control of the situation and that business will proceed as normal.

>>19283286
Noon. It's part ribbon cutting ceremony, part carnival, and it is happening in about two hours on the other side of the city. Your sister has been there all morning arranging things, organising the entertainment for the crowds and the food for the guests. Visiting individuals from other Grand Country city states and nations have come not just to witness the opening, but put in orders of supply.

>>19283291
This is a good point. Most of Esteban's business partners either aren't in Narleen or are going to be attending the ribbon cutting ceremony anyway. Every man of enterprise is excited for the opening of an independent foundry, since the only other one in Narleen is the city foundry which does not deal in private business.

>>19283381
Ok, we've got two hours. Would that leave us with enough time to get to our late brother's private residence and search it for correspondence and still make it to the ceremony with plenty of time? Or should we do that later and fill the time in between now and the ceremony in some other way?

>>19283404
Your brother's residence is t the opposite side of town, right in the residential outskirts were most people have something close to a country manse. I wouldn't recommend it if you want to be present for the whole show.

You might have time to see Ilsa however, and escort her to the ceremony.

Sooooo, skip out on the ceremony and do some investigating, or head out to your lover's residence and escort her to the ceremony? Or even a third thing or variation.

>>19283432
Ok, scratch the brother's residence for now.

I'd like to get the brother's residence as soon as possible, I'm not sure how long we'll have before interested parties investigate his place themselves. I may be paranoid but you're allowed to be when you've got Artur Stonesnake after you and there may be other parties involved.

I propose we go to the ceremony, then afterwards toss our brother's residence and spend the evening hours with Ilsa, perhaps take her on a nice date or something like that.

>>19283484
I say we have one of our guys hold down the fort at Esteban's home until we have a chance to investigate, or possibly even ask some of the city guard to do it. There could be relevant information there, after all.

We, on the other hand, have an event to attend. I can think of no better way to do it than with Ilsa with us. We can see what we feel like doing after our presence at the ceremony is no longer required.

>>19283536
That works, we want to be sure that nothing happens at the house for now, and taking Ilsa out ought to be nice.

You elect not to investigate your brother's residence just yet, but make a note to go by as soon as you are free. With the Stonesnake around, it isn't safe to just leave things open like that.

Before going to the ceremony it is required you return home and change. While your outfit was stylish as any, the stink of alcohol and death was a perfume hard to shake. It doesn't take you long to navigate the streets, everyone seemed to be readying for an afternoon of revelry.

At your apartment you are greeted by a lovely sight. Hildi and Silti have been dressed in a pair of your sister's old clothes, conservative but lovely and embroidered with roses along the bodice. They seem like their old selves again, and were arm in arm with Dawnstar.

Dawnstar was similarly dressed, and it was a change from her simpler garb. A tight bound corset brought out her curves and lifted her chest, accentuating her shapely figure. A garland of blue flowers had been woven into her hair. The only sign of her native garb was a choker of alligator teeth that ringed her neck.

"Good day m'lord," she said with a proper curtsey. Xavier's language instruction had also involved social instruction, and Dawnstar was proving to be a fast student.

>>19283566
The three of you are absolutely gorgeous. I'll be the envy of every man there with you by my side.

We should make sure someone is covering the residence while we're out, just in case, and pick up Ilsa. She ought to enjoy a nice party.

>>19283536
You turn to Orion and suggest he head out to your brother's residence. "I'll take a few of the boys, keep off looters and thieves," he said, thumbing the pommel of his sword.

He bowed to Dawnstar before departing and she smiled cheerily, her face flushed.

In the mean time you change into more suitable clothes, a rich velvet doublet with a blue half-cape over that, with matching trousers to go. yu buckle on your rapier and slide a stilleto into the scabbard opposite it. Not trained in two weapon fighting, it was fashionable to wear a knife opposite the sword these days. A trend set by the flamboyant master duellist Rodrigo Varapso in Nove Leon.

You think it prudent to invite Ilsa along to the ceremony as your personal guest. It was a big day, the Saimhann had many agents there to witness the event. Escorting the Daughter Wolfsburg might help strengthen such ties, and she was the loveliest of company to boot.

>>19283619
Cool, we should pick her up at her place unless we have arrangements to meet her somewhere or if we know she's already going to be there.

>>19283586
Once dressed you return to the parlour and bow deeply to the attending ladies. "You are all gorgeous," you say, "With you there I'll be the envy of every bachelor in Narleen." They curtsey again, Dawnstar turning a shade of pink.

Stag-Horn falls in with the girls, chatting away with his sister. He still wore that green doublet and simple trousers, cleaned for the event. On his back he carried the assassin's blade, a type of scimitar known as a talwar you had discovered.

A trophy, Stag-Horn had called it. One honestly won in defence of your life.

The Wolfsburg apartment was close by, and your knock is greeted by a dour old woman in severe dress. She looked up at you, a frown on her face.

"I am here for the Lady Ilsa," you inform her.

She gives a tsk and turns away, ringing a bell by the side of the door. "My mistress awaits," she said with a sharp incline of her head, offering you passage within.

The interior was of a Nordern style. Animal pelts covered the walls were portraits might in a traditional Narleen residents. Axes crossed behind shields hanged opposite the pelts. They were a race of warriors and hunters both, with stern martial pride.

You hear raucous laughter down the corridor and the house servant guides you towards it.

Men sit about a low dig out in what must have been the parlour, drinking from horns with axe blades and swords across the knee. Two men were shouting at one another in their native tongue, firing back and forth rapidly. One was unknown to you, the other Johan.

They break off at the sight of you, the crowd falling silent.

>>19283717
Nod to Johan, then continue to Ilsa.

>>19283717
It's a tense few seconds before Johan lifts a cup.

"Friend Estavo, welcome to my hall!" he tips back the cup and drinks. His men give a bellow in their tongue and imitate the gesture. Soon the roaring returns, and two men draw axes. A chant rips out, with feet stamping. The two men bow from opposite sides of the pit, before leaping at one another with twirling axes in hand.

A metal clash rings out and they land opposite sides of the pit. They brandish clean blades, one of them running a finger through his red beard.

"A draw!" Johan pips, stamping his feet, "Good show Alfrick, good show Farn!" He walks over and shoves a cup of wine in your hand. "My warriors are skilled, are they not?"

>>19283769
Take a drink of the wine first.

Quite skilled I must say. I would hate to get on their bad side. It just doesn't seem like a prudent decision.

>>19283745
(net is being a bit silly again)

You nod to Johan and ask where Ilsa is. He gestures to one of the doors leading away from the hall. "My sister will be down shortly, she is sweet on you! But don't rush a woman, or you'll only get a she-bear instead of sweet honey!" He gives a drunken guffaw at his jest ad encourages you to sit. "We've another round of flyting, if I win this one the purse is mine! Watch me cut these men down with word and verse!"

>>19283798
I would never dare rush Ilsa, it might incur your displeasure, which I admit I fear less then I do hers.

Watch him perform some viking rap battle and cheer when appropriate.

>>19283788
You drink the wine and compliment the skill of his warriors. "I wouldn't want to cross them," you say.

Johan scowls. "No that's the Narleen way, the Leonine attitude. You should compliment them, but mock them as well. Yes they are good, but you should say that your warriors are superior. Understand? My men's heads grow swollen from my praise, you should remind them that they are still just men. This is the Nordland way."

>>19283819
I see, ought I to say they are mighty warriors, but only should I need lumber felled. Or their skill with the axe is great, pity they didn't actually cut anything.

>>19283813
He laughs at the jest about his sister. "That's the spirit!" he said, knocking down the rest of the wine. He took the stand again and yelled out in his native tongue, gesturing for a new opponent. Ulrik stood, snorting down laughter and beer in equal measure.

Ulrik gave a sluggish, drunk verse. You didn't understand the words, but the delivery was sluggish. Johan hit back with a long string of insults, smoothly delivered with a wine slick slur.

Ulrik barked back in good humour, his voice a roar. Johan rolled his eyes and his shoulders and came back in. The room roared with mirth and even Ulrik's shoulders rocked with laughter.

"You are a fine swordsman Estavo!" Johan crowed, "But my wit is sword and I'm an expert!" He did not notice his mistake, but did not care as a moustachioed axe-man stepped up to shove a small purse of gold into his hands. He hoisted the small man onto his shoulders and slapped his chest. "Jarl Johan!" they raised sword and axe in his honour.

>>19283819
Interesting. I wonder if that idea can be out to use elsewhere?

>>19283852
Raise a glass and cheer his name along with them. It's the proper thing to do.

>>19283853
>"out to use"
Cannot brain I has the dumb.

>>19283857
You join in the cheer and stamping feet. As you do so Ilsa arrives.

She is not dressed as you expected. A far cry from the sensual woman you had encountered in the bath house, she wore a dress of heavy petticoats and all concealing top. Only her head was uncovered, her golden braid wound up into a severe knot.

Her youth was marred by a grave expression, stern and uncompromising. Coming before you, she gave a deep and respectful curtsey.

"Master Zahak, it is a pleasure to meet you again," her tone is clipped and measured, "It would be an honour to visit the opening of your new business this day." She gave a tight smile to her brother. "Congratulations on your victory, perhaps next time you will challenge someone 'not' on your pay roll."

Johan chuckled. "You take care of my sweet prude of a sister Estavo. I heard she bored you half to death with that poetry of hers the other night. I wouldn't blame you for abandoning her in the street."

>>19283906
Ok, this is funny, does her brother not have any idea what she gets up to half the time? Does he really think she escorted us away to listen to poetry? Either she's a good liar or Johan is screwing with us.

I'm sure she will be a pleasure to spend time with, she is a most charming young lady, though perhaps too straight laced.

Calmly and politely escort Ilsa with us. When we get some distance from the estate raise an eyebrow at her and laugh for a few seconds.

>>19283906
I don't know, I rather enjoyed it.

I'd normally be tempted to say something about a "gifted tongue", but that might make it too obvious.

>>19283940
>>19283936
"I'm not much for romanticism, but I enjoyed the poetry," you say with a courtly nod to the lady,"A well-bred woman such as her is always good company, if a tad straight laced. I believe it will be a pleasurable experience."

"See if you can untie some of those laces, eh?" Johan said, clapping your back before sending you on your way.

You take Ilsa by the arm lightly. Her dress was a light shade of grey trimmed in black. Almost mourning colours. You lead her down the hall and out into the sweltering air of Narleen and your waiting party. The girls dip in unison after being introduced, and Ilsa returns it with a raised palm of greeting, cool but polite.

"So this was a surprise," you raise an eyebrow and laugh. She returns the laugh with a cool, impassive glance.

"Let us be on hour way Master Zahak, the ceremony awaits," she replies, head held high. Despite her frosty demeanour you catch a quirk of her lips as you proceed down the street.
(cont.)

>>19284034
The closer you came to the foundry the more people you encountered. The streets were choked with people dressed for enjoyment. Young bucks swathed in finery escorted young does in sheer dress. Jugglers, singers and all sorts of performers made their presence known. Two fellows dressed as harlequins went stomping by atop high stilts, fencing with dead fish slippery and wet.

Pleasure girls called out for you, men approached your girls only to be driven off by Stag-Horn's snarl and hand on his impressive knife.

It really was a carnival, and the wines were flowing through the street.

At the end of a choking pantheon of revellers you come upon your foundry and the party presenting it. The city elite stands in parade before Lord Paravel, his son Rikard and his fiance Estelle, and your sister Theresa a meek head between them.

A priest in heavy brown robes sang a hymn, swinging incense from a heavy censer to consecrate the new business. Lord Paravel was a known devotee to the Church of the Living God.

Seeing you approach Rikard waves you up. He was leaning heavily on a cane, still sporting injury from the skirmish with the Brothers, but broadsword at his hip none the less.

>>19284044
Wave back to Rikard and greet him warmly. This is our opening so we ought to schmooze a bit, greet people, be friendly.

>>19284056
You approach Rikard with a wave and warm greetings. When you are close enough he drags you into a tight hug. You are a tall man, but Rikard is larger still, almost a full head taller than you. His grip is strong and fierce, when he releases you he claps down your shoulders.

"My brother-in-arms at his hour of triumph, Zahak and Paravel stand side by side again!" he booms, squeezing your shoulder tightly, "And he comes with company suitable for a warrior-merchant. What a grand harem you bring!" He gestures to the women in tow. He bows low to ilsa and kisses her hand. "Warm greetings to your house Lady Woflsburg."

"Charmed," she replies dismissively, eyes wandering through the crowd.

"It is good to see you standing Rikard," you say.

"All thanks to that clever surgeon of yours my friend. I'd be dead if it weren't for him. Please, give him my thanks when you see him next, I would like to honour him at my private residence if he has the time."

"I'm sure Ben would appreciate that, but don't try to steal him from my service," you warn in a friendly tone.

The priest is soon finished with his prayer, and invites someone from the business to speak. Theresa seems to be about to step forward nervously, but looks uncertain. Lord Jean Paravel also looks as if he wishes to speak.

>>19284110
Subtly nudge Theresa forward.

She ought to have enough social decorum to not to go into a slavery rant here, she's not an idiot.

Be prepared to cover and take over if it looks like she's heading in that direction.

>>19284124
Yeah, pretty much this.

>>19284135
>>19284124
(Ahh, you give her too much credit)

Theresa steps forward at your nudge. Composing herself, she draws out a parchment and clears her throat with a cough.

"For years Narleen has been defined by the slave pens at our gates, and the slave ships in our harbour. Today we mark the beginning of the end. No longer will we be known as slavers, but master craftsmen. Our cannons shall roar across the world in defence of liberty, love and the freedom of all. It is with this that we begin to break away from the disgusting traditions of our forefathers, the disgusting trdition that plagues our fair city, and lead the city into our-" an angry shout swallows her next words, and a stone flies through the air. Lord Paravel pushes Theresa back quickly, taking the stone to his broad chest.

You grab her by the arm and pull her further from the crowd. "What the stinking hell was that?" you hiss into her ear. She gives you a dumb look, eyes blinking in shock as the roar of hate continues against her.

It is only the booming voice of Lord Paravel that calms the crowd, bringing them back to bay, nd he begins his own speech. One similar in sentiment of Theresa, but without the attack on slavery. The crowd is lulled by him into complacency, and they are soon cheering him instead.

>>19284181
Theresa, I expected something sane from you. I really did.

I was hoping that you'd start, get our family name known as a main part of this project without going into rant territory. There is a time and place for that, this was not the time nor the place.

The first half was nice, then you went off the rails.

Well, lesson learned. Never trust our sister with anything involving public speaking. Now Paravel has the public credit for this, that's wonderful.

Try to salvage the situation, let Paravel give his speech then schooze with people, make sure the Zahak name is prominently in the minds of the important people, the ones who will be buying and selling the guns.

>>19284203
You do not yell at her, but the disappointment is heavy in your voice. "I expected better of you Terra," you say, "But you just had to be the iconoclast. This is not a university tap room, this is business. It is going to take some work to fix this."

She fights back the beginning of tears. "They threw a rock at me Estavo, they hated me, I think they might have gladly killed me." She rubs furiously at her eyes with the lace of her sleeve. She looks about ready to break down in your arms, in front of the assembled might of the Narleen aristocracy.

>>19284181
Nice words guided by a firm belief: probably even the morally correct belief.

But both monied interests and popular sentiment are against her, and those are both VERY difficult opponents indeed. And they're NOT something that will be diminished by a single step in the right direction.

Now just isn't the time.

>>19284220
Terra, calm down. You can't cry here, you've created a wonderful thing, your public speaking is perhaps iffy, but this is salvageable.

If you want to advance your cause you will stand up straight, swallow your tears and talk to people. You did most of the work making this happen, so you will let people know.

You will not mention slavery, but instead the amazing business opportunity that the foundry will provide, the opportunity to branch out into new business. Do you understand Terra, we can fix this.

>>19284242
You calm her with her words, and she swallows her tears and with it her fear. She stands taller and gives you a smile. "You're right, I was acting foolishly. This is just the first little step. With the money we are making we can be rid of slavery, leave the family business in Esteban's hands, and find our own destiny. Thank you brother."

Her eyes still glisten but her smile is large and bright. She hugs you fiercely before stepping back into the shadow of Lord Paravel, smoothing down her dress as she did so. Maybe she was stronger than you had previously given her credit. Or maybe you just had that gift of the gab every businessman wished he had.

Either way, she seemed calm enough to face the oncoming barrage of merchantmen about to be invited for the first time into the foundry.

>>19284273
Right, we should tell her about Esteban, later, that sounds good. Telling her right now would completely screw over the foundry. Once we get it set up and the party done we can break the news to her.

Take our crowd of lovely ladies and find important people who are interested in our wares and chat them up, talk about our foundry, production numbers, the power of muskets, how we're the only maker of them in town. We'll be the more sociable and charming part while Theresa gives them more raw data and so on. Make use of our winning charm.

>>19284288
We should keep an eye on it, though. Word may have spread that Estaban an hero'd and we're in charge now.

We need to do our best to ensure that she finds out on our terms, not due to happenstance.

>>19284317
True, stick close and if someone bring up Esteban we bring the topic back to MUSKETS. In a more subtle way, but still keep conversations on business, rather than family.

>>19284317
Also, if Ilsa seems to be subtly complaining about the boring conversation, we should suggest a little "poetry contest" later on to make up for it. Let her know that we're already "working on a few stanzas she'll like".

>>19284288
You spy a man wearing the chain of office of distant New-Port, a city further north than even Nova Leon. He seemed a scrub-land animal in his drab robes and iron linked chain, compared to the brightly coloured and fabulously wreathed locals around him. He had a folder tucked under his arm and a pressing urge to be head of the crowd.

You wind your way toward him and bow. "Welcome sir, you've come a long way," you say.

He fusses at his glasses and returns the dip of the shoulders. "Well my needs are pressing sir, and no distance is too far to travel if it means the salvation of my homeland." The New Port accent is dry and crisp, like the land it called home.

"Oh?" you had not heard of trouble up north.

"The savage native is at our gate and amongst our villages. We have production capability for some muskets and some cannons, but demand is high. I have come with a blank cheque to ensure our needs are met. We need five falconets, twenty field guns, seven mortars. I can pay near any price, but we need them soon lest we be over run by savages and driven into the sea." He seemed quite desperate, flipping through his leather bound case. "Reports of scalpings has risen by near fifty percent and their raids grow bolder. Why if we were to fall, surely they will sweep on across all civilized lands." He exaggerated. New-Port was but an independent republic city-state not even a tenth the size of Nova Leon or even a blemish compared to the transcontinental Leonine Empire.

>>19284347
"And muskets, muskets and MORE muskets I might add," he continued, "we are arming every citizen-soldier willing to take up the fight. Five thousand is a good number, though I understand that will take considerable time," he gives a hiking laugh of uneven pitch, wringing his hands nervously.

>>19284347
I sympathize with your plight, fortunately my friend you have come to the right place. We would love to be your provider for weaponry.

For exact production numbers, prices and time tables you would have to see my dear sister, but I'm quite sure that we can provide you with what you require.

Providing that would be well within the realm of our foundry right?

We're going to want to bring him to our sister and charge high, we can justify it due to rush ordering and putting him high up in the queue, but we don't want to charge so much that we lose a repeat customer.

>>19284363
Also investigate his story, or have someone do that for us.

Someone being willing to pay really high for cannons and muskets might be up to something other than home defense. Make sure that there really is trouble up north, that this guy, whose name we should get, is really from them and that this won't backfire on us.

>>19284347
>five falconets, twenty field guns, seven mortars
That's quite a fair bit of shooting iron for a brushfire war.

Far be it from us to decide. It'll be good to get our product out into the field and establish a reputation. Confidence in your product only goes so far: after all, a weapon can only be proven on the battlefield.

>>19284363
"My sister will see to the production, but I assure you the guns will be produced so long as the gold is in the bank," you laugh and take him by the shoulder, "I sympathise, but let us not get apocalyptic lest you be gulled by the vultures in this town. Our prices will be reasonable, though such a rush order will be expensive. Our true prize will of course be the liberation of New-Port, and a happy relationship between our fair cities."

You lead him up to where your sister stands, by the entrance of the foundry with your bald cannonry expert. You had discovered his name, Ezekiel Schmidt, and he had been a student at the Imperial Gunnery School. His grasp of your language was inconsistent but decipherable.

You make introductions, and the client says he can pay as much as two hundred thousand at full delivery. Theresa and Ezekiel both agree it would be impossible to fill such an order immediately or quickly, but they could have half done in roughly six months.

Roll a d100 if you want to argue for more, an extra fifty thousand is over sixty, roll over eighty and you can get another hundred thousand. Remember that the split is 40-60 in Paravel's favour.

>>19284362
Five-thousand muskets in the hands of a foreign power? Yeah, no, we're going to need some kind of official approval and a background check to corroborate the situation.

Anyway, the place isn't open for business TODAY, I'd imagine. We can see his credentials and set up a more official appointment tomorrow.

File: 1338282282392.jpg-(32 KB, 400x300, 12-tywin-lannister.jpg)

>>19284371
Smart.

rolled 91 = 91

>>19284384
Let's see what we can do. This is extra money in our pockets and will make Paravel happy.

Also the time lapse will give us quite a bit of time to investigate this guy.

Worst happens we don't make any more and we let the matter drop.

He did say blank cheque, and if it seems like it'll persuade him make note of our closer proximity, the plight of his people and the craftsmanship of our weapons.

Extra 50 would be nice, if we get extra 100 that'd be pretty awesome.

rolled 8 = 8

>>19284371
Agreed but accept the money anyway.

rolled 25 = 25

>>19284401
I'm going to say fuck whats fair we rolled a 91

>>19284388
While the production line isn't open, the business most certainly is, and the beginning of commissions. Its understood that all orders will take time to fill out, but payment is half up front and half on delivery.

It seems obvious this guy is exaggerating for effect. You have no where near the capability of churning out five thousand muskets right now, and his commission is going to have to be a long term one for the entire order to be filled.

New-Port is not overly friendly with the Leonine states, but it isn't particularly hostile either. The government wouldn't care if you sold them a number of muskets and cannons.

>>19284402
>>19284395
We've got six months before we're half done, we have plenty of time before he's handing over much of the money and we're handing over the weapons.

Also thank you for calling me smart. It seemed reasonably sane not to completely trust a man you just met, with a story you haven't confirmed who wanted shiploads of cannon and muskets.

>>19284401
We could got the full 100k, or we could use the fact that he's willing to spend 100k more, drop it down to 80k and put him and New-Port in our debt, make them into consistent repeat buyers who spread tales of our generosity.

>>19284401
Once we gets our monies we should take Theresa and check on the other ladies. Odds are they're either fighting off a crowd or bored out of their skulls.

>>19284419
I'm liking this idea. I'll agree with the 80k + debt and generosity bit.

>>19284401
You argue him up to three hundred thousand and get something of a confession out of him. "To be honest I have been making similar gestures to all the independent foundries along the coast. I know none can fill this entire order, but we are prepared to empty the vaults if it saves us our scalps. You'll get a sum of hundred and fifty on my return to Nova Leon, and the rest once I'm back in New-Port with the weapons. I'll leave the accounting details with your sister. You are helping to liberate my country, sir. We will be eternally grateful."

>>19284444
I thank you for your patronage. The order may take some time, but our foundry shall produce your weapons.

Make a very big mental note to investigate this guy, also get his name.

Once that is taken care of, confer with our ladies and ensure that they, especially Ilsa aren't getting bored by the proceedings.

>>19284444
You stop him from going to the full extra hundred thousand and instead break it down by twenty. You say that it is not in your interests to bankrupt such a fine nation, and would like to not only see it survive but thrive due to your future relationship.

He seems immensely grateful, almost falling to his knees in fact.

"You are a generous man Master Zahak, why I've a mind to offer my daughter's hand."

>>19284460
Again, time to get Ilsa thinking about a poetry reading later on.

Furious, sweaty, passionate poetry reading.

>>19284462
Politely laugh the matter off, thank him for his patronage and the privilege of working with him and his fair nation.

>>19284460
His name is Emmanuel Sanders, a politician and one time frontiersman of the cold north. He is happy to tell you all about his business and family, and you have to keep him from telling you his life story. He has a large family, a fine wife, and more daughters than he knows what to do with apparently.

He seems very convivial, and mostly honest, but history is full of honest men used as pawns by the unscrupulous. You make a note to investigate his claims and get a better picture of the northern situation.

Whether troubles with the natives or some kind of power play, the situation may be exploitable.

>>19284482
Isn't that convenient, we're currently escorting a lady of the north. We'll ask Johan and co. about this later, they ought to be rather abreast of the situation.

>>19284479
You laugh. "It is all for the good of civilization, no? I am looking forward to working closely with you and fostering a future with your hopefully growing nation." You clasp hands as something like friends and leave him with your sister. Before you are fully out of earshot you hear him congratulate her on such a brave and powerful speech.

All for the good.

You find your girls being roped into a ring of young courtier boys. Some where young teens, others were older men that should have known better, they were forcing their attention and their drinks on the women. Only Stag-Horn kept the situation from getting physical.

Hildi and Silti seemed overwhelmed by the attention. It was only Dawnstar's hands that kept the pair from panicking. You push through the crowd to stand with them and they seem physically relieved by your presence.

Ilsa seems in as much of a bad mood, her beauty being loudly praised by a troupe of bravos.

>>19284492
Different north. Nordlanders are a people of the Old World. This north is the north of the Grand Country.

>>19284510
Well, we owe her for this, and Estavo Zahak always pays what he owes.

Anyway, I wonder when would be a good time to split? We've landed a big deal, but Ilsa's rapidly getting pissed, the other girls are panicking, and we're still in amidst the crowd that tried to stone our sister earlier. Sooner rather than later is preferred.

>>19284510
Quietly thank Stag-Horn, he's an excellent fellow, I like him.

Collect our ladies then go to Ilsa, give her a kiss on her hand, rescue her from the bravo's attention and ask her about poetry readings with a smile on our face.

>>19284528
Soon would be good, we shouldn't leave after just one deal, spend some time with Ilsa, then get one or two more deals dealt with. Then we leave.

>>19284530
Something like "When it comes to poetics, I think I have these clowns beat. Hang in there, you'll get all the "poetry" you can handle later on."?

>>19284530
>>19284538
You cut through the crowd and take Ilsa by the hand. "Are these man boring you my dear?" you ask, kissing her hand, "Perhaps we can have a poetry session to lift your mood?"

Her mask slips for a second, revealing that wicked grin you remember so fondly, but it is back in place immediately. "I've no mind for poetry today, Master Zahak, but please rid me of this boorish crowd."

You motion for Stag-Horn to come beside you and face off the bravos.

"The lady has spoken gentlemen. Please, find some other poor woman to harass."

The grumble and relent, but one yells out 'Maybe we'll enjoy that short-haired sister of yours instead?' The bravos all jeer their agreement, some shouting about what they planned for her, and whether they should have her one at a time or all at once.

>>19284572
I don't think we should let them get away with saying stuff like that. Is there anything that we could to do that would be appropriate? Draw our sword and challenge them perhaps unless they take back what they said?

>>19284572
Man, these guys are complete idiots. The question is how diplomatically we deal with this. I'd advocating at least try to avoid violence at our opening ceremonies.

If your skill in bed is similar to your skill with a sword I don't think either myself nor my sister have anything to worry about. Then politely tell them that the door is that way, and that is their current destination. Have Stag-Horn look as intimidating as possible.

>>19284572
>Line crossed
>World of pain engaged
"Lay so much as a single one of your disgusting fingers on her and I will hunt each of you down like the animals you are. And when I catch each of you, I'll take your head, wrap it in a cloth, and throw it through your mother's parlor-room window. And I will sleep like a baby afterwards, knowing that you got what exactly you deserved."

"Pray to whatever God you hold dear that our paths don't cross again, or you might not find me so agreeable."

>>19284623
>got exactly what you deserved
>stuck the "exactly" in the wrong place, didn't proof-read
You get the point, though. They need to know that the stakes are different when you make it personal.

Cowards like that will fold at the first sign of trouble.

>>19284623
>>19284607
>>19284603
You say little, but put a hand to the hilt of your rapier. Stag-Horn fully draws his knife, flicking in it from hand-to-hand, stringing along violent curses in his native tongue.

"You'll be sure to stay away from her, if you have any sense. You get this one chance, try it again and you'll be decorating the high street." You loom over most of them, a dark figure of certain violence. "Now get on before I change my mind."

They didn't flee, but they did slink off, giving only the vaguest of returned grumblings. You hadn't a hope in hell of taking them all in a fight, but they had enough sense to know you'd leave none unmolested if combat were to break out.

With that settled you take Ilsa by the arm.

"Watch me gut some fish," you say, motioning to the crowd of businessmen. You spot a pair of native men in city-dress, no doubt men from the colonies further west, and near them a woman wearing the badge of the mercenary-ships, a naval group of sell-sword specialising in pirate-hunting.

The mercenary-ships had a dubious reputation but a certain amount of gold. The native men seemed dignified, but their dress told you they weren't drowning in money.

>>19284661
Let's start with the mercenary-ships and see where it goes from there.

>>19284703
Agreed

>>19284661
Also, speaking of our sister, I thought we were supposed to be keeping a close eye on her, for EXACTLY the kind of shit we just dealt with?

For God's sake, keep friends close, enemies closer, and family members who nearly got stoned today within arm's reach.

The mercenary-ships representative is a squat woman, barely an inch over five feet, with generous bulk to go around. Her round face was ringed with a mane of blond curls and she smoked a thin cigarillo, smoke curling from her nostrils.

She bobs her head at you and gestures to the Foundry.

"Not a port in all Europa goes without half a dozen foundries like this. As each day goes by the new world looks more and more like the old," she didn't sound displeased.

"Is there any business that might be had with the mercenary-ships?" you ask, "We are equipped to proved ship worthy cannons as well as land ones."

"We could use a port of call for repairs on this side of the big drink," she replied, "But our compliment of cannons is all up to date."

"We can do repairs as well. Say for two hundred a cannon?" you vouch.

"Fifty, and you've got a deal." It is an insultingly low sum.

d100 over 50 to get her to raise it to seventy, over eight to get it to a hundred.

rolled 87 = 87

>>19284744
Rolling

>>19284752
One hundred it is.

>>19284752
100, that's nowhere near as bad.

Fifty was just plain insulting, I can't believe she managed to make that offer with a straight face.

>>19284752
Silly fool, the dice say you'll pay 100 and that you will like it.

>>19284744
We got 100, but for an insulting offer like that we should put her reasonably low on the priority list.

Also check if she needs muskets. If she accepts that we can up-sell gunpowder, maintenance for guns, and other sundry items that we produce.

>>19284744
Don't insult me. In the name of good business I'll settle for 100, we both stand to gain from this deal after all.

>>19284752
"One hundred," you insist, "I am not an idiot good woman. One hundred is the absolute lowest."

She humphs but nodes. "Hundred a head it is," she replied, spitting in your palm. You shake and direct her over to your sister, who is busy speaking with the watch commander Phillipe Artois.

The two native men seem insistent on seeing you, but you spot a familiar figure in the crowd. Tall and coiled, Stonesnake wears the kind of smile more appropriate for an indulgent grandfather. He sees you and waves cheerfully.

his cheerful attitude is offset by the giant black shadow looming behind him. The champion gladiator Tauro had glaive in hand and face masked by a closed bull helm. He looked more prepared for the arena than the opening of a new business.

>>19284781
Wave back at him and smile just as cheerfully.

Then move on to the native men and see what we can dig out of them.

>>19284781
Speak with the natives, then pack up and get all our ladies/sister/etc out of this nightmarish aristocratic hellhole.

No conversation with Stonesnake until his scheduled meeting with us.

>>19284781
He waved at us. That doesn't mean he wants to talk with us. It probably does but fuckit, I don't care.

If you're starting to feel like I hate parties, you'd be correct. ESPECIALLY formal ones, and even more especially the kind that NEVER FUCKING END.

>>19284803
>>19284794

You wave back with your biggest grin before settling in with the two native men.

"Good day," one said, extending a hand. You grip it in the native custom and nod.

"What can I do for you fine gentlemen?" you ask, trying to ignore the royal representative who was only a few steps away.

"To be blunt, we need muskets," he said, "Tribes have been raiding, and bandits kicking up a fuss in the hinterlands. We need protection for our supply trains. More than crossbow or sword."

"We can take as many as five hundred can provide," the other interjected, "That is all we have." His companion gave him a disapproving glance.

Five hundred didn't buy many muskets, only a dozen if the negotiator is particularly bad. But land out in the west was rich. Rumour had it there was gold in the hinterlands, and the soil was fertile enough many wear heading out that way.

"We come from Couer D'Couer, it is the first stop into the badlands," the first speaker went on, "It sits at the foot of the hinterlands. It is not just bandits, but wolves and bears as well. We are fighting nature."

"If you can produce hunting rifles, we would take some of those instead."

A more expensive option, a generous amount for five hundred would be five, a hundred a piece. They were slower to load, but far more accurate. More expensive to produce and slower to make as well.

>>19284829
We know who he is, I'm pretty sure knows who we are. And I think he knows the we know who he is. He is probably spending some time here just to fuck with us, bit of a jerk.

>>19284829
The party is almost over, just hold in there.

>>19284838
Yes to the Hunting Rifles, and make reference to the fertile lands and how many parties would be interested in seeing that place succeed and thrive.

If there is potential for gold and land, and those start cropping up we want them to think of us first when it comes to both protecting and manning those opportunities.

>>19284838
So how close are these gentlemen to New-Port? We may be able to make them a small production run of rifles to compliment what they already have, but a partnership with a similarly beleaguered customer of ours may suit their needs better in the long term than what they could buy from us.

>>19284838
>Give them the 5 muskets for 100 each and throw in a bunch of hunting rifles for free (as long as they aren't too expensive to produce), on the condition that they tell everyone who they got them from (Our family). I feel like I should add more in. What do you guys think? Or is this a terrible plan entirely?

>>19284866
They are no where near New-Port. New-Port is along the coast far to the north. Couer D'Couer is far to the west of Narleen inland. It is a whole other country.

>>19284868
You've got that WAY backwards. Rifles are 100 each: over twice the price of a musket.

Maybe an extra rifle as a token of good faith, since we made a killing on that first deal, with the understanding that the rumors of their land's mineral wealth should prove true it'll be our steel that protects that wealth?

>>19284876
Damn. That would have been too convenient.

>>19284868
I think you mean 5 hunting rifles for 100 each and then a bunch of muskets for free. As you could get 12 muskets if you're a bad negotiator.

I'm fine with this, it doesn't cut into our profit margin, spreads word of us to the frontier and when they need slaves and guns to protect it we'll be the first one they call.

Maybe 6 hunting rifles and a few muskets or something like that for 500. We're letting them off cheap for now but investing in the future.

>>19284877
My bad, yeah this and >>19284883
sounds much better

>>19284877
>>19284883
So, go ahead with this deal?

>>19284883
I mean it doesn't cut much into our profit margin. This is pretty much peanuts.

Maybe 5 muskets to supplement. It's up there but they ought to pay us back in time. We just got an order for 280k worth of stuff and got 140k up front.

>>19284876
If we gave them instructions on how to assemble and insert the barreled action into a stock, could we save them some money on the assembly? Knock out a bunch and ship 'em as parts?

So, five rifles for five hundred, and another five for free, with promises about slaves and land deals in the future?

>>19284904
Sounds good, also promises to spread the Zahak name. 500 worth of rifles for good press and future opportunities is well worth it.

>>19284904
How about five rifles for 500 plus five muskets in return for future business if they turn out to be sitting on valuable land that needs protecting?

I'd be concerned that giving too much would seem too much like charity.

>>19284904
And nothing about slave deals.

>>19284904
If we mention slave deals make sure it's of us selling to till the land, not us buying variety, but honestly that's pretty much implied by us being a Zahak. Just say we'd like to be involved in any future opportunities this land is exposed to.

You take them aside and tell them that you can cut them a deal of ten rifles. Five being covered by the gold, the other five a gesture of good will and assurances of future dealings. The two men happily accept. "The Zahak offices will be our first call when we are doing business in the city and you will be amongst the first to learn if there is gold in the hills," they say, shaking your hand in turn.

A charitable offer, it does you well to take liberally from the rich and dealing honourably with the poor. And while you've been cutting deals, you are certain Lord Paravel and your sister has been doing the same.

You grow tired from the day however, and there is a call to go to Lord Paravel's residence for more intimate conversation that you are very tempted to turn down. Your sister is still receiving angry glares and dark mutters from the crowd, and the two damaged women are on a pin head of anxiety.

There is also the fact Orion is waiting out at your brother's residence with a compliment of men, and your sister has yet to be told of his demise.

>>19284930
I find this caveat tolerable.

>>19284942
Tell Lord Paravel that we would love to speak to him tomorrow, once we have had a chance to objectively gauge our success instead of basing it off of the feeling of success and the drink we have imbibed.

Then we leave the party, we've got a busy evening, we have to toss our brother's residence, tell our sister about Esteban's demise and having a poetry reading with Ilsa. So much to do, so little time.

About what time is it in the day?

>>19284963
Afternoon, around four. The day is growing muggier, and sweat pits are starting to appear on the huskier gentlemen in attendance.

>>19284972
Okay, get Ilsa home with a promise to join her in the evening for a poetry reading, perhaps at her favorite bath house. Get our Sister and the girls home, break the news of Esteban's death, then search Esteban's house, do stuff with that and join Ilsa.

Does this sound like a reasonable plan.

We got quite a lot done in these four hours and I think we've spent plenty of time here.

>>19284942
So I think it's time to adjourn to our own place with our entire party. Our sister needs to both get the fuck out of Dodge and be informed of the morning's "excitement", Ilsa needs to be out of the spotlight for a while or she's going to murder someone in the face, and Hildi and Silti are probably going to start biting people pretty soon.

Let's send a message back to Lord Paravel that several members of our party need to be escorted home, and that as a good host and a gentleman, relieving their distress must be our priority.

>>19284977
Or we bring Ilsa home with us, depending on the etiquette of the situation. Either works.

Oh God, OP

I spent ENTIRE Sunday hoping you would come, I want to play so much right now but I can't! (Don't worry, it is not as bad as I make it sound, I spend entire day at the computer on Sunday anyway so "waiting for you" was more like checking Catalog once in 20 minutes or so.)

FFFFFFFFFFFFF
I wish I didn't have to get my thesis paper in order today.

>>19284984
Sorry mate. Life is like that some times. Good look on the uni work.

>>19284977
>>19284979
>>19284980
It wouldn't be polite to take Ilsa straight back to your residence. Her brother likes you, but not so much he's willing to have his sister be seen as the mistress of a rival by the city. Fucking her in private is okay, clandestine affairs are socially acceptable, but having a revolving door on your apartment is mildly scandalous. For well bred girls that is. No one cares how many pretty slaves or peasants you ravish.

>>19284990
Thanks bro, I will probably be able to join in two hours or so after I give my paper to my supervisor.

>>19284997
I figured, so we take her back home, with a promise to meet her at said bathhouse in the evening. We don't want her to think that her invitation would only lead to being at a rather tedious business party.

Then we deal with Theresa, then we deal with Esteban's residence.

>>19285005
By the way, I read the previous threads after the last one and realised couple of things:
-Ilsa has been retconned. She used to be 15y old and her brother was said to shred us into pieces if we ever did anything indecent to her
-We had established rudementary spy-network of beggars and hookers. We need to work further on it
-We NEVER promised Theresa that we will stop with slave trading, ESPECIALLY in the beginning. We said we want to branch out and if it become lucrative to do other things than slave trading then we might drop the thing forever. So, becoming the head of local Zahak offices and continuing business as usual should not mess up our relationship.
-I am not sure if we ever got our license to make and sell firearms.

(No objections? Right-o)

You take Ilsa by the arm and manouver up to Lord Paravel. Bowing low you regret to inform him you won't be attending his party, having friends and associates to care for in the mean time. He graciously bows his head. "Let the lion share of the glory be mine," he gives you a friendly bow and sends you on your way.

With your entourage assembled you first stop at the Wolfsburg residence. There you give Ilsa a courtly bow and a kiss on her gloved hand. "I hope you enjoyed the day. Perhaps you should go the baths later. I would love to listen to another poetry recital."

"Another recital, so soon after the first? My word, you must think poetry is my life," she replies. Standing on tip toes to kiss you on the cheek, she gives you a light peck. "For today let that suffice. Poetry needs inspiration after all, and when I am next inspired be sure I'll approach you for critique." She gives you a flash of that wicked smile before disappearing into her home, the steel haired house servant a bulwark between you.

Unused to being turned down, you return to the apartment. Your group is extremely quite. Dawnstar is all but carrying the two girls inside. They collapse on the lounge in the parlour, exhausted physically and mentally from the day.

Your sister moves into the kitchen to fetch a wine while Stag-Horn takes up position by the door, letting out a relieved sigh to be away from the press.

It seems time to tell Theresa about Esteban. You find her in the kitchen, gently take her y the arm, and inform her off what transpired this morning. By the end she is a crying mess, heaving sobs into your chest.

>>19285049
We never promised Theresa that, but it doesn't mean that she didn't assume we were getting out of the business. This is not going to be a pleasant conversation, we're going to have to tell her that Esteban is dead, suicide, and crush her hopes that we were planning on leaving the slavery business.

I think Theresa, as part of her bargaining with Lord Paravel got the license bit deal with.

>>19285049
>>19285008
Also, it was said that Esteban keeps the best slaves at his estate. We should make another sweep foe talented salves (not necessarily ones that can do gun-smithy but just smart and capable ones)
Some criteria:
-Smart, can learn quickly
-Have useful skills (like cooking for us)
-Tinkerers, creators (could be just a hobby, the thing is that kind of people can be easily trained to work at the smithy.)

>>19285057
We explicitly told her that we wont be leaving slave-trading just yet, there was no place for assumptions.


Anyway, I gotta run.

>>19285057
>>19285074

We can tell her that we will just let the business run its course like usual while gradually decreasing it and using the office for trading goods more and more. We can't spontaneously close the office.
Remember, we can make thousands of stars a month.

>>19285049
Yeah, I'm aware of the Ilsa retcon. I hadn't fleshed it out very well back then. Take it as an example of Estavo having incomplete information on the subject. Also, he might not be aware anything indecent is going on.

Paravel actually granted you the license off-screen. It was one of the key things Theresa was negotiating with him for, as he is High Judge or some such. He's not just your partner, he also has the ability to shut down your foundry if he wants to. I just forgot to mention it in thread two.

I'm aware of the spy-network. Was waiting for someone to remember it. And I'm very aware no promises were made about quitting the slave business, but there was a very deliberate attempt at the time to make Theresa believe you were considering it.

Glad people are using the archives. It has been long enough that I've forgotten a couple of things and need the odd refresher.

>>19285079
If we close down slaving operations all that means is the rest of our family is going to be pissed as all hell and someone with less scruples then us is going to move in.

We can expand our operations to other stuff as well, but honestly we should keep to the slaving as a large part of our business, we just got a class 2 license, that expands our business possibilities quite a lot.

We'll treat them better than the rest, and have a reputation for producing happy healthy slaves. It's the best we can reasonably do in the situation.

>>19285099
You would probably lose a lot of business too if you became an abolitionist or some such. There is no concrete movement for the emancipation of slaves, and society as a whole is favourable to the trade. Quitting the slave game, while a course of action I'm more than happy for you guys to do, would come with a crap load of consequences and potentially see your family run out of town.

It's okay to advocate better treatment for slaves, tighter laws involving slaves and the like. But suggest freeing slaves (a commodity a lot of the economy and infrastructure of the world relies on) and you'd be lucky to keep your head.

>>19285055
If we haven't made it clear, we should probably let her know that we're taking over the Zahak offices in Narleen.

>>19285125
That's exactly what I was saying, if they are such a precious commodity then we should treat them as such, better treatment, advocating taking care of them, which also helps avoid slave revolts, aiming for more debt slavery which can be bought off. That sort of thing. Abolishing it will bring the city down around our head, but aiming to make it slightly better, one step at a time is workable and it's reasonably viable both in terms of getting it through and economically.

>>19285137
You not only inform her of Esteban's death, but your own promotion. grief has numbed her however, and she can only nod numbly. Carefully, you pick her off the bed and carry her into her room. You lay her out on the bed and brush back her hair gently. Another bout of tears are welling up in her eyes.

"I have to go deal with Esteban's estate," you tell her, "Orion and some others are waiting for me."

As you pull away she holds onto the edge of your shirt. "Please don't go," she whimpers, "Stay here, with me. You can deal with that tomorrow."

>>19285150
> Grief has numbed her and she can only nod numbly.

Sheesh that was bad, even for me.

>>19285150
I'm sorry Terra, I'll be back soon. I have to deal with this, we need to take care of his personnel effects, you should never leave a dead man's house alone for too long, the memories build up. I'll be back soon. Just go to sleep and I'll be back when you wake up.

Give her a kiss on the forehead, smooth her hair for 5 minutes then go off. Ask Dawnstar to check in on her and make sure she's doing ok while we're out.

>>19285150
I can't sister I have to make sure our dear brother servants are taken care of, but once I get back,I will make sure your never alone again.

>>19285185
>>19285182
You hold her in your arms for sever minutes. You smooth back her hair and kiss her on the forehead. "I'm sorry Terra, but this has to be done. He had a household to keep in order, and now it is my responsibility. It won't take long, I'll be back before you know it. Just rest, for my sake."

She looked up at you, eyes large and wet. Before you could pull away she kissed your hand. "Stay safe," she said, her throat tight.

You nod. "I will."

Leaving her chamber you approach Dawnstar. She looks exhausted, the floral garland in her hair torn and twisted. She had stripped off the heavy petticoats and lounged in small clothes and corset only, her legs naked and shapely.

She looked up at you with her cat like eyes and pouted. "Today was no fun," she said, "The girls bruised my wrist, see?" She held it up for your inspection. you take it gingerly and massage it for her. She gives a wince and a hiss, but it is accompanied with a smile.

"I need you to watch my sister tonight," you tell her, "She is grieving for our brother."

She nods. "I can care for her."

"Thank you," you kiss her brow as well.

Donning a fresh coat, you head out into the night with Stag-Horn in tow.

>>19285150
It's not only his personal effects. Something doesn't sit right about all this, and as much as I'd like to stay here right now, I need to take care of this as soon as possible.

I won't be gone long, and I'll have Dawnstar stay here with you until I get back. Once I take care of this, I won't plan on going anywhere for a while.

>>19285231
Man, 60 seconds late again.

Tonight just isn't my night, apparently.

>>19285228
Esteban's estate isn't far, and you reach it before nightfall. Orion and his men are milling in the vine wrapped courtyard. Not the sort to waste a chance to slack off, they were playing cards in the shadow of a statue carved in Esteban's likeness.

>>19285237
It's cool. I'm going to take a quick twenty-thirty minute break and be back at it in a second.

>>19285245
>a statue carved in Esteban's likeness
How gauche. Let's file that away under the list of things not to do in the future.

>>19285245
Another thing on our list of things to NEVER do.

Check in with Orion, see if anything happened while we were out. Then we start searching for personal correspondence, caches where he may have hidden stuff, check behind tapestries and paintings, in door frames, under carpets, make sure there aren't any secret compartments in desks. Talk to his personal staff, see if they know anything at all about where he might keep things.

>>19285274
> and I'm back.

You call Orion over and confer with him about the day's happenings. He claims few enough has habit that he is bored absolutely shitless and ready to tear the entire manse apart. No one had left, and no one had arrived. To his knowledge the household stuff was still ensconced within.

You nod and tell him you were going to make a thorough go of it. Turning over every loose pebble and prying off the ones nailed down.

Checking your sword and putting on a mantle of authority you slam open the main entrance.

It is a gaudy interior. Gilded stairways spiralled to the higher storey, and the floors were tiled in marble. The walls were festooned with decoration. Portraits and nudes of women, some of whom you recognized. Marks of sexual conquest, lain out for the world to see.

But there was no staff about. The house was quiet. You could hear a pin drop.

Orion ordered his men to search the premises, and threatened a flogging and dismissal if anyone dared steal from the residence. Esteban had not been well liked, but he had been a Zahak.

You head up the stairs and come upon the first oddity.

A woman and man lay in the hallway. Chests rising and falling softly as if asleep. Stag-Horn raises a hand in warning as you approach.

He gives a loud sniff, drawing his knife. "Bad hoodoo," he said darkly.

>>19285512
Bad hoodoo indeed, should we get Dawnstar over here?

Approach the people who are laying down carefully, bind them and put them somewhere comfortable. Carefully go through the house room by room, repeat the process with any other people we find like that.

Once that are dealt with we can look for correspondence and the like.

>>19285530
You approach the pair on the ground carefully, moving with the lightest of steps. Before you can get within five steps however, the woman jerks an arm up. A low wail breaks from her throat. Soon her partner was making the same sound. The entire house was ringing with the noise. The clambered up in awkward jerks, their bodies moving like cheap marionettes.

Soon they stood, eye sockets empty, mouths turned into red stained gaping maws. They reached out toward you, gasping wails almost words. Their stride was long and awkward, an extended stumble, but with each step their movements became smoother.

Before it could reach you the woman's head exploded with gore, Stag-Horn's knife sunk through the skull down to the neck. He took the tulwar from his back and unsheathed it, its edge a wicked razor.

"We be running now Master Zahak," he said as he put himself between you and the next marionette. It fell to a slash that removed the top of it's skull. Stag-Horn bent over and pried his skull from the woman's twitching body.

"We run very fast, and burn this place down."

>>19285530
Not as of yet. We shouldn't think of bringing in Dawnstar until we have the situation here more or less under control.

>>19285576
> pried his skull

Pried his knife from the twitching woman's skull. God damn I fucked up that sentence.

>>19285576
I can't help but agree with you on this one. I don't think these people can be saved.

Make a fighting retreat out of this place then set it alight.

Stag-Horn knows what he's talking about when it comes to zombies.

>>19285583
Again... with the just-too-late...

Anyway, NOPE. Zombies? Haha. No way. Torch the fucking place. Go back home and go to bed. Shit can unfuck itself in the morning.

>>19285591
>>19285605
Actually, let's hold off torching the place.

We need some of the city guards to see this. They're not gonna believe we torched our brother's house the same day he was murdered because of the fucking zombies. That would just strain credulity.

>>19285591
>>19285605
You decide to listen to Stag-Horn, and order a fighting withdrawal. When you look down the stairs however, you see a swarm of the marionettes come stumbling out of the corridors and closets. All dressed in the garb of household servants, they launch with inhumane strength through the air, slamming into your hunters and sinking teeth into exposed flesh. A normal jaw would strugle to bite through the muscle and sinew of a large fighting man, but these creatures had little trouble. Red maws came back dripping, and men gave burbling screams as pieces of their flesh was stripped from their body. Two men were overwhelmed, unable to mount much resistance, while the rest took to the stairway, forming something like a formation and beating the beasts back with their blades.

The creatures were not mindless, seeing a solid defence they paused in their assault and sat at bay. Hound-like, their heads jerked to one side as if listening. Then, as one they let out the same high wail.

Your men froze where they were, unsure what to do, unable to break through the swarm in front of them.

"Boss?" Orion looked up at you, and you saw naked fear in his eye.

>>19285645
Time to get some fucking bass in the voice and order them to stand down, as a Zahak and the new head of the Narleen offices.

Not much else I can think to try at the moment.

>>19285635
>>19285605
Also we need to retrieve the personal mail and any other documents of our brother.

Lets make a dash for his personal study or room while we tell Orion to get the men out, form a containment cordon and wait for us.

then we can think up a accident involving strong spirits, silk curtains and a very well lit cigar.

>>19285645
Never goes smooth. How come it never goes smooth?

This is definitely torch the place level zombies.

Men, these being might be frightful but they are beasts. We are men with strength and skill at arms. Will you let yourself be bested by beasts, by things that are no longer men? I say NO! Rally the men.

Use our powers of command on these sorts of things to weaken to spirit, command them to return to their duties.

Which would be easier to get out, the front door or is there a more open path to the outside through windows or something.

If possible we should go for the documents, but prioritize it too high.

>>19285665
You try to roar over the wail but nothing seems to work. You scream and shout until your throat is ripped roar. Nothing seems to get through to them. Until the wailing stops.

One stands tall and speaks in a familiar voice. "You did not come and say hello," it said, red maw twisting into a familiar grandfatherly smile, "I had just come to greet you and you left. That hurt."

>>19285645
This is the first floor, right?

we could go with the order to stand down to the marionettes, and have our men retreat to the windows and jmp out while we engineer the incident described by >>19285672

amids the fire we should be able to get to our brothers study to get his letters.

we do need some solid intel on what has been going on with the kings representative, and on what or where we should get our spy ring's focus on.

>>19285682
Evening Stonesnake. Sorry for being unable to see you, I was just so busy. Trade to plan, ladies to see to, you understand don't you?

So what brings you here? It can't be the decor, it's far too gaudy. Have you even seen the statue, remind to to slap myself if I ever try to place my visage into marble.

>>19285682
" Well, the house party is a bit premature, as I do have to attend a dinner at the Mockingjay Lounge"

>>19285682
Well, shit.

Maybe the former Stonesnake will be a little more willing to explain why there are a bunch of flesh eating puppets in our brother's house.

>>19285709
Do NOT mention "the ladies" to the flesh-eating zombie dolls. Are you TRYING to get everyone we know and love eaten?

We cant burn the place, it would be too suspicious, after the brothers suicide, like it was said before. And anyway, why would we burn it and not just escape? We are not zombie hunters.

>>19285719
>>19285709
Lets fake lack of knowledge it's Stonesnake.

We can then do nice tip toeing around at the Mockingjay Lounge, while we have on or two of our spies break into his residence and snoop around.

>>19285731
He saw us there, he is quite aware of the people we surround ourself with.

>>19285733
it is but it can be explained in a accident and direct the suspicion on unsavoury rivals taking care of loose ends - although the good will might be strained considering they saw the suicide, not because it does not seem reasonable , but because it happened. - as it points out that house Zahak was or is involved in something nefarious

>>19285738
I'm pretty sure he's a zombie now, what with the "one stands up" business.

No reason to go out of your fucking way to bring up things we would rather not see get eaten. ESPECIALLY when we still have no clue what the shit is going on here.

>>19285765
indeed

Okay, so what exactly are you guys doing exactly?

So perhaps the diplomatic approach would be to ask "... why do you sound like Stonesnake?"

You know, assuming he's a zombie and not the actual Stonesnake.

>>19285781
I'm guessing that he's channeling himself through the zombie.

We should probably just say "Good evening Stonesnake"

It's no use pretending that we don't know who he is, he knows we know who he is.

>>19285787
This

>>19285787
I still think asking the zombie why it sounds like someone we know is an appropriate response.

>>19285815
We know he uses magic, he knows we know. It's fairly obvious it's him.

>>19285815
"... you sound like Stonesnake."
"That is because I am Stonesnake."
"Ouch. Tough luck, then. How long have you been going with the flesh-eating zombie look?"
"I am NOT a zombie. I am merely channeling myself THROUGH a zombie"
"Ewww... that must feel gross and disturbing."
"Quite."

>>19285787
"Good evening Stonesnake," you say with feigned politeness.

"You know I don't think we've ever had much of a conversation before, interesting way to have it, no?" he replied with a laugh. His voice did sound distant, as if it were echoing out of the body it came from. It certainly wasn't Stonesnake himself, it's form was clearly female.

"We should run Master," Stag-Horn said, "Find another way out."

"You know I'm very annoyed with you. You stole two of my favourite creations. It took me a long time to figure out that bonding ritual, and your brother was so kind to lend me those delicate vessels." He didn't sound very annoyed, he sounded more like a parent admonishing a child for bad behaviour.

>>19285840
I had decided that you really didn't need them anymore. Nor do I believe you need any more slave at all. You are done here and I will end you.

>>19285840
"Stole? Found! Untended game is fair game after all. - and at any rate they were defective and out of control. A really pitiful sight. And seeing from your handiwork here you really dont do quality as a wizard do you?"

- while talking get to the widows or the door - whichever way is not barred and hope the discussion and jabs are distracting enough of his focus to not be able to fully fuck us up with them zombies.

>>19285840
Keep looking for a proper way out, motion for our men to head that way, keep Stonesnake talking, he seems to like talking.

Well, your ritual was horrible for their complexion, couldn't have that now could we?

You could have just waited, we had dinner plans set up as well you know. Was there really any need to be quite so dramatic about it?

So, what's your game Stonesnake, take over the world, plunge it into eternal darkness? I'm sure you've been dying to tell me.

Keep him monologuing as long as possible.

>>19285840
These people you were... "experimenting" on... were they alive when you did this to them? You had to get human bodies in these quantities... and my brother happened to run the main office of a slave trading company here... WHAT THE HELL DID YOU TWO DO?

Zombies!

Smash them brains out!

- also once the factory is running our men should have muskets or pistols. - musket balls do a great skull smashing job if they know how to aim.

>>19285856
"You know I've heard that before. In Alba about fifty years ago. It didn't end well. I can't remember if Alba still exists or not. Most likely not, last I had heard it was a spirit stalked ruin to this day. I had not meant to do the same here, Narleen is such a delightfully wicked city. So spare the heroics, we both know you aren't a hero. Stay out of my way, let me do my job, and we can all walk away from this. Lest Narleen be ripped apart in our struggle, and all that you care about be ripped apart with it."

"We must run crusader!" Stag-Horn implored, tugging at your shirt, "Do not speak with this houngan, he is evil!"

>>19285877
that does not feel right.

Estavo Zahak does not get outraged or mortally incensed.

he does diplomatics, politics, business. veiled insults and threats, and backhanded compliments.

Its just how we roll. pure dapper and gentlemanly swag

>>19285898
Motion for the rest of the people to get out of here while we slowly and cautiously retreat from Stonesnake. Keep the conversation going, it's keeping him from unleashing his zombie horde.

>>19285899
The guy used the slaves our family provided to him to make flesh eating puppets. I think a little outrage is called-for.

>>19285898
huh?

consensus was not swinging that away.

also, why have we and our men not dispersed to the windows yet and started a fire with our cigar and spirits flask?

also we have to find a way to get to the documents our brother had. we need some kind of clues or tangentially incriminating evidence beyond personal accounts.

>>19285877
>>19285871
"What do you mean to do, Stonesnake, conquer the world, plunge into eternal darkness? What is your game?"

The assembled creatures laugh in unison.

"You do not understand this game at all. Did the witch explain to you what being a crusader meant? I am not trying to destroy the world, I'm trying to save it! The king has seen the truth, and trusted me with keeping this world alive. I do not seek darkness, I defy it in all it's forms."

"And these people had to die for that?"

As you talk your men retreat further up the stairway, and the creatures slowly shuffle closer.

"Nothing is dead here. Their flesh yet lives, their hearts still beat. What lies inside them might not be the same, however. Your brother seemed to appreciate my work."

Stag-Horn is taking deep breaths, eyes wide with terror at the sight of the creatures below. He whispers in your ear. "If you want to live, one of us must die. We can hold these beasts back."

Orion, who now stood at your other shoulder, gave a nod. "One us leading the boys could keep these creatures wrapped up long enough for you to escape. I'd gladly give my life to see you out of this hell."

"I am sworn to do so as well master," Stag-Horn added.

Choose one to stay and hold the line while you make your retreat. The creatures are 'not' distracted by your talk, and are ready to attack at a breath.

>>19285931
Because you are on the stairs. There are no windows nearby, and you aren't carrying flasks of flammable material. There are also zombies all over the place ready to rip you all to pieces the second you 'disperse'.

>>19285958
Bring Stag-Horn.

We have a ship. My plan would be to prepare to take what financial assets we can and anyone that Stonesnake could use to bribe us, then leave on said ship to go into hiding somewhere up north. We'd need to take Theresa, Dawnstar, and the girls. He's probably seen us with Ilsa, so she needs to come too. Johan and the other viking-dudes probably know their way around, so they should come if they can be persuaded.

Once we're on the outside and there are no human bargaining chips involved, we can plan our next move.

>>19286014
Alternately, since he knows we have a ship, we could have Paravel book us all passage on a different ship, covertly sell the ship we currently own, and slip out that way.

>>19285958

Nonsense. No choosing.

Find something to throw at them- curtain, chair desk whatever,- curtain would be nice it would act like a net. and then get out.

valde sudo et manus meos in capillis servi tergeo, quod eutychus sum

>>19286052
>Choose one to stay and hold the line while you make your retreat
One will die. That is final. All we can do is make it count.

Honestly, I'm still more concerned with where we go from here. Basic military doctrine states to strike at your opponent's weaknesses. We have a girl, her family, a sister, Dawnstar and the space cadets, and our ship captain, whose name I can't remember at the moment. Our immediate concern should be to make sure none of the rest of ours die tonight.

>>19286052

there is nothing at hand to throw. You are on the stairs, in the middle of the house, with zombies in front of you and nothing but portraiture on the wall behind you. Nothing to trip up the zombies or ensure they can't pursue you, nothing to burn except the wood beneath your feet and nothing to burn it with even if you wanted to.

There are no windows to leap through where you are, and a horde of creatures ready to leap on your men the second you make the wrong movement.

>>19286107
let Orion fight. Stag knows about hoodoo

rolled 53 = 53

>>19286107
Fuck this shit!

CHARGE!

>>19286034
>>19286089
>>19286136
>>19286144
You give the order. Orion will hold the line. He grins and gives you a salute. Just as Stonesnake is about to give another monologue Orion's voice booms over it.

"All right you arse licking bum-raping boy lovers! Those bastards down there are in the need of a good killing! You clamp down on yer anus and keep from shitting yerselves because we are the men to bloody well do it. Get your brother beside you and lock yer free arm with his, don't take a bloody step back or my boot will reach so far up yer arse it'll kick out yer teeth! We stand to the last man. Now put up yer fucking steel!"

The men roar in the face of the beastial creatures.

"You light this bastard up once yer out of here boss, now start running!" he barks at you. His free hand claps down on Stag-Horn's shoulder. "And don't you fucking let him come to harm or my shade 'll find you and give you the rogering of a bloody life time." He ripped off his eye patch and handed it to the boy, half his face an empty pit. "Drink a toast and fuck yer first woman tomorrow boy, you've earned it."

Stag Horn takes you by the shoulder and drags you upstairs as the beasts leap upon the line of men. They give a defiant roar and set in, striking out with their short blades.

The last you see of Orion is his sword lifting up, and he bellowed his war cry of the Arena; 'Memento Mori!"

Stag Horn leads you down a corridor, his knife in hand. You are not alone up there, a marionette comes bursting out to greet you only to be felled in a bloody spray by Stag Horn's knife.

"You know another way out, or you jump through window?" he points to the far end of the corridor where a window pane stood. So close yet it felt a life time away. Three of the beasts lay in your path, and you could hear men dying behind you.

>>19286144
Now I have to think you're just fucking with us. Nobody's that dumb.