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Divine Battle Lawyer Powers Activate: just how full of poo poo is this guy concerning societal precedents for working for a a lame rear end Reverse Labaras goblin? If there aren't massive cultural hiccups with handling this at arm's length, I have no issue with agreeing to live and let live, tit for tat, focus on the demons, better to have a goblin equivalent of a squirrel colony turned government apparatus than not, I suppose We can suss out the details but this seems like an easy win if we slice it right. Plus we absolutely need Bnaimokt Intel. If it's verifiable then that's enough to get the council onto pay attention, though we may need to severely yell at some obtuse traditionalists that didn't listen to us about WALLS. Could we have asked Yedeltov if Tudiya's condition seems familiar?
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May 4, 2024 05:26
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Zodiac5000 posted:I would like to loop Danal, Gareb, and Obel in on this. I figure they probably cover the spectrum of opinions for us to bounce off, while having the discretion to not blab no matter what happens? Although if we invite Gareb and end up going aggressively violent he probably hates us? this + nab
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May 4, 2024 05:32
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Agree to the non-aggression pact with caveats. The deal is off if we discover Bodhica is violating El’s Sacred Law, committing abominable acts, allowing those in its power to do so, or collaborating with our enemies. We reserve the right to act to confirm Bodhica has not violated these restrictions. If we believe Bodhica is taking action to prevent us from discovering such a violation we may end the agreement. If we believe the humans in Bodhica’s domain are in immediate danger we may act to ensure their safety before notifying Bodhica that the agreement has been ended. malbogio fucked around with this message at 06:06 on May 4, 2024 |
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May 4, 2024 05:53
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So we're all assuming this isn't going to be fully El approved and legit and sanctified. BUT. Think of the upside. What IF it can be true? How glorious will our faction be all humanoid races can be made to worship El. Maybe it being humans only is just a hangup from the previous age. Let's take an all-Melachim team to Bochica and their city
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May 4, 2024 07:39
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The reason be wants unblooded investigators is because they're vulnerable to illusion and mind control.
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May 4, 2024 08:28
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May I visit the area myself, or am I too blooded? (laugh disarmingly) What sort of resources is The Great Bohicia in need off? How does your kingdom ensure no demons and other, hideous beasts from the dark caverns below get out and take root amongst your followers? Does Bohicia display any supernatural powers, or bloodedness? What is your take on the other major powers in the region, the Kelashins especially?
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May 4, 2024 10:57
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Mr. Prokosch posted:The reason be wants unblooded investigators is because they're vulnerable to illusion and mind control. It is a genuinely fair security concern to not allow Blooded men into the city, like Beijing/Washington D.C. don't let their counterparts show up on diplomatic visits with an entire airmobile armored division in tow as their "escort" either. But the fact that it makes sense doesn't mean it isn't also for potentially deceptive reasons, which is why we would send some melachim in their Totally Normal Absolutely Bog Standard Human holograms along to make sure nothing like that happens.
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May 4, 2024 15:12
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quote:Though the men you send may not be well Blooded. "I understand that things are strange - before I walked among civilized folk, it was unthinkable that men could even have my coloration; I routinely come to foreign kingdoms with several friends, because strangers sometimes take me for a demon." Pause, take a sip of the wine we surely have. "They are prudent to do so, because unusual things in human shape are usually monsters. By this same token, It is vastly more likely that you are deceiving me, or being deceived yourself, because I have seen much more of both than pious goblin prophets."
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May 4, 2024 16:03
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Mr. Prokosch posted:The reason be wants unblooded investigators is because they're vulnerable to illusion and mind control. So are blooded men. It's been emphasized as their biggest weakness. It's why the melachim are so valuable. Maybe we negotiate for one blooded man of our line? So they look different, and we mandate they don't go armed to the teeth? We send like two melachim, one blooded man, and some humans to investigate. Edit diog I'm not misremembering about the mind control/magic weakness for blooded men, right? Zodiac5000 fucked around with this message at 17:04 on May 4, 2024 |
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May 4, 2024 16:58
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Polgas posted:1. Can he swear on the altar of El on our temple that everything he says here is true?  "Certainly I can." Polgas posted:2. Is there some proof they can provide that they know more about the bnaimokt than enkidel? Has the first chief been fighting them longer than enkidel? "As far as proof I am uncertain what you would wish to see, weapons, arms and armor we have taken from them? The war-beasts we have stolen away? I am afraid I do not know exactly how long the First Chief has been fighting them, but it has been for many years." Polgas posted:3. Ask if anyone among his people got the El high five of an approved sacrifice like the manhood trials of us, danal and ruth? "Yes." Polgas posted:4. Ask specifically if the first chief got the El sacrifice flames. "He has, yes." Polgas posted:5. What is the first chief's biggest battle victory/demon or monster kill so far. "There have been a number of victories against the Bnaimokt, as to the greatest single foe which has been slain, upon our journey to this land we laid low a demon our people have come to call the Fire-Eater. It was great in size and burrowed through rock as easily as sand, fire was in its veins and upon its jaws and its armor stronger than any bronze, but by the grace of El the demon was laid low."  Polgas posted:6. When did the first chief convert to El?[/quote "I suppose it could be arranged if you wished it to be, given the... sensitive nature of what we propose and that it would for their own good involve keeping certain matters from your people for a time, the First Chief thought it best he send a human, such as myself." A Terrible Person posted:If "goblin" is offensive, then what term would you have us use? "The word Muki is prefered. We are relegated to the fact it is likely going to be many years until the men of other cities stop calling some of our people "goblins". " A Terrible Person posted:Could we witness a great offering by your First Chief, if such could be arranged? "Perhaps, our city is distant and like you he is busy at every hour of the day." A Terrible Person posted:Separate: Been awhile, but... Theglavwen posted:Have you personally seen Bochica enter a temple of El and sacrifice to El on an ordained altar? What was the result, and what was the history of that temple and its ranking priest/whoever oversaw the sacrifice, to the best of your knowledge? THIS_IS_FINE posted:Surely you must know my people will not agree to any treaties with goblins? Has the First Chief any ideas for how to approach his proposal without inciting the masses? "You know your own people better than we do, but we propose that this matter be kept from them, for a time and as time passes they can slowly learn more of our own people and realize we are civilized, more civilized than many of those cities around us who engage in petty squabbles for trivial reasons while the demons are at the gate." alpaca diseases posted:Domain: Natural Order - Have these people been altered in any way? THIS_IS_FINE posted:Domain: War - did any of these people contest the Goblin attack on the cities? THIS_IS_FINE posted:Domain: Law (Synergy - Domain: Contracts) - Have any of these people betrayed an oath of lotalty to their city/King/El? Diogines posted:As to breaking the Law, you can sense that this man has broken... mortal laws before? Important ones. Unless you spend more time or Nephesh on it you can't seem to sense more. Probably not something like cannibalism or profane worship though? Has he broken an important Contract or betrayed someone? Maybe? Bob Tuskins posted:Seems like something Jobe should be a part of. Probably Obel too Lanky Coconut Tree posted:We know many secrets. tell us what you have to offer so we may judge if you actually have new value to share With a small laugh he says "I am sorry, but that I simply cannot do so. While certainly the First Chief values you as a friend and hopes for a glorious future as we lay low the demons together, it is possible you might feel otherwise disposed. I am certain you would not do such a thing but to ensure I could not provide such information even under... durress, I do not know it. But we do have information concerning the Bnaimokt which will be of great use and interest, I am assured, so great that we can rely upon your pleasure after having learned such to consider it of great value." alpaca diseases posted:Do you know what an apostate is? "I am familiar with the word, yes." alpaca diseases posted:Tell me true—with everything you have heard of me—what did you honestly expect my reaction to this would be? "Certainly. There have been many tall tales told, some I do not think are true... such as that your dog slew the "king of the goblins", which of course is ridiculous, there is no "king of goblins", or that you slew the king of the giants in single combat, which perhaps you did but which we do not know. Sifting truth from the many stories told of what you and your people has been difficult, but the seed which lay at the core of them is clear, that you and your people are very pious and devout in your service to El, that you are honorable and great warriors fiercly devoted towards fighting the demons. We do have a copy of the True Tales of the Balls of Labaras and the Heroes of Kavodel, which purports to have been written by your servant, so if that is the case then I imagine everything in it is true, in which case you heroically held back an entire army of Bnaimokt at the Temple of El in Ibleam and then after El Smote The Unholy, you chased after the retreating demons underground to save the children of the city, proclaimed the doom of the unrighteous at the siege Tadmor, you were also one of the only survivors of Tanaach and in later years lifted the second siege of Acco, you also pushed back a horde of sea demons from the walls of Dor, slew the gorgons of Ertezbadil and rescued thousands of people from the giants, that Zepath was on this last Jubilee attacked by a horde of demons greater in number than any seen since the days when Blessed Labaras walked the earth and yet you prevailed-" he smiles for a moment as he holds his hands out towards you as it explaining "-having done all of these great deeds to fight for the people of the land, instead of becoming a great conquerer as surely you might, you can see why all wise men who know of you love you and why our people whose same foes you share are much impressed! The entire land is in disarray and men fall to chaos and infighting but here the men of Zepath, true heroes arrive practically on our doorstep!" Either the man is an amazing actor or he actually believes it, you can hear the sound of conviction and passion in his words, though it is possible he is indeeed just an excellent speaker? alpaca diseases posted:Do you honestly think this is something Baitel would let stand, let alone give their blessing to? "We are confident they know the true devotion of our people and do us no evil, for all who know El love Him and only find strength in trusting Him. Though I would also like to point out that despite its great power Baitel has not, as best we know anyway, done anything to help the many cities which are being carried off by demons? We trust that they are doing only as El wills, perhaps the demons prevail other parts of the world more greatly and thus leave the task of holding the line to those already here, such as your people and our own." Blasphemaster posted:Divine Battle Lawyer Powers Activate: just how full of poo poo is this guy concerning societal precedents for working for a a lame rear end Reverse Labaras goblin? Blasphemaster posted:Could we have asked Yedeltov if Tudiya's condition seems familiar?  "Do not know. Sorry." Swedish Thaumocracy posted:May I visit the area myself, or am I too blooded? (laugh disarmingly) "Certainly it could be discussed, though I am afraid I would need to return to ask about it first." Swedish Thaumocracy posted:What sort of resources is The Great Bohicia in need off? "We are working every field which we may, but wheat and produce is something we can always use more of. Some of our people are highly skilled at mining and we have a supply of tin, one which surely we would share with our friends from Zepath." Tin is Very Rare and Extremely Valuable. It is treated like a Critical Military Resource because it IS one. Those cities which have it make great use of it and sell it dearly, it is very valuable. Of the settlement options you considered only two had any tin, the one south of the forest which had nearly twice as much as Kavodel, and Armanum which has... 20% as much. For reference Kavodel has 1.25 ATUs nearby, Armanum has .25 ATUs nearby. Gaham probably thinks is a serious enticement and does not know you have access to tin, if only a small amount compared to what you are used to? You have not set about to mining any yet, other things been a more immediately priority, but you do have a reliable tin source nearby, you also have the most copper of any of the areas you considered for settlement, not as much as t Kavodel but almost as much. Swedish Thaumocracy posted:How does your kingdom ensure no demons and other, hideous beasts from the dark caverns below get out and take root amongst your followers? "There have been. We have slain them. The way is well guarded." Swedish Thaumocracy posted:Does Bohicia display any supernatural powers, or bloodedness? "He is a great warrior, though also a wise leader of our people as well." Swedish Thaumocracy posted:What is your take on the other major powers in the region, the Kelashins especially? "We are uncerain what to make of Kelashin. It is unclear if these people truly desire to fight the Bnaimokt, in which case what they have done should be applauded, or if they are merely hungry for the spoils of conquest and their claims to do it for a noble goal are but a subtext. We have been here longer but you are closer, if you have more recent news of them the First Chief would be interested to hear what you have learned." [...] 8 people have weighed in on who you want to bring with you, so far it seems like you want to bring in Danal, Gareb and Obel. If anyone else has input on who to bring, or not bring, please speak up! Later we will bring in those who you decide to bring. Diogines fucked around with this message at 14:09 on May 5, 2024 |
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May 4, 2024 16:58
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Zodiac5000 posted:So are blooded men. It's been emphasized as their biggest weakness. It's why the melachim are so valuable. Blooded Men do generally seem to be smarter and have greater force of will/willpower, so that might help a bit? But Blooded Men do not seem to have any special resistance to mind control, though the True Top of the Heap like say, Tudiya or Rimush and Raphu do have some resistance. Given the fact that Tudiya went neck-deep into a giant horde of demons and was NOT mind-controlled, maybe he has some sort of special ritual or ability he can call upon in special circumstances? Despite your ability to aid the Blooded, you don't actually know all of their mystical secrets, that was not something which fell within the Sword of Smattas. You could enhance Blooded men to be more resistant to mind control and magic if you wanted to do so, that, is well within your Abilities.
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May 4, 2024 17:16
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How difficult would it be to identify the mystical thing that has been done to this man? How difficult would it be to break it? This is a violation of the natural order, we can also easily bring him to a place of worship to swear upon the altar, and take our time doing it.
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May 4, 2024 17:19
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(What would be the nepesh cost of using Domain: ORDER to Dispel the mystic influence on this guy?) Do you have any domesticated slimes, or know if such a thing could be done? Which races count as Citizens amongst your united peoples, beyond Humans, Muki and Scaled-Ones? Are there people with supernatural abilities amongst your kingdom? Be they witches, mystics, spell-casters or just non-humans with powers akin to the blooded? I don't want too many people here or the information risks getting out, but certainly Danal, Asashel, Nabonassar, Chait and Snarls. Chait specifically because he doesn't like us, because that means he is that much more likely to tell us we are an idiot even though his NDA might cancel out him saying why. Also Use: Knowledge: Monster Hunting Tips from Baitel and our Monster-Hunting knowledge in general on the Fire-Eater described and see if it matches any known critters or demons.
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May 4, 2024 17:26
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Do you know of any other city in donut that is run by supernatural entities, monsters, or non-human that i should know about? If you can’t say, then could you put a marker on the map for me to investigate myself?
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May 4, 2024 17:40
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UppaTree posted:How difficult would it be to identify the mystical thing that has been done to this man? How difficult would it be to break it? This. Also, ask Gaham if he has received any rewards or blessings. When? How? If not, inform him that he's been mystically altered in some way and ask if he will allow us to figure out how. *Edit* I'm not opposed to any outsiders listening in. A Terrible Person fucked around with this message at 19:15 on May 4, 2024 |
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May 4, 2024 19:11
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Diogines posted:"We are confident they know the true devotion of our people and do us no evil, for all who know El love Him and only find strength in trust Him. Though I would also like to point out that despite its great power Baitel has not, as best we know anyway, done anything to help the many cities which are being carried off by demons? We trust that they are doing only as El wills, perhaps the demons prevail other parts of the world more greatly and thus leave the task of holding the line to those already here, such as your people and our own."  He's really telling us what we wanna hear, huh?
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May 4, 2024 19:17
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A Terrible Person posted:This. Almost every Zepathan we would send would probably count as mystically altered because we've enhanced folks a ton via bloodedness. It would be pretty rude to just break mystical effects on envoys, not to mention probably a little weird to be able to point it out?
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May 4, 2024 19:20
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Can we arrange for a secret Melachim to get a secret inspect on what's been done to this guy while he's here?
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May 4, 2024 19:27
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Question 1. Are you personally from Ur? How did you come into serving the first chief? 2. What did the first chief sacrifice to El to get the good flames? 3. What is the first chief's place of origin like?
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May 4, 2024 21:15
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Zodiac5000 posted:Almost every Zepathan we would send would probably count as mystically altered because we've enhanced folks a ton via bloodedness. It would be pretty rude to just break mystical effects on envoys, not to mention probably a little weird to be able to point it out? That's fair. But, up to this point, our Melachim friends have been freaking out and going so far as to say that the water supply, sacrificial beer, or something else might be tainted. I'd really like some Muki allies but we need to be sure they're not being manipulated. If they're being strengthened?? That definitely requires more exploring.
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May 4, 2024 22:58
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I would like nothing more than Bochica to be the Muki equivalent to Enkidel.
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May 4, 2024 23:00
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Zodiac5000 posted:Almost every Zepathan we would send would probably count as mystically altered because we've enhanced folks a ton via bloodedness. It would be pretty rude to just break mystical effects on envoys, not to mention probably a little weird to be able to point it out? Bloodedness is part of the natural order as ordained by El however, which is what our ability bases itself around We should try to figure out what this is but agreed it’d be super weird to point it out Domain - Natural Order (synergies: Domain - Divination, Domain - Law (as ordained by El), physical touch, place where our personal power is strong (Zepath)) What mystical effect / alteration has been done to this person? alpaca diseases fucked around with this message at 23:18 on May 4, 2024 |
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May 4, 2024 23:11
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Do your people know how to make high silver?
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May 4, 2024 23:33
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A Terrible Person posted:That's fair. That is true, and I hadn't really considered it too much, but if I'm the divine patron of Bochica (or Bochica himself if he's doing it) I *probably* enhance the envoy I send to negotiate with Enkidel to be better somehow, like we have had options to do a few times. Is THIS what buffing somebody to be smarter/more charismatic looks like from the outside?
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May 5, 2024 01:12
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This is in Els hands now. If El despises their worship and wishes for an immensely pious band of servants to march upon their land and make it clean, El knows where to find us and how to reach us. Agree to, verbally, not make war on each other so much as they keep to their lands and not make injury upon us. Unless we are so commanded by the Almighty, so follow the laws of the Temple. Keep holy that which is decreed and keep faith in El, king of the world
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May 5, 2024 01:18
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Diogines posted:"We are confident they know the true devotion of our people and do us no evil, for all who know El love Him and only find strength in trust Him. Though I would also like to point out that despite its great power Baitel has not, as best we know anyway, done anything to help the many cities which are being carried off by demons? Need I remind you that only One is perfect in his wisdom? And if you are mistaken, who will you stand with—your God, or your Chief? Also bring in Jobe Also Pubai and Zakiel, either as a seperate crew or remotely
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May 5, 2024 01:59
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What is a Muki, by your definition? Is that Bochica's term for his people or yours? What other peoples make up the tribes? How did Bochica come to learn the truth of El? Has he told this story? How tall is Bochica? It is not common for men born this far from Baitel to slay demons as you have said you slew on your way here. Has Bochica given you any aid? Do you have a high priest in your city? Can we meet with him?
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May 5, 2024 03:27
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Zodiac5000 posted:That is true, and I hadn't really considered it too much, but if I'm the divine patron of Bochica (or Bochica himself if he's doing it) I *probably* enhance the envoy I send to negotiate with Enkidel to be better somehow, like we have had options to do a few times. Is THIS what buffing somebody to be smarter/more charismatic looks like from the outside? Yes! Exactly! If nothing is out of sorts, then our Melachim friends are just regular stodgy Traditionalists that can't imagine Muki being civilized and worshipping El. If they did send an envoy mystically enhanced to be more charismatic and charming, then that opens a whole different can of worms. Either development is pretty groundbreaking *Edit* Get Puabi in on this.
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May 5, 2024 04:18
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Just imagining Enkidel telling Tudiya about recent developments. Abandoning Zepath, absorbing neighboring populations into our Bloodline, buying back slaves from a dog, and now possibly allying with goblins? We could power so many Asawheels with his spinning! Bronze age nuclear power or somesuch.
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May 5, 2024 04:28
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Diog, since we've noticed something altered/whatever on Gaham here, can we tell if the same or similar has been done to the soldiers with him?
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May 5, 2024 04:46
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A joke I remembered, with no relation to current events. King Amos of Efrat is on a sea voyage when his ship sinks and he finds himself on a deserted island. Ten thousand years later, by chance, an expedition finds him and finds he has built not one but two temples on the island. Both are beautifully decorated with ten thousand years of labour from a greatly blooded man. "Amos," the rescuers ask him, "why did you build such a beautiful temple?" "Well, after a thousand years, I wanted to praise El for my survival. And after another thousand years, I wanted to build it in praise of El's glory. And after another thousand years, I built it in contemplation of the world El has made for us." "Okay," say the rescuers, "that explains one temple. But what about the second?" "Oh, that's Efrat's other temple. You couldn't pay me to set foot in there!"
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May 5, 2024 11:37
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Diog's simulation program has finally been leaked  https://twitter.com/haligtrees/status/1787123295193637128?t=FFlajiTTcY0nUOWx_2TE7Q&s=19
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May 6, 2024 13:03
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Nah man, them's expansion assets. Miquella rides a capybara because of course he does. Quick murderhobo acquisition.
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May 6, 2024 13:27
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Alright, so Mighty Men are still pretty vulnerable to mind control, but I know they're resistant to poisons and we suspect there's tainted beer. So my idea: The beer is supernaturally produced with a poison that causes very targeted brain damage, or a toxoplasmosis-like parasite. It makes people who drink it much more docile and trusting. It may make them see monsters, goblins, etc. as really cute and interesting when they would have been revolted. The Melachim can't detect supernatural influence because the end product, either a mind damaging poison or a specialty bred parasite, is natural by the time it's imbibed. They would also have a lot of trouble telling the difference between brain damage and someone just being stupid and weird. Mighty Men are naturally resistant to the poison and would see things honestly. Regular mortals would drink the tainted beer or have something slipped to them and see everything through brain-damaged glasses.
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May 6, 2024 21:13
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What if they made beer with a crop that was infected with Ergot?
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May 6, 2024 21:45
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As a reminder, here is what you already decided with the goblins:Diogines posted:You are going to resolve the issue of the goblins by ignoring them, for now and telling your people to not go fight them. At least for now. The sands of time begin to fall as time advanced. A great deal occurs in the months, years following the settling of your people at Armanum. Also to give you an idea what to expect, after you finish with this issue you will deal with... quote:K. A group of scholars and astrologers from Nephtarah to the northeast have sent an envoy to express their good will and are eager to exchange knowledge of your many discoveries and study and teach at the Laybury, inviting you to send intellectuals there as well. You have been told that Nephtarah are openly worshiping the Melachim. Meet with their envoy. After that we will have a vote on if you want to deal with the next leading option (or any of the others) and then, FINALLY, get to the time-skip. The next leading option was... quote:I. While not a formal envoy from their king, a number of terrified people have come to you from Zarethan from the northeast, even one of their priests, with stories that their king is an absolute lunatic obsessed with ensuring his people live by El's law to protect them from Kelashin and the Bnainokt and their other foes, killing people for the perceived slightest infraction. Meet with the priest or one of the others who fled to learn more. [...] UppaTree posted:How difficult would it be to identify the mystical thing that has been done to this man? How difficult would it be to break it? Swedish Thaumocracy posted:Do you have any domesticated slimes, or know if such a thing could be done? "We do not, no." Swedish Thaumocracy posted:Are there people with supernatural abilities amongst your kingdom? Be they witches, mystics, spell-casters or just non-humans with powers akin to the blooded? "You can appreciate, I hope, that this is a matter we are not eager to discuss in great detail with those whose friendship we yet aspire to earn, but have yet to do so?" Swedish Thaumocracy posted:Also Use: Knowledge: Monster Hunting Tips from Baitel and our Monster-Hunting knowledge in general on the Fire-Eater described and see if it matches any known critters or demons. Nyaa posted:Do you know of any other city in donut that is run by supernatural entities, monsters, or non-human that i should know about? If you can’t say, then could you put a marker on the map for me to investigate myself? "Beyond rumors, nothing credible, no. Supposedly Yeledtov has a "dog" for its king but surely it is just a story? We have heard tales of a Melachim in Nephtarah, but that seems impossible, we do not know if here is anything at all but if there is it is surely not a Melachim." A Terrible Person posted:Also, ask Gaham if he has received any rewards or blessings. "Beyond the blessings of good fortune and prosperity which our people strive for, me, personally? Not to my knowledge." FlocksOfMice posted:Can we arrange for a secret Melachim to get a secret inspect on what's been done to this guy while he's here? You arrange for Puabi to do some kind of ritual in a nearby room.  "I don't think he has been mentally compelled in any way, but I suspect he has some kind of mental protection? This is my suspicion, not my certainty. Restrain and kidnap him, closer contact, materials you would probably prefer I save for another, pick two of those if you want better results. This is only my guess, but I am suspecting some kind of mental protection." You also ask Sahaquiel who agrees saying...  "I'd like a closer examination but I agree mental tampering seems unlikely. It may be an attempt to prevent it, but I would need a more thorough look, of that I am not confident." Polgas posted:1. Are you personally from Ur? How did you come into serving the first chief? "Am I from Ur?" He gives a small laugh "Yes, of course. I had heard that the First Chief was looking for men to help bring about his vision and given the alternatives thought it a good idea and thus entered into his service." Polgas posted:3. What is the first chief's place of origin like? "Unpleasant and unforgiving, this is a better home for our people." alpaca diseases posted:Domain - Natural Order (synergies: Domain - Divination, Domain - Law (as ordained by El), physical touch, place where our personal power is strong (Zepath)) CloFan posted:Do your people know how to make high silver? "We do not, no." MinistryofLard posted:What is a Muki, by your definition? Is that Bochica's term for his people or yours? "The Muki are a race of creatures with four limbs who walk upon two of them of a shape similar to humans, though some are smaller stature, with larger ears, better eyesight and somewhat differently shaped teeth. I am one of the First Chief's people, though not a Muki, as you can see." MinistryofLard posted:How did Bochica come to learn the truth of El? Has he told this story? "He had a revelation before his arrival near our city and gathered many tribes under El's banner." MinistryofLard posted:How tall is Bochica? "I am afraid I have not measured him personally-" he gives a small laugh "-I believe he is a bit over seven feet tall?" MinistryofLard posted:It is not common for men born this far from Baitel to slay demons as you have said you slew on your way here. Has Bochica given you any aid? "Well our people slew them together, so, yes?" MinistryofLard posted:Do you have a high priest in your city? Can we meet with him? "We do. If they wish to come is up to them of course, but if it would help with relations I imagine that the High Priest would agree, though surely I cannot speak for him." Olothreutes posted:Diog, since we've noticed something altered/whatever on Gaham here, can we tell if the same or similar has been done to the soldiers with him? [...] Eventually you meet privately with Danal, Gareb and Obel to get their thoughts and just for the heck of it also ask Tamiel, the Melachim you initially sent to Dibonith since he probably has more first hand knowledge of the situation than anyone else? Tamiel is discreetly listening in as you talk to the others, it would be strange to Gareb and Danal for Tamiel to be with you, to them he is just a scout. You tell them what Gaham has told you but leave out most of what you previously learned about the goblins, too much of what you already knew would be difficult to explain. So for example you explain that Bozrith and Shilohara did have their people marched off (after they attacked) and Dibonith was occupied after they attacked, but that there does not appear to be a wholesale slaughter of the populace and that they may be under mental control of some sort but you are honestly not sure. Obel being the oldest person present and thus the most worthy of respect speaks first.  "I... cannot seriously believe you even need to ask this of us, but no, absolutely not. We cannot make a deal with goblins and apostate-traitors who have joined them. This is inconceivable, no. You already said to leave them be and I HOPE that is just a prelude towards action later... but to make a deal of any sort with them would be the height of insanity I am not even going to get into the vague "benefits" of this bargain, this is insane. Absolutely not." When you ask him for his thoughts Gareb says...  "I would not say it is IMPOSSIBLE that... somehow... goblins and a horde of other monsters have taken up El's worship, El preserve, it is not impossible but I do not believe it. If and ONLY if they TRULY did so... that would give me pause on what to do. It seems far more likely to me that this is a farce or a deception of some sort. Perhaps they are paying lip service to try to not draw extra ire from their neighbors, and then when they learned they had the bad fortune to pop up from the underground near us and Kelashin they doubled down on it? That seems more likely. The idea their leader ACTUALLY had a revelation from El is... a lot to imagine. but let us entertain even for a moment that a horde of goblins and other monsters have taken up El's worship which seems highly unlikely, what bargain do they offer? Vague "secrets" of the Bnaimokt? We probably do not need them, we defeated the Bnaimokt every time we fought them, handily. I do not think we should entertain this at all. I do not think our people would stand for it either, absent some rather good reasons from you." "Your father would die of shame if he heard you even entertain such madness for a moment." "My father is free to die of shame whenever he wants to, if he has not by now I do not imagine he will any time soon. I have a mind of my own and when I am asked for my thoughts I shall share them. Obel, you were in the King's confidence and went to Athar, as did Danal later, all four of us have seen some... strange things, which is why I imagine Enkidel asked us here, we have a wider view than most." "You do not need to have seen a thing or two, to know a thing or two. To make friends of a horde of monsters is the height of madness. It is wise to carefully consider serious matters but this is so obvious it needs no careful consideration at all." Eventually Danal shares his view, saying...  "I agree that this is likely to be ill received by the people and I do not believe it is true either. This is some kind of trick. However if even half of what you have been told is true this seems like a serious threat, more than I realized before. We should send more men to try to learn more. These cities are not close but they are not very distant, for all we know a demon has popped up in our neighbor's yard, or an Anaki or some other strange thing we do not know of. I know you wanted people to stay away from them Enkidel, perhaps you fear the minds of scouts may be taken, like why Father kept men away from Kitron? Still, I think we should look into this much more seriously." What about a deal made in secret, which is what the goblins ACTUALLY propose? They share their secrets of the Bnaimokt with us, we don't attack them? "Absolutely not." "I will admit I am curious of what they offer. From what you have said it seems like if what they propose is not actually useful we would not be bound to it? Still, I can't imagine anything they could tell us which would be THAT useful? We are too busy now to make them a priority, but I wouldn't want to wait fifty years to do so either." "Unless we somehow have confirmation they have truly become devout worshipers of El then I say no, and even then I question if it is wise, it is probably not." [...] Separately you ask Tamiel, who says...  "I think making a deal with the goblins would probably be a mistake. I can't presume to speak for the Almighty and I am not even going to try guess but goblins receiving a Divine mandate seems... well difficult to imagine. If they have fought the Bnaimokt for a long time they MIGHT know useful information, but I doubt it is worth promising them peace for fifty years?" [...] Finally you ask Puabi, who like Tamiel you have told pretty much everything you have learned about the goblins and she says... "I think the others are underestimating the "Great Bochica". I do not know what the source of power we are dealing with is, but even if we don't believe that they have told us, they seem to have somehow taken control of a vast horde of diverse creatures and actually stopped them from slaughtering each other and several cities of humans? That is not a small feat. And even if it IS a front they have somehow gotten them all to worship El? I imagine that is probably true, to speak so much of it demands our inspection, why lie about something we would quickly find out is false? That all sounds difficult. I caution to not take these creatures lightly, they seem to be more than "just goblins". Obel may not have detected a powerful being, but he nor I have any explanation as to how they have done all of what they have done. A secret agreement does not necessarily seem the worst idea to me, though I would be worried you will have trouble keeping your people from attacking it after more urgent matters are resolved... though if the goblins can keep up their appearance for long enough, perhaps you can? I do not know. Could their knowledge of the Bnaimokt be worth it? I suspect probably not, but I only suspect, I do not know." [...] 1. How do you want to deal with the goblins? A. No deal. For now I am sticking to the policy I had before, which was to try to keep your people away from them. B. No deal. And I am revising my position on telling people to stay away from them. Many of my Blooded men are otherwise busy but if some want to go fight the goblins, go for it. C. Gaham said I could send a delegation of unblooded men to inspect Hebronos so long as "as you swear it is to determine that the things I have said are true and it is not done as a plot to gain advantage against [his] people." This involves an oath to El. Agree. Send an unblooded delegation to Hebronos in secret to inspect it. D. C., but include some Melachim. E. You have an Ability concerning Contracts and also Order and Law, besides generally being a charming and clever guy. Even without spending Nephesh you have Great Personal Skill in some matters. Try to weasel your way into an agreement to send a delegation like C without TECHNICALLY swearing to El that you are only doing it to determine that he did not lie to you and are not trying to gain advantage. If this does not persuade him we will we will reopen voting. If it does work, you won't technically have broken an oath to El, just give Gaham the false impression that is what you said by tricking him. Will El care if you trick people into thinking you made oaths in His name which you did not actually make? F. I asked if they would send their High Priest here so I could speak with them and Gaham said they are willing to ask and expect they would agree, ask them to send him. G. There are a bunch of different ways you might use your Abilities to learn more about the situation. Spend up to Two or Three Shards of Nephesh to do so. There are a bunch of different ways you might do so, depending on what people say we might just pick one or we may have another vote on different options. After talking with Puabi she expects we can probably get some useful information here for this range of costs. H. G., but I want to take Gaham captive. Taking a messenger captive is a Big No No in Ur, but having him captive for a time would probably produce better results. I. G., but spend up to Five Shards of Nephesh. Puabi is certain we will get good results, for that amount of Nephesh, with her help I could do something like carefully scry Hebronos or do other more fantastical things to get the information I want. H. I., but I want to take Gaham captive. Taking a messenger captive is a Big No No in Ur, but having him captive for a time would probably produce better results. J. Torture Gaham for more information. K. After speaking with Gaham further I had a change of heart. I want to plan an attack on the goblins. L. Something else. What? Fill in. [...] Discord Link if you want to join us to chat: https://discord.gg/w4az9EGt The channel is CannibalKingofZepath. If by the time you try the link it has expired, please message me for a new one, or post in the thread asking! Discord has them expire periodically for reasons beyond our control and indeed, beyond the understanding of mere mortal men. [...] Travic's Awesome Index: https://forums.somethingawful.com/showthread.php?threadid=3550307&pagenumber=4080&perpage=40#post473373440 Diogines fucked around with this message at 23:08 on May 6, 2024 |
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May 6, 2024 22:54
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F I really think K is probably the best course but fishing for a little more info might be wise.
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May 6, 2024 23:08
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F ask if me can meet their priest, stall for time. I dunno.
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May 6, 2024 23:09
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Can we do both F and a variant of C? I guess one than the other is better for stalling for time. F
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May 6, 2024 23:09
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May 6, 2024 23:13
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