Open Chronicles There are too many Adventurers

[Gilbert Goblinson]

"Alright then, from the sound of things a normal shop may not have enough room for you so I might get you a warehouse for you to do your work and a stall or a shop to sell your goods. If the shop ends up being big enough for both, wonderful." Gilbert ignored the little goblins earlier outburst it was normal for goblins to be protective of their things, it would have almost been more odd if he hadn't reacted. Now he just wondered what on earth a siege mechanic was.

As they headed to the commercial district Gilbert asked more about the goblins work, "So what is a siege mechanic? What do you produce?"

When the pair were nearing it though, two goblin guards came running up to Gilbert, "There is the biggest Cat-folk we have ever seen at the gate asking for you!"

"It took two of you to inform me?"

"Well... uh... There are still the other eighteen on guard."

"Yes, but they are there for security you are there to greet and talk with people at the gate, you can't do that if both of you are here. Now get, I will be there shortly... oh and one of you try to grab the new goblin, he'll answer to Manier Sarvant, I wish to test his skills at diplomacy." Gilbert growled, The pair went running off, one back to the gate, and the other to find Manier, they knew that worse fates than death would await them if they disappointed Gilbert further. Gilbert cleared his throat and continued on in a friendly tone towards Gronkle, "Looks like I have another guest to entertain, so I will allow you to inspect the commercial district to your liking and you can come and let me know if you require a whole warehouse for your work in a bit."

| Tetsuo Mau | Manier Sarvant | lionman | Gronkle Footertoe |

 

[Tetsuo Mau]

Tetsuo was walking though the forest carrying a dead horned beast half his size on his back.
"The forest seems active perhaps I am getting close hopefully I can keep this catch fresh if not for a gift I can always whip up fun."

Tetsuo noticed a group watching what looked like a small village maybe a town.
Why were they watching and not going in perhaps they were planning to pillage the town. This was where the goblins gather the rumours suggested all sighting lead to this being the likely location.

Would an attack help benefit the clan or would stopping the attack put them in his favour Tetsuo had to think carefully as he watched the group from a distance his magic ready if something should happen.

 

[Gilbert Goblinson]

Gilbert continued on, he did not have time to wait for others, and as the guarding goblins had failed to do their only job he wasn't about to wait around to see if they could handle this new job of finding Manier. Besides from the sound of the report these cat-folk were different, they'd have to be to scare these goblins who had already met some cat-folk and had seen ogres, trolls, and lizardmen. Who knows he might even be looking for a fight, Gilbert opened up into a wide toothy grin at that thought.

One of the goblins who had run off to tell their leader came running back, and quickly assumed his position again.
"Mayor Gilbert is on his way and will be here shortly. In the mean time I apologies for any rudeness you perceived from us, and welcome you warmly to the town of Dioltas"

After the goblin finished his speech Gilbert could finally be seen coming down the way in no particular hurry, trying to mask his excitement with a pleasant smile.

"Now presenting Mayor Gilbert, Son of Goblins, Founder of Dioltas, Gatherer of the Lusus people, The Red Rage"

Stopping in front of the lion-man, Gilbert could no longer contain his excitement and immediately broke into a large toothy grin that showed all of his sharp pointed teeth, "So, what brings you to our innocent little township?"

 

[lionman]

OOC: just a heads up im switching my writing style to first person


I looked down at the creature who they called mayor.

"Im am king lionman the great. Ruler of lionmen"

I said in a deep growl. These goblins stunk to high heavens having such strong senses means some folk smell not that great, It helps with our hunting so we know what to eat and what not to but sometimes its a burden on a good conversation. Even in my old age this goblin smells awful.

"My scouts spotted this settlement quite near to our own. I ask that you do not expand your borders until my people have migrated next season."

I felt my stomach heave. In one glob of bile and hair i spit out a furball. I took a huge sigh and looked down at the mess. God dammit. The king Pukeing up a furball on someone elses land was considered a good omen and means that the future holds friendships with the people of the land that drew the kings divine fur from his body to the ground. I was pretty sure it was a combination of the stench and the fact that i bathed this morning. Unfortunately divine belief is law. If i dont offer peace the divine realm will smite me.i crack my neck a couple times and sigh again before speaking.

"It appears that i have just spat bile onto your land, this marks the start of peace talks and possibly a profitable alliance"

I said it very aggressively. This was not how i pictured my day going. Goblins are bad news and the fact that they have embraced human life style only worries me more. They breed too quick hell im almost positive the mayor is no more than 3 years old, its disgusting. To live such a short life only to die a worthless creature, its unfathomable.

How ever if they create a foot hold in these lands they could become a major power.they must not be aware of my brothers people yet otherwise this place would be on lock down with me here. Getting in good with them from the start may work in my favor. Having the ear of the goblin ruler may be very useful. All i need to do is get used to the stench.

"I will return here with my royal guard and our spiritual advisor, you have alot more than humans to worry about in these woods there are factions that would see me dead if they could. When they find out im here ill be fine but when they come to your door there will be a slaughter. A trade of info and charts not to mention a cultural trade and help in eachothers endeavors what ever they may be"

I stand awaiting the creatures response starring down at the goop of fur

 

[Tetsuo Mau]

As Tetsuo watched he felt a hand gently grab his shoulder, a hooded figure with a familiar scent had approached.
"Tetsuo what are you doing here and dragging that dam thing around, if you were sent to gather food do it closer to the clan." The hooded figure said with a hushed whisper.
Tetsuo recognised the voice it was Kite a scout from his clan he had practised archery with him once.

"Mother sent me to find out more about this goblin incident, I thought a gift of meat would help me talk to them I know not goblin tongue but offering food might make me seem like less of a threat." Tetsuo said calmly with a hushed voice.

Kite began covering Tetsuo with mud and a strange scent similar to insects in the forest. "Your mother is a four tailed so I can't tell you to ignore her task but for the nines sake cover your dam scent. These cat folk look like the territorial vermin we have seen killing other species claiming the land is theirs in recent times though the scroll records show no kingdom other than the Elven that spanned Falwood to the degree they claim. Though history can be distorted from generation to generation perhaps they merely exaggerate this kingdom. Kite had a look of disgust as he watched carefully along with Tetsuo he was sending signals to others in the nearby area but Tetsuo could not notice who or where.

 

[Gilbert Goblinson]

Gilbert listened intently to all that the lionman said keeping a large smile the whole time. It had grown a touch darker when he heard the title, but grew interested as he continued and when talk of cooperation came up he was practically beaming. Still though that dark edge in his smile never faded and when the Lionman finished his words Gilbert tucked it away for just a second,

"Please excuse me for one moment a matter of great importance has just came to my attention." Gilbert stepped back five paces and called the guard to his side,

"Touch your chin with your tongue." The guard hesitated, confused so Gilbert ordered him again,

"TOUCH your CHIN with your TONGUE!!!" Gilbert face no longer held any hint of the smile he'd worn moments before, now it was contorted in rage, his words holding a beastial growl in them. His one good eye blazing red.

The moment the goblins tongue left his mouth, in one swift action, Gilbert grabbed it while pulling out a dagger from his coat and cut off the goblins tongue. the goblins hands immediately jumped to his mouth grabbing at his now missing tongue. As Gilbert put the dagger away, he used his now free hand to pull out his sword and in the same movement brought it down on the goblins arms, cutting through wrist and shoulder. Gilbert then grabbed him by his top hair knot and pulled him close, ignoring all the blood spewing from him, blood having already coloured his clothes red long ago.

"If you refuse to use your tongue then obviously you don't need it. You had one job to stand here and greet people as they came. This king shows up and you tell me what? Nothing! You are useless, no worse than useless you acted in such away that you threatened our whole society, threatened our mission." Gilbert took a moment to compose himself again, and turned to the other eighteen guards, "Grind him up... legs first, all he's good for now is meat, and entertainment, make sure he doesn't die fast though, heal him with magic if you must, it'll just mean more meat and fun in the end. And uh... you two, you are now in charge of greeting, maybe a cat-man will be better at this job, make sure the same treatment is given to the other old greeter, and replace your missing numbers with more guards ASAP."

With that taken care of Gilbert attended to Lionman again, "So sorry about that, I do hope that those two guard were not all that rude to you, but they will be dealt with accordingly. As for expansion we already have plans laid out for expansion that I would be more than willing to allow you to look at it. I must warn you though these plan will have to go through, we are well aware of the 'civilized' races and how they will not look kindly on us, so we will need a proper stone wall as soon as we can. Luckily for us both I don't see this being a large problem as it will take us more than a few season to build such a thing, so we will make sure to avoid your land best we can." Gilbert wished desperately for Manier to show, he was supposed to handle diplomacy not me.

"Humans are currently the least of our worries, though I do wonder what threat you speak of yet. We are aware of the elves, they hate us all, and are the reason your fellow feline folk have joined us, but is there another threat you speak of? Either way I might as well as give you our military information so you can inform me of the appropriate action since we are still fairly new to this area, besides if you have any good recon you'll figure this out anyway. We are a mid sized town, in human terms, with a population around 10,000. 2,000 currently know how to fight. Should we be afraid, and what should we prepare for? Anyways, speaking of preparing, you say you are heading of to gather your companions, think on what I have asked, but for now tell me how I might receive you and your companions when you return, I know a little of the catfolk's culture, but from seeing you and your dress I think you might be quite culturally different, and I must try not to offend. Hopefully you all at least enjoy large amounts of meat. HAHA" Gilbert was genuinely glad to meet Lionman, and exited for what might come from this relationship, all the same Gilbert watched the creature, knowing that he was if nothing else dangerous.

 

[lionman]

I watched as the 'mayor' tore into one of his guards. I smiled at the unfortunate fate that awaited the bleeding goblin as he was draged away. The new guards on duty were of a cat species that lionmen had very little dealings with in recent times. I have no quarrel with them but in the past we were at odds.

"If you are able to procure human meat at tonight's gathering it would be appreciated but it is not required. Lionmen prefer raw meat as well. When i return i will be with 5 armed guards 3 are my royal guard 2 are my spiritual leaders guards. I will return shortly"

I quickly sprint off without another word. Moments later im resting on a tree catching my breath. The smell of those creatures is awful. Im going to have to ask our spiritual leader if There's anything that can help with the stench. Dealing with such large numbers will be tricky. So many of them. They may survive the other lion factions rage and might. They have the numbers. However if a war begins the factions wont stop fighting until they are all dead. This may play in my favor. I smile to myself at the incredible realization. If i ally with the goblins i can one day rule the lionmen once again un challenged by the likes of my brother and his rag tag group of unworthy outcasts. That's what the other factions are nothing but thugs

As i return to camp im greeted with a group of armed Lionmen.

"His majesty has returned!"


One of the lionmen yells to the others.

"Ive spoken to the goblins prepare a royal greeting group. The rest of you prepare for a battle i want the you to hide in the bushes and trees just in case negotiation goes south. I know you wanted a fight and i promise you a battle in the future but now is not the time for haste. Get going now!"

The lionmen start ready up. I put on my royal robes made of the finest pelts. I also put on my head dress for the first time in a long time There's an elf skull in the middle of it and its made of many different leaves woven together to cradle the skull. There's a human scull and bones necklace my mother made me a long time ago. I admire it for a moment before puting it on.

A short while later my men are in position in the event things go bad. We walk in a group. the spiritual leader is blind but walks as if the blindness is no bother. Leo my second in command announces my arrival.

"His majesty king lionman the great divine ruler of all divine conqueror of many. Has arrived"

He blows a horn making a low hum sound

 

[Gilbert Goblinson]

Gilbert found much relief in hearing Lionman ask for human meat, he would not be able to provide it given how the township had been avoiding causing trouble for the 'civilized races' which involved not killing them for the most part. But if these lionmen ate humans that at least had to mean that they were not allies of them. Gilbert let his mind wander briefly to the time he was able to gorge himself on man-flesh, the time when he first earned his nickname "The Red Rage". Gilbert had had little chance to have anymore since the town had began. He looked forward to the town becoming a proper city, one where there would be such a number of humans who would be passing through or by the city that a few people missing here and there could go unnoticed, after all they were passing through the Falwood things went wrong in that dark forrest all the time. Gilbert snickered at the thought.

Gilbert shook himself back to the present, where he needed to prepare to receive his guests. Gilbert turned to one of the new greeters,

"I want you to have the guards greet the royal procession properly this time. I will not tolerate incompetence twice."

Now Gilbert needed to figure out a place to hold the gathering, "I think we will have to receive them in the city hall for now. Someone make sure there are plenty of tables and chairs in there so we might dine. Second bring two live dungbears, a stag, and one of the elf scouts we were questioning, I guess its their lucky day. As for drink bring two casks, one of water and the other wine, at the very least I will have a good drink."

When the lionmen returned they were greeted with the guards standing at attention in a salute, their armour looking slightly more polished than before. One of the new greeters gave a deep bow and asked them to follow her to their prepared meal. She then led them to the town hall, they were led with a royal escort made up of ten of their proper soldiers, each in plate, and helmet, carrying a halberd in their hands and a sword at their side. The town hall had been fancied up, candles now lit the room, various flowers lined the walls, there was a large fire down the middle of the room with tables on either side, at the end sat Gilbert with a spot beside him set for Lionman. The meals stood in a large bowl waiting till they were needed. Gilbert stood holding a cup,

"Greetings, proud lionmen I welcome you to Dioltas, we the Lusus people welcome you with open arms. Now please find yourselves a seat and we will begin with drinks."

With that Gilbert clapped his hands and an ogre brought out two large casks, and tapped them. A young lizardman and a hobgoblin filled pitchers, and rushed to fill Gilberts cup before they then began going around to the tables to offer up drink.

"So, King Lionman let's talk."

 

[lionman]

As soon as we enterd the room i could smell the elf my mouth began to water. I could tell the others were excited about the plausibility of eating an elf out side of rituals. I waved my hand signaling them to be calm. The only one of the group who seemed calm from the beginning was our shawmen.

I take a seat beside the goblin "mayor" our shawmen is helped to a seat since he is old and frail.

"Before we begin talking my shawmen will cast a noise cancelation. Anything spoken in this room will not be heard from the outside"

I didnt bother asking if this was okay. I nodded my head at our shawmen and he began speaking cat speak. His murky blind eyes glowed red for a moment indicating the spell was active.

"You can never be too careful. Many of my foes would be interested in me talking to a goblin leader such as yourself. If we were to ally it would need to be in secret many of my adversaries are alot larger in army size than i. 50 years ago there was a rebelion the war lasted decades. However today lionmen are split into 6 factions non of the factions are allied with any other race nor are they allied with eachother. If word got out that i allied with another race the other 5 factions could see this as a hostile act they no doubt would start allying with each other to build there force's. Currently the factions are manageable no one faction wants to risk an all out battle it would mean heavy losses. Ive had some time to think on this. An alliance would benifit us both. You could help me defeat the other factions in secret all you need is coordination. My scouts can act as spies this is one of my best scouts.he can report and track locations coordinate with other scouts. Hes trained from a young age how to fight"

I point to the young lion hes far too small for the tall table so he sits on his knees so he can reach. He gives a small smile.

"As for the danger i spoke of. The first faction is still the largest and is lead by my little brother. Apon the death of a king his offspring will fight to the death. The remaining son will be crowned king and will rule until his life has ended then his sons will fight for the crown. Its been this way forever. After i killed my brothers he was the last brother to fight. When our battle seemed like i was to win a lion loyal to my brother stepped in and helped my brother exscape. Ever since hes been a thorn in my side. And although a number of my people chose to follow me many more follow him. Because he is not yet dead i have no real claim to this forrest. After our last battle ive been left with 15 men and there families a number that is growing slowly he comands well over 100 men and there families. Maybe the divine realm convinced you to settle here so that we could meet. Lets begin our dinner we shall talk more after we have eaten."

I await for the goblins responce to my long winded explanation and my sujestion to eat

 

[Gilbert Goblinson]

Gilbert was uncomfortable with the shaman casting his magic, and looked to one of his own for reassurance that they were not up to something, with a slight nod from his own he relaxed a fraction. Gilbert did not trust magic as he could not see it only its affects, and the little signs of it being used like its glow on ones eyes, or hands.

"I think we should start as well, men are always more agreeable once they've eaten" With that Gilbert raised his cup again, "Let us feast" and with that the animals and elves were slaughtered, cut, and served. Gilbert had a cut of leg brought to him, and after cutting in and having a few bites continued.

"I will multi-task while you have your fill. I must wonder why you feel the need to hide your words, do you fear my people knowing of this? They will learn soon enough, and you should have made the need for secrecy known earlier. If on the other hand this is indeed for the others you speak of, for them to be able to listen in such a way is a concern indeed and I must then wonder if helping you is a risk worth taking against an enemy with such strong powers.

Also you starting straight with what you want from me, you must either be desperate or a fool, and I don't take you for a fool. Doing so leaves it to me to make the terms, but I think you already know what I really want, at least to a degree, or you wouldn't have been so open. What I want is for your people to join what will become our nation. I will be honest though if I find it possible I will take the other factions under my banner, and if force is what it would take to make them join us that is what I will use, just as I am willing to help you gain power over them so that you might join our nation, if not this town. This land is needed to realize my goals and I will do whatever I must to make sure they are accomplished, no matter the obstacles. That is why I will do everything in my power to bring your fellow lionmen under your banner, that is to say as long as your banner is tied to this nation we are forming.

As for what I propose we do, here is what I would like: I need to make myself know as an ally to the human cities, I despise them, but realize the only way to become powerful enough to kill all of them and their allies is to first ally with them so they will allow me to grow strong enough to accomplish such a feat, and get close enough to stab them in the back. Anyways back to the plan at hand, I would like it if you could attack a caravan that will pass on a path nearby, I will then have some of my forces come to their rescue. You may kill some of my forces for the greater good, but I will have diplomates who must talk with the humans, and they must survive. This will accomplish two things: It will start my people off on good relations with the human on our own terms, and second it will make it known to your enemies that we are not allies as my people are attacking you. We can repeat the skirmishes until we are sure your enemies are convinced. Once we believe they are I wish to attempt diplomacy with your kin, I will at the very least try to have as little bloodshed as possible, and from my understanding most things will smooth out once your brother is out of the picture. You are in the battle with them and are therefore limited, but me as an out side force will have some freedom, and as the enemy of their enemy I might be a useful tool. As I am sure I am going to be to you." With that Gilbert gave Lionman a knowing smile. Gilbert knew he controlled a valuable chess piece, one that could swing the battle either way once it began.

"I will do my best to use your other lionmen factions for your benefit, and in ideal circumstances will be able to meet with your brother, either way I will make sure he meets an end, be it drink, knife, of sword. I will say again I don't wish for harm to come to my people, and I am not one who likes risk, but I will do whatever it takes to accomplish my goal. I think having you with me will help me accomplish said goal which is why I would be willing do everything I can to make you reach your goals if you help me with mine. So, I really do hope you can agree to the terms I laid out for you, I do not wish to rule over your people, I don't even need to live with you, but I must know that you will fight with me. Your banner must be tied to mine. Otherwise you made a grave mistake making me see your people as useful, because I like useful things, and the moment you were seen as such your peoples marriage to my own became an inevitability, even if your wish is to remain only a concubine."

Gilbert gave a long look over the lionmen his approval worn obviously on his face. He loved these beast-men that sat before him, he was eyeing them with a look as though they were a beautiful bride that he was now seeing walk down the aisle. He was just waiting for the final 'I do'. It became clear that Lionman's position in this arrangement was as the father of the bride, things would go smoother with his blessing, and the groom was willing to pay a dowry for her (the lionmen), but a marriage would happen with or without the father.

 

[lionman]

The elf meat sat in front of me. Calling to me. The words of the goblin was drowned. I looked to the others. I knew by the slow red glow of there eyes that the spell of the meat had set in. The shawmen began speaking an old verse from the sacread teachings.

"And as the darkness set in,the lion knew this was the curse. to be driven mad by the very food of the gods the only thing that brings us closer to the gods and the divine realm"

His eyes began bleeding. I could feel what felt like tears but it was only my own blood. I could feel the divine all around us. They are rewarding us for heeding the signs. This goblin is our salvation.

I looked to the goblin threw blury eyes.

"Forgive my rudeness but i must"

I couldnt finish my words. I started eating so ravishling one would think i had almost starved to death. After covering myself in elf blood i felt the calling to war over welmingly. In my confusion or simply my blood thirst i attacked one of my shawmens guards. I felt as though he had betrayed us but i did not know why. My claws tore into hims as he fell back startled all i remember is slashing and slashing until everything was red.

Then everything was clear. The others seemed startled i sat back in my seat. I paw the dripping blood from my mouth. Turning to the goblin with a huge smile.

"Bringing the elf's was just the right move. I will banner with your kingdom for as long as it is in both our interests to do so. I must ask you to drop the title mayor its unbecomeing of the future goblin emperor"

I looked to the eviscerated lionmen guard. I nod to my shawmen and he does another spell. The body becomes ash in secounds burning only the body.
I smiled and took a long drink of wine. Hopefully todays happenings has only grown more trust. The added blood comeing from the eyes was a great trick our shawmen knows how to put on a show. The old man always pulls this stuff to make other races fear us. Maybe this tactic will have an effect of admiration haveing it good with such a powerful goblin will work to my advantage.

 

[Gilbert Goblinson]

The party quickly took an unexpected turn when the lionmen began their feast. Once the lionmen grew dangerous the ogre who had brought the drink quickly moved behind Gilbert to protect him, and when the lion king took on the same craze he put his hand between him and Gilbert. Gilbert quickly had the ogre move it's hand, Gilbert wanted to watch this. There was so much alike and yet different between him and these lionmen. The first thing he noted was the way they tore into the meat with such ferocity. Goblins would tear into meat by biting, and quickly tearing the meat to sheds, and swallowing it as fast as they could. They ate with a greed that they must eat all they can because all meat belongs to them and they must make sure to claim what is theirs, but these lionmen they seemed to follow a more bestial urge as they consumed this meat, reminding Gilbert of predators he'd seen in the wilds eating their prize.

The second thing Gilbert studied was how the lionmens eyes glowed red. From Lionman's words it seemed to be a call that they could not refuse. Was this what drove their desire in the meal? Gilbert had never seen another who's eyes would glow red like his, not among his people, so he was amazed to see such a glow coming from a species. Again though this to had its differences. Theirs seemed to provoke violence in them, cause blood to also fall, and to come from what they'd tasted, but his had always come from when his feelings grew strong, when they would burn within him with such ferocity that it couldn't be contained so that it must also pour from his eyes. It would not call him to action, but he'd call it with his own feelings, though as it was controlled by emotion he could not control it any more than any man can control how he feels. He would have to learn more about this trait, maybe learn a bit of what caused his. Maybe these lionmen had more advantages to share than just their bodies and local knowledge.

Gilbert stopped his careful studying when the Lionman king sat beside him once more. Gilbert was overjoyed to hear Lionmans words, he had received all he had wanted from them, the tying of their people. Gilbert grew a touch more uneasy with talk of being called emperor however.

"As we stand we are still just a town who has no allegiance towards anyone, and live in what should be elf land though to which group remains either unknown or too vague to stake a proper claim. In most regards we could already make claim of independence, as no one really rules us as of yet. I will make sure we are our own before any get the chance. I must earn my titles, and I planned to take on the title of king when Dioltas could be called a city, and say it was the capital of the Lusus kingdom. It would then be a country, once I claimed more I could call it an empire at take the title you wish for me. That is still a ways away, and I will be careful, my greed can not stop the goal of all of this, in fact nothing may stand in the way, not even myself, I will see every human and elf slaughtered, or turned to cattle, and the same for any race that wishes to share their fate when that day comes. They have committed horrendous acts upon others for far too long, acts us 'monsters' would never have dreamed up, and they should feel blessed that one as merciful as me has been chosen to be their punishment, for I do not desire to give them what they deserve, but only wipe their filth from all the world."

During the his speech Gilberts good eye took on its glow, and grew brighter as he continued. The glow one of determination made hot from the hottest of burning fuels: hatred. Only a fool would ague for love, what is love for anything compared to rage of hate which only takes on the strength of things like love. The hateful rage born of seeing everything you loved destroyed, of seeing everything you could ever love being torn violently away from you, of seeing that you could never really have ever loved, not while that which has earned this hate still exists. And to add to the injury sees you as nothing, only a minor pest which it will commit horrible atrocities to as chores for its young. It will murder, and torture, and force you and all that you could ever care for to suffer for its whole existence, and it is only a chore given to the lowest of the low? They are indeed lucky it was only Gilbert leading this charge against them. All these thoughts ran through Gilberts head until his eye was an inferno. All the citizens of the town knew there was only one thing that could cause his eye to glow like that: Adventurers. The ogre that had previously been there to protect Gilbert now stood back acting as a wall to protect others from the barbarians rage. Luckily Gilbert took a deep breath, and turned that rage back into determination, and through doing this no flame openly leapt from his eye any longer, but his deep red eyes lost none of their intensity. Gilbert continued,

"Besides I never cared for ruling so never wanted to be mayor or emperor, I just simply haven't met one I am willing to trust to lead these people as I would, to make sure what needs to be done will be done, who can keep the goal as the priority over anything else at all times. It would suit me much better if I could march out and cut them down by hand." Gilbert let out a sad laugh and sighed, "If only!"

 

[lionman]

I let the goblins words set in.

"My father always said a ruler earns his tittle weather he meant to or not. As i killed my brothers for control of the throne as is our custom i thought of his words. I reject these words. A ruler is one who can look at something and claim it as his and fight and kill to defend that claim. If you want power you take it without the egnolishment of any other race for if it is truely yours the divine will ensure you succeed in battle and in life"

I pull out a bottle of blood wine and slowly mix it with the wine in my cup.

"The next meeting will be in my camp ill show you what a feast looks like. Lionmen have what we would call cattle. Our next feast must contain human screams"

I smile showing my blood stained teeth.

"You see we dont slaughter our food we eat it. Why kill something you already caught if you catch a human to eat him it tastes ten times better when they are alive. Juicy"

I start picking my teeth with a small bone from eather an elf or maybe something else. The table was a mess at that point and there was no way of telling whos food was whos.

"But enouphe business talk. Do you ever mock fight for fun? Lionmen do, our fights are legendary i invite you to the next full moon celebration."

 

[Gilbert Goblinson]

A ruler is one who can look at something and claim it as his and fight and kill to defend that claim. If you want power you take it without the egnolishment of any other race for if it is truely yours the divine will ensure you succeed in battle and in life

"My choice of what titles I take are not chosen based on a desire I hold, I do not wish to claim leadership over the nation I am building, but hold leadership because I will not allow neither weak conviction, nor one weaker in leadership than I doom my plot. If I meet one who I believe would increase the chance of my goal succeeding if they instead ruled, I would make them take the throne. There might be one title I would be interested in, but I must take it till I have succeeded lest I tip them off to my goals: The Downfall of Man, hopefully the divines will not mind if I keep it as secret for now. I also will not simply call myself emperor before the time is right because such strong titles goad on equally strong opponents. You call yourself 'King of Lionmen' and therefore must make them all your subjects. I am not ready to fight on the scale of an emperor, at least not yet. The second is if I were to call myself an emperor when all I had was a town, and the humans heard they would laugh at us because they believe their ways of titles to be the only 'right' way and would not treat us with the respect we will need for us to move forward. I must earn their respect even as they hate me and wish to with hold it, I will force them to acknowledge me, not because I need it before I can become strong, but because no relationship could work without respect, and it will make what I do desire all the harder without it."

Gilbert blinked a bit, he did have a tendency to explain his thoughts quite a bit didn't he? He really needed to relax a little, stop taking everything others said quite so seriously. A thought suddenly stuck him 'Do I really enjoy arguing, or having battles of the wits, as the wiser races like to call it, that much?... Oh, gods I'm just like his father! And, oh no, my mother was right, I am a degenerate who can't just let himself be happy! Sh*t!' Suffice to say Gilbert was not ready to have this... insight.

"I will look forward to dining with you at your camp, seeing how you do thing will be a nice change of pace, and I might learn some useful things. If that was not enough for me though, an offer to have a chance at a mock fight? OHHHH! Either your scouts are better than you boasted, or our meeting truly was arranged by the divines."

The excitement of fighting, especially against a creatures that had a combination of speed, strength, and tactic was too much to bear. Gilbert finished pulling the now clean elf femur across his dagger like teeth, making sure he'd gotten every bit of meat off. He had another hunger in him now, a hunger for battle. Gilbert could not wait until the next full moon. With a newly topped up glass of wine he raised it to Lionman,

"To our new found friendship, and till our next meeting! Cheers!"

 

[lionman]

Walking back to our camp i smelt an odd scent. I stopped in my tracts it wasn't one of my men but it was a lionmen. I took a sniff harder but the smell must be blowing the wrong way. We continue further we see the fire before we realize what had gone on while we were away on peace talks. The camp was in pieces my men were scattered everywhere. Our healers were tending to wounds children were crying the camp was in ruins. One of my men approach me.

"My lord white demons have attacked our camp. A group of shawmen warriors"

i look around.

"did the scouts see anything. who were they?"

"my lord they were lionmen"

shawmen roaming the Forrest alone? in packs? i hoped that our new ally does not see an attack on our camp as a weakness. i turn to my second in command.

"gather the men that are left hunt the shawmen's down and when you find them don't hesitate kill them were they stand"

we cant show weakness in front of our allies. we simply cant. its not our way. i hope the gods make the goblins blind so that they cannot see the destruction and flames from far away.

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smoke can be seen coming on the wind in the pitch black of early dawn the fire from the camp can be seen for miles

 

[Gilbert Goblinson]

From the tree tops a black furred catfolk watched on. his orders had been to observe the lionmen. Still the situation seemed to have taken an unexpected turn, and he contemplated turning back to report the sudden turn of events. Which would lead to greater punishment disobeying orders, or failing to report on something important immediately. His conundrum was cut short, however, when a troop of catfolk tree warriors, led by the fearless General Kenoki, master of the high ground, arrived. One was sent back to report, while the General explained the plan: They were to show themselves, pretending to be investigating the smoke while having no idea what was going on and offer aid, after an appropriate time had passed of course.

Gilbert sat back in his chair, his fingers against the base of his nose as he listened to the report. He quickly dismissed the soldier when he'd finished, and leaned forward, gently stroking his chin. Things were happening a bit fast, but this presented a good chance to learn more about his new allies, and enemies. It was time to see if he was backing the right horse or if he should think of finding another. Gilbert softly chuckled, the faint glow of his eye contrasting the darkness of the room, and the fast approaching transition from evening to night.

 

[lionman]

im carefully picking though wreckage when one of my scouts approach.

"mylord we are being watched." the young scout says in alarm

so preoccupied with hunting down the men that attacked me and my people, i didn't notice the smell in the air. cat folk of a different breed are in the trees there sent is being masked by the fire but the smell is there among the smoke.

"attacking us when we look weak would be the biggest mistake of your lives show your fur so that i may know who or what you are"

 

[Gilbert Goblinson]

General Kenoki was a large Catfolk with a rich brown coat. His size did not make him any less stealthy however, so he was surprised when the Lionman called out to him. The General nodded to his men, then leapt down with them. He lowered himself into a respectful bow before addressing King Lionman,

"Greetings, I am General Kenoki. We come from Dioltas, we are here because we saw smoke rising and came to investigate it, but now that we see it came from your camp we will offer any help that you might require. We do not wish to harm your pride, but feel free to use us as you need. After all what are friends for? One last thing though, even if you do not require our assistance, we have orders to monitor the situation."

Kenoki looked around the site of the attack taking everything in. Their mission would be two fold: To investigate and learn as much as they could about this threat, and to observe the lionmen. After all 'a friend in need tells you what type of friend they are, indeed.'