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Keep on going downstraem

0 (0%)

Time for some heroic swimming?...no?

0 (0%)

Find a dead tree or other long object, work as a group to hoist it across. (With emphasis on actually finding said object...)

4 (44.4%)

Invent some absurd creation involving rope and stuff which slowly pulls tied up people across…

5 (55.6%)

Total Members Voted: 9

[slowpokez]

By "explaining what the guantlet does" what do ya'll mean?
I know how it works but I doubt you do

[AfellowDwarf]

Erm, which posts are you refering to? I mean, there's been suggestions of talking about/ threathening with its nodescript power, appeals to their belief that the gauntlet is an evil thing, and a suggestion to retell what Teneborsus told us, but I don't see any of those needing an explanation of the gauntlet's inner bowels.

Edit: Well, let's see what I can deduce, anyway.

• The gauntlet is an artifact, therefore indestructible by conventional means.
• The gauntlet has a will of its own. It's violent and has little sense of self preservation when it's in controll(As evidenced by us jumping off a cliff while we chased the wolves.) It can also manifest in dreams, it seems. Less violent but morbid. (This might've been Teneborsus as some sort of side effect to the in-gauntlet battles. If we dream about the elf tonight, this'll confirm.) The bloodlust might also be partially because it connects the wearer with its victim. Separating the two might have reprecussions for the former.
• The gauntlet drains life during combat. It doesn't heal any large wounds.
• The gauntlet needs either contact or wounds on the other party to function. Our last opponent didn't let us strike him, therefore stopping the gauntlet in its tracks.
• -Or the gauntlet can be counteracted by other artifacts, should the elf's sword be one.¹
• Dimnishing effects could be a factor as well, but we might be better off ignoring that one for now.
  
• Strangling someone with the gauntlet leads to a deathmatch between the two. If the gauntlet's owner wins, he drains the life of the other, far better than it would normally. This has no reprecussions, as Teneborsus used this maneuver on a non-threat like us.
• Or if 1's true, strangling someone with the gauntlet leaves them with you inside of it to be slaughtered. If they are in possession of an artifact, they can use it to fight back.
• The gauntlet does not help one's eye sight. The old dwarf didn't recover from his blindness and Teneborsus wore glasses. It's unconfirmed if it actually makes things wose.

[gman8181]

I wonder if Nerin's a dwarven artifact .

Why else is he capable of puking out monsters like us?

[AfellowDwarf]

I wonder if Nerin's a dwarven artifact .

Why else is he capable of puking out monsters like us?

Well, we're kind of an exception to the general rule. Adding 'can be bypassed by insane multi-possesed dwarf' to any list will probably only serve to confuse.

[crazedjesster]

Can we say LOL!!!

[slowpokez]

Gamblers to the very end huh xD
_____________________________________________________

Guys…should we accept the offer? This seems like a way out…
No, we’d lose everything we’ve worked for that way!
Perhaps we could strike some sort of compromise.
Nah, fuck these elves! We won that shit fair and square!
They’ll kill us for sure though…
No we just have to convince them.
I’ll use my superb people skills to win them over!
Maybe not….
We should drink the potion we got from Tenebrosus.
This is perhaps not the time for that…we got other problems at hand.
But what if we just trade it for the title and…
I can’t take this anymore! KILL EVERY LAST FUCKING ELF ALREADY!
Uhmm…that might…not be the best… Can’t we just share some information with them since what they’re really after is knowledge?
Returning is not really an option for us, we won the duel, the title is ours, have the elves no honor? We could share info on the artefact to show our goodwill but don't give the artefact away, it's ours, our own, our precioussss, ehem...
Well, at least I'm gonna die with a raging boner! Oh…wait we’ve already moved on from that topic…Hrmm hrmm, Ask the priests to hear your story, all of it. "So, you brought me here for information? I have some for you." We can tell them anything, that won't mean giving the gauntlet over. Tell them everything, from the very beginning to get their sympathy. Appeal to their wisdom, which prevented the commander from executing us and leaving in a situation of total mayhem!
After I had finally managed to go through my entire life story the elf in the center looked as unimpressed as ever and the one with the hat seemed slightly amused. Perhaps not the sentimental outcry I was hoping for…
-Uhmm…   
-Are you quite finished yet?
-Your greatest warrior couldn't finish me off. No wonder you're losing territory to every other nation in existence. I think I’d make a better Courtlounger than any elf!
The previously speaking elf begins again with a concerned look while the tall elf smirks intently, even the previously uninvolved woman start chuckling lightheartedly.
-The Courtlounger is not a warrior’s position in the first place, I doubt you’ll understand this but greed is such a weak trait amongst elves that the position is fairly unsought.
-But Seraté would have a mightier champion then before! I could break the curse that separates you from metal or defend you against the goblin threat!
At this point all three of them are laughing even the intently sincere gentleman in the middle; he however tries to conceal it with a loud sigh.
-Sigh…The elves are not cursed, I don’t where you got that from…Metal was a gift we received in a time before time, that we later however lost. And what are these goblin attackers you speak of? We haven’t fought them for over a century. You dwarves forget so fast and learn so slowly.
-Uhmm….another thing…you know that guys sword, was it an artifact too? It looked mighty fancy.
-I am familiar with the phenomenon however it has never been recreated above ground, furthermore the Courtloungers fighting style and gear is meant to impress not to be practical. The Courtlounger is merely a jester whose only purposes are to amuse the masses and to keep ill minded individuals away from a position of power. 
-Damn, I’m learning a lot here…
-That’s only natural for a dwarf in the presence of an elf.
-That’s….okay….Well, you’re priests right? So hear me out.
As I tell them about the “spirits in my head” they go into a complete laughing fit and it’s fairly obvious that they think I’m insane…which I am…
-Please let me keep it! And my title, I’ll tell you everything you want to know!
-What is the point? We could just kill you and examine it ourselves, no?
Suddenly the other two speaks up for the first time, disagreeing with the first one’s opinion and claiming that it might somehow infuriate the council to have me in the position of Courtlounger. I don’t understand why but I like it.
-Its research value exceeds that of your personal whims.
-We will retrieve it upon his death or departure.
-Hnnh
-Assuredly you may keep it, I do however sincerely doubt that you will survive for a longer period of time.
-Most grateful your honor…and wait the title?
-It shallt be arranged.
-Thank you for being so merciful.
-Before you leave, what is the drawback of your artifact?
-What?
-The more powerful the magic is the greater the toll will be.
-It can make you go a bit berserk sometimes…
-Hmm…be wary of that however, I’d also suggest that you avoid using the gauntlet again as our decision to let you go might be viewed as….questionable if we let this continue.
-I won’t…
-Yes…you’re dismissed.
Once I had managed to climb all the stairs I was met by a short blond elf that had clearly been briefed on the situation. While walking throughout the city I was met by a lot of weird looks but I also got a nice view of the city.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

After having walked in silence for quite a bit I asked the elf about where was going which was only met by a quick reply related to administrative work. Instead I inquired about the leadership and social structure of the city, was the council or the order in charge. The answer was not satisfactory as it made things even more unclear; however I caught onto the implication that they have a queen whose rule is strongly related to foreign affairs, a council for local politics, and generals overseeing the blunt force of the military. The patriarchs’ role in it all was however harder to determine, I’m not sure if the elf himself knew about it. Furthermore he also went through some lesser nobilities such as dukes, lore masters and the Courtlounger whom all had smaller and more definitive roles in the social weave. He didn’t mention the commander but when I asked he quickly briefed me on how they’re simply a form of high ranking military often leading a band of five up to a thousand soldiers depending on the specifics of their particular duty.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Another strange thing that caught my eye as we traversed the streets of Seraté was how elves here and there seemed to be in the middle of deconstructing perfectly serviceable housing. My escort did however explain how the progressively declining population combined with the limited access to stone had led many to deconstruct unused buildings in favor of improving those in use. After pondering upon this subject for a moment I decided that I found it reasonable and instead inquired about the position of Courtlounger. Once again the elf gave me a fairly satisfying answer explaining how the Courtlounger is tied down by multiple responsibilities and rules in exchange for his privileges, which included a prohibition to leave Seraté, a vow not to bring harm to any living being, a mandatory approval of proposed duels. Apart from that the Courtlounger is free to do as he pleases as long as he does not interfere with the imperatives of a higher-ranking instance.
It seems like we’ll have to make a choice how best to use this newly inquired title as whatever direction we pick for the immediate future may have a great impact. The choice will revolve around what agenda Nerin will follow as he moves in to the role of Courtlounger and due to the nature of the situation at hand any suggestions falling under the chosen category will be taken into consideration.



The path of discipline-
Choose a solitary lifestyle were you keep away from the elves and spend your time associating with the voices rather than making friends (Who need ‘em tree-hugging bastards anyway?). Begin building up a more quiet and disciplined character for Nerin capable of holding his own whether it be a fight or clash of wills. Strengthen yourself physically when it comes to speed endurance and raw power. Train vigorously amongst the elven cadets to be able to defend your title against any adversary while still keeping to yourself. Acquire a more fitting weapon than the strange torturing device you’ve been fighting with so far.       
Never going to side with any elven scum.

The path of greed-
Indulge in your every desire without concern for anyone’s opinion. Consume an abundance of incredible food and a limitless amount of exquisite beverages.  Never again a dull moment even for a single urist as there would always be entertainers ready to spring to action at a moment’s notice. Countless women at your disposal (or men for that matter…looking at you AFD). Exchange these tattered rags for finer clothing woven from the purest silk and jewelry carved from the most immaculate wood.
Simply the life we always deserved.

The path of tranquility-
Pick a less violent approach where instead of distancing yourself from the society you try to connect with world around you, confronting other people with friendliness, humbleness, goodwill and interest. Play a diplomatic angle amongst other lesser nobles and acquaintance yourself with the elite of elven society. Learn about the history of the world at the timeless archives joined by the Loremasters and learn how to write and read so that you no longer have to be an illiterate peasant, optionally you could also learn an ancient language like dwarven or elven. Take part in their cultural life and their way of living so integrated with nature; if you’re inclined towards spending more time in nature you might learn how to befriend animals. Investigate or join the mysterious ordern of the Sun which purpose still remains unclear. And of course spending some time amongst the people attempting to overcome the racial barrier and make some friends.
What's fame and fortune if everyone hates you?

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

_____________________________________________________________________________
Timeskip coming up so just add on whatever ideas you’ve got, but please guys choose 1 agenda. Even though you might count as a split personality Nerin can’t swap ideals on a daily basis.
Also you just dodged a 50/50 chance of certain execution
Once again if you want to have a more "developed" character than just once of the voices in the anonomys mass just pm me, that includes if you want a bloody tophat....

[AfellowDwarf]

Now this is a tough one.

Clearly, greed suits me best.
However, it seems the least optimal of the choices. Tranquility leaves us with more influence and diplomatic skills, while discipline takes away our obvious failings of not being able to hold ourselves in combat and being prone to panic. Greed leaves us with a beer gut.

Still, these are all secondary issues. The real question is how we'll(I'll) be able to go on for so long without lighting something or someone on fire.

Edit:
Here's a thought: the elves can't farm, but we can. Depending on how much they trade with the humans, this could benefit us. There must be some kind of plant that's heavily sought after by these elves. We can grow said plant, and it'll be valuable even if we can only do so in small quantities. We can already get goods if I understand correctly, but growing expensive plants could get us influence with the merchant classes.

Also, if we go for greed, we should seek out short thumbs up elf. I think we might get along with him.

Another thing for greed, we could go with populism; give a large and dumb group of elves easy answers so they'll support us.

Edit2:
Oh, another one for greed: Insist that, since we now hold the title of courtlonger, the elf we met earlier is now our sister. If anyone objects, we tell them that we won't turn our back on her like her previous brother. Maybe we could be overprotective, or play pranks on her.(which is pretty disturbing if we do it between intercourses) We can also steal away her romantic intrests. There's plenty of other fish in the sea, we might as well disturb this one profusely.

If we go with discipline, we could also try to learn a little military strategy from the generals.

[Henny]

We're insane, so it stands to unreason that we go with the most out of character option.

Hence, I vote for tranquility.

[AfellowDwarf]

Also with greed(Boy, I'm finding it more appealing by the minute)

Find an elf at the bottom of the food chain, offer them succor if they obey us and get a tattoo of our face on their belly and back. Maybe a tiny one on their forehead?

There's no reason we can't get good equipment if we're going to be debased. Weapons, a shield, a large wooden face mask (and maybe a similarily shaped codpiece?), ropes and threads (We can learn some exotic knots for recreational purposes), a shovel, a large ball. Why not get a concubine and make an elf-dwarf baby? And keep it away if we're 'busy', of course. We'd give it toys that open up and spill tiny wooden/cloth guts if you hit them hard enough.

Edit:
If we go with discipline, we could train ourselves to ride some kind of animal.

[WillowLuman]

Discipline sounds best, though making friends would be good too. I have a feeling we'll need friends in this place where people currently want us dead.

[Tirion]

As long as friends include friends with benefits, and a well-rounded education includes some physical education of the military and basic survival sort, I vote for Tranquility. Note: we're better off befriending a Giant Tiger than becoming an Adept Swordsman with a wooden sword.

[Brewster]

Guys! Greed. Helloooooooooo check out the T&A on these citizens.

[AfellowDwarf]

Note: we're better off befriending a Giant Tiger than becoming an Adept Swordsman with a wooden sword.

If we do need to fight something, won't we find metal weaponry soon enough?

[WillowLuman]

Not if we have to stay around here. Metal's a bit scarce around here, it seems. That giant tiger battle-buddy sounds pretty good, though.

For you nymphomaniac voices, a pet giant tiger is basically the equivalent of an adorable dog combined with an overpriced car, and therefore mathematically the most powerful conversation-starter in existence.

[AfellowDwarf]

For you nymphomaniac voices, a pet giant tiger is basically the equivalent of an adorable dog combined with an overpriced car, and therefore mathematically the most powerful conversation-starter in existence.

However, the discipline equalivant will have us carry a long, thick piece of hard wood around. Guess which of the two will need to take a walk while we get busy.