Princess Ishtar quickly informs the merchants that she will settle their dispute orderly, as is her right and duty as Princess of the Realm. At first, it seems both groups will object, but one stern glance makes both of them relent. Guards quickly acquire a stall, and soon Ishtar is stated at the head of her own impromptu court.
As is tradition, the buyer has the right of first word. The Obong-Zongian merchant loudly takes the stand ...
4 vs 3
And he delivers an impressive and moving speech despite the obvious language troubles. They are here to acquire a number of animals from the badlands upriver for what you gather to be their King's collection. In a previous meeting they send a representative of their own with the Urrullac to pick out the finest specimens, but he has was slain in the Wildlands. The Urrullac have continued to gather creatures even so, but far from the finest specimens that where promised. The Obong-Zongian's have proposed to pay a proportionate reward, with the compensation for their comrade subtracted, of course.
The Urrullac representative does not appear impressed. When you give him the word ...
5 vs 6
He starts an even more impressive speech, which you attend carefully. While the Obong-Zongian representative was indeed slain, it was his own fault. With drink and gold he convinced a bunch of youngsters to go with him to capture the Basmu. Ishtar knows the beast from myth, a great horned snake with the wings of a bird and two forelegs with deadly claws. Were it not for his passionate and downright gritty account, Ishtar would have surely disbelieved him. Even so, the gathered crowd is staring their eyes out at the tale.
After that, he says that despite the death of their clan members, they continued the contract, capturing beasts and bringing them here. They expect that the other side will hold their accord too, and pay the proposed price.
It is a difficult judgement. On one hand, the Obong-Zongian's have the word of law. Neither side has disputed the terms of the contract, and by the terms they have not delivered. On the other hand, the Urrullac claim to have followed the spirit of the contract to the best of their ability, and the loss of clan members appears to have been no insignificant loss.
In the end though, the law is yours, and you can say what it means.
Princess IshtarA. Side with the Urrullac
B. Side with the Obong-Zongian's
C. Now may be the time to discuss court fees, import taxes, and friendly gifts
D. Disruption of orders, and smuggling dangerous animals into the city !
Guards !E. Perhaps your father would know better
F. Write-in
4
Both sides have nade an impressive case, but they're both hiding things. Now close to the merchants, you pick their brains, unveiling their secrets. The first, of course, is that the animals aren't really going to the Royal collection. Well, not in the way Ishtar thinks. First of, the Obong Zongians have no Kings, but a first citizen. Given the limits of language, this mistranslation was to be expected.
Secondly, the King holds his collection for a most peculiar purpose. He appears to be trying to create the perfect creature, rumours going that he's using sorcery and magic to breed the deadliest animals into a dangerous beast. So far, he had little success.
The other secret is that not all of the creatures kept in the Urrullaci vessel are non-sentient, as was implied. There is a Gnoll-child among them, and one of the Lizardfolk. Like all animals on the ship, they lie in sedate cages.
Nur-SkalenA : Observe Princess Ishtar as she does her business, taking the opportunity to glean knowledge from everyone she meets
B : Aid Princess Ishtar in her doings, lending her your strength and intellect. Such action is draining however, and your powers in the mortal realm are very limited.C : Aid Princess Ishtar in her doings, by shoving a piece of knowledge into her mind. Such action is far less draining than others, but she may be distraught to suddenly speak another language, or to know about mythical beasts.
D : Communicate with Princess Ishtar. The Princess has no idea that you exist within this gem, while you can manipulate her actions, having a willing and informed accomplice makes things that much easier
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Topic: SPAMDEMONIUM! : Nur-Skalen : The Silver Stone (Read 6413 times)