Last Stand of the Dorinthians (Chapter 3 - The Imperials)

[GlassEye]

Silas looks like he would like to argue but instead ignores Alexander and awaits the formian leader's answer.

 

[Land Outcast]

Altough he doesn't care about the formian seeing them discuss, he is intrigued by what will be its answer. He didn't mention the men they've got to lead just because seeing how these creatures operate, it wouldn't surprise him they considered the better choice to take them as hostages to get their men's strength against the other ants... plus, that would mean a longer delay

 

[Deuce Traveler]

Silas looks over at Alexander with a slight frown. Does he realize what the possibility of forming an alliance with these creatures could do for our cause? "We need allies now, Alexander. After the battle may be too late." Silas turns his attention back to the formian. "Our people, too, are at war. If we can solve your problem without loss of life, would you lead your warriors against our enemies?"

The formian considers your words and then says, "If you could solve our problems then there would be no need to fight. However, your solution still leads us to our deaths, and if half of us aren't killed we would still need to fight one another. If we followed you, we would be fighting others instead of each other, but then we would gain the animosity of these others. Also, we would be far from the underground tunnels and vulnerable, and we don't know what food source would be available at the place you wish to fight. No, it makes more logical sense for us formians to stay here and slaughter each other."

 

[GlassEye]

Silas gapes for a minute baffled by the formian's logic. Finally, nodding, he says, "I see. You would rather pointlessly slaughter other formians than take a chance on finding new caves with a nearby human hive to aid you in finding food. In that case, we'll accept your guide to the cave-fall."

 

[Deuce Traveler]

The formian nods in agreement and motions his smaller compatriot to guide you. The smaller ant-man leads you out of the territory and towards a large tunnel. It points at you and then to this opening, signalling that you should continue without it.

The formian scurries away as you go down the tunnel, and it takes you directly to the caves of the other formian tribe. Red formian workers glance at you, deem you no danger, and then carry on with their labors. It is not until you reach the large cavern with the hole that you fell through that you see any soldiers. These formians also don't attack you, spending their time instead in helping the soldiers move their food further down the tunnels. A large red formian, as big as the leader of the black ones, stares at you intently as you gaze into the darkness above from whence you fell.

 

[GlassEye]

Silas approaches the large red formian and bows. "Do you understand my language?"

 

[Deuce Traveler]

The formian cocks his head slightly to the side and hisses, "Little understand, yes..."

 

[GlassEye]

"It is dangerous for your people to remain here. The other formians plan to taint your food and while you are sick and dying start war to kill you so that they can have all the food and living space."

 

[Deuce Traveler]

The formian thinks this over for a moment and then says, "It is logical. If he removes us, then food problem is no more. I would rather kill him, take control of his men, and send scouts to find a better source of food, but still... his way is logical and would save time I would likely waste."

 

[Land Outcast]

Exasperated, Alexander exclaims "They will try and poison you, do, or do nothing about it, either way it's fine with us" how could these creatures ever survive?

Alexander looks upwards, trying to discern how much they fell.