Magic Kingdom For Sale* (*Some Assembly Required)

[Emperor Valerian]

"Perhaps some pots and pans we purchased for trading? Though Phaeder, should they not listen, let me try to persuade them through some friendly contests of Kord. If they do not understand gifts, they will likely understand strength," Drakkon will whisper in a tone that seems very hopeful for the latter.

 

[Sephiroth no Miko]

*Acknowledging Drakkon's suggestion with a nearly imperceptible tilt of his head, Phaeder lifts an eloquent eyebrow at the gnoll's statement.* And here it is... the bribe. "Well-made tools to ease your labours, perhaps, or gems and fine trinkets to impress the other tribes with the your wealth... tasty foodstuffs, even..." he offers calmly. "I'm sure we have something you find of value." *His glacial eyes harden a bit.* "Otherwise we would not be here wasting each other's breaths."

 

[Thanee]

Allyra

Allyra holds back and continues to watch the negotiations. For now her partaking does not seem to be required.

 

[Nac Mac Feegle]

OOC: Sorry for my absence, I took an unexpected vacation, but I'm back now.

*Shal, lost in thought, didn't notice the intrusion for a few moments. Jarred out of his thoughts by the commotion, begins to ride to the front.*

Our first natives, maybe first converts. At any rate, an opportunity not to be missed.

"Maybe I can help with negotiations here."

OOC: +47 to diplomacy

 

[Isida Kep'Tukari]

*Acknowledging Drakkon's suggestion with a nearly imperceptible tilt of his head, Phaeder lifts an eloquent eyebrow at the gnoll's statement.* And here it is... the bribe. "Well-made tools to ease your labours, perhaps, or gems and fine trinkets to impress the other tribes with the your wealth... tasty foodstuffs, even..." he offers calmly. "I'm sure we have something you find of value." *His glacial eyes harden a bit.* "Otherwise we would not be here wasting each other's breaths."

"Wealth is good. Show us your pretties, and we will judge if you honor our clan enough to let you go," Eats Stomaches says, his eyes glittering with aravice.

 

[Emperor Valerian]

*Drakkon will yell back for one of his stronger barbarians to fetch her section of iron utensils and the like. A great show will be made of him carrying as many as possible, to show Kord's strength.*

 

[Isida Kep'Tukari]

*The shamen come forward with Eats Stomaches to inspect the goods, and Drakkon thought they seemed somewhat impressed by the amount they carried. Eats Stomaches and the shamen seem to be interested in the glittering beads and jewelry, and they confer briefly in their growling language.*

"You can pass through our territory. But don't interfere with our hunts, steal our females, or cause death to our warriors," Eats Stomaches says finally.

 

[Sephiroth no Miko]

*Phaeder nods his agreement, a faint smile of satisfaction on his lips. He answers the gnoll in a ringing voice, loud enough to carry across the clearing, so that everyone might hear:* "The Hex agrees. We will not interfere with your hunting or steal your females, and we will do no harm to your warriors provided they provoke no hostile reactions from us. If any member of this caravan is attacked, ambushed, or hurt in any way by one of your people, we will consider this arrangement null, of course. But it is my hope that there will be no trouble between us." He tilts his head in a gesture of respect. "Please send our regards to your lord chieftain, Eats Stomaches. The Snake-Eater clan is both clever and strong, worthy of our honor."

[OOC: Diplomacy +20 to leave the gnolls with a good impression of us.]

*After the negotiations are done, Phaeder continues, in a more amiable and less formal tone,* "And now that our business is concluded, perhaps we may you engage in a friendly contest or two, as a gesture of our goodwill? My companion here, Drakkon Chainbreaker, is favorably impressed by the size of you and your warriors and is keen on trying his strength against a Snake-Eater in a wrestle or two."

 

[Isida Kep'Tukari]

*The silver tongue of Phaeder, aided by Shal as well as Drakkon, seems to impress the Snake-Eater clan mightily. With a tongue-lolling grin at the prospect of a challenge, Eats Stomaches leaps forward.*

"Give me your champion, Pale Face!" he cries.

 

[Sephiroth no Miko]

*Phaeder shoots Drakkon a wide grin.* "The field is yours, Master Chainbreaker... show them your power!" *With that, he will back up to let Drakkon step up and watch the proceedings with interest, and to cheer his friend on in the competition.*

"Not bad, whelp," Anshul murmurs in Phaeder's head. "Think they'll abide by the truce?"

"Who knows?" Phaeder answers mentally, with a slight shrug. "If greed doesn't get the better of them, they might. I'm hoping that this contest will impress them enough that they'll think twice about challenging us." He makes a small, self-deprecating smile. "Pretty as my words were, I think Drakkon's strength is likely to make a more lasting impression on them. Regardless, I'm pleased with how things have turned out so far." His words have a strange blandness to them.

Anshul gives Phaeder a critical look. "But... there is something you are not pleased with?" he asks quietly, sensing an unspoken qualifier.

Phaeder, however, does not reply.