>>5427789>>5427625>>5427453>Photo: L. Shyamal>Alt Text: Sholas and grassland in the Brahmagiris, Coorg. Grassy hills are bordered by wooded valleys. “The Ebbikele is the start of something new. People from the other tribes will gladly pay for it to you in exchange for your services. I promised the Muli the task to guard their sacred waters in lieu of labor tribute. Now, as Axeholdrr I will hire them with the Hall of Peace’s stores and pay them in this treasure. I can do the same for the Ponni. You could become the caretakers of the roads and traders of the inland. You can even herd doomswine all over the Island. Or you could rent, now give up, portions of your land. The foreigners are hungry for luxuries, people would pay much for the right to grow grain in fields under your domain. Or you can join the fleet and get it directly from the source. In each case, every person has free control to earn Ebbikele in any way they choose. And even if you don’t you’re still owed a portion from The Fleet.”
Aki: And the poor amongst us, will they be forced to labor to pay this tribute?
Lono: The tribute is proportionate. Each community will pay a fraction of the Ebbikele it has. If it has none, you won’t have to pay.
The Ponni talk amongst themselves, and Kasi looks on with acceptance on their face.
Aki: The people of the Southern Marutham trust you, for now. You can expect our votes in the election to come.
>Ponni Approval +1Current Tribal Approval Ratings
>AhiSafely Lono
>IllaLean Lono
>NupuriLean Lono
>PonniTossup
>MuliSlightly Lean Norodom
>TayaLean Norodom
>ChantouSafely Norodom
____
“What do you think, old friend?”
Kasi: The tribe is still split. Some will see employment, and renting in exchange for Ebbikele as the path to liberation. Others in Neikotan see the Eighth Tribe as a way to get their freedom on this Island.
Kais stares into your eyes.
Kasi: As long as you wear that crown, I will never join you, but I recognize when you’re doing good. I’m meeting with the leaders of the raider groups at the end of the week. I want to give you the opportunity to speak with them.
If you stay longer to speak with the raiders, you won’t have time to campaign with the Taya. If you go straight to the Taya you give up the chance to boost your approval with the Ponni any further before the election.
>Stay to Speak with the Ponni Raiders. (Locks your approval with the Taya at current value.)>Go to the Taya. (Locks your approval with Ponni at current value.) 