Quoted By:
{Art: Jan Brueghel The Elder}
“It’s clear the labor tribute is a failed experiment. As Axeholder I’ll abolish it for the Ponni.”
Kasi: And force the people to give up their land?
“Would you prefer your bodies? I get in the Hall of Peace and Ponni will never be forced to work again. Not even criminals. And you can be damn sure whoever killed that kid will be brought to justice.”
The raiders look amongst themselves. You can tell your message is working, though they swallow it like bitter medicine.
Kasi: If the people wish it, I won’t stand in their way. Come on.
Your former, maybe current, comrade guides your squads through the endless grass until you come to the jagged border of Neikotan.
Screams and smoke pierce the night. Your feet drag through the sticky mud that covers one pristine grass.
“By the Loa.”
Kasi: The Guard and peacekeepers locked down the Red Ochre Gate, this was the best way to get us all in the city.
“Agana would let me in.”
Kasi: Don’t be so sure. When I came here and you didn’t, she began to worry you would seize power.
“ I would never.”
Kasi: Really? I doubt your parents would bow to “Ratu Adil” without you cutting a deal. Did you promise them something, or just take over?
Nizax: That’s enough, Kasi
Kasi: Always the loyalist. I used to think like you, that the honor and prestige of joining the Great Fleet would let me be seen as a person. That if I just followed the rules enough, I could be something more than a mudman.
Kasi faces the chaos of the city.
Kasi: That’s what I thought even when the Axeholder sent me in your place. She wanted me to calm them down. A “friendly face.” I saw their pain that day, comrade. It wasn’t my place to deny it.
Nizax: So why aren't you out with them?
Kasi: They fought for peace their way.
They gesture to the raiders.
Kasi: I fight in mine.
Tears well in your eye as you walk past Kasi.
“And so will I, old friend.”
_______
Tribal Approval
>Nupuri
Slightly Lean Lono
>Illa
Slightly Lean Lono
>Ahi
Slightly Lean Lono
>Muli
Tossup
>Ponni
Tossup
>Taya
Slightly Lean Norodom
>Chantou
Safely Norodom
____
The alleys of Neikotan are tight. You’re lucky you came with two squads, your full crew wouldn't be able to move.
Peacekeeper: Fucking mudman!
A stone dagger thrusts through the shadows and Nizax twists it from a sweaty wrist.
“Are you hurt?”
Nizax: They are.
Peacekeeper: You filthy clay packing... C-Captain Lono!
“What are you doing here?”
Peacekeeper: There is a Nupuri priest in Neikokana. The savages call them Laku Adila.
“Ratu Adil. And that's not what I asked."
Your breath quickens, and your eyes grow bloodshot. You grab them by the shoulder.
"What. Are. Your orders?”
Peacekeeper:I--I’m sorry, I’m not meant to say!
Nizax: Captain!
Nizax breaks you from your rage and you let the peacekeeper runoff. You’re no tyrant. No matter what people may think.
>Look for the Priest in Neikotan
>Go to the Hall of Peace and meet with Agana
>Write-in
