[center][img]https://txt-dynamic.static.1001fonts.net/txt/dHRmLjcyLmQwOWE5YS5RVzUxLjA,/it-started.again.png[/img][/center] [centre]& [h2]The Dreamers[/h2] [/centre] [hr] At the sound of spring’s rebirth in the city, Anu, King of Talemon pushed aside the stack of reports he had been sifting through and glanced towards one of the south-facing grate windows occupying a wall of his office. This day, a handful from the late planting season, saw the young divine casual in a light wrap of fine boars hides, just managing to cover most of his massive torso. As his bright gold eyes scanned the clear skies visible through the window, he absently ran a hand down one of his locs, long cylinders of ivory hair palm-rolled and held in place by bands of dry clay. Two about the size of a river snake lay dangling upon his chest. ‘Final hours before noon already,' he mused. 'And here I am, pouring over reports from the rice paddies.' In spite of the grave, self-deprecating tone employed by Zhu Rongyuan in his reports, the overall state of the rice crops seemed to immensely outperform that of last year. They were merely approaching the middle of the flood seasons and already the crops stretched tall out of the paddies. The most optimistic estimates offered the possibility of a second, additional planting and harvesting season, an outcome that could secure them food safety to sustain unprecedented population growth - provided there came no unforeseen interruptions. ‘Unforeseen interruptions.’ the big king weighed. With mid-spring sunshine pouring into his southern windows, the ideas of unforeseen occurrences where far from his mind. One could not simultaneously prepare for and prevent the unknown. Chains clinking softly, Anu rolled his heavy shoulders, undoing the knots in his divine body. [color=MistyRose]”Summon Zhu to me.”[/color] he order without looking . A leaf-bearing pygmy obliged and left the room. Heaving a quiet breath the demigod lowered himself into his chair and raised thin parchment to the sunlight. With Talemon sustained by rice grain, he could turn his eye elsewhere, strengthening his nation one step at a time. A quick moment passed and soon, Zhu Rongyuan approached with an inclined head, lowered himself to his knees and prostrated himself before the great ape. “This servant has been summoned by its King. How may it serve?” [color=MistyRose]”Cherished Zhu, I assume you are doing fine this afternoon?”[/color] he began, setting down the sun-kissed report. [color=MistyRose]”I commend you for you work on the rice paddy project, with your industriousness, Talemon grows.”[/color] The servant dipped his head a little lower, as if that was physically possible. “This servant is unworthy of His Majesty’s praise - it is sworn to see His Majesty’s land prosper, and in time, it shall.” There came a sigh. “His Majesty has no doubt taken note of this servant’s failure as reported.” Anu answered without looking up, instead shifting through parchment until a number had been separated from the rest. [color=MistyRose]”The…..Abegunde incident I presume?”[/color] “The very same,” Zhu confirmed shamefully. “The source of the issue is still a mystery. This servant has yet to return to the farm - additional time will be required before the source is found.” [color=MistyRose]“A lead that strengthens Talemon is a lead worth pursuing endlessly, Zhu. We are Talemonese, failure is only an example to learn from, don’t sully our name by wallowing in shame. We are better than that.”[/color] he deadpanned nonchalantly. The statesman swallowed. “A-at once, Your Majesty.” He sat up into a seiza position, head still inclined. “Moving onto a different subject now that this servant is honoured by His Majesty’s attention, a new system of production centralisation has been drafted. This servant will proceed to read them to You if it may.” The great ape affirmed with a shift of focus, dropping the Abegunde reports and leveling an expectant gaze at Zhu. The statesman extracted a dry, rolled up boarskin scroll from the fold of his robe and unfurled it slowly as to not damage it. He cleared his throat and began to read aloud the Shengshese logographs written upon the skin in the dry juice of various berries and insects in place of proper stone ink. “At the request of His Majesty Anu, a survey has been conducted with the intention of pinpointing areas of improvement on the mission to achieve the greatest effectiveness in production. The survey has been conducted by His Majesty’s humble statesmen at the Talemonian Granary Office under the leadership of Zhu Rongyuan and his assistants, M’benge and Idogbe.” The servant’s eyes simulated old age, and in the same manner, he squinted towards the king and inclined his head with a gentle wince at bone aches that didn’t truly exist. “Would His Majesty prefer a summary of these servants’ findings?” [color=MistyRose]”Please.”[/color] Zhu nodded. “To summarise, these servants found that the current system of private ownership of each farm offers little to the state as a whole. When each farm is tended to by one family without a proper surveillance and leadership structure, it can be difficult to mobilise the farmers to work the fields more than what is necessary to sustain themselves. Furthermore, due to the size of the plot of land required to sustain paddies, allowing every family their own plot would in time exhaust the amount of land we have along the banks of Beihe.” Zhu raised a finger. “Therefore, these servants have reached the conclusion that all food production should be nationalised by His Majesty’s state and managed by a subsection of His Majesty’s court. In order to avoid corruption, as per His Lordship’s teachings about the temptations of mortals, the title should not be hereditary - even though this conflicts with His Lordship’s teachings on the values of parental teachings in political positions. These servants believe this contradiction of teachings to be moot in comparison to what a properly managed agricultural sector could provide.” [color=MistyRose]”Praise worthy, Zhu. As I respect my father and his sacred teachings I dare not speak ill of it, but a hereditary system stands heavily against the ideas upon which I wish to build Talemon.”[/color] Anu acknowledged, not for a moment taking his eyes off Zhu’s face. [color=MistyRose]”See to the implementation of the bureaucratic entities required and find and train ones worthy of the positions. Have any of the finer details been hammered out? Like workers compensation?.”[/color] “Naturally, Your Majesty - with a worker base under close monitoring, the foremen can more easily pick out outstanding labourers. Such exceptional individuals will be given additional ration plaques for their hard work, thus providing their families with safety in terms of food. The farmers shall not go wanting for the days of their own farms. In regards to the foremen themselves, they shall undergo intensive screening and tests to assure that they are incorruptible. All the grain their workers harvest will go to the Granary and be distributed from there. Any and all deviations from this prerogative will be met with the punishment of death.” [color=MistyRose]”Good, reward the talent and hardwork of the exceptional. I also assume this would require the implementation of ration plaques on a grand scale. How are we establishing their rates?”[/color] “Using our current system, one plaque offers enough grain for a quarter year per individual. This will have to be drastically reduced - likely down to weekly rations. The state will ensure that enough of these plaques are made so that each citizen potentially may receive two per week. This method of production shall be maintained as long as the state can accurately monitor the number of births in our nation.” [color=MistyRose]”Set up an office responsible for administering an official census and keeping records of such nature as soon as possible.”[/color] “Certainly, Your Majesty,” Zhu replied. “Are there any other matters His Majesty wishes to discuss?” A pause filled the room as Anu rapped his fingers against the smooth wood of his desk table. The thought seemed to escape him. [color=MistyRose]”Ah! The domestication of the plains boars I proposed earlier. Any update?”[/color] Zhu nodded slowly. “Ah, yes… Once more, this servant can only bring news of a disappointing nature - while the swine responded kindly to the rice we offered them, they seem unwilling to remain in the pens we’ve made. On numerous occasions have there been escapes and lost pigs running through the camps. Most of these sadly are never caught again. The pens are being reinforced as we speak, but much of the clay deposits are reserved either for house construction or emptying. Resource gathering operations will need to expand before we can tame boars on any large scale.” [color=MistyRose]”A slow going effort then. Keep me updated on that projects progress.”[/color] he added. [color=MistyRose]”I believe that to be all.”[/color] “Of course, Your Majesty. Further reports will arrive post-haste.” The servant kowtowed again, rose and walked backwards out the room while continuously bowing to Anu. Anu let out a silent sigh as he lifted his eyes back to the window. Heliopolis had traveled further into the sky, the bright city taking with it it’s life giving light and allowing the Night-Mother to invade its territory. He’d spent the bulk of his day handling the affairs of state and governing as a king should, he’d spend the rest doing the same. In one swift motion the massive ape rose from his seat and padded towards the portal, pygmy guards quick to fall in step with their mighty king. Just as he was about to exit the palace, however, a panting pair of guards came running over. They fell to their knees, their momentum sliding them onwards in the humid dirt. “Your Majesty! Your Majesty!” they called. “A great beast is approaching from the jungle!” Slits of golden fire blazed like the surface of Heliopolis in the evening light, the giant war-king seething at the sight. Clarification was not needed. As the guards had foretold, an absolutely massive shadow stretched several hundred metres into the sky, cragly, biological curves and dents on the bottom giving way to structure contours and semblances of great towers and buildings. From Talemon’s streets, it was unclear what exactly the beast was, but what was clear was that it was approaching the city. [color=MistyRose]”Gather the warband!”[/color] Anu snapped at his guard without looking. It was like a snarl of thunder from a storm-filled sky, abrupt and bold. Any semblance of coherence was lost to the pygmy, but stunned they were into sprinting off by virtue of the immediate end they were likely to face otherwise. With steps befitting a divine on a mission, Anu marched through the streets, his very presence enough to send his citizens cowering for cover, albeit the beasts presence only served to aid this. In a matter of moments Talemonese warriors feel in-step with him, even of the best of the best shaken by colossal shadow, but were visibly awed and shook by the visage of their king. On his face was an expression of grim determination screwed by vestiges of unadulterated rage that threatens to further crack his emotionless mask. He was a bulwark to the tidal wave of panic and fear that washed through the city, a white tower in the night. Regardless of the pygmies strength, they would prove themselves this night. The great monster’s shadow covered the whole of Talemon - even the white spires of Tal Eren turned a pallid gray before it. The monster seemed to stop some distance away from the magical barrier of the mansa, but it didn’t seem as though the barrier was the reason. It stood glaring down at the warriors with its one, crystal blue eye. Atop its head, a number of specks unobservable to mortals seemed to look down at the pygmy warbands and Anu, as well. With divine eyes though, the ape easily could make out the oblong shapes. They appeared pale, bilateral like the pygmies, though hairless save for mainly strands running down along their heads, some running over the shoulders. From what the great ape could see, their numbers were few, and the bulk of them seemed to be quite young. Their clothing struck an uncanny resemblance to those of his councillors. A small gesture ushered a warrior into a kneel by his side; Lang’engatshoni, a wiry thin but exemplary soldier. “Your Majesty.” [color=MistyRose]”Gather up a company and welcome our visitors.”[/color] he rumbled, eyes not leaving the hairless apes. “With haste, my king!” the warrior barked, quickly jumping to his feet and gathering those he deemed capable from the King’s warband. Within moments a cadre numbering only a humble nine picked their way through their city towards the giant turtle. [hr] Lang’engatshoni and his warriors hadn’t reached all the way over before four of the hairless apes entered their view. They walked carefully through the grass as though it was their first time setting their feet on this soil. The four of them were rather different in appearance: The tallest among them appeared to be male - aged, black down adorning his upper lip and chin with black hair uniting in a bun atop his head. His left eye had a large blue circle around it. He wore crimson, cumbersome robes, much in the same way the councillors did. He was flanked on the left by a lady of seemingly equal age, this one, too, dressed in beautiful, yet impractical robes. Her hair was alabaster, and in her hands she held what looked like a wooden fish. Next to her stood a younger looking man in black robes with trims of white, matching his long straight flood of alabaster hair and cascading beard, and finally next to him was clearly the youngest and shortest. She wore tight fitting clothes that seemed useful for manual labour and moving around, on her golden speckled face she wore a stern look, and on her hip she wore a long curved blade of earthen color. The oldest man said something in an unintelligible tongue, looking at the pygmies in what seemed to be an expectant manner. The Pygmy shifted awkwardly, looking amongst themselves with what could only be described as confusion. Their chagrin was frustratingly familiar yet so unrecognizable. Lang stepped forward and kowtowed in the way one did greeting his elder. “Talemon welcomes you.” The four seemed utterly surprised by the act, and the elder lady seemed to tell the others something. She then stepped forward a bit and offered the kowtowing Lang the wooden fish in her hands. Slowly the ape rose and trepidatiously accepted the thing, unsure of what the fish meant. Murmuring confusedly under his breath, he turned it every which way he could. The craftsmanship was breathtaking, unlike anything he had ever laid eyes on, even rivaling the skills of his toolmaker brother, Ogundairo. “Ah ah, what is this?” he puzzled aloud, moving to bring the fish closer to his face. The elder lady said something and the fish uttered, “Howdy, y’all. Please, don’t be frightened of lil’ ol’ me. I’m just a translator. Oh, and the lady says hi.” Shifting slightly, Lang brought the now talking Woden fish far from his face, not so much startled as much as he was perplexed. “You speak?” "Sure do, mister. I'm the Babble Fish - folks babble 'n I make sense of it. Oh, speakin' of, the old gentleman in the fancy dress's sayin’ his name is Wenbo and that he represents the Dreamer race. They come in peace." The warrior-ape cast a cursory glance at the one called Wenbo, if garb was an indicator of anything, he certainly looked the part. “Ah, I am Lang’engatshoni, son of Adedayo and warrior of the King’s Warband. We welcome you to Talemon.” He glanced at the alabaster haired woman and nodded. “And hi.” The fish clicked his tongue. “Oh, right - forgot to tell ya. They don’t understand you, sir. I know it’s a bit inconvenient, but could I ask ya to hand me back to the lady?” Lang glanced at the cadre of Pygmy at his back, all who seemed similarly lost. With expression neutral he handed the fish back towards the lady. The lady graciously accepted it, though it was evident that they, too, thought this process was a little cumbersome. The four looked down at the fish for a moment before relieved smiles spread across their faces. The lady offered the fish back. A tiring Lang received it and the lady began to speak. “Howdy again!” the Babble Fish said cheerfully. “The lady’s saying they’re all overjoyed to meet ya and to be welcomed. She’s now askin’ if it’s possible to see this King of yours - y’see, these folks are new in the country ‘n are eagerly lookin’ for new friends.” With a click of his tongue, the company of Pygmy dissolved into the city. “We send for him immediately.” he husked, and gave the thing back a final time. The Dreamers seemed very content at the answer and proceeded to wait expectantly. The lady produced some small glazed clay disks from a wicker pack the shortest girl had brought along. They was beautifully patterned with various shades of brown and beige and were just deep enough to possibly function as small bowls. Within meer moments the massive silhouette of the great ape came into view, shadowed by the company of Pygmy. A distinct rattling could be heard from a distance, and as the regal divine finally came to a stop a few get away from the envoy, it was clear that the chain looped around his mighty forearm was the culprit. Rivers of intense gold bared down upon the Dreamers, although there was no aggression in his posture, he had been filled in on the way. [color=MistyRose]”I am King Anu, son of Shengshi and Narzhak and lord over Talemon.”[/color] he began, all Pygmy fell to their knees at the sound of his voice. [color=MistyRose]”I was made aware that you were a fledgling nation out looking for friendship.”[/color] The Dreamers collectively blinked. “Son of Shengshi?” the one known as Wenbo went. Then all four of them fell to their knees before Anu. “Your Holiness, it is a most profound honour to meet you. I am Wenbo, leader of the Dreamers and patriarch of the Wen clan.” He looked up and gestured to the three others. “This is my wife, Ai, the Lady of Mengcheng; Zhong Wang, the headmaster of the Hermian Academy; and Zhong Ming, general of the City Wardens. As you said, Your Holiness, we come in search of friends, and bring with us a gift of craftsmanship for this people’s great leader.” Ai held forth the collection of clay plates. There were ten in total, and their patterns differed slightly upon closer inspection - the difference appeared intentional rather than accidental. “We hope His Holiness finds this work to be an acceptable gift.” Anu took the plates and held them aloft, studying them for a moment before nodding and handing them to a Pygmy who cautiously took hold of the things. [color=MistyRose]”Remarkable work, to have skills like these would be of great use to Talemon.”[/color] he said, offhandedly adding the second half for his own mental notes and gesturing for them to rise. [color=MistyRose]”I see you know of my father.”[/color] he paused, then blew the air out of his nose. [color=MistyRose]”The beast smells of him and faintly of the fires to the east, the other scents I fail to recognize. I take it he blessed you.”[/color] "In more ways than one," Zhong Wang spoke with a tip of his head, "We the dreamers are descendents of His Lordship Shengshi's own divine fragment, Elder Mother Xiaoli -- and descended as well from the love of the great God, K'nell, his Hermes. His Lordship Shengshi has seen our fragment of the Dreamer population and blessed us further, granting us this divine beast as our new home upon this land." [color=MistyRose]”It’s just like him to do such things. Well, Dreamers, if he has deemed you worthy of such kindness, then I too shall count you worthy of my respect.”[/color] He made a small motion and a Pygmy farthest from him dissolved into the city. [color=MistyRose]”I’ve summoned my council, I’d like to get down to business.”[/color] “O-oh! Certainly,” Wenbo said cheerfully. “If I may be so rude as to ask, what are these people Your Holiness rules? Forgive me, but our kind has never seen their likeness before.” [color=MistyRose]”Pygmies, children I created to tame the wildness of this world. They will sire a world empire.”[/color] Wenbo nodded. “They look well fed and powerful, Your Holiness - such an ambition should be most possible.” [color=MistyRose]”Of course, Lord Wenbo. Could I expect your support or would leave me high and dry?”[/color] he chagrined, his laugh like crashing waves. Wenbo joined in with a warm chuckle. “While we have no such great aspirations as a world-spanning empire, our God and our Lord both advocate for the sharing of gifts. For example, if I am not mistaken, Your Holiness implied earlier that the great city of Talemon is unfamiliar with claycraft. Is this true?” [color=MistyRose]”Indeed.”[color] he said curtly, inwardly noting the deviation from his original question. [color=MistyRose]”Our councilmen can attest to that.”[/color] he introduced as the regal forms of his statesmen approached. They walked shoulder to shoulder, their four facades radically different in stature, clothing and posture: Zhu Rongyuan, dressed in black robes worn with wear, walked with a craned back to indicate his simulated age; Qiang Quan, dressed in a worn white gi with a pair of straight kali sticks on his belt, had a chestful of pride in his stride, his back straight as an arrow; Fu Lai’an, though clad in an ageing red silk dress nonetheless gaited cheerfully alongside her colleagues, an improvised leaf fan in her hand; Yong Cai, dressed in overworked linen pants and shirt, kept a hand on the head of the trusty hammer at her hip. They stepped over to their King’s side, kowtowed before the Dreamers and stood back up. “Judging from what we’ve heard, we trust the esteemed guests are familiar with Shengshese?” Zhu Rongyuan offered politely. “With a bit of an accent, perhaps--” Ai began before she noticed Fu Lai’an struggled to hold back a giggle. Qiang Quan shot his colleague a quick glare and the musician stifled the laugh. Zhu put his hands together and smiled. “Now, now, friend - it may just as well be us; for fifty years, these four servants have sworn allegiance to His Majesty, Anu, with the mission of crowning Him as king of the world and forge a realm of prosperity. However, due to our distance from the holy Jiangzhou, there’s a possibility that these servants have adopted some Talemonese linguistic traits. Forgive them if their words turn to soup to the ear.” “Nothing to forgive,” Ai assured and gave the quietly snickering Fu Lai’an an uncertain frown. Zhu clapped his hands. “Fantastic. Then allow these ones to introduce themselves and we will proceed to His Majesty’s palace with His permission.” He gave Anu a respectful nod. “This one is named Zhu Rongyuan, His Majesty’s minister of state and agriculture; this one is Qiang Quan, His Majesty’s warleader and commander of the Talemonese forces; this one Fu Lai’an, His Majesty’s minister of culture and arts - a cheerful soul, as you’ve noticed; and lastly, Yong Cai, His Majesty’s master architect.” The Dreamers bowed again. “A great pleasure,” Wenbo stated. A sharp clap filled the air. [color=MistyRose]”Well then, with that out of the way, let us get down to business. Might I offer you shelter within my palace?”[/color] “Thank you for your hospitality,” Wenbo said graciously and followed the demigod and his councillors to the palace along with the three other Dreamers. [hr] The inside of the palace was dim and cool, as opposed to the mighty shine of Heliopolis outside, but it was far from dark. The bulk of the palace was in reality a great roof carried on hundreds of mighty ivory pillars, making the closed off inner sanctum the only real ‘room’ in the building. In there, pygmy servants had brought a grilled boar, boiled rice and vegetable and flower salads. The councillors took their places on the floor at the flanks of their king. The Dreamers stood and marveled at the majestic interior of the ivory palace - the king’s personal chambres had beautiful carvings on the walls and roof. [color=MistyRose]” Please, make yourselves comfortable, venerated of Shengshi.”[/color] he offered gesturing towards their seats. The Dreamers snapped out of their trances, nodded and sat themselves down with varying speed. The great ape shifted forward, golden disks eyeing them expectantly. [color=MistyRose]”Let us begin then. To get straight to the point, you came bearing gifts and the intention of founding a friendship. From what I’ve seen, we’d be quite foolish to refuse.”[/color] "Certainly, Your Holiness. We know next to nothing about this land or the rest of the world, and figure finding friends is of the highest priority. In return for an equal sentiment, we are more than willing to offer our knowledge of crafts, agriculture and animal husbandry," Wenbo said with a wide smile. [color=MistyRose]”A trade of goods and ideas?”[/color] He glanced at his council. [color=MistyRose]”What say you?”[/color] Zhu Rongyuan nodded. “It is evident that this man has the blood of His Lordship, Your Majesty. In His Majesty’s words, we would be foolish not to accept.” The three others nodded along, especially a very eager Yong Cai. [color=MistyRose]”Then I believe we are in agreement, Wenbo. The establishment of beneficial trade between Talemon and Mengcheng.”[/color] he announced, lips curling. “Fantastic!” the dreamer celebrated. “Such a joy when friends come to agreement so quickly. Though forgive me, may we be so rude as to ask for a little something in return? His Holiness understands, my people number few, and while we have the knowledge to explore all manner of scientific and industrial horizons, we lack the manpower to harvest the goods of the land for our endeavours. Would it be possible if the mighty Pygmy race could help us gather clay, wood, crops and animals for our city? Naturally, both they and Your Holiness’ realm will be generously compensated for the work.” Ming seemed to steal a glance at Wenbo, an inkling of surprise in her eyes before looking back towards the council, mind now clearly abuzz. Anu remained expressionless, though his voice betrayed a jovial tone. [color=MistyRose]”Surely you traveled far, how did you manage to arrive here with numbers low and store house needing supplies without a stop or two?”[/color] “As His Holiness noted earlier, we have the fortune of His Lordship’s blessing. Our city came will larders full, but the workhouses and storage facilities for industrial goods were empty. We have made stops and gathered what we can, but…” He pursed his lips. “We could achieve more - together.” “We do not wish to be a burden, though,” Ai assured in an almost interrupting manner to her husband. "If I may?" Zhong Wang folded his hands. Wenbo furrowed his brow momentarily and looked to Anu. (ape nods or something) "I suggest to our two Lords here that should such a deal be struck, the city of the Dreamers acquires no more than thirty new workers. Forgive my openness, My Lord, but we do not have the ability to promise compensation nor security for any more than half our current population, nor would it be in our morals to have our hosts offer to do more work than ourselves, in citation of the words of Chagatai's principles of leadership," Zhong Wang folded his hands back into his lap, "I'm sure our general would be able to validate my concerns?" Ming looked at Wenbo. The dreamer lord looked a little deflated, but motioned for her to speak. "Master Zhong Wang is correct, too large an influx of new workers would strain our current security and medical logistics," She bowed her head. Wenbo gave them both frowns, but his wife nodded along with their words. “Furthermore, I reckon my husband meant for it to be a temporary arrangement - a mission to resupply, if you will. A workforce numbering thirty or fewer will strain neither our capacity to ensure their health and safety nor His Holiness’ own projects and processes.” Zhu Rongyuan hummed and pursed his lips. “Given that the planting season is nearing its end, we have a higher number than usual of available workers - however, if we are to expand our own industrial sectors with our esteemed guests’ knowledge, then we cannot afford to offer too many.” He raised two fingers. “I propose that we send twenty.” [color=MistyRose]”Mind you, while clay and wood are resources aplenty–although the latter my council may correct me on if otherwise–crops are not. Am I to assume you request the lot of our fields? Or does the beast carry farmland too?”[/color] he surmised. Wenbo cleared his throat to reassert his role as representative and nodded. “Chuanwang carries enough farmland to sustain our people, Your Holiness, so there will be no need to worry about that. It is merely construction and craft resources we ask for.” [color=MistyRose]”And you find twenty workers agreeable?”[/color] Wenbo nodded. “That will already be of immense aid, great king.” [color=MistyRose]”Then it will be done. And in return I am to assume boon?”[/color] Wenbo looked to his followers. “The knowledge of claycraft as well as a selection of the items we make?” “Sounds fair and just to me, Lord Wenbo,” Zhong Wang tipped his head, Ming following with a bow of her own. The giant king turned towards his council. [color=MistyRose]”And what say you?”[/color] “What manner of items, if this servant may ask?” Fu Lai’an inquired. Ai tapped her chin. “Various plates, pots and disks, if it pleases?” she answered and gave her companions a look. The servant shot a glance at Zhong Ming’s hip. “This servant couldn’t help but notice that glazed sheen on the lady general’s waist. Pray tell, is that a weapon?” Ming looked at Wenbo, who returned a slightly disappointed nod. “Go on.” “It is a weapon,” Ming tipped her head, “Merely meant for the defense of our people.” “A weapon?” Qiang Quan interjected with a raised brow. “What manner of weapon? A dagger?” “A long knife, as made by our Elder Mother Hermes,” Ming replied, “Curved to ease in cutting and slashing, long enough to keep distance between the fighters.” “What is it made of?” the warleader continued. “Tendlepogan clay,” Ming answered as she ran a finger over the perfectly smooth surface, “Polished in the slippery sap of the stampeding trees.” “Tendlepog, you say?” Zhu asked curiously. “Is that where you’re from?” “Can this weapon be reproduced with local clay?” Qiang Quan added. “Is ‘stampeding tree’ an innuendo of some sort?” Fu thought out loud. Wenbo looked pleadingly at Anu and said, “We do not yet know if we can produce anything of this quality here - our Mom was a crafter unlike any other mortal. To copy her work is a mission we cannot promise we will complete at this stage.” A steady palm called to silence the deliberation. [color=MistyRose]” Did your ’Mom’ perhaps leave any blueprint or recipe to follow?”[/color] “W-well…” Wenbo started and scratched his head. “Master Zhong, what do you figure?” "Fortunately," Master Zhong Wang began, "Our Elder Mother kept records of her knowledge and that of Tendlepog. With time I may be able to peruse what journals we have taken with us, as well as her special books." The corner of his mouth twitched, "It may take some time, our Elder Mother has been alive since the dawn of creation itself." “In time, it will be uncovered,” Ai supported. “Until then, unfortunately, such technology is unknown to both of us.” [color=MistyRose]”Most unfortunate. Nevertheless if and when the knowledge is gained the future, we would greatly benefit from it. As it stands now, I find the terms acceptable.”[/color] “Perfect!” Wenbo smiled and bowed his head deeply. “Then let this be the beginning of a long and, in His Lordship’s words, prosperous friendship between our two nations!” The dreamer lord held out an open hand. Anu grabbed it. [color=MistyRose]”Let it, indeed.”[/color] [hider=Communist Apes and Business Dreamers] Ape’s doing paper work and calls in Zhu for a chat. Zhu’s like “yo, sorry bout them ruined farms” ‘n Anu’s like, “nah’s cool fam”. They then outline a government reform that’ll turn their city into several sections overseen by overseers with the goal of max production. Leaders will be paid in additional rations. After that, Anu tells Zhu to keep domesticating pigs. Then, after Zhu leaves, a guard notifies Anu that a huge fuckin’ thang is approaching. Anu calls all twenty warriors to his side to face it. However, turns out it’s hecka nice and stops. Anu sends forth his scout Lang to check it out. Lang meets Wenbo, Ai, Wang and Ming, as well as the Babble Fish. Using the Babble Fish is a lil’ inconvenient, so they go to Anu asap because he speaks every lingo. They learn that ape is half Sheng and say hi. They give him some clay plates. Zhong says they all part Sheng. Ape invites them inside. Inside, they start discussing friend stuff. Wenbo’s like “we give y’all clay and shiet for free” and Anu’s like “shiet, good deal fam”. Wenbo then says, “ho shiet, hang on, not entirely free. Can y’all help us get mats?” Anu responds by saying, “y’all not enough?” Wenbo says “nah”, but the great Wang’s like, “yo, at least consider the fact that we’re like 60 people and that accepting immigrants might push out capacities just a little bit,” and proposes that they only take 30. Ming agrees. Zhu gets that number down to 20. Fu Lai’an notices they can make clay weapons, but Wenbo and the others say they ain’t got that level of skill quite yet. They agree to be friends and exchange 20 temporary workers for knowledge on claycraft and a gift of clay. [/hider] [hider=Prestigio] Siwen start: 7 +1 minor roll +1 major roll +1 Funtime with friends Siwen end: 10 Hermian Academy start: 6 +1 minor roll +1 Funtime with friends Hermian Academy end: 8 [/hider]