In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 27):

Given helpful actions so far and the option of a nearby regular trade, and a place of defence nearby, Saishi is willing to negotiate, though whether he is more supportive of the Villagers or the priest is yet to be seen.

Chou-Zhen also speaks both Aralaise and Sahudese (and Shevnian, if needed), though all have a hard-to-place accent.

In reply to Chou-Zhen Mou (msg # 29):

theough the negotiations it strts to become clear that the earth priest and companions have become the new landlords of a nearby haunted tower, and are looking for a steady stream of provender.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 30):

"Are you sure the haunted tower is safe? How far is it from here?"

In reply to Saishi Jin (msg # 31):

it seems to be a day's journey south and west, and was rumored to be full of hungry ghosts.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 32):

Hungry ghosts? Saishi will ask about the details, of course.

In reply to Saishi Jin (msg # 33):

Kirpich will happily tell of what was there and what is there now, as well as what is intended for the place.

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 34):

"Vampires," Balir adds. "When we left they were all turned to ash, so yeah, we are pretty sure it is safe now."

In reply to Balir Ironhide (msg # 35):

"Chye fought Salted dead these sound worsevthan demon ka."

In reply to Chye Isuel (msg # 36):

"They were a challenge we overcame with Groms help. A temple of Grom there should ensure that curse never returns."

Balir starts talking just as Kirpich does. The dwarf lets the human finish, and then says his piece: "I don't know what salted dead are, but yeah, especially the last two we fought were pretty bad. That was partially our own fault though, because we forgot to use the tools we had brought.
But to answer the other half of the previous question, we intend to live there, as it was given to us by the previous baron. We hope that farmers, and maybe even tradesmen, will come to the area and perhaps we can have a flourishing economy."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:43, Thu 05 Oct 2023.

In reply to Balir Ironhide (msg # 38):


after some back and forth with the Elder, the ashigaru responds in his accented aralaise.
"As long as you no treat villagers like old baron did, maybe trade can grow."

Chou-Zhen listens quietly to all this, nodding as Chye Isuel passes along the elder's thoughts.

"I think both we and Baron James would be unhappy if that were to be the case."

In reply to Chou-Zhen Mou (msg # 40):

"How did the baron treat villagers?"

"The difference between taxes and tribute is that taxes fund necessary services like city guards and maintenance of sewers, while tribute is merely theft from working folk by nobility."

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 41):

"Taxes can be excessive too, depending on what is given in return. Tribute is usually demanded of conquered peoples as a sign of servitude. But how did he treat villagers? Did he demand tribute? If so, did he invade, or threaten to?"

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 43):

Balir suddenly realizes how much more appealing taxes look when you are the one collecting them. "Yes, it is probably worth adding that the tower is in a rather sorry state, presently, having been left unmaintained for decades. And in general the whole area needs much investment, starting new fields, building roads, and such. But we will, of course, do our utmost to balance these endeavours with the needs of the people. A good way to obtain extra gold is always to go get it yourself - from villains, of course - so hopefully the guild will have much work for us. We will need to hire a steward to take care of the fiefdom while we are out."

Kichiro carefully listened to back and forth until a comment made him stop and speak.

"Are you planning on this village becoming part of your supposed fiefdom?  What do think Baron James would think of this plan?", he asked

In reply to Kichiro (msg # 45):

"Oh no. At the moment we are not entirely sure where that fiefdom ends and begins."

In reply to Balir Ironhide (msg # 46):

"As far as we understand, we have no fiefdom, just a tower. But we will have to confirm even that with the new Baron now..."

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 47):
  The Elder indicates through his translators that he would like confirmation of these things as well, and that at the moment he recognizes the Omo, Sakemoko as his overlord and protector.

In reply to Village elder (msg # 48):

"We are not trying to take over as overlord of your village, but we are glad to work with those who are. But we will be glad to send you confirmation once we have it."

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 49):

"Yeah, we were more like hoping to trade with this village. In time. When we have something to trade with."

In reply to Balir Ironhide (msg # 50):

A glance around the village lets you know that they have no blacksmith, so metalwork of any kind is likely to go over well, even cheap goblin crafted gear.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 51):

"We are happy to look at metalworking, and perhaps installing a smithy. I will check my contacts...once we are established."

Is there more to discuss here, while we do not have definite ownership? Other than them supporting our claim?