Ancient Civilizations(Porne)

[Sallin_Kari]

"A little lost puppy, carrying a mass of gold and a unique crystal that you can't find anywhere else," She adds with a smirk, "Must be a spirit of fortune... I'd keep him close, and protect him well."

[porne]

"Well, the gold and jewels certainly didn't hurt. Oh, I don't know that he needs that much protection. He seems to be quite capable of violence when the situation calls for it. And no man could possibly resist my beauty." I wave my hand up and down, extravagantly. Now, show me what you've come up with, I just got back from a different smith, and I wanted to see what else was being proposed."

[Sallin_Kari]

"There are more dangers in this world then a blade," She retorts, "He can keep you safe from such things, but in return you must protect him from the machinations of politics."

She gets up, "This problem is too great for any single smith to handle... It's interesting certainly... Normally you could just solve such a design problem by throwing money at it. Reinforcing anything you can so that you have a veritable moving castle... The trick usually is to remove unnecessary weight to create the cheapest vehicle possible... Here, however, the weight itself is the limiting factor. Throwing money at the problem just makes it worst in this case... In fact we're reaching the previously unheard of issue of the cost increasing as the amount of materials used decreases." You enter a workshop that looks like it was hit by one of those sandstorms you suffered through on your 'vacation' to Cuthanur's home. Sand is everywhere, including a large hill, and a series of smaller ones. "We've got something that can move over flat sand well enough... the difficulty we're having is with more... varied terrain." At this point another pair of doors on the otherside opens up and a few dwarves push in a cart on wheels, though it has a pair of skids underneath it, hovering only slightly above the ground. It's very... wide for a cart... and low, only standing up to your hips. They begin messing with the wheels, and then yank them off, causing it to slip onto the skids. It slides over the sand easy enough but as they begin demonstrating it moving over uneven terrain, it shows a desire to try to flip or twist.

[porne]

I watch them carefully, trying to picture in my mind how this should work. "I was actually expecting permanently attached skids on the underside with removable wheels, but I suppose this works as well." Still, the penchant for flipping over is not a good one to have. While I knew that skids make for better traction on snow and sand and other loose powdery materials, I don't know enough to fix this. Perhaps Cuthanur might know more?

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

I'm legitimately having a hard time figuring out why this thing would flip. It seems like it has a low center of mass, and unless it's got some serious suspension, there really shouldn't be that much in the way of flexibility to start flipping unless they're trying to take it over a boulder. It'd be much more likely to bend or break its structure since it's supposed to be wood or bronze.

[Sallin_Kari]

"Tenii might be more useful at this then me, though I know that some use a sharply angled front to deflect the sands to the sides to counter act dunes," He adds.

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

With everything loaded at an angle, there is a lot of weight on the sides. With wheels, isn't not a major issue because it is supported past that, but the skids are closer to the center and thus make it easier to tip. Simply put, while the center of gravity is low, when it reaches an angle like 30 degrees, center of mass is over only one of the skids,meaning once it starts tipping, it doesn't stop. On the other hand this is less likely of a problem then the twisting, taking sharp turns when maneuvering rougher terrain.

[porne]

"A sand plow, but upside down? I suppose it could work. Also, have we considered setting it up with smaller ones with wide bases so that they can simply be chained together and have some flexibility like a long serpent?" I turn the problem over a few times in my mind, but I simply don't have the experience with craftsmanship or transit through sand to know one way or the other. "I shall send Tenii here to discuss it then." I nod, having done as much as I can and deciding to move on.

[Sallin_Kari]

"How are we going to pull them though?" Adeline interjects, "The more we chain together the harder it will be to pull forward."
"Our Ilukal are strong, and use to dragging most of our loot home. They should be able to handle at least a couple of these," Cuthanur explains.

After some more time discussing this Tenii arrives. "How may I be of service?"

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

Honestly was more thinking like how a wave breaker helps smooth out a ride over choppy waters. But yeah that basic concept.

Oh and in case you forgot Ilukal is the offical term for the cameltaurs.

[porne]

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

While wave breakers makes sense, it's not something that Kat is going to have knowledge of, her land was primarily land locked beyond a few useful rivers IIRC. So, she's studied carts, but not boats.

And thanks for reminding me.

"We're looking to create carts that are easy to switch between wheels and skids like this, but we're running into a problem. Do you know anything about transporting rigid objects over sand?"

[Sallin_Kari]

"Are you using flat skids?" She asks, "That will only do good over flat ground, but if you have it where it's almost a scoop, it will be more resistant to slipping."

[porne]

I let Tenii lead the discussion, curious but not as focused as I let my mind turn over a few other things that need doing. I lead Cuthanur back out of the way so we can both listen and try to set him up to practice dancing as a pair. If nothing else, I can show him the proper holds.

[Sallin_Kari]

Tenii happily takes over discussions with Adeline as the two of you sneak off into the corner so you can show him the proper holds, which turns out to be a good idea, as the only thing he remembered from your first session was the footwork.

[porne]

I keep one ear on the conversation, but make the time to practice with Cuthanur. As is, I'm effectively set up for now, until we need to go meet the actual dance instructor.

[Sallin_Kari]

The conversation is progressing, moving into technical aspects, leaving you to teach Cuthanur in the corner. You notice both Tenii's and Adeline's eyes drift to the two of you multiple times during their conversation but they never comment, at least as far as you heard. Regardless, after some time they finish up, and it's probably time to continue on.

[porne]

"Sorry for escaping the conversation, I have many things to accomplish today and there wasn't much I could do to help. But it seems you're doing quite well." I nod to them before I lead Cuthanur back outside to head to the next task on my list.

[Sallin_Kari]

"No! No!" Adeline shakes off your concern, "You only came here to see the prototype. You were under no obligation to provide any assistance so you already went beyond what you needed to. I am most grateful for your help, my queen."

Unfortunately for you the majority of the tasks are mind-numbingly boring, and not something you can push off onto other people. You're not even capable of sneaking some fun with your fiancee. Luckily you finally finish, though you have your meeting with your spy, before you can have any fun. You could bring Cuthanur, maybe introduce him, but then again, this is a spy report about him and his actions so may be... awkward.

[porne]

Yes, while I enjoy my time with him, it'd be best not to introduce him to the spy I sent to investigate his claims.

[Sallin_Kari]

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

Without the metal armor obviously.

You part ways and after some time enter the dark meeting room only to be greeted by the words, "What on earth did you get yourself involved with?" Despite the gloom of the words, the voice is quite cheery. Your eyes start to adjust and you spot a familiar pair of golden eyes. Asmerial continues, "I almost feel sorry for Rathfor Empire."

[porne]

"Well, he was cute, muscular and brought a fortune in gifts, how was I supposed to resist that?" I ask her before I settle into the room and sit down. "Alright, let's hear the situation." I tell her, knowing that if I let her play, we'll be at it all week.

[Sallin_Kari]

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

In case you forgot, the Voice's of Talos are the Rathfor Empire's 'special forces' being equal parts master combatants, inquisitors, and diplomats, representing the country itself. Cuthanur was introduced wearing one of their helmets.

"Well~ I found a very drunk captain, and very unhappy one at that. He was more then eager to share his secrets over a few beers," She starts, "As it turns out a cute little monster girl wandered in under the banner of peace, saying she's an envoy... That didn't go over too well, and by the end of day a Voice of Talo publicly executed her in the town square," She pauses to let you digest it. Envoys are protected under the laws of diplomacy they themselves made, even from hostile nations, as why would you try to negotiate with an enemy nation that is under no obligation to not just kill your envoy? Scandal doesn't begin to describe this, as they could very well become isolated on the world stage because of this, even their long term allies turning their back on them.
"That's only the start of it," She announce with a wicked grin, "You see, not a week later, that town was sacked and nearly burnt to the ground. Naturally they responded quickly. Marshaling their forces and even several of the Voice of Talo along their southern border to stop these incursions. Not that it helped them, as they never seem to be in the right place. By the time they know a place is under attack, the raiders have already retreated with their spoils. This continued for a time... Here enters the good captain. He and his men were given the honor of following one of the Voice of Talo, as it turns out the very same one who killed the little envoy. Initially he thought this to be the best place he could be... Until the raiders showed up right at the very fort they were stationed in. The warlord, your fiancee, after slicing through about a dozen of the rank and file, engaged in single combat with the Voice of Talo. Apparently the fight took sometime, as it looked like the Voice of Talo was pushing him back... right until he caught his opponents sword arm with what must have been a mighty blow, considering how captain's face paled as he descried the snapping noise. Before anyone could react, the warlord apparently broke or dislocated all of his quarry's limbs, before tying a rope around his waist and dragging him away screaming, quickly followed by his army."

She pauses to take a drink, "At that point the realization that one of the most feared fighters of their beloved church was not only specifically targeted, but being toyed with just so they could capture him alive, all by a band 'filthy desert savages' broke the poor captain's will. I almost pity him. Still, Rathfor has not taken this insult lightly. As I managed to find out they have a hero aspirant who will be officially granted the title should they bring back your hubby's cute little head. Apparently he or she managed to draw the Blade of Talo, one their most holy relic that is said to be wielded by Talo herself."

[porne]

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

I did indeed forget that detail. Thank you. Are they mages/clerics, or just badasses? Or is this unknown?

Also, you're alternating between Talos and Talo, are they different?

The blade is a worrying issue. They way Cuthanur destroyed that particular Voice seems like something he would do, but the encroaching war is... not a good thing. The Rathfor Empire was already getting pushy about demihumans, and how they're unholy despite being so cute. I definitely need to get food and other goods to his people so they can start to recover their strength. The way the combat was going, it seems like Cuthanur was using his forces small size and mobility against their large cumbersome forces, as well as the fact that he was stuck in their territory. I shall definitely have to push for the fortification of that border more completely. Perhaps I can recruit some of the desert folk temporarily?

"Thank you my little sneaky shadow, I can always use such valuable information. I suspect that the empire will begin trying to amass near the border as a result. Best to be aware of them. That said, we should also be aware of other countries they may decide to march through, I recall a line of fortifications that were completely bypassed by a faster force. Yes, I suspect you will need to keep an eye on all of them. Is there anything else you need?"